WTTC Unveils Complete Roster for its 24th Global Conference, Held in Perth, Western Australia
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is set to host its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia from October 8-10, 2026. While the detailed list of confirmed speakers specifically for the Perth Summit has yet to be publicly released, historically, the WTTC Global Summit has featured heavyweight leaders from the global Travel & Tourism industry. These include CEOs of major hotel groups, technology leaders in travel, and government tourism ministers.
The Perth Summit is expected to centre on key topics such as regenerative tourism, sustainable growth, innovation, and investment in Travel & Tourism. This aligns with WTTC’s broader goals of driving sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration in the travel and tourism sector. Other relevant Summit themes are likely to include sustainable investment in tourism infrastructure, technological innovation, recovery and growth post-pandemic, and enhancing global travel connectivity—topics traditionally featured at WTTC events.
The theme of this year's Global Summit is "Ancient Land: New Perspectives," focusing on Australia's cultural heritage and natural wonders. Among the speakers at the Global Summit are John Kerry, the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, and Robert Irwin, conservationist and TV personality.
Robert Irwin will share stories from his adventures and discuss the role of Travel & Tourism in protecting and celebrating nature. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, will conduct a fireside chat with Secretary Kerry.
A new addition to WTTC's Global Summit, the Investors' Nest, will feature university students pitching their ideas for sustainable tourism to Travel & Tourism investors in a Shark Tank-style format. The winner will be announced during the Global Summit.
Industry leaders from around the world, including Di Bain, Audrey Hendley, Matt Goldberg, Jane Sun, Frank Marini, Jason Waters, Kelly Craighead, Francis Gatare, Christie Travers-Smith, and many others, will attend the Global Summit. Official government delegations from more than 25 countries, including several G20 economies, will be in attendance.
The Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier Western Australia, will open the Global Summit on October 9. The event promises to be a significant gathering of leaders in the travel and tourism industry, discussing and securing the long-term future of this critical sector for economies and jobs around the world.
- The Investors' Nest at the Global Summit, a Shark Tank-style event, will feature university students pitching their ideas for sustainable tourism to Travel & Tourism finance leaders.
- Politics and general-news coverage may focus on the Global Summit, as industry leaders from around the world, along with official government delegations from more than 25 nations, will convene to discuss the future of the Travel & Tourism business sector.
