Watch the whole Summit

Catch up and digest the event in your own time

Special Event Highlights during the summit

Cooperation between State Agency for Tourism Development Ukraine SATD and ITIC

Honouring Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC Ltd & Invest Tourism Ltd & Former Secretary-General, UNWTO

Honouring Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica

Interviews

Interview by Carmen Roberts, Travel writer and Television Presenter, BBC of Hon. Mrs Nabeela Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone and Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica

Interview by Rajan Datar, Presenter and Broadcaster, BBC of Hamza Farooqui, Chief Executive Officer of Millat Group

Dive in to individual sessions and panels

Welcoming Remarks

Morning conversations: Tourism perspectives in the evolving global economic context

Investment Ministerial Panel: The responsibility of governments to develop a strategic plan for an investment-focused tourism agenda of the future

Showcasing the development plans for The Lux Collective by Oliviero Cassini, Chief Development Officer of The Lux Collection

Why would investing in green construction for serviced apartments and hotels yield a good return on investment?

Peter Greenberg’s Insights

Women in Tourism

Delivering Growth in the UK

Commonwealth Ministerial Panel: Forging collaborative tourism initiatives within the Commonwealth

ESG and resilience, essential prerequisites for investment in tourism destinations?

Closing

Chetan is a seasoned commercial professional with over 30 years cumulative experience in the Aviation industry. He currently works as a Commercial Manager – UK &IE at Kenya Airways PLC. His role is responsible for revenue growth, strategic partnerships and relationship management.

Prior to this Chetan worked for Emirates and KLM in different commercial positions and has a wealth of experience in the dynamics of the aviation industry.

He is qualified in London from the Association of Accountancy Technicians (ATT) and holds a Certificate in Accounting (AAT) in London.

As a hobby, Chetan enjoys playing cricket and badminton.

Puneeta joined Kenya Airways in 2003 and has since contributed in various roles, now excelling as the Key Account Manager for Leisure Sales in the UK. Responsible for driving revenue growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and building lasting client relationships, Puneeta leverages a deep understanding of client needs along with a strategic approach to account management to deliver customized solutions and exceed sales targets.

Previously, as Reservations and Sales Supervisor for the UK and Europe, Puneeta built a strong foundation in sales and customer service, skillfully managing high-demand call center and fostering client loyalty.

She holds an IATA/UFTAA International Travel & Tourism Management Diploma and is an IATA-certified trainer. She is also accredited in Customer Service and has completed various other professional development courses.

Ali Shinan is the Deputy Director General at the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, holding a Master’s in Public Policy from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea. His expertise lies in promoting tourism investments and developing effective tourism policies.

With over 13 years of experience in tourism planning, he has led initiatives in tourism zoning, investment promotion, and local island tourism development.

Shinan combines strategic oversight with a deep understanding of the local context, ensuring that tourism projects attract international investment while celebrating and preserving Maldivian heritage. He is a strong advocate for integrating sustainable practices into the Maldivian tourism investment landscape.

Siby Diabira is the Head of Western Europe at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), based in Paris, France. In this role, she drives the development of new business opportunities and manages key relationships with Western European shareholders and partners. Her efforts are critical to advancing IFC’s global business strategy. Additionally, she represents IFC in high-level engagements with policymakers, spearheading strategic initiatives that strengthen ties with key government counterparts and constituencies in Western Europe.

A dual national of Mauritania and France, Ms. Diabira brings nearly 20 years of experience in investment banking and development finance, with a focus on both European and emerging markets. Her career includes leadership roles at BNP Paribas, PROPARCO, and Cerba Lancet Africa. As the Regional Head at PROPARCO, she successfully built a diverse portfolio, particularly in sectors like healthcare, climate finance, and disruptive innovation.

Ms. Diabira holds an MSc in Finance from Sorbonne University.

Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu was elected the 15th Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was declared winner of the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, March 10, 2019 after defeating 44 other contestants, representing various political parties, in the election.

A product of resounding victory, Mr. Sanwo-Olu polled 75.6% of the total valid votes cast in the election. His victory at the election is a solid endorsement of his leadership aptitude and the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) politics of development and inclusiveness in Lagos State. As an inspirational leader, with a track-record of performance, his candidacy was welcomed by Lagosians as a continuation of a strong legacy of development in the State.

