WTTC Summit Takes On Swine Flu

Concerns regarding the effects of the global financial crisis on the travel industry have taken a back seat as news of the swine flu outbreak hit the headlines. And travelers’ fears are only heightened as governments around the world take extraordinary measures against a possible pandemic. Hence, the upcoming Global Travel & Tourism Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has shifted the event’s focus to tackle the issue of the swine flu outbreak and its impact on the travel industry. At the same time, the Summit will gauge the travel industry’s capacity to deal with the possibility of a pandemic.

The 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit is slated for May 15 to 16 and will be held in Florianópolis, Brazil. The Summit will focus on the issue of “Are we really ready to deal with a pandemic?” as the WTTC assesses the impact of public fear regarding the swine flu outbreak on the travel industry worldwide. Although travel restrictions have not been strictly imposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the situation is very serious and should be addressed accordingly, explained WTTC President and CEO, Jean-Claude Baumgarten.

The issue of the global financial crisis will also be addressed at the Summit in addition to how the travel industry can pull through it immediately.

Source: e Travel Blackboard at www.etravelblackboard.com