The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will lead The Bahamas delegation and join other global tourism decision makers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the 22nd World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, taking place 28 November – 1 December 2022.
The World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, global government and travel industry leaders will gather under the theme “Travel for a Better Future” to align efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
“As we continue to learn from the challenges, changes and opportunities brought about in the tourism sector following the Covid-19 pandemic, never has there been a more important time for us to share knowledge, experience and ideas on a global level,” said Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Cooper. “I am looking forward to connecting with my fellow Ministers and delegates for what promises to be a very insightful summit, as well as sharing our vision and the approach that The Bahamas is taking to sustainable tourism for the future of our people and our beautiful islands.”
DPM Cooper will be speaking on a panel moderated by Eleni Giokos, Anchor and Correspondent, CNN focusing on the digitisation of the tourism industry. The panel will highlight the changes in spending habits accelerated during the pandemic and how an increasing number of people are leading a “cashless” life. From the use of new currencies and payment models to redesigned destinations and entry processes, the panelists will debate the future of technology-enabled travel and the impact of new currencies and cashless societies.
In line with the WTTC mission, this year’s Summit will focus on maximising the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty and foster peace, security and understanding around the world.
DPM Cooper is accompanied by Mrs. Cecillia Cooper; Mrs. Latia Duncombe, Acting Director General of Tourism, Mr. Anthony Stuart, Executive Director, UK, Europe & Mid-East; Mr. Andy Burrows, Bahamas Investment Authority, Mr. Ivan Thompson Deputy Head of Protocol and Inspector Kevin Duncombe.