Mr. Sanwo-Olu, who was born on June 25, 1965 in Lagos State, is a reliable man and astute politician, reputed for his people-centered ideology. His foray into public service started after decades of accomplishments in the private sector, especially the Nigerian banking sector, where he retired as a General Manager of one of the major commercial banks in Lagos.

This accomplished private sector expert, whose innovative mind quickly established him as an exemplary public sector reformer, started his early education at Government Demonstration School, Surulere and Ijebu-Ife Grammar School, Ogun State.

For his higher education, he proceeded to the University of Lagos for a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying & Geo-Informatics, and a Master of Business Administration(MBA) in Management from the same University. Mr. Sanwo-Olu is also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government, London Business School and the Lagos Business School. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Directors (IOD), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), and Fellow of Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).

In 2003, his eventful career opened to yet another colorful chapter with his appointment, first as Special Adviser to the then Deputy Governor: Mr. Femi Pedro, on Corporate Matters; and later as Special Adviser to the then Executive Governor, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Corporate Matters, in 2004. Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s entry became a reference point for professionalism and excellence in the public service. At 39, he was appointed acting Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget from 2004 to 2005, and became the substantive Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007 following his exceptional performance.

His managerial imprint became noticeable at the Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions in 2007 when he served as the Commissioner. During this period, he authored an executable Civil Service Framework designed around the Human Capital Performance Index, which puts Lagos State civil servants amongst the highest and regularly paid in the country.

A public officer with an impressive record of accomplishments, he was instrumental to the setting-up of Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), a contributory pension scheme, even ahead of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Some of his notable contributions include setting-up and serving as the pioneer Chairman of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Board, tracking and intelligent analysis of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by the various government agencies and parastatals, including the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), for executive consideration and policymaking; as well as preparation and publication of the Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS).

It is also to Sanwo-Olu’s credit that the LAGBUS Asset Management Limited (LAGBUS) was established to ease the public transportation woes of Lagosians, by complementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Lagos State. Mr. Sanwo-Olu also established the Control & Command Centre in Alausa, one of the initiatives of the LSSTF, which significantly improved the capacity of the security agencies to respond to distress calls in a swift and timely manner.

Mr. Sanwo-Olu was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) in 2016, and in just 2 years, the visionary administrator had returned the hitherto struggling organisation to the path of efficiency and profitability. He also re-engineered the organization to effectively tackle housing deficit in the state, which again validated his credentials as a resourceful leader and problem solver.

His valuable experience garnered from executive-level roles in the private and public sectors has not only distinguished him, but also made him a valuable resource to some notable organizations on whose boards he has served. It is not unexpected that Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s enterprising career in the private sector, his stellar record in public service, and selfless contributions to the society, would have attracted international recognitions and accolades at home. But as a man steeped in modesty, these awards and laurels serve as no more than an encouragement to keep him on the path of service to God and humanity.

As the 15th Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Sanwo-Olu has spearheaded and re-engineered many socio-economic development programs in the State, under his people-focused development agenda, aptly named project T.H.E.M.E.S, representing Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century state; and Security and Governance. At the core of his belief is the vision of a Greater Lagos, a Megacity and State in which no one is left behind; in which all residents can aspire to and enjoy a progressively better, more secure and more prosperous existence, regardless of age and gender, and of ethnic, religious or partisan affiliation.

Beyond Lagos State, Mr. Sanwo-Olu currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Media and Communications Steering Committee, a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Covid-19, and a member of the Management Board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company. In 2020 he served as Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo State Governorship Election, spearheading the successful re-election of the incumbent Governor.

A devout Christian and family-focused man whose marriage to Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is blessed with lovely children, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, in addition to his love for public speaking, is a member of numerous prestigious clubs, which include Ikoyi Club 1938, the Island Club and Yoruba Tennis Club.

Felicity is responsible for developing Hyatt’s diverse brand portfolio across EAME, heading a diverse team of subregional development experts. Since joining in 2016, Felicity has overseen Hyatt’s market entries into 31 markets, including Barcelona, Biarritz, Dublin and Madrid, along with brand debuts in 23 markets including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris and the French Alps.

