10 November 2008

Brazil to host WTTC summit

Brazil has been confirmed as the host country for next yearÃ¢â¬â¢s World Travel & Tourism Council annual summit.

The Global Travel & Tourism Summit will be held in in FlorianÃƒ~³polis, the capital of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, on May 15-16, it was announced at World Travel Market.

WTTC president and CEO Jean-Claude Baumgarten said: "In these challenging economic times when it is almost impossible to predict short-term trends - let alone make long-term forecasts - it is more critical than ever for the public and private sectors to forge close partnerships so they can work together to ensure the longer-term prosperity of travel and tourism.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœOur partnership with the government of Brazil and the government of Santa Catarina will provide a much needed platform for dialogue among leaders of industry and government, shaping the future of travel and tourism worldwide".

The WTTC said it was urging governments at national, regional and local levels to engage with the industry and identify progressive policy actions, such as intelligent taxation, as well as educating local communities as to the benefits of travel and tourism to help them through the current downturn.

by Phil Davies