WTTC Members

WTTC is the only global body representing the Travel & Tourism private sector and its numerous industries. The Council’s Members are the Chairmen or Chief Executives of leading global Travel & Tourism companies, from all geographies and industries, including hotels, airlines, airports, tour operators, cruise, car rental, travel agents, rail, as well as the emergent sharing economy, enabling them to speak with one voice to governments and international bodies.

Over 200 companies are now represented on the Council, accounting for two-thirds of a trillion US dollars in turnover, equivalent to 30% of the entire sector. Our destination members also host our annual Global Summit which is at a different destination each year. If you are a destination then learn more about hosting the global summit as well as the benefits.

Are you interested in membership? Whether you are an SME or an International company, enquire today, or learn more about WTTC membership and the benefits.

Chair

Greg O'Hara

Founder & Senior Managing Director

Certares

Vice Chair

Andrea Grisdale

CEO - Sole Founder

IC Bellagio

Andrea Grisdale

CEO - Sole Founder

IC Bellagio

Website

Andrea Grisdale is a trailblazer in destination management, a thought leader in the travel industry and a successful female founder and CEO. She and her team at IC Bellagio have spent more than two decades helping travelers experience Italy at its most authentic – an occupation Andrea rightly calls “the best job in the world!” – but she doesn’t stop there. An equally important mission for her has been to empower people through opportunity, whether it is the dedicated staff in her own enterprise, destination communities across Italy or fellow industry professionals. Andrea is honored to share her expertise as CEO of the award-winning destination management company IC Bellagio and as a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council with speaking engagements at industry events, for universities across Italy and in the media. A native of England’s Lake District, Lake Como has become home for Andrea and the DMC she founded at the turn of the millennium, IC Bellagio. The company’s success in creating bespoke Italian itineraries for high-end travelers has brought accolades and awards from such prestigious organizations as Virtuoso, Signature, Condé Nast, Luxury Travel Adviser, Travel + Leisure and Wendy Perrin. But for Andrea, the real measure of success was turning IC Bellagio into the best company to travel with and the best company to work with. The community she has built with loyal travel advisors, in-house professionals and preferred partners across Italy champions the life-changing power of travel, not only for the travelers themselves but also for destination communities. Andrea’s advocacy work has always played a vital role in her private and professional life. Through her engagement with Italian universities and mentoring with up-and-coming travel professionals and DMCs, she is inspiring the industry’s next generation. Her support for local causes ranges from the revitalization of the neighbouring town of Lezzeno to active support for a local organization that breeds and trains seeing-eye dogs. And as Italy’s first regional member of the World Travel & Tourism Council in 2016, Andrea is advancing the global debate on such vital issues as overcrowding, regenerative travel as well as the inclusive, sustainable growth of the industry.

Audrey Hendley

President, American Express Travel

American Express

Audrey Hendley

President, American Express Travel

American Express

Website

Audrey Hendley is the President of American Express Travel, one of the largest multi-channel consumer travel agencies in the world. As President, Audrey is an industry leader, responsible for delivering premium travel and lifestyle services to Card Members through a global network of global travel advisors, overseeing the digital travel booking experience, travel benefits and programs, a global network of 1,400 lounges, supplier partnerships, and marketing and engagement strategies for the premium Card Member base. Audrey is also committed to driving initiatives that promote DE&I, support local cultures and economies, and advance climate solutions. Over the past three decades at American Express, Audrey has distinguished herself as an influential, innovative leader who has driven record results for various businesses across the company. She has accomplished this by delivering products and services driving innovating for long-term growth, developing and retaining outstanding diverse talent, and leading efforts that drive ESG initiatives. Audrey has earned many of the top awards from American Express and has been inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame, in addition to being awarded “Top 50 Women Leaders of New York for 2022” award. As an advocate for women in business, Audrey proudly serves as Chair for the New York Women’s Interest Network (WIN). She is also Chair of the Board for World Education Services (WES), a social enterprise that helps international students and professionals to achieve their educational and professional goals in the United States and Canada. Audrey is an Honors graduate of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland where she received her master’s in Marketing Management and has also completed the Governing for Nonprofit Excellence program at Harvard Business School.

Desirée Bollier

Chair and Global Chief Merchant

The Bicester Collection

Desirée Bollier

Chair and Global Chief Merchant

The Bicester Collection

Website

Desirée Bollier serves as Chair and Global Chief Merchant of Value Retail, the creator and operator of The Bicester Collection, widely recognised as the best performing shopping destination portfolio in the world. Desirée’s career started in the United States, with various retail management roles culminating as Senior Vice President of Retail at Polo Ralph Lauren for Europe and the Gulf before joining Value Retail in 2001. Her leadership has seen Value Retail’s unique business model generate consistent double-digit growth in sales every year, beginning with the opening of its first project in 1995, Bicester Village, until 2019. In 2021 total gross sales were almost on par with 2019. Desirée is a driving force behind placing premium shopping tourism firmly on the global stage.In 2012 she became the first retailer to become a Member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, which led to an invitation to join the Executive Committee. In 2019 Desirée was appointed regional Vice-Chair for the European Union and the United Kingdom. Desirée is regularly featured in the media and has spoken at many international conferences. A passionate supporter of young talent and the arts, Desirée is a Patron of the British Fashion Council, a member of the Advisory Committee for the US-based communications agency Violetta Group and sits on the Corporate Advisory Board of the Royal Academy of Arts. Desirée graduated from the University Paris X-Faculty de Droit in 1980 with a degree in Law. An alumna of Harvard Business School, in 2019, she graduated with a certificate from the Owner/President Management Program (OPM).

Gaurav Bhatnagar

Co-Founder

TBO.COM

Gibrán Chapur

CEO

The Palace Company

Gibrán Chapur

CEO

The Palace Company

Website

Gibran Chapur is executive vice president of Palace Resorts, the company that sets the standard in five-star, luxury, all-inclusive resort accommodations in Mexico & the Caribbean. With 17 years of business experience, Gibran has worked in every division of the company, from purchasing to operations, including sales and administration, giving him extensive knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the business. In the past eight years, under Gibran's leadership, the company has expanded significantly, developing hotels including Moon Palace Jamaica and Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos, bringing the portfolio to ten hotels. In 2023, that number will increase to a total of eleven, with the opening of Moon Palace Punta Cana, the company’s most ambitious project thus far. Upon completion of this project, the brand will grow to include a total of 15,000 employees and 8,000 rooms. Under Gibran’s vision and direction, Palace Resorts has achieved recognition as the industry’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, offering guests impeccable service, world-class entertainment, and best-of-class amenities, thereby offering guests an unforgettable experience. Gibran aims to continue growing the Palace Resorts brand, ultimately becoming one of the world’s largest hotel chains, through effective marketing strategies and by diversifying the brand portfolios and destinations in which they are located. Today, Gibran oversees the global sales and marketing for the company and is also President of Palace Elite, Mexico’s largest Vacation Club. He also runs the real estate investment division for his family. Gibran also sits on the board of directors for Palace Resorts and has served as President of Fundación Palace, (the Palace Resorts Foundation), a non-profit organization created with the ultimate goal of giving hope to those in need and supporting the local environment through its communities. Gibran credits his innate talent for the hospitality business in Mexico from his father, José Chapur. The Chapur family pioneered the concept of the all-inclusive luxury resort in Mexico when, they founded the Palace Resorts brand in 1988. Gibran graduated with honors, as well as the highest academic average from the Anahuac Mayab University in Merida and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Gloria Fluxà

Vice-Chairman & CSO

Iberostar

Gloria Fluxà

Vice-Chairman & CSO

Iberostar

Website

Young Leader: Gloria Fluxà has extensive experience in the tourism industry, with expertise in innovative business and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. In 2018 she was appointed “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum for her efforts in leading the company’s approach to responsible tourism. As a fourth-generation member of the family business, Gloria helps strengthen Iberostar’s values and guarantee the company alignment with the environment, its people and communities, something that Iberostar has been recognized for over the past 65 years. Business profitability & legacy: Gloria Fluxà assumed the role of Vice-Chair when she joined Iberostar Group in 2006. Throughout these past years she has become deeply interested in generating sustainable changes across the industry and creating a hotel company that stands for responsible tourism grounded on good scientific, ethical, and corporate management. Technology plays a key role at Iberostar, especially in how the company uses it to achieve its sustainable vision and how they work with it to bring forward the hotel of the future. A hotel that reflects our sustainable vision from the moment of its inception and architecture, implementing the latest innovations in its construction. Purpose Vision: To this end, in 2017, Gloria became CSO to give weight and scope to sustainability as a central lever to provide meaning and purpose to the company’s management. Her role as CSO favors governance and control mechanisms that allow the company to integrate environmental protection, social and economic wellbeing, and cultural heritage in its areas of influence into Iberostar’s business strategy on a scientific, ethical, and good corporate governance basis. With her leadership, the company has a long-term and ambitious vision to build on circularity and follows its own 2030 Agenda to become waste free by 2025, carbon neutral by 2030, 100% responsible in its seafood consumption by 2025, and to improve the health of ecosystems surrounding its hotels, among other ambitions. The Wave of Change movement, Iberostar’s pioneering and ambitious commitment to the oceans and leading responsible tourism, reflects this commitment of the company and the wish to share it with society.

