Tag Archives: speakers

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed the biggest names in the travel and tourism industry as headline speakers for its milestone 25th Global Summit in Rome. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO, OMRAN Group, Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International are among the glittering line-up of some of the most influential figures shaping the future of the sector. From the 28 – 30 September, the Eternal City will play host to a gathering of global business leaders from across business, government, and media, as the Global Summit returns to Europe in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the Italian national tourist board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region.  Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to have such a distinguished group of speakers already confirmed for our Global Summit in Rome. “The Eternal City provides a perfect backdrop for a Summit where the world’s Travel & Tourism leaders will gather to innovate, collaborate, and drive a decade of exceptional, sustainable growth.” Taking place at the iconic Auditorium Parco della Musica, the event will set the stage for high-impact debates and bold commitments on the issues defining Travel & Tourism. From the game-changing potential of AI to shaping the future of a sector that generates 10% of global GDP. The first confirmed speakers include: Minor Hotel Group, Founder & Chairman, William E. Heinecke Virtuoso, Founder & CEO, Matthew Upchurch Trip.com Group, CEO, Jane Sun, CEO TBO.Com, Co-Founder, Gaurav Bhatnagar Diriyah Company, Group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo MSC Cruises, Executive Chairman of Cruise, Pierfrancesco Vago Arsenale Spa, CEO, Paolo Barletta IC Bellagio, CEO – Sole Founder, Andrea Grisdale The Bicester Collection, Chair & Global Chief Merchant, Desiree Bollier Marriott International, CEO, …

The growth of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) is redefining the hospitality industry by blending luxury, entertainment, and culture into immersive destination experiences, as reported by experts at Arabian Travel Market. Experts predict that annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the UAE could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the introduction of integrated resort developments. The upcoming launch in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to significantly boost tourism, with the emirate aiming to attract 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, generating thousands of employment opportunities. The highly anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027 marks a significant milestone for the region, reflecting a broader shift towards diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, the upcoming opening of a casino at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka signals a shift toward regulated gaming as part of a holistic resort offering. At ATM 2025, panellists from across the hospitality, research and technology sectors, including Judith Cartwright, Founding & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Darren Bishop, SVP, Market Research and Strategy Consultant, Heart+Mind Strategies; and Edward Batrouni, Founder and Executive Director, Zenitech discussed how these resorts are shifting perceptions and driving demand from key source markets, including India, China, the GCC and Europe. Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO, Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, also part of the expert panel, commented: “A sense of place is critical to making a successful integrated project and not making the casino the centre. You’ve got to really tap into the surrounding destination and not just centre yourself in the place you are. It makes the fabric, the texture, and …