The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is bringing together a select group of global Travel & Tourism leaders in Egypt in early May for a Leadership event aboard Crystal Serenity, taking place during transit through the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most critical trade and connectivity corridors.

Hosted by the Egyptian Government and sponsored by the Antonio Lefebvre Foundation, Coral Travel Group and Abercrombie & Kent, the three-day programme brings together Ministers, CEOs, and global industry leaders at a pivotal moment for the sector, with a clear priority: accelerating recovery through coordinated leadership between governments and industry leaders.

Participants include senior figures from across the global Travel & Tourism sector, including Ministers and policymakers from key markets including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Latin America and across Europe. 

At a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East, the WTTC gathering sends a clear signal of confidence in the region and reinforces the sector’s role as a driver of stability and economic growth. Discussions will directly address the impact of current challenges, with a dedicated strategic roundtable on policies to accelerate recovery in the Middle East, reflecting the urgency of coordinated action across both public and private sectors. 

Over the course of the programme, Heads of State and industry leaders will engage in high-level discussions covering geopolitics and global travel, workforce and talent shortages, seamless cross-border travel, high-value tourism, and destination stewardship — all critical to unlocking the next phase of sector growth. 

The programme also shines a spotlight on Egypt’s continued growth as a global destination, with a dedicated session outlining the country’s long-term tourism strategy and investment priorities, reinforcing its position at the forefront of the sector’s recovery. 

Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chairman, said: “Egypt remains one of the world’s most compelling destinations and a perfect one to host this WTTC Leadership Cruise. As industry leaders, it is our duty to move forward with confidence and clarity, continuing to champion the sector’s unique appeal. Hosting this event aboard the Crystal Serenity reflects our unwavering belief in the resilience of Travel & Tourism and underscores the vital importance of sustained partnership and investment in shaping the future of our sector.”

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are impacting travel flows worldwide, our research shows that Travel & Tourism is one of the most resilient sectors, capable of recovering quickly when there is strong coordination between governments and the private sector. This event represents the first major global platform dedicated to recovery, bringing together governments and industry leaders to accelerate progress and unlock opportunities worldwide. The focus now is on accelerating recovery and ensuring long-term, sustainable growth. This requires continued collaboration, investment, and clear leadership to support destinations and unlock the full potential of Travel & Tourism in the years ahead.”

Set against the transit of the Suez Canal, this initiative represents more than a high-level gathering. It reflects a collective commitment from across the global Travel & Tourism sector to move forward with confidence, strengthen international cooperation, and shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry through unified global action.