Hiroyuki Takahashi

Chairperson of the Board

JTB Corp

Jane Sun

CEO

Trip.com Group

Jeffrey C Rutledge

President & CEO

Zurich Cover-More Global Travel, Inc.

Jerry Inzerillo

Group CEO

Diriyah Company

Jerry Inzerillo

Group CEO

Diriyah Company

Website

Gerard “Jerry” Inzerillo is a globally celebrated Forbes-cover visionary in the hospitality and tourism industry, with a deep aptitude for positioning strategies and iconic developments. Over the course of his five decade career in the industry, he has been a champion for the sector and its people, and the creative and logistical mind behind some of the world’s most innovative luxury brand activations and spectacular development launches. In June 2018, Inzerillo was appointed by HRH The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be the first CEO of the newly created Diriyah Gate Development Authority, (DGDA), a USD $20 Billion-plus giga-project aimed at restoring and reimagining the ancestral home of the original Saudi state. In this role, Inzerillo is charged with developing and implementing a master plan to turn 67 square kilometers of development area into one of the world’s greatest gathering places, encompassing world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, religious, office and residential assets, with the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif as its center-point. At-Turaif was inaugurated by His Majesty The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in November 2019, followed by hosting the G20 in November 2020 – the first time that the G20 has had its Presidency held by a Middle Eastern country. When complete, the development will add 27 billion Saudi riyals to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's GDP, attract 27 Million visitors and employ more than 55,000 people. Inzerillo also serves as Vice Chairman of the Forbes Travel Guide. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award is universally accepted as the Olympic gold medal of hospitality. As CEO of Forbes Travel Guide from 2014 to 2018, Inzerillo successfully spearheaded the globalization of the North American company’s international footprint to more than 100 countries worldwide. Inzerillo was President and CEO of IMG Artists, the global leader in artist management, performing arts and lifestyle events planning, from 2012 to 2014. At IMG Artists, he directed global strategies for music, events, festivals, government consulting and artist and facility management businesses. From 1991 to 2011, Inzerillo was president of Kerzner Entertainment Group, where he raised the profile and positioning of its properties in South Africa, the Bahamas, Dubai, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, the Maldives, as well as conceptualized and positioned the start-up of its One&Only and Atlantis brands. He oversaw the now-legendary launches of The Lost City at Sun City in South Africa, Atlantis in the Bahamas and Atlantis, Dubai, the latter considered to be the most covered hotel resort opening of all time, including achieving the front cover of Time magazine. From 1991 to 1996, Inzerillo served as COO of Sun City, the unique South African resort complex built by Sol Kerzner. While in South Africa, he enjoyed a close personal friendship with President Nelson Mandela. In 1994, Inzerillo coordinated major portions of Mr Mandela’s Presidential Inauguration in South Africa. In 1987, he was the founding President and CEO of Morgans Hotel Group, later rebranded as Ian Schrager Hotels. While there, he conceptualized and opened Morgans, Royalton and Paramount in New York; the Delano in Miami Beach; and Mondrian in L.A. Throughout, Inzerillo’s leadership has led to the conceptual success of breakout brands such as Atlantis, One&Only Resorts, Ian Schrager Hotels, Four Seasons and Hilton Hotels. In his personal life, Inzerillo has long been involved with philanthropy, especially with respect to children, education and HIV/AIDS. He was honored with a Knighthood by the Knights of Malta in Rome, Italy, in 1996. Inzerillo is also a founding advisory board member of the Clinton AIDS initiative. Inzerillo is the recipient of a host of awards and distinctions, including a cameo role in the James Bond film, ‘Casino Royale’ in addition to being featured on the front cover of Forbes magazine. Jerry Inzerillo is married to former CNN anchor Prudence Solomon. Their daughter, Helena Zakade Inzerillo, was named by her Godfather, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nelson Mandela. Inzerillo resides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and New York City.

Manfredi Lefebvre

Chairman

Heritage Group/ Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group

Manfredi Lefebvre

Chairman

Heritage Group/ Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group

Website

Manfredi Lefebvre is Chairman of Heritage Group a diversified conglomerate that invests in tourism and other industries. Born in Rome in 1953, Manfredi Lefebvre is the son of Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio de Clunieres di Balsorano, a distinguished Italian jurist, university professor and entrepreneur. He worked in the family business from a young age whilst also starting his own business ventures. Heritage Group is active in the travel industry, in real estate and financial investments, and in February 2019 it acquired the majority of the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent. Silversea was founded by the Lefebvre family in the early ‘90s as a pioneering cruise line offering a personal style of ultra-luxury travel, unrivalled in the world. In June 2018, two thirds of Silversea, now one of the leading companies in the world of ultra-luxury cruises was sold to Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited for an amount in excess of $1 billion in equity value. The remaining one-third stake was transferred to Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited in July 2020 in consideration of a stake representing 2.5% of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited. Manfredi Lefebvre held the position of Executive Chairman of Silversea Cruises Group from 2001 to 2020. He was honoured with the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de Saint Charles & Grimaldi by H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2007, and was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Ecuador in Monaco in April 2019. Roles • Chairman Heritage Group • Co-Chairman of the Board of Abercrombie & Kent • Member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council a forum that brings together the major operators in the tourism industry • Member of the Board of Directors at SKULD a maritime insurance company based in Oslo • Chevalier de l’Ordre de Saint Charles & Grimaldi • Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Monaco

Matthew Upchurch

Chairman & CEO

Virtuoso

Paolo Barletta

CEO

Arsenale Spa

Pierfrancesco Vago

Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group

MSC Cruises

William E. Heinecke

Founder & Chairman

Minor Hotel Group

William E. Heinecke

Founder & Chairman

Minor Hotel Group

Website

William E. Heinecke is the founder and chairman of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, Minor Food and Minor Lifestyle. His leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small startup into one of the world’s largest hospitality and restaurant groups, encompassing 64 countries across six continents, with the current market cap of USD 5 billion and employing more than 76,000 people worldwide. Known as one of Asia’s most inveterate entrepreneurs, Mr. Heinecke's journey to business icon began at age 17 while still in high school. Using USD 1,200 in borrowed funds, he registered his business ventures in office cleaning and advertising in Bangkok. The businesses were later registered under the name ‘Minor Holdings’, a homage to his ‘minor’ status. In the intervening years, Mr. Heinecke has fused his passion for experiential hospitality with a maverick style and shrewd commercial acumen, growing what became known as Minor Hotels into a diversified global hospitality group with brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, NH, NH Collection, nhow, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Radisson Blu. The group’s hotel portfolio tripled in size with the acquisition of Spain's NH Hotel Group in 2018, the year of Minor's golden anniversary, and Mr. Heinecke continues to be a driving force behind Minor Hotels, which currently boasts more than 550 hotels in 55 countries. Having felt the time was perfectly ripe to introduce the American fast-food concept to Thai market, Mr. Heinecke founded Minor Food with one Pizza Restaurant in Thailand in 1980. His food business then grew to become Asia’s leading restaurant group with over 2,600 outlets in 24 countries worldwide, including The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Burger King, Bonchon, Benihana, Swensen’s, Dairy Queen’s, Thai Express, Coffee Journey and GAGA. Minor Lifestyle, meanwhile, operates nearly 300 retail stores in Thailand, with brands including Anello, BergHOFF, Charles and Keith, Bossini, Joseph Joseph, Zwilling J.A. Henckels and Minor Smart Kids. His businesses were listed separately on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1988 before they were later consolidated as Minor International. Mr. Heinecke’s name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in Asia. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022, and HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World 2017. He also received a HICAP Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and was recognized with the Trailblazer Award at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards in 2013. He is the author of The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager. Under his leadership, Minor Hotels was an early pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development. Mr. Heinecke served as CEO of Minor International until 2020, before deciding to focus on his role as chairman of the board and direct more of his attention on the group’s long-term strategy and philanthropic endeavors including the Heinecke Foundation, which supports education for less-fortunate children; the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which seeks to improve the welfare of elephants; and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, which helps rejuvenate the turtle population in Thailand’s Sirinat Marine National Park. He also travels frequently to forge new business relationships and nurture existing ones. Born in the US in 1949, Mr. Heinecke moved to Bangkok in 1963 at age 14 with his family after stints living in Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He became a Thai citizen in 1991. He married his high school sweetheart Kathy in 1968, and together they have two sons, John and David. An avid adventurer, Mr. Heinecke fills his limited free time pursuing life-long passions for aviation and automobiles. He is a Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Pilot and a vintage car collector. He co-owns MJets, which operates the first and only FBO & Private Jet Terminal in Thailand.

