DOHA - 15 April 2004 – More than 30 Governments have confirmed their attendance at this year’s most influential tourism industry event of the year, the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Fourth Global Summit that will be held in Doha, Qatar from May 1-3.

Governments from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas’ will be sending Ministerial delegations to the Summit, which will attract the major leaders of the tourism industry, as they set a road map for the industry’s recovery.

The event is being hosted in Qatar by the country’s national carrier, and one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways.

“The Summit is not just attracting the most influential leaders in the private sector of the tourism industry but is stimulating a great deal of interest from government around the world,” said Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Mr Akbar Al Baker.

“At this stage countries from around Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australasia, and Asia have all confirmed their presence at this important landmark Summit for the tourism industry.

“The presence of these governments will ensure that there is significant input from government in the debate about where the tourism industry heads next.

“The format of the Summit has been deliberately set to encourage lively debate about some of the most important challenges facing the industry at the moment, including world health issues, future investment climate, and new ways of doing business,” said Mr Al Baker.

The World Travel and Tourism Council is the world tourism industry’s peak organisation, and liases closely with governments of the world about issues relating to the industry. Members of the Council include all the major airlines, hotel chains and tourism companies.

Mr Al Baker said that the major questions that will be debated at this year’s Summit will include:

•  What are the latest global trends and what impact will they have?


• What are the best strategies for the changing environment?


• What are the main challenges faced by governments and how will they be met?


• What can be done on an industry level to improve customer experiences?


• In the face of bad news, how do we prevent unnecessary panic?