Global Travel & Tourism Summit Moves to Washington DC

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. October 14, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC, September 28, 2005. Today, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that Washington DC, USA would be the venue of the 6th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, taking place from April 10 to 12, 2006.

The Summit is the highest profile event for one of the largest industries in the world -- Travel & Tourism, accounting for 10.6 percent of GDP and 221 million jobs worldwide. Attracting Chief Executives, Chairmen and Presidents of the world's foremost companies and senior government officials from around the globe, the event provides a unique platform for discussion between decision-makers who will shape the future direction of the industry.

The first time in the United States, over 800 participants are expected at the event to be held at the Washington Convention Center.

Vincent Wolfington, WTTC Chairman and Chairman Emeritus Carey International said, "We are delighted that the Summit will convene in Washington DC in April 2006. Although this is a global Summit, our attention will naturally be focused to a certain degree on the USA, which is the world's single largest Travel & Tourism economy. The Summit will encourage a strategic vision that is necessary in the USA to move this industry forward to realize the potential of Travel & Tourism to create jobs and prosperity across the country."

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President said, "The Summit in Washington DC will build on the success of previous events in Vilamoura, Portugal, Doha, Qatar and New Delhi, India. Leaders from around the world will gather in April 2006, to build a new vision for our industry." Jean-Claude Baumgarten continued, "the unanimous vote in favor of Washington DC was a reflection of the immediate need for recovery and rebuilding Travel & Tourism activities along the Gulf Coast that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and now Hurricane Rita just this past weekend. Our Members, who are Chief Executives of the industry's foremost organizations, recognize the importance of the Summit for the USA, and the wider global industry in the longer term."

Jonathan Tisch, Chairman Loews Hotels and Chair Travel Business Roundtable (TBR) added, "As a board Member of WTTC, I look forward to welcoming the Summit and supporting the success of the event through the partnership between WTTC and TBR. The time is right for WTTC to turn to Washington and focus the nation and the world's attention on Travel & Tourism and the issues that are necessary to secure the future for our industry."

Roger Dow, Chairman of Travel Industry Association continued, "The past few years have posed extraordinary challenges for Travel & Tourism in the United States while the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. The WTTC Global Summit is a great opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind and enjoy a genuine, lively discussion of issues in a format and program that encourages leaders of the industry, government and media to express their opinions candidly."

Unlike the majority of commercial and political conferences that are effectively a procession of speeches, the summit will revolve around a series of highly interactive discussions, moderated by internationally recognized journalists and TV presenters, who challenge and organize contributions from the audience. Building upon WTTC's groundbreaking 'in the round format,' which promotes genuine, lively discussion and encourages leaders of the industry to express their opinions candidly.

For more information about the Summit, please go to hyperlink http://www.globaltraveltourism.com/ or contact Olivia Ruggles Brise, Policy and Communications Co-ordinator on +44 (0) 20 7481 8007 or [email protected].