Executive Committee

Adam Stewart

Group Deputy Chairman & CEO

Sandals Resort

Caroline Beteta

President & CEO

Visit California

Caroline Beteta

President & CEO

Visit California

Website

Caroline Beteta serves as president & CEO of the industry-led Visit California, a nonprofit organization created to market California as a premier travel destination to increase the state’s share of tourism-related revenues. She simultaneously serves as a strategic advisor for the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz). She is responsible for implementing Visit California’s global marketing program on behalf of the organization’s 21,000 investors and serves as the lead spokesperson for California’s travel industry. In her tenure, she has overseen a decade of growth for California’s travel industry, peaking in 2019 with a record $144.9 billion in economic benefit to the state. She has shepherded the growth of Visit California into a global marketing franchise and helped restore travel and tourism following numerous natural and economic crises. Caroline serves as a member of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which advises the Secretary of Commerce on issues that affect the U.S. tourism industry. She has previously served as Chair of the Board, as well as Acting CEO for Brand USA, where she provided strategic direction for the $200 million global program, interfacing with national congressional leaders and the administration. During a two-year term as National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association, she guided the successful merger of the Travel Industry Association with the Travel Business Roundtable and the creation of Brand USA. Caroline currently serves on the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council — Visit California was the first destination marketing organization invited to join the WTTC. Caroline has received numerous awards for her creative work and leadership in the travel industry, including induction into the U.S. Travel Association’s Hall of Leaders. Caroline holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in Public Administration/Intergovernmental Affairs from the University of Southern California. She also completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Marketing Management Program.

Christie Travers-Smith

Head of Retail & Travel, EMEA Partnerships Solutions

Google Inc.

Christopher J Nassetta

President & CEO

Hilton

Dillip Rajakarier

CEO, Minor Hotels and Group CEO, Minor International

Minor Hotel Group

Dillip Rajakarier

CEO, Minor Hotels and Group CEO, Minor International

Minor Hotel Group

Website

Dillip Rajakarier is Group CEO of Minor International (MINT), and CEO of Minor Hotels (MH). Rajakarier joined MH in 2007 as Chief Finance & Investment Officer and was promoted to COO in 2008. In 2011 he was promoted to CEO, and more recently in January 2020, he was appointed Group CEO of Minor International, alongside his leadership role as CEO of Minor Hotels. During his time with the company he has seen the group’s core Anantara brand grow from just a handful of properties to become a leading operator and developer, currently with 43 luxury properties in operation. Since joining MH from Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, Rajakarier has been instrumental in the expansion of the hotel portfolio, including the 2018 acquisition of NH Hotel Group, the addition of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and ‘Elewana Afrika’, the integration of Sun International, and the strategic acquisition of Oaks Hotels & Resorts. In 2018, MINT was transformed into a truly global hospitality company following the successful completion of its tender offer for shares in NH Hotel Group, which secured a 94.1% shareholding stake at a total investment of EUR 2,327 million. The acquisition increases MINT’s overall portfolio to more than 530 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Rajakarier is responsible for the Company’s overarching strategy across all business units, including the corporate shared services of legal, IT and finance, as well as talent development and business culture. He is tasked with expanding MINT’s core businesses: hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle, into globally recognized leaders. Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a diverse portfolio of brands including Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH, nhow and Elewana.

Elie Maalouf

Global CEO

InterContinental Hotels Group

Elif Balci Fisunoğlu

Deputy General Manager

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)

Elif Balci Fisunoğlu

Deputy General Manager

Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)

Website

Fisunoglu’s career in the communication and travel, tourism, industry spans more than 25 years, with senior positions in Europe and in Turkey. She is a highly regarded expert in destination and nation marketing and international meetings industry, tourism product development in both private, public sectors and non-governmental associations both in Turkey and regional/ global positions in Netherlands. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu (Ph.D) is currently, the Vice-General Manager of Tourism Operations and Development division in Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency which founded by Ministry of Tourism and by law and also representative of TGA at UNWTO Board of Affiliate Members. Academically holding a Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Public Relations with the topic of Strategic Communication and Destination Image. Elif has held senior and managerial positions in diverse organizations across all aspects of the Turkish and European tourism spheres, including fourteen years at Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB). First in senior sales and marketing positions before serving for four years as General Manager, Elif spearheaded the roll-out of ICVB’s innovative public-private partnership model, which resulted in Istanbul breaking into the top 10 congress destinations in 2010. Elif also served for two years as Regional Director – Europe at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where she represented the region’s diverse membership of 580 organizations from 48 countries, from hotels to airlines to DMCs and beyond. In addition to her former positions, she has held several volunteer and board positions at international industry associations such as European Cities Marketing, ICCA, Global Destination Sustainability Advisory Board, SKAL International Istanbul Club and was the MPI- Meeting Professional International Turkiye Chapter President from 2016 to 2018.

Frank R. Rainieri

Founder and Chairman of the Board

Grupo Puntacana

Greg Schulze

Chief Commercial Officer

Expedia Group

Greg Webb

Chief Executive Officer

Travelport

James Thornton

CEO

Intrepid Travel

Jason Liberty

President and CEO

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Josh Weinstein

President & CEO

Carnival Corporation & plc.

Josh Weinstein

President & CEO

Carnival Corporation & plc.

Website

Josh is president, chief executive officer and chief climate officer of Carnival Corporation & plc and leads one of the world’s largest leisure travel companies that boasts a portfolio of world-class cruise line brands including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. The company operates a global fleet of 90-plus ships that welcomes nearly 13 million guests each year and visits over 800 ports and destinations worldwide. Its diverse team of more than 160,000 people from 150 countries delivers unforgettable happiness by providing extraordinary cruise vacations, while honoring the integrity of every ocean sailed, place visited, and life touched. A 20-year veteran of the company, Josh assumed his current position in August 2022 after playing a critical role planning the company’s response to the unprecedented pause in guest operations from the COVID-19 pandemic and then the successful restart. His tenure at Carnival includes previous roles as chief operations officer of Carnival Corporation from June 2020 – July 2022, where he directed major operational functions including global maritime, global ports and destinations, global sourcing, global IT and global auditing. During this time, he also oversaw Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard. He previously managed Carnival UK directly, serving as president from July 2017 – 2020. Josh also served as treasurer for Carnival Corporation from 2007 to 2017 following five years as an attorney in the corporate legal department. In addition to his treasury role, Josh’s responsibilities increased over his career to include oversight of the tax, risk management and finance, planning & analysis functions. Prior to joining Carnival Corporation, he served as a corporate attorney. Josh is currently on the board of trustees of the Perez Art Museum Miami. Over the past several years Josh has also served on the board of directors of Catalyst, a global nonprofit focused on advancing women in the workplace, and the board of the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust, which supports the organization’s performing arts center in Miami-Dade County. Josh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the New York University School of Law, and is a native of New York. He and his wife reside in Miami with their three children.

Mark Hoplamazian

President & CEO

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Nicolas Huss

CEO

HBX Group

Pansy Ho

Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director

Shun Tak Holdings Limited

Paul Griffiths

CEO

Dubai Airports International

Peter Muriungi

CEO, Connected Commerce

JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Peter Muriungi

CEO, Connected Commerce

JP Morgan Chase & Co.

Website

Peter Muriungi is the chief executive officer of Connected Commerce and a member of the Consumer & Community Banking Leadership team. Connected Commerce connects its more than 70 million digitally active customers with relevant merchant brands and experiences through Chase’s travel, dining, shopping, offers, lending programs and consumer and small business payments offerings. Peter has held various leadership roles at Chase since 2013, most recently as the CEO of Chase Auto, a leading provider of auto financing with a portfolio of more than $88 billion in assets and relationships with 75% of U.S. franchised automotive dealers. In Home Lending, Peter served as Head of Transformation and as Head of Servicing where he led significant improvements in the customer experience as evidenced by record customer satisfaction and J.D. Power results, including #1 big bank in the annual national servicer’s survey two years in a row. During his time in Home Lending, Peter managed a portfolio of 7.3 million mortgages representing a combined balance of $1 trillion. Peter serves as the South Regional Chair of the Market Leadership team, executing strategic priorities across the eight southern states he oversees for the firm. Peter lends an influential voice to the firm’s important commitment to Diversity, Opportunity & Inclusion. He is an Executive Sponsor of The Fellowship Initiative in Dallas. He is also on the Board of Directors of Big Thought, a non-profit that helps bridge the opportunity gap for disadvantaged youth. Prior to joining Chase, Peter was Senior Vice President of Special Portfolio Management and Servicing Strategies at GMAC Mortgage, where he managed their special servicing unit and single point of contact customer care center, among other responsibilities. Before joining GMAC Mortgage, Peter was Senior Vice President of Strategy and Analytics at EMC Mortgage Corporation. Peter holds an MBA from East Texas Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in international business from the United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya.

