Brussels, Belgium–(Newsfile Corp. – September 20, 2022) – Under the theme “Investment, Connectivity and Hospitality”, the Global Tourism Forum Leaders’ Summit Europe 2022 kicked-off on September 6^th at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Grand Place Brussels.

The full day event has brought together over 40 top high-level speakers to boost and support the start of a new era of growth for the Travel & Tourism sector for Europe and the world.

H.E. Dimitris Papadimoulis – Vice – President of European Parliament

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Ramon Diaz Bouza – Member of European Parliament

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H.E. Adina Vălean – Commissioner for Transport – European Commission

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Session: MOBILITY CHALLENGES & NEW TRENDS Ismail Ertug (Member of European Parliament) (Moderator), Henrik Hololei, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission , Eduardo Santander, CEO, European Travel Commission, József Váradi, CEO, Wizz Air

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Conversation – BIG EVENTS AND IMPACT ON TOURISM: The case of FIFA World Cup José Ramón Bauzá Díaz, Member of European Parliament (Moderator), Akbar Al Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism

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Caroline Leboucher, CEO of Atout France said: “The pandemic and the various hazardous weather events we experienced this summer are wake up calls for the travel and tourism industry. It’s high time to accelerate together, public and private partners, alongside NGOs and local communities to implement more coordinated and concrete actions towards a more resilient, responsible, inclusive and sustainable tourism. Atout France, the French NTO, is fully committed to taking part in that global challenge.”

Gloria Guevara, Chief Special advisor Saudi Ministry of Tourism said: “We need to work together to make travel & tourism part of the solution in the fight against climate change”. The global initiative aims to accelerate the transition to net zero of this very important sector, while driving action to protect nature and supporting communities. Millions of MSMEs need knowledge, tools and support to be climate neutral. Youth, academia, NGOs, destinations and all stakeholders should be part of the process … we were delighted to share the initiative in this very important forum in the capital of Europe.”

Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General Europe, CLIA said: “The cruise industry is integral to sustainable tourism strategies. Our comprehensive approach tackles sustainability through reduced cruise ship emissions, environmental protection measures onboard and leading practices at destinations we visit.”

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Eduardo Santander, CEO of the European Travel Commission (ETC) said: “Today in Brussels we are discussing how to shape Europe’s tourism future in the best way. As travel to European destinations finally restarts in full swing, the sector is already facing the old problems with capacity and management. The EU must lead the way fostering best practice sharing and new forward-looking policies, which put people – local citizens, travellers, workers – as the top priority. Still, I am confident that tourism in Europe will prevail and continue thriving.”

József Váradi, CEO, Wizz Air said: “Wizz Air has been carrying the flag of low-cost travel in new markets to democratize the travel industry. Mobility and accessible flights to everyone will remain fundamental across Europe and beyond. Moving forward, deregulation and maintaining a level playing field will be key to encourage competition of airlines, strengt2hening market efficiency and enabling affordable travel.”

Claudia Tapardel, CCO Ariva Digital said: ‘Ariva Digital is essential for bringing the travel & tourism industry at the next level, in the new era dominated by growth & innovation through our digital & blockchain solutions.”

Marian Muro, CEO Barcelona Turismo said: “Barcelona has been the first city to obtain Biosphere certification as a destination. The challenge now is to reconvert the entire industry and speed up the process of transforming the tourism model. A process that will take time, as a change of model requires time, efforts, sacrifices and investment. Our goal is for Barcelona to be an example of a sustainable urban destination.”

Peter Gerber, CEO of Brussels Airlines said: “Brussels Airlines, part of Lufthansa Group, is clearly committed to becoming CO2-neutral by 2050. However, a global level playing field for aviation must be ensured by European policy makers.”

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Elena Kountoura, Member of European Parliament, said: “Women’s leadership in tourism is directly linked not only with the sector’s success, but also with the social and economic growth of whole destinations and local societies, worldwide.”

Willie Walsh, Director General IATA said: “A sustainable tourism industry is a must for Europe and the airline industry is determined to play its part. Airlines are committed to achieving net zero by 2050. Accelerating and scaling up the availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will be critical in the transition to net zero and represents a fantastic opportunity for Europe. With the right policy framework and incentives, SAF production will help to improve energy independence, create new highly skilled jobs and guarantee a sustainable future for aviation and tourism.”

Contact Details:
Mrs. Hanni Tran
[email protected]
+44 7405 708225

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/137794

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