Lisbon, Portugal to Host 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit This May

Lisbon, Portugal -- The 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 10-12, 2007. The summit is the industry's highest profile event and attracts chief executives, chairs and presidents of the world's most leading travel & tourism companies as well as senior government officials and major media from around the globe. The event provides a unique platform for discussion between the leading public and private sector decision makers who will shape the future of one of the world's largest industries -- Travel & Tourism.

"Travel & Tourism is enjoying exceptional growth across the world," said WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten. "By the end of this year, Travel & Tourism is set to account for 10.3 percent of global GDP and more than 234 million jobs. Going forward, WTTC forecasts show continued growth across the world, averaging 4.6 percent per annum globally over the next ten years."

These are just some of the pressing issues that will be discussed under the theme Breaking Barriers -- managing growth, when chairmen, CEOs and presidents of the world's foremost Travel & Tourism companies assemble with ministers, senior government officials and media from across the world at the Global Travel & Tourism Summit in May.

The Portuguese Secretary of State of Tourism Bernardo Trindade said that, "In order to sustain an industry like Travel & Tourism, it is absolutely imperative that our planet is protected. As an industry, we must manage growth responsibly and invest now for a sustainable future, reconciling economics, the environment and social and cultural priorities. Lisbon will provide the ideal platform to encourage global leaders to broadcast a message of strength and unity for the Travel & Tourism industry."

Set in WTTC's signature 'in-the-round' format, the summit will steer away from traditional speeches and presentations, instead preferring to address issues head on, through debate. The event provides a unique platform for discussion between the leading public and private sector decision makers who will shape the future of one of the world's largest industries -- Travel & Tourism.

Portugal is the closest destination to the U.S. in Europe, easy to get to and to navigate, and it serves as a gateway to the rest of the continent. Famed for a mild climate year round, an excellent range of sports awaits the active traveler; each corner of the country is rich with historical attractions. It is one of Europe's best values -- prices compare favorably with other European destinations. It is a destination of timeless appeal. As one senior travel editor recently put it, "Lisbon is it. It is the capital of cool in Europe."

Lisbon, a city with two million people and 2,500 years of history, sits on the north bank of the Tejo River, where the river meets the Atlantic. It is Portugal's largest city and its capital, with the added distinction of being the warmest and western-most capital in Europe. Its climate is strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream. Built on seven hills, some of Lisbon's streets are too steep for cars, but visitors can and should take in panoramic views of the city by traveling to the top on the trolleys or funicular.

WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.

ITP- Portuguese Tourism Board is a public institute and a distinct legal entity with administrative and financial autonomy and its own assets. The ITP's activity is exercised under the aegis of the Ministry of the Tourism. Its objective is to provide support for the development and promotion of the business structure and investment within the tourism sector as part of the strategic partnership between public policy and the initiatives of private economic agents.

For more information about Portugal, visit www.visitportugal.com, and for more information about the 7th Global Travel & Tourism Summit visit http://www.globaltraveltourism.com.

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