Phillipa Harrison

Managing Director

Tourism Australia

Phillipa Harrison

Managing Director

Tourism Australia

Website

Ms Phillipa Harrison is the Managing Director of Tourism Australia, the Australian Government agency responsible for marketing Australia’s tourism experiences to the world. In this role, Ms Harrison is responsible for driving Tourism Australia’s strategies to create sustainable demand for Australia’s tourism experiences internationally, and working with the tourism industry to support the sector’s recovery from the impacts of the events of 2020. Prior to recent crises affecting tourism, Tourism Australia’s efforts were focused on supporting the sector towards achieving its Tourism 2020 strategy goals of growing overnight visitor spend to more than $115 billion annually. A goal which was achieved two years ahead of target, with overnight spend by international and domestic visitors reaching $117 billion in 2018. Ms Harrison first joined Tourism Australia in February 2017 as Executive General Manager International, to lead the organisation’s international operations for Asia, the Americas, Europe and New Zealand as well as Global Distribution and Partnerships. This role saw Ms Harrison have responsibility for Tourism Australia’s network of international offices spanning 12 countries as well as managing airline relationships and distribution channels, that are vital for attracting international visitors to Australia. Prior to joining Tourism Australia, Ms Harrison spent six years working for Hamilton Island Enterprises and before that held a variety of globally-focused senior sales, marketing and product roles across ecommerce, retail and wholesale tourism platforms, based in both London and Sydney. Ms Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication and Psychology) from Macquarie University and an MBA from AGSM at the University of NSW.

Qusai Alfakhri

CEO

Tourism Development Fund

Sebastian Ebel

CEO

TUI AG

Will House

Partner

Spencer Stuart

Zhi-gang SU

Founder & Chairman

Chimelong Group

Zubin Karkaria

Founder & CEO

VFS Global

Global Member

Adel Ezzat

CEO

Elaf Group

Andy Duncan

CEO

Travelopia

Anthony Capuano

CEO

Marriott International

Anthony Capuano

CEO

Marriott International

Website

Anthony “Tony” Capuano is chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. In his role, Mr. Capuano presides over the world’s largest hospitality company and some of the most iconic brands in travel. Mr. Capuano joined Marriott in 1995 and was instrumental in its steady growth over the years which culminated in the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016. The company now has more than 7,600 properties across 133 countries and territories and 30 brands. It also has the travel industry’s largest customer-loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which has more than 147 million members. Before his appointment as CEO in February 2021, Mr. Capuano was Group President, Global Development, Design and Operations Services where he led the strategic unit growth of all of Marriott’s brands while overseeing the global design team as well as Marriott’s global operating standards and protocols for thousands of properties around the world. Mr. Capuano was also responsible for oversight of the EDITION Hotels, a unique concept in the luxury lifestyle hotel space conceived by hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International. Mr. Capuano began his Marriott career as part of the Market Planning and Feasibility team, where he helped the company assess the overall economic viability of new and existing hotels, balancing the company’s interests with the needs of hotel owners and developers, investors, lenders and operators. That role prepared him to lead Marriott’s development efforts in the Western United States and Canada for its full-service hotel brands. Later, his responsibilities expanded to include North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. In 2009, Mr. Capuano assumed global development responsibility. He began overseeing global design in 2014 and global operations in January 2020. Mr. Capuano earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Hotel Administration. He is an active member of the Cornell Society of Hotelmen, The Cornell School of Hotel Administration Dean’s Advisory Board, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s IREFAC Council. Additionally, Mr. Capuano is an active member of the Board of Directors of Save Venice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. He resides in Potomac, Maryland with his wife and daughter.

Ayhan Bektas

Chairman

Coral Travel Group

Brian Chesky

Co-Founder, CEO, Head of Community

Airbnb

Clement Kwok

Executive Director and Advisor to the CEO

The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited

Daniel Richards

CEO & Founder

Global Rescue

David Lavorel

CEO

SITA

Elif Özdemir

CEO & Board Member

Gloria Hotels & Resorts

Elif Özdemir

CEO & Board Member

Gloria Hotels & Resorts

Website

Elif Özdemir was born on 25 June 1990 in Ankara; she completed her primary education at ENKA schools and high school education in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program of the Koç High School. After attending the summer school of Columbia University in the years 2006 and 2007, Elif Özdemir also completed her undergraduate education in Columbia University, New York, graduating with a double major in Psychology and Political Science. She engaged in a large number of social responsibility activities during her high school years; she was the founding president of the Global Awareness Club in Koç High School between 2006 - 2008, and won the Science Fair Participation Award with “The Biodiesel Story, A Medium Scale Photovoltaic Power Plant” Project, which she prepared within the same year. Her volunteer work focusing on the protection of social and cultural assets, includes activities for the protection of the Safranbolu Houses as part of the World Cultural Heritage and for human-oriented social projects such as LÖSEV (Foundation for Children with Leukemia). She occasionally takes part in daily charitable food assistance activities organized by her family. Along with taking part on a voluntary basis in rehabilitation activities of elderly and vulnerable people at elderly care institutions during each summer, she contributed to the education of students at Sarıyer Primary School by giving them English courses. She also cooperated with the consulate of Japan to provide satellite phones for earthquake victims after the Tsunami disaster. In terms of environmental awareness, she successfully implemented green flag projects in the tourism industry, as well as working on projects involving power generation from waste. Having held negotiations with the officials of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the improvement of environment and sustainable tourism, Özdemir continues to pursue efforts in this field. A member of the Turkish Student Association at Columbia University during her undergraduate years, Elif Özdemir completed her internship in the media industry at CNN Turk. She is continuing her professional career as the vice chairman of Özaltın Holding (responsible board member for mining) and the CEO of Gloria Sports Arena, the first sports hotel of Turkey, owned by the Holding. Now, she is working with the Gloria Sports Arena sports science team and other renowned professionals in the field to create an athletes’ incubation center and an artificial intelligence-based software that can help monitor athletes’ performance, to aid them in achieving their best. She is also entitled as the Member of the Board of Directors at Turkish National Olympics Committee (TMOK) and the Turkish Archery Federation. She is a member of the Young President Organization (YPO) and the Consultant of the President at World Federation of Consuls. She became a trustee of BIDEV, a foundation that supports education through the game of Basketball and is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community; a network of young people driving dialogue, action and change.

Ellen Bettridge

CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

The Travel Corporation

Ellen Bettridge

CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

The Travel Corporation

Website

During her tenure with Uniworld, Ellen Bettridge has leveraged her two decades of leadership roles and nearly thirty years of travel expertise to bring forth a new era in the award-winning river cruise company’s history. Appointed President & CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection in 2016, Bettridge has since led a global team of over one thousand to its highest-ever revenue performance, increased Uniworld’s fleet of Super Ships through the launches and transitions of seven ships, including the Mekong Jewel and S.S. Sphinx, and successfully steered the company through the COVID-19 crisis. Understanding the promise of the brand, in her role as President & CEO, Bettridge progressed Uniworld beyond traditional river cruising with the creation and introduction of Cruise and Rail itineraries, Rivers of the World – a 46-night journey through nine countries, Mystery Cruises and a partnership to bring Uniworld guests to the Peruvian Amazon. Not only has Bettridge diversified Uniworld’s offerings, but she has also created additional revenue streams through the integration of revamped and new itineraries, expanded suite offerings, the Masterpiece Collection and Category +. Taking a cue from parent company The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) commitment to sustainability, Bettridge has also spearheaded several initiatives in the last few years that have made Uniworld a leader in sustainable travel, including a partnership with food waste management company Leanpath to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint and a goal of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, Bettridge was named TTC Executive of the Year and appointed as a member of the TTC Travel Board. Prior to her role at Uniworld, Bettridge served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing, at Azamara Club Cruises where she was responsible for growing Azamara’s markets in the Americas, as well as for developing strategic relationships with trade and marketing partners. Previously, Bettridge held the position of President, Americas at Silversea Cruise Ltd and various positions at American Express for over twenty years, where she developed unparalleled relationships with the travel trade that she has leveraged throughout her career. With unbridled optimism and a contagious love of travel, Bettridge resides in West Lake Village, California with her beloved husband and two daughters. She nearly always has a suitcase packed and ready for her next adventure.

Enrique Jose Sarasola Marulanda

President

Room Mate

Enrique Jose Sarasola Marulanda

President

Room Mate

Twitter

Website

Kike is a trendsetting pioneer in the tourist industry thanks to his visionary, disruptive and rebellious character. It all began over 10 years ago when he created Room Mate Hotels as an extension of what was to become his most renowned formula: “the 3B’s”: Bed, Bath, Breakfast. The idea of affordable luxury right smack in the center of the most important cities in the world was the formula for success at Room Mate Hotels, now present in Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey and USA. In 2014, Sarasola turned it up a notch and challenged the entire industry with the creation of Be Mate, a breakthrough company offering the freedom of an apartment combined with the services and safety of a hotel. Kike broke all the rules in the hospitality sector by bringing to life a new business model that his professional colleagues viciously rejected. Three years later, many followed suit. In 2017, convinced that happiness is profitable, Kike launches his newest business venture: X-Perience, which consists in sharing the “key factors” of the successful business model of Room Mate with those hoteliers that are seeking to improve their business in this new digital era, becoming part of the X-Perience community. Kike competed as an Olympic equestrian in Atlanta, Barcelona and Sydney and still maintains Spain’s record in his specialty; he authored the acclaimed book, More Ideas, Less MBA’s; starred in the Spanish version of the TV program “Hotel Hell” and is regarded as one of Spain’s most influential business people in social media. Furthermore, over the past year, Sarasola has been invited to lecture at over 100 conferences worldwide. All of the above has led to several international recognitions, including but not limited to the 2017 European Gold Medal for Merit at Work and the 2015 Medal for Tourist Accomplishments granted by the Spanish Council of Ministers.

