The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is set to hold its Global Summit in Australia for the first time.
The Summit is considered the pinnacle of the tourism industry calendar and will be hosted by Tourism Western Australia (TWA) in Perth/Boorloo from October 8-10.
Under the theme 'Ancient Land: New Perspectives', the invitation-only Global Summit will spotlight Australia's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising innovation and sustainable growth.
National Indigenous Times understands an Indigenous Tourism Report will be launched during the Summit that highlights the value of Indigenous tourism, examples of best practice from key destinations where Indigenous tourism experiences are a visitor drawcard, as well as policy recommendations for government.
WTTC has hosted a series of interviews with Indigenous tourism organisations from Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and Europe and private sector business (WTTC's members) to get a better understanding of the landscape, what is working, and what can be improved.
Indigenous tourism representatives will participate in panel discussions including Western Australian tourism operator Dale Tilbrook, and moderator Narelda Jacobs.
WTTC is the global authority on tourism and its members include more than 200 CEOs, chairpersons, and presidents of companies such as Emirates, Etihad Airlines, Hilton Group, Visa, and Expedia.
WTTC President and CEO, Julia Simpson said the leading industrialists in the tourism industry will converge at the Summit in Perth.
"Their insights and leadership are crucial as we shape the future of Travel and Tourism," Ms Simpson said.
"Western Australia, with its stunning natural beauty and deep commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity, is the perfect backdrop for this event.
"Hosting the Global Summit in Perth enables us to pioneer new ideas for tourism while honouring the rich traditions and ancient heritage of the land."
The event will bring together tourism trailblazers and government representatives from around the world, creating a platform for industry leaders and officials to exchange insights, discuss best practices and explore innovative strategies to drive the resilience and growth of the tourism industry.
The business leaders set to speak include Certares Founder and Senior Managing Director and WTTC Chair, Greg O'Hara, TripAdvisor CEO Matt Goldberg, American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley, Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun and Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton, among many others.
Adding star power, renowned wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Robert Irwin will also take the stage.
Previous attendees include former USA President Barack Obama and French President Emmanuel Macron.
WA State Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said hosting the Summit will position Western Australia at the tourism forefront and allow the WA Government to influence the global tourism and travel agenda, as well as elevate the State's tourism, trade and travel industries.
"It will also allow the world's leading decision makers to experience Perth and WA first-hand, while we demonstrate our State's growth ambition and investment opportunities to the global travel and tourism sector, and showcase the expertise of WA businesses and our wider tourism and trade industries," Ms Saffioti said.
WTTC's 24th Global Summit will be the first held in Australia, with previous host countries including Spain, China, Japan, the United States, Argentina and Thailand.