Kigali, Rwanda - The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is holding its 23rd Global Summit in the city of Kigali until November 3rd. The gathering, considered the most influential in the realm of global tourism, will feature the prominent presence of Ivorian football legend, Didier Drogba.

Drogba, recognized as one of the greatest African players of all time and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the summit. The former footballer will share his experience growing up in the West African country, as well as his ongoing efforts in the fight for social progress, even after his retirement from professional football.

In addition to Drogba's participation, the summit will see the presence of three Heads of State and one Vice President as speakers. Other notable speakers include Justin Urquhart-Stewart, distinguished global economist and business commentator; David P. Pekoske, Administrator of the United States Transportation Security Administration; and Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal Football Club.

Other notable names include Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, and Yvonne Makolo, CEO of Rwandair and Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the first woman to assume this role.

The central theme of the summit, "Building Bridges to a Sustainable Future," underscores the significance of the tourism sector beyond its economic impact, highlighting its influence on the planet and global communities. Business leaders from around the world will come together to collaborate on adapting the sector to future challenges, working towards resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC, expressed her enthusiasm for the participation of influential and weighty figures at the event, emphasizing Rwanda's dedication to the resurgence of the travel and tourism sector, as well as its rapid growth that positions it as a significant tourist attraction in the African continent.

WTTC speakers include Arnold Donald, WTTC Chair; Greg O'Hara, Founder and Managing Partner of Certares; Gloria Fluxa, Vice Chair and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar; Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of the Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie & Kent; Julie Shainock (confirmed), Global Managing Director for Travel, Transport Logistics, and Hospitality at Microsoft; and Matthew Upchurch, President and CEO of Virtuoso.

The Global Summit in Kigali will bring together industry leaders and international government officials to continue aligning efforts in support of the sector's recovery and addressing future challenges, with the aim of ensuring a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable travel and tourism sector. Government dignitaries from various countries, such as South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Hon. Patricia de Lille, and Tanzania's Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki, will be present to enrich the event with their expertise and perspectives.