Enrique Ybarra

Founder, President & CEO

City Sightseeing Worldwide

Eric Resnick

Chief Executive Officer

KSL Capital Partners

Federico J. González

CEO

Radisson Hotel Group

Federico J. González

CEO

Radisson Hotel Group

Website

Federico J. González is the President and CEO of Radisson Hospitality AB (publ). Federico serves as the chairman of the Global Steering Committee of Radisson Hotel Group, made up of equal representation from Radisson Hospitality AB and Radisson Hospitality, Inc. The Global Steering Committee, under Federico’s leadership, provides guidance and strategic counsel to both management teams and boards, fosters a deeper level of collaboration and communication, and ensures alignment on important matters such as partnership and global growth. Federico has extensive global executive leadership experience in the hospitality, leisure and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. Prior to joining Radisson Hospitality AB, he was Chief Executive Officer of NH Hotel Group – where he led a major turnaround of the company – and as Deputy General Manager of Disneyland Paris. He previously spent 16 years in senior management positions at Procter & Gamble in Brussels, Madrid and Stockholm before becoming the company’s Country Head of Portugal in 2000. A respected marketer and hotelier, Federico has written three books: Living and Working Abroad; How to Live and Work with Portuguese; and How to succeed in doing business the Swedish way. As a global leader, Federico’s personal mission is to motivate and energize large organizations to be more ambitious – in profitability, purpose and people – through respect for diversity of thoughts, culture, gender, experience and beliefs. Federico majored in Economics at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and received a Masters of International Trade and Finance from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

Haimin Wang

Chairman

China Tourism Group

Hashil Al Mahrouqi

Chief Executive Officer

OMRAN

Isao Takashiro

Chairman & CEO

Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.

J.D. O'Hara

CEO

Internova Travel Group

J.D. O'Hara

CEO

Internova Travel Group

Website

J.D. O’Hara serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s largest privately-held travel services companies providing unrivaled expertise in all facets of leisure, corporate and entertainment travel. With more than 4,000 employees, Internova Travel Group (formerly Travel Leaders Group) is comprised of over 6,000 travel agency locations with over 65,000 travel advisors in more than 80 countries. Mr. O’Hara became CEO of the company in January 2020 after having served as President. Mr. O’Hara’s core tenets for Internova Travel Group’s success is to provide impeccable service to its travelers, the highest quality support and tools to its travel advisors, and unsurpassed value to its preferred supplier partners. In May 2020, Mr. O’Hara announced a major reorganization of the company by aligning its premium brands into several divisions, including ALTOUR, Travel Leaders Group, Protravel International/Tzell Travel and Bonotel Exclusive Travel. The reorganization is aimed at enhancing service and support for its advisors and agencies, increasing value for clients and providing suppliers with greater distribution and marketing opportunities. Prior to rejoining the company as President in 2018, Mr. O’Hara was Senior Partner at Certares Management, LLC., Internova’s majority owner. Mr. O’Hara also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Internova Travel Group. Mr. O’Hara has played a key role in the growth and evolution of the company since its inception in 2008. He was part of the original management buyout of Carlson Leisure Group from Carlson Companies in January 2008 that eventually led to the formation of Travel Leaders Group. The company most recently ranked 7th among Travel Weekly’s 2019 Power List of the largest travel agencies and ranked 6th among the top travel management companies by Business Travel Europe. In his various operating roles within the company and as a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. O’Hara has always had direct oversight of Internova’s vast investment activity, including the mergers and acquisitions of Tzell Travel Group, Nexion Travel Group, vacation.com, Protravel International, Andrew Harper Travel and ALTOUR, among many more. As the company sought to expand beyond its core U.S. footprint, Mr. O’Hara led Internova’s international growth strategy with the acquisitions of Mexico-based Corporate Travel Services, and UK-based agencies Colletts Travel and Barrhead Travel, as well as meeting and event services company Your Event Solutions (YES). Prior to joining Internova, Mr. O’Hara worked in the investment banking industry in New York. He received a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo (Canada).

Jamie Rhee

Commissioner

Chicago Department of Aviation

Jeff Ning

President

Wanda Hotels & Resorts

Keith Vincent

CEO

Wilderness

Larry Cuculic

CEO & President

BWH Hotel Group

Larry Cuculic

CEO & President

BWH Hotel Group

Website

Larry Cuculic is President & CEO of BWH Hotel Group®, which is comprised of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, SureStay Hotel Group®, and WorldHotels™ Collection. He oversees the company’s global portfolio of 19 dynamic brands, which boasts approximately 4,500 hotels across all chain scale segments. He continues to drive the organization’s impressive financial success – with RevPAR reaching a historic high of $74.54 in 2022 – and achieving industry-leading guest loyalty and hotel satisfaction. Cuculic’s vision is to lead through collaboration with the company’s Board of Directors, hoteliers, executive leadership, and associates. He recognizes the greatest strength of this global powerhouse brand is its organizational structure, which is founded on empowering the voice of its members. Through this thoughtful, deliberate, collaborative approach, Cuculic is focused on driving the development and execution of BWH Hotel Group’s vision, mission, strategic initiatives, policies, and programs. Cuculic is an active member of hospitality associations and currently sits on the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Executive Committee. Under Cuculic’s leadership, BWH Hotel Group will continue to be actively involved in supporting and participating in global industry associations and events. He has made a commitment to build on the company’s strong relationships with partners such as AHLA, the U.S. Travel Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, and the Global Business Travel Association, among others. Since 2009 Cuculic has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for the company. In this role Cuculic was responsible for all legal and governance matters, including serving as counsel for the Board of Directors. Cuculic was also responsible for leading the company’s Human Resources team and the brand’s Call Center. Before joining BWH Hotel Group, Cuculic was Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for Lafayette, Ind.-based Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC). Previously, Cuculic served as Vice President Legal and Corporate Secretary for American Commercial Lines, Inc. in Jeffersonville, Ind., and was a partner in the law firm Gambs, Mucker & Bauman. Before retiring from the U.S. Army and being awarded the Legion of Merit, Cuculic served as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer in various legal positions, including appointment as a military judge. His military awards also include three Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. Cuculic received his B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School. He also earned an LL.M. degree from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Va., and graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Cuculic is licensed to practice law in the Supreme Court of the United States of America and the Supreme Court of the State of Indiana.

Lars Clasen

Chief Executive Officer

Cruise Saudi

Laurent Gardinier

President

Relais & Châteaux

Liming CHEN

Vice Chairman

Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Group

Luis Maroto

President & CEO

Amadeus IT Group S.A.

Massimo Caputi

CEO

Terme & Spa Italia

Matt Goldberg

President & CEO

TripAdvisor

Matt Goldberg

President & CEO

TripAdvisor

Website

Matt Goldberg is CEO and President of Tripadvisor, Inc., the largest travel guidance platform in the world. Matt has more than 20 years’ leadership experience across a diversity of sectors, including travel, media, e-commerce, and digital where he’s helped drive innovation and expansion of the businesses he’s served. Prior to Tripadvisor, Matt served as an executive vice president for global operations at The Trade Desk , a global advertising technology company, based in New York City. Prior to joining The Trade Desk, he was the global head of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances for News Corp. , where he also led the online publishing, digital real estate, and data businesses in India. Matt has also served as senior vice president and head of corporate development at Liberty Interactive/QVC Group (now the Qurate Retail Group ), with a focus on content and commerce across TV, digital, video, and emerging markets. He has also held several executive operating roles, including CEO at Lonely Planet and senior vice president for digital strategy and operations at Wall Street Digital Network. Matt began his career in public service, and has spent decades supporting, advising and helping to lead numerous community and not-for-profit organizations. While at The Trade Desk, he was a founding director of Dataphilanthropy, a foundation dedicated to the mission that passionate, yet data-driven, rational philanthropy is the most effective way to deploy capital against humanity's toughest problems. He currently serves on the not-for-profit boards of the Burning Man Project in San Francisco, California, and Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana, an organization that works in partnership with education and business leaders, civil rights organizations, policymakers, and individuals who want to reimagine how and where learning occurs. Matt serves as the chairman of board for Lingoda GmbH in Berlin, Germany, and as a board member of Blue Ocean Acquisition Corporation in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He also serves as an advisor to Team Snap in Boulder, Colorado and is a founding partner and advisor to Anthropocene Ventures in San Francisco, California. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Cornell University, a master’s in international relations from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a master’s in business administration from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. His favorite place to travel is Australia, a country where he also lived for 6 years.

