Tourism leaders, former heads of state, ministers, CEOs, investors and policymakers convene on the Crystal Serenity for WTTC’s first Recovery and Leadership Cruise. Photo Credit: WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has concluded its first-ever Recovery & Leadership Cruise event, making history with a gathering of global travel and tourism leaders transiting through the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most strategically important trading corridors.
Hosted by the Egyptian Government and sponsored by the Antonio Lefebvre Foundation, Coral Travel Group, Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent, the three-day programme aboard the Crystal Serenity brought together tourism leaders with former Presidents, Ministers, CEOs, investors, and international policymakers at a defining moment for the sector.
At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, WTTC believes the event sent an important message, that the Middle East remains open, resilient, and central to the future of global travel and tourism.
From strategic discussions on rebuilding connectivity, seamless cross-border travel, workforce and talent shortages, and destination stewardship, to high-level conversations on leadership during crisis and the future of high-value tourism, the programme focused on the critical actions required to move from recovery to sustained long-term growth.
WTTC says the cruise’s transit through the Suez Canal served as a symbol of global connection and resilience, reflecting the sector’s shared commitment to rebuilding trust, restoring traveller confidence, and strengthening international cooperation.
Gloria Guevara, president & CEO, WTTC, stated: “This event was created to bring global leaders together at a pivotal moment for travel and tourism. Rebuilding trust and confidence requires strong coordination between governments and the private sector. Over these three days, leaders from across the world came together to discuss recovery, but also to define the actions needed to deliver it.”
The event also placed Egypt at the centre of this global conversation. Sessions featuring Ahmad Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, alongside Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, reinforced Egypt’s unique position where culture, heritage, and tourism strategy converge to drive sustainable growth.
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, added that strong public-private collaboration and a commitment to connectivity and cultural preservation have further entrenched Egypt’s positioning as a diverse destination with strong appeal for next generation travellers.