Kigali, Rwanda (Karina Giorgenello, special correspondent). The anticipation was palpable at the opening of the 23rd World Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in the picturesque city of Kigali, Rwanda. With prominent attendance and an impassioned speech, WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson announced the resurgence of the global travel and tourism sector, emphasizing a notable rebound to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Simpson's speech during the opening ceremony highlighted the revival of consumer appetite for travel, as well as the ongoing recovery, surpassing even the most optimistic expectations. "Our latest data underscores the enduring appeal and resilience of our sector, and it is recovering faster than anticipated," Simpson declared. "Although the full potential for recovery in China is yet to be realized, the overall performance of the sector is exceeding expectations."

In addition to the optimistic perspective on the sector's recovery, the WTTC presented the latest data from its Environmental Impact Research (ESR) in collaboration with the Global Center for Sustainable Tourism (STGC) of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia. These innovative data highlight the impact of tourism on the environment, addressing not only greenhouse gas emissions but also energy and water consumption in the sector. With figures revealing that tourism was responsible for 8.1% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, as well as 10.6% of global energy consumption and 0.9% of freshwater use, these data provide a more comprehensive view of tourism sustainability.

The Summit not only attracted industry leaders but also notable figures in other fields, such as legendary footballer Didier Drogba, global economist Justin Urquhart-Stewart, climate activist Ineza Umuhoza Grace, and CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, Francis Gatare. Furthermore, the presence of Heads of State from the region and the participation of representatives from over 45 countries, along with WTTC members, international media, and government figures, underscore the global importance and relevance of this Summit.

The WTTC Global Summit in Kigali not only represents a significant event for the tourism industry but also marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the environmental and economic challenges faced by the sector globally. With Kigali as the host, Africa becomes the center of global attention, highlighting its potential and fundamental role in the future of global tourism.