Muzzammil Ahussain

CEO

Almosafer General Trading LLC

Patrick Andersen

President & CEO

CWT

Phil Washington

CEO

Denver International Airport

Phil Washington

CEO

Denver International Airport

Website

Phillip A. Washington was nominated by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and unanimously confirmed by the Denver City Council as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Denver International Airport (DEN) in July of 2021. In 2020, DEN was the country’s 3rd busiest airport and the world’s 7th busiest airport by passenger traffic. DEN generates $33.5 billion in annual regional economic impact, has over 30,000 badged employees with 24 air carriers and a total of 170 concession locations. Prior to Washington’s arrival at DEN, he was the CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) from 2015 to 2021. At Metro, Washington managed a balanced budget of more than $8 billion and provided oversight of an agency with 11,000 employees that transported 1.2 million boarding passengers daily on a fleet of 2,200 clean-air buses and six rail lines. Washington also served as the CEO of Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) between 2009 and 2015 and worked as the assistant general manager of RTD for nearly 10 years before being named CEO. In Denver, he led and implemented the FasTracks program, one of the largest voter-approved transportation expansion programs in the country. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Washington is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where he held the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned officer rank an enlisted soldier can achieve. He retired from active duty, is a disabled veteran and was awarded the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal for exceptional service to his country. He holds a B.A. in Business from Columbia College, an M.A. in Management from Webster University.

Puneet Chhatwal

Chief Executive Officer

Indian Hotels Company

Sébastien Bazin

CEO

Accor

Takashi Goto

Chairman and CEO

Seibu Holdings Inc.

Ted J Balestreri

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Cannery Row Company

Valentin Zlatev

Chairman of the Board

Terra Way Investment Group JSC

Vikram Oberoi

Managing Director and CEO

The Oberoi Group

Yuji Akasaka

Representative Director, Chairperson

Japan Airlines

Yuji Fukasawa

Chairman (Director)

East Japan Railway Company

Yvette Burke

Vice President, Global Sales

Enterprise Mobility

Industry Partner

Chris Baker

SVP, Head of US Merchant

Visa

Clive Jacobs

Chairman

Jacobs Media Group

Daniel Fenton

Executive Vice President and Global Tourism Director

JLL

Dee Waddell

Global Managing Director, IBM Travel and Transportation Industry

IBM

Douglas Feagin

President

Ant International

Douglas Feagin

President

Ant International

Website

Douglas joined Ant Group in 2016 to spearhead the company's globalization strategy. Today, as President of Ant International, Douglas spearheads the company’s strategy and expansion efforts, and promotes digital capabilities for sustainable growth. Through strategic collaboration and partnerships with local fintech players, Ant International contributes to the advancement of mobile wallet platforms and nurturing of payment ecosystems to enable more MSMEs to tap into digitalization. He also engages Ant International's public and private sector partners across areas such as cross-border payments, sustainability security, and emerging technologies like digital assets. Douglas contributes to the tech and business evolution in emerging markets, through his board-level positions that span a range of global fintech enterprises, across emerging markets in Asia and South America: from advising strategic growth at bKash in Bangladesh, DANA in Indonesia, and GCash in the Philippines to steering financial inclusivity initiatives at TrueMoney in Thailand and Telenor Microfinance Bank in Pakistan. He also contributes his expertise to the financial landscape in Malaysia through his board role at TnG Digital, as well as in Brazil with Dotz. His leadership has been pivotal in building close collaboration between Ant International and the partners across diverse regulatory environments and market dynamics. Prior to joining Ant Group, Douglas worked at Goldman Sachs for 22 years, serving as a Managing Director from 2004 through 2016. In Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, he led the Financial Institutions Group in Asia Ex-Japan and then in the Americas (U.S. and Latin America). He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics in June 1988, and he received an MBA from Harvard Business School in June 1994."

Ichiro Hamakawa

Chairman

JCB Co. Ltd

Jesko Neuenburg

Managing Director Aviation & Sustainability

Accenture

John Rowley

Co-Founder & CEO

Open Network Exchange, Inc

John Wasson

Chairman, President, and CEO

ICF

John Wasson

Chairman, President, and CEO

ICF

Twitter

Website

John Wasson President and Chief Executive Officer, ICF LinkedIn John Wasson serves as president and chief executive officer of ICF. During his twenty years as a senior leader within the firm, ICF has rapidly become one of the most dynamic and successful consultancies in the industry. Starting with one office in Washington D.C., ICF now has over 7,000 employees across more than 70 offices worldwide. The company has doubled in size every five years over the past two decades and in the process has also greatly expanded its array of capabilities and services offered. Wasson joined ICF in 1987 as an associate and has led client work in the areas of energy, environment, transportation, public health and disaster recovery, among others. He was appointed CEO on October 1, 2019 and previously served as chief operating officer. Wasson is a Board member of the Northern Virginia Technology Council. He was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Medal for Business Achievement by the University of California Davis College of Engineering where he also serves as Chair of the Dean’s Executive Committee. He received his Master of Science degree from the Technology and Policy Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis.

Julie Shainock

Global Managing Director - Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry

Microsoft Corporation

Julie Shainock

Global Managing Director - Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry

Microsoft Corporation

Website

Julie Shainock is Managing Director - Travel, Transport, Logistics & Hospitality (TTLH) and responsible for developing Microsoft's point of view and future strategy for our WW Travel and Transport Industry. She is focused on leading the airlines, hospitality companies, cruise and freight logistics and rail companies to driving innovation that will enhance the customer and employee journey, while driving increased productivity and cost reduction with the use of Microsoft's technology and its ecosystem of TTH solution partners. Julie was previously with IBM where she had a successful twenty-five plus year career managing and leading the Travel and Transportation Industry. She is results-driven Global Business Development Executive that is focused on delivering new technology solutions and increasing market share for her clients and her company. She has managed and engaged as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in multi-million dollar engagements in the travel and transportation industry. The breadth and depth of Julie's experience has been focused on integrating services with software solutions and working with partners. Her deep industry relationships with clients, partners, professional associations and working groups has helped in shaping successful and comprehensive strategies and solutions that have resonated with our leading T&T clients. Ms Shainock has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL with her husband - Scott and three daughters.

Katie Briscoe

CEO

MMGY Global

Mike Matheis

Global Industry Association, Civic & Economic Organisation Lead

Oliver Wyman

Nicolas Mayer

Global Industry Leader - Tourism

PWC

Nikolay Malyarov

CEO, International

PressReader International

Samuel Pereyra

General Administrator

Banreservas

Destination Partner

Abdullah Aldawood

Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company

Play Qiddiya City

Amr AlMadany

CEO

Royal Commission for AlUla

Antonio Castaño

Director Gerente

Turismo de Sevilla

Arvind Bundhun

Director

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Bernardo Cueto Riestra

Secretary of Tourism

Quintana Roo Tourism Board

Carlos Abade

President

Turismo de Portugal

Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa

President

Procolombia

Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa

President

Procolombia

Website

International affairs expert, entrepreneur, and senior executive Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa is the new president of ProColombia, the government agency responsible for attracting foreign investment and internationally promoting exports, tourism, and the Country Brand. For seven years, she was one of Colombia’s diplomats in Spain. As Consul General in Seville, she managed to strengthen commercial and cultural relations with the Spanish market, leading various bilateral partnerships focused on culture, migration, and tourism. She worked on the International Treaty on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with the Kingdom of Spain and on activities to identify market and internationalization opportunities for companies. She is recognized for her participation in shareholders' meetings and as secretary and president of the Consular Corps of Seville, Spain. As a businesswoman, she created and spent seven years managing Casa Imperial, a five-star hotel located in Seville’s historic center. She was head of the projects and interior design department of the autonomous community of Andalusia, where she led the restoration and conservation of luxury tourist establishments. She has worked as an adviser to the Mayor's Office of Santa Marta, where she was part of the 2012-2015 Economic, Social, and Public Works Development Plan “Santa Marta Equality for All - Children First,” and was also involved in the development of the “2012 Investment Promotion Agency for Santa Marta and the Region.” Born in Santa Marta, Carmen Cecilia Caballero is a dentist with a degree from the Universidad Metropolitana in Barranquilla. In 2010, she received the Gran Cruz de Bastidas, an award for those who have excelled in their economic and social work in the department of Magdalena. Caballero Villa takes on ProColombia’s presidency with the aim of boosting people’s economy, reducing inequality, building lasting peace, and positioning Colombia as a world power, all by promoting Colombia abroad. Led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, ProColombia will increase support for Colombian non-mining and non-energy exporters in their internationalization processes, with greater emphasis on MSMEs in rural areas or municipalities with less than 200,000 inhabitants. It will also focus on commercial management and preparing companies to capitalize on foreign trade. Additionally, ProColombia will work to attract more foreign investment for social equality, strengthen human capital and sustainable development, and establish Colombia as a sustainable business hub in Latin America. In international tourism, ProColombia aims to implement a promotional strategy focused on attracting more high-spending and environmentally-conscious travelers by highlighting the culture, peace, and liveliness of Colombian destinations, where community participation will be fundamental for the creation of sustainable tourism experiences.