With 25 years’ experience in real estate and hospitality – spanning acquisitions, development, asset management – she understands the market from multiple industry perspectives.

Prior to Hyatt, Felicity led acquisitions and developments for Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Western Europe, supported prominent brands including Forte, Le Méridien and worked with the investment fund Starman.

Having over two years representing Jordan in the UK and over 20 years of hands-on experience in both UK and international markets, Lizette is a results-driven travel professional with a strong focus on creating impactful and memorable tourism campaigns.

As a speaker at this summit, she brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and execution of global tourism promotions, managing high-profile trade shows and launching innovative digital campaigns that engage target audiences. Having experience spanning multiple markets gives her a deep understanding of the changing travel landscape and the ability to deliver meaningful results.

By sharing perspectives on the unique opportunities in the Jordanian tourism sector and the broader challenges and innovations shaping global tourism today, Lizette is particularly excited to showcase what Jordan has to offer at this summit.

Julius joined Kenya Airways in 2001 and is currently the Chief Commercial & Customer Officer responsible for strategy development and execution of revenue and customer initiatives. He has extensive international commercial experience in delivering growth and improving performance in the aviation industry having worked in various roles across three continents.

Prior to his current role, he was Director for Sales responsible for development and implementation of the global Commercial sales strategy. He was also Head of Pricing, Revenue Management and Distribution from June 2009 to May 2014.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Building Economics from the University of Nairobi and has attended various management and leadership courses, including the Executive Development Programme with Gordon Business School, South Africa.

Tony Matharu has founded many successful start-up organisations and businesses and combines his passion for hospitality with philanthropy, sport and community engagement. Tony is the founder and Chairman of Integrity International Group.

A former winner of “Best Small Hotel Company” (Business Travel Awards) and former “Hotelier of the Year”, Tony recently founded London’s latest independent hotel chain: Blue Orchid Hospitality under his Integrity International Group.

A recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Letters and a Fellow of ESCP Europe Business School, Tony is a regular adviser and commentator on entrepreneurship, hospitality and philanthropy. He is a Board Member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of the Asian Business Association, Director of Central District Alliance (Business Improvement District) and Central London Alliance (C.I.C formed to assist central London’s economic recovery), a Freeman of the Company of Entrepreneurs, Vice President of the Global Sustainability Film Awards and Chairman of the Sustainable Supply Chain Management Tech Team, Energy & Environment Alliance.

Tony received a Special Recognition Award for his ‘Contribution to London’s Success’ and a ‘Technology and Innovation Award’.

Tony previously founded and sold a successful specialist sports brand, Ayrtek® and is founder of an international hospitality consultancy – Global Hospitality Services, which has created a number of innovative and award-winning technology solutions, together with two award-winning spa and guest amenity brands.

As Chairman of Integrity International Group, a dynamic, independent organisation consisting of several businesses and distinguished by its commitment to investing in London’s property, talent and community, Tony has a proven track record of transforming significant sites and investing in restoring and repurposing properties, which have come to the end of their previous life.

Tony combines his love for London and passion for hospitality with philanthropy, sport and community engagement as a London City Chairman of the Lord’s Taveners “Giving young people a sporting chance”. This leading youth cricket and disability sports charity has thousands of projects across the world and tens of thousands of young beneficiaries. Tony is the Vice President and Patron of the Oracle Cancer Trust. He is also the founder and Chairman of Integrity International Trust, a registered UK charity with the mission of building positive futures for the most vulnerable in society.

A supporter of the Arts, Sport & Culture, Tony is a Patron of a London film festival, has supported The Darbar Music Festival and Artichoke, is the Junior Chairman of Spencer Hockey Club, Vice President of Epsom Sports Club and Hon Secretary of Romany Cricket Club, and is actively involved as a player, at representative and international levels, and board member of various sporting clubs & cultural organisations. Tony graduated in Law and Economics.

A true Londoner, Tony Matharu credits the capital for his achievements and successes and strongly believes in giving back to the city that has offered him and others so many opportunities.