London, WTTC today launched the programme of the 4th Global Travel & Tourism Summit that will take place in Doha, Qatar from 1-3 May this year.

This event will provide the forum at which the most influential people in the industry will discuss priorities for change and how best to make them happen. In contrast to the majority of conferences, the format will feature highly interactive sessions moderated by some of the world's most prominent TV and travel industry journalists under the theme 'Driving Change'. The journalists - Nik Gowing from BBC World, Peter Greenberg from NBC, Eric Lecourt from Le Figaro and Arnie Weissmann - will help to catalyze discussions between keynote speakers, panellists and the audience to enable them all to 'step out of the box' and create new strategies that will lead to long-term success.

On stage as panellists and as experts 'in the hot seat' will be numerous top Travel & Tourism executives, government ministers and high-profile commentators including:

• Akbar Al Baker, CEO Qatar Airways & Chairman Qatar Tourism Authority
• Giovanni Bisignani, Director General & CEO IATA
• Philippe Bourguignon, Co-chief Executive Officer, World Economic Forum,
• Billy Campbell, President, Discovery Networks US
• Dr Michael Frenzel, Chairman, TUI A.G.
• Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Founder & Chairman, EasyGroup
• David Scowsill, Chief Executive Officer, Opodo
• Vincent A. Wolfington, Chairman & CEO, Carey International & new Chairman, WTTC

The Summit will explore the central theme of 'Driving Change' from a variety of different perspectives. A panel of industry CEOs will discuss how they intend to define their new strategies for the changing environment in the Travel & Tourism industry. Ministers of Tourism from around the world will bring public sector insight into the implementation of strategies to promote the successful growth of Travel & Tourism while ensuring preservation of the social, cultural and natural environment. Technology and investment in the industry will also be subjects under discussion, as well as the rapidly emerging markets for Travel & Tourism growth.

As the world of Travel & Tourism does not operate in isolation, the Summit will explore the sector's impact on other industries and how the industry is affected by trends in economic, political and social developments worldwide. The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and beliefs and the effect of its reporting of events on the sector will also be up for debate.

During the Summit, Becky Anderson from CNN International will present the Ultimate Service Award, the first global award that recognises this level of excellence in service.

To view the full programme and Summit information, including on-line application and media accreditation, please visit www.GlobalTravelTourism.com.

WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing around 200 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.

For further information about WTTC, including pictures of the President, please visit www.WTTC.org or call +44 (0) 20 7481 8007.