Fahd Hamidaddin

CEO

Saudi Tourism Authority

Florian Sengstschmid

CEO

State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Fred Dixon

President & CEO

Brand USA

Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri

Director General

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism

Jean-Guy Afrika

CEO

Visit Rwanda

John Pagano

Group CEO

Red Sea Global

Jordi Clos

President of the Executive Committee

Turisme de Barcelona

Jordi Clos

President of the Executive Committee

Turisme de Barcelona

Website

Jordi Clos founded the Derby Hotels Collection in 1968, a collection of 23 hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, London and Paris, each with its own identity. From 1999 to 2019 he was President of the Barcelona Hotels Guild and in September 2021 he was again elected to preside over the guild, a presidency that alternates with the presidency of the Escola Superior d'Hostaleria de Barcelona ( ESHOB). He has been vice-president of Turisme de Barcelona since 1993 and also of the ‘Barcelona Promoció’ Foundation, an entity linked to the Chamber of Commerce. Jordi Clos was elected President of Turisme de Barcelona in October 2023. He has been a witness and an active part in the conversion of Barcelona into an international tourist destination. In 1992, he lived on the front lines of the memorable Olympic Games held in Barcelona. He was appointed Commissioner by Barcelona City Council and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce for the execution and design of the city's Strategic Tourism Plan, with the aim of promoting it as a tourist destination, and which gave rise to the creation of the current Turisme de Barcelona, of which he has been Vice-President since 1993. Apart from his activity as a hotel entrepreneur, it is worth highlighting his facet as a collector, patron and promoter of the Clos Archaeological Foundation to contributing to the dissemination of the culture and art of Antiquity, especially of Ancient Egypt. He has created of the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona, the most important private collection of Egyptian art open to the public in Europe with more than 1,300 pieces He has been decorated with numerous awards and distinctions, national and international, including the Gold Medal for Cultural Merit from Barcelona City Council (2014) and the Sant Jordi Cross from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2003).

Juan Enrique Suárez Del Real Tostado

Tourism Secretary

TOURIST PROMOTION TRUST OF THE STATE OF NAYARIT

Keitumetse Setlang

CEO

Botswana Tourism Organisation

Latia Duncombe

Director General

The Islands of the Bahamas

Lisardo Moran

CEO

Andalucia Tourism Board

Marcelo Freixo

President

Visit Brasil | Embratur - Brazilian Tourist Board

Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles

Chief Operating Officer

Tourism Promotion Board Philippines

Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles

Chief Operating Officer

Tourism Promotion Board Philippines

Website

Maria Margarita “Marga” Montemayor Nograles is a seasoned entrepreneur. After graduating in AB Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Management and Communications at the Ateneo De Manila University, Marga has since then been involved in fashion, retail businesses and set up her own Social Enterprise. She began her entrepreneurial journey after being awarded the exclusive sub-distributorship of Brazilian flip flop Havaianas, in Southeast Mindanao. A native of Davao City, Marga takes pride in what Mindanao can bring to the world. So much so that together with the Philippine Department of Tourism New York Office, Marga previously organized and headed the “Balik Davao” campaign in 2000, a celebration of Mindanao talents from Margie Moran Floirendo’s book signing, to an art show featuring Filipino and Mindanao artists headed by father and son Cacnio and ending with a fashion show which featured the artistic prowess and designs of Mindanaons, bridging her love for both culture and country. Thereafter, Marga carved a niche for herself as the founder of locally awarded fashion brand and social enterprise Kaayo Modern Mindanao. Kaayo opened doors to empower women by providing sustainable livelihood to indigenous tribes and women’s groups in Mindanao. Her passion for Philippine culture and her understanding of fashion and brand as a potent medium of advocacy is helping to cement the Philippine brand of excellence in the world of fashion and lifestyle. Determined to bring the Filipino brand to the world, she now serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

Marsha Walden

President & CEO

Destination Canada

Miguel Sanz

Director General

TURESPAÑA

Miguel Sanz

Director General

TURESPAÑA

Website

Functions El Instituto de Turismo de España (TURESPAÑA) es el organismo público, adscrito al Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo a través de la Secretaría de Estado de Turismo, responsable del marketing de España como destino de viajes en el mundo. Planifica y lleva a cabo actuaciones para la promoción del turismo español en los mercados internacionales, en un marco de colaboración público-privada e interterritorial. Se ocupa de la gestión de la marca España en su dimensión turística. Realiza una importante labor de inteligencia turística, así como de gestión y coordinación de la red de 33 Consejerías de Turismo en el exterior, teniendo a su cargo también la ampliación, conservación y modernización de los inmuebles de la red de Paradores de Turismo de España, S.A. Other charges Ha sido Director de Marketing y Promoción de la empresa pública Turismo Madrid de la Comunidad de Madrid; Coordinador del Área de Turismo de la empresa municipal Promoción Madrid y, desde 2016, Director de Turismo de la también empresa municipal Madrid Destino. Ha sido miembro, desde 2018, de la Junta directiva de European Cities Marketing, asociación que reúne a entidades de gestión y promoción de más de 120 destinos urbanos europeos. En julio de 2020 fue nombrado Director General de TURESPAÑA. Academy training Graduado en Estudios Empresariales en el Reino Unido, donde también cursó un máster en Política y Economía Latinoamericana en la London School of Economics. Professional experience Ha residido y trabajado en varios países de Europa, EE.UU. y América Latina. Su carrera profesional en España se ha desarrollado en diversos proyectos de marketing y comunicación cultural y, principalmente, en el ámbito del turismo.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak

Chairman

Department of Culture & Tourism - Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Nancy Mammana

Chief Marketing Officer

New York City Tourism + Conventions

Nancy Mammana

Chief Marketing Officer

New York City Tourism + Conventions

Website

As Chief Marketing Officer, Nancy Mammana is responsible for leading NYC Tourism’s overall marketing strategy for the five boroughs of New York City, including its domestic and international promotional campaigns, media strategies, digital initiatives, creative & content plans, events, partnerships, licensing and global tourism development efforts. Nancy also recently oversaw the company’s first rebrand in 26 years, as well as the relaunch of its website, nyctourism.com. Before joining, Nancy served as Vice President, Marketing for Patina Restaurant Group, where she oversaw marketing at more than 35 company-owned and operated restaurants nationally, including dining establishments within famed New York City institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Macy’s Herald Square and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to name a few. Beyond NYC, she oversaw marketing for the company’s growing presence in Orlando, most notably the opening of its Morimoto Asia restaurant in Disney Springs. Nancy’s route to NYC Tourism has been circuitous but somehow pre-determined. Prior to Patina, she had a long, successful career in marketing and partnerships with a heavy focus on travel, sports and entertainment with companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cunard Line and the National Basketball Association (NBA). She also has extensive agency experience, having worked within the Omnicom family for almost 17 years. Most notably she opened up the New York office for The Marketing Arm as Vice President, Account Services, where she worked for over 10 years representing brands such as PepsiCo, Monster.com, Victoria’s Secret, American Express and Staples. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys traveling both within and out of the city, cooking and International Latin ballroom dancing.

Niall Gibbons

Managing Director

NEOM

Nombulelo Guliwe

CEO

South African Tourism

Raki Robert Phillips

CEO

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Rosa Viola Harris

Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Rose-Marie Abel

Secretary General

ATOUT FRANCE - France Tourism Development Agency

Thapanee Kiatphaibool

Governor

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Thereza Mugobi

Director of Tourism

Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania

Valentin Diaz Gilligan

President

Visit Buenos Aires

Willianette Robles

Executive Director

Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Association Partner

Beth Potter

President & CEO

Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)

Bud Darr

President & CEO

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Bud Darr

President & CEO

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Website

Charles “Bud” Darr is President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the global trade association that represents an expansive community of the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. As President and CEO, Bud is responsible for leading the organization’s work as the leading authority and voice of the industry across the association’s five operating regions, including North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Australasia, and Brazil. Bud was announced in December 2024 as president and CEO of CLIA effective 3 February 2025—returning to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017. Prior to his return to CLIA, Bud served as Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, at MSC Group for more than seven years. During his accomplished career in maritime, he has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard. A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Bud’s leadership of CLIA comes at an important time for the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainability targets. He has exceptional maritime experience and over the course of his career has built outstanding relationships across the global cruise industry and with related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers. Bud has extensive experience across the broader maritime community, including through his involvement with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Cruise Safety and Sustainability Forum, and the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI). He began his education in Submarine Nuclear Engineering and later obtained his formal undergraduate education at the US Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the US Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School.

