UNWTO to Discuss Mega Events at WTM in London

The eighth edition of the UNWTO/World Travel Market (WTM) Ministers’ Summit will gather Tourism Ministers and leading tourism experts from all over the world to debate the key issues around tourism and mega events on 4 November 2014 in London.

Tourism and mega-events are closely interlinked in today’s globalized society. Many of those attending mega events are tourists. In turn, these events have a direct impact on tourism destinations, affecting issues ranging from investment and employment generation to infrastructure development, accommodation and transport facilities or branding.

The 2014 edition of the Summit will bring together Tourism Ministers and experts from across the globe to discuss how mega-events can build a lasting legacy in tourism destinations.

The gathering will look for answers to questions like how to measure the impact of mega events on destinations, how to ensure adequate infrastructure development, and how to promote sustainable events that minimize environmental impacts, foster community engagement and investment in human capital.

Speakers include the Ministers and Secretaries of State for Tourism of Brazil, Jamaica, Lebanon, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and Tunisia, as well as the Vice Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the Chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority, the Vice-President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), and the Chairman of Visit Britain.

Private sector representatives include the President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the Chairman of Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), the Head of the Rugby World Cup at the International Rugby Board (IRB), and the Project Director of the Donauinselfest in Austria.

In total, over 60 Tourism Ministers are expected to join the Summit, a key component of the WTM Minister’s Programme and an essential leadership forum on the future directions of the global tourism sector.