Don Welsh

President & CEO

Destinations International

Firuz Bağlıkaya

President

The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB)

Geoff Freeman

President & CEO

U.S. Travel Association

Geoff Freeman

President & CEO

U.S. Travel Association

Website

Freeman is a seasoned association CEO with a proven track record of building successful organizations that unite member interests, grow member value, increase revenue and unlock growth opportunities. Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America’s $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer products industry. During his tenure, Freeman launched a strategic campaign to transform the association into a powerful, modern advocacy organization aimed at driving growth and delivering sound regulatory and legislative outcomes that benefit industry leaders and consumers. During his tenure, Freeman grew membership by 35 percent and boosted total revenue by nearly 50 percent. Freeman joined the Consumer Brands Association after serving for five years as president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). In that role, Freeman led a successful effort to reform and modernize the AGA, build public support for the gaming industry and open new pathways for industry growth. Under his leadership, the AGA spearheaded a multi-year, research-driven campaign to demonstrate gaming’s broad support across the political spectrum and promote the industry’s role in spurring economic growth, job creation and tax revenues in communities across more than 40 states where gaming is legal. That campaign created the tailwinds needed to advance AGA’s signature initiative achieved under Freeman – the legalization of sports betting in the United States. While leading AGA, Freeman drove a 200 percent increase in membership and doubled association revenue. Freeman previously served as COO of the U.S. Travel Association from 2011 to 2013, helping to conceive and lead a campaign that resulted in the passage of the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, which was hailed as “the industry’s biggest legislative victory in a decade.” In the aftermath of 9/11, Freeman created a blue-ribbon panel headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to analyze how to improve travel security without compromising travel efficiency. This effort led directly to the creation of TSA PreCheck. Both the Travel Promotion Act and TSA PreCheck demonstrate Freeman’s ability to identify industry opportunities, craft a winning policy response and drive campaigns that succeed in gaining broad support among diverse stakeholders. Freeman’s previous experience includes roles at APCO Worldwide, America’s Health Insurance Plans and Freddie Mac. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and three children.

Joy Jibrilu

CEO

Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB)

Juan Bancalari

President

Asociación de Hoteles y Turismo de la República Dominicana (ASONAHORES)

Member to be Announced

Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)

Oya Narin

President

TTYD (Turkish Tourism Investors Association)

Regional Member

Aileen Clemente

Chairman & President

Rajah Travel Corporation

Albert Planas

CEO

NEBEXT

Aldo Melpignano

Managing Director (Founder)

Egnazia Ospitalita Italiana SRL

Aldo Melpignano

Managing Director (Founder)

Egnazia Ospitalita Italiana SRL

Website

Innovative hotelier and passionate traveller, Aldo Melpignano is the Co-Owner of Borgo Egnazia and the Founder of Egnazia Ospitalità Italiana. Born in Rome in 1977 to a Puglian family, Aldo Melpignano completed his early schooling at San Giuseppe De Merode, a Catholic institution in Rome, after which he moved to London in 1997 to attend Cass Business School, City University. At the age of just 19, he made his first encounter with the world of hospitality, supporting his mother in turning Masseria San Domenico, already a family property, into the first ‘Leading Hotel of the World’ in Puglia. A few years later, he decided to embark on his own training path. At 22, he started working in investment banking before he moved to the United States. There, at 25, he was among the youngest MBA students at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 2005. After his MBA, Aldo relocated to New York and – having been brought up within the hospitality world – in 2005 he formally began his work in the industry at Morgans Hotel Group, the company created by the hotel guru Ian Schrager. Here, after an early role working in the CFO’s office overseeing the company’s initial public offering, he was responsible for corporate planning and investor relations and then became Business Development Director, in charge of the company’s international growth. In 2007, Aldo followed the call of his Puglian roots and decided to return to Europe to devote himself to the family business that had developed in the meantime. Splitting his time and efforts between London and Puglia, he embarked on the most ambitious family venture: Borgo Egnazia, an innovative destination that has gradually been changing the face of travel and wellbeing in a previously undiscovered region. Borgo Egnazia opened in 2010, its creation inspired by the typical local villages of Puglia, with a focus on a unique concept of hospitality based on wellbeing and local authentic experiences. Today, Aldo is also Vice President with responsibility for the hospitality area of Altagamma, the foundation that promotes high quality Italian industry. In 2023, Aldo Melpignano launches the Egnazia group and heads towards new ambitious goals: to support the development of territories and people through an innovative vision of hospitality, international and local at the same time, contemporary but deeply rooted in traditions.

Alejandro de la Osa Castro

CEO

Europamundo Vacaciones

Alex Sharpe

President & CEO

Signature Travel Network

Alfonso Pelfini

Chairman

Hotel Shops

Alfonso Rizzuto

President & CEO

Marival Group

Alison Grinnell

Chief Executive Officer

RAK Hospitality Holding LLC

Anuraag Bhatnagar

Chief Executive Officer

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

Anuraag Bhatnagar

Chief Executive Officer

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

Website

Anuraag Bhatnagar, the Chief Executive Officer at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic leader with an impeccable track record of over 35 years. He has spearheaded hotels across world renowned Indian and International brands positioning them as leaders in the market through strategic and inspirational leadership, a passion for operational excellence and an unwavering focus on delivering highly personalized and memorable guest experiences. A seasoned hospitality professional, Anuraag is known to leverage his strategic business acumen and interpersonal skills to drive market leading returns and create stakeholder value. A result - oriented leader, he is adept at building and nurturing high performance teams guiding and motivating them towards setting and achieving visionary goals by effectively aligning brand values with key business initiatives and thoughtfully curated luxury brand experiences. Known as the ‘Man with the Midas Touch’ Anuraag is currently responsible for strengthening and elevating The Leela’s positioning as an epitome of true Indian luxury while driving the brand’s future growth. With a global mindset and a keen understanding of the luxury consumer he is well poised to lead the brand in the next new phase of its growth trajectory while catering to the evolving needs and aspirations of the discerning global luxury traveler. Anuraag spent his early years learning the fine art of being a luxury hotelier with the Oberoi Group of Hotels. He then joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts and subsequently transitioned to Marriott International post the merger of the two companies, where he was the Multi-Property Vice President, Mumbai and Goa, overseeing 12 hotels. Working across brands like St. Regis, W Hotels and The Ritz-Carlton, he honed his skills in delivering curated and crafted luxury hospitality experiences. For him, luxury is all about authenticity, anticipation, innovation and personalization, and teamwork is what makes the magic happen. Anuraag is one of the most felicitated and awarded hoteliers in India, recognized as the “CEO of the Year” by PATWA International Travel Awards 2023 at ITB Berlin, ‘Hotelier of the Year’ by Vir Sanghvi at the EazyDiner Awards 2017, by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor at the Food Food India Awards 2018, as well as the prestigious new category award, ‘COO/VP of the Year – International’ by Hotelier India Awards 2017. A prolific orator, Anuraag regularly contributes his personal and professional time to speak at Academic Institutions, Industry forums like HICSA, and is on the board of BW Hotelier and Hotelier India magazine. Anuraag is an alumnus of Delhi University and IHM Pusa. He has also done short Management and Leadership courses from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore and the University of North Carolina. Anuraag is an avid whisky and food enthusiast. His fitness regime is a newfound joy. He enjoys his leisure time watching movies, listening to music and relaxing with some reading. He is an active trekker and will seek out new destinations to travel and climb. A family man, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son and their 2 dogs.

Ashish Sanghrajka

President

Big Five Tours & Expeditions

Ashish Sanghrajka

President

Big Five Tours & Expeditions

Website

With decades of experience in the travel industry, Ashish Sanghrajka serves as President of Big Five Tours & Expeditions, a luxury North American tour operator specializing in bespoke/tailor-made private journeys in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the South Pacific. Beyond superior service and amazing private fully customized adventures, Big Five honors the best practices of sustainable and socially responsible luxury travel, promoting cultural preservation, community integrity, and conservation of natural resources. Sanghrajka began to learn about the family travel company at an early age. As a child, he saw firsthand the value of customer relationships when clients often dined with his family in their Nairobi home. In the mid-1980s, his family relocated to New York, and later Florida. He became president of Big Five Tours & Expeditions at the end of 2008 -taking the helm from his father, Mahen Sanghrajka, who continues as CEO. Sanghrajka’s passion and vision drive Big Five’s innovative approaches to increased guest satisfaction. That includes Big Five’s premier 24-Hour White Glove Service® guest assistance, which he launched in 2009. It encompasses a wide range of services that can be tailored to each guest and includes complimentary trip interruption insurance. Ashish is a member of the Virtuoso Sustainability Council, a founding member of Luxe Pages, and most recently, co-founded ME Ecuador, a newly launched collaborative that prioritizes pathways to visibility for indigenous communities, artisans and artists among travelers, travel advisors and travel providers. Born in Kenya and based in Stuart, Florida, Sanghrajka’s previous experience includes working as an economic analyst and trainer in the Capital Markets Division of a Fortune 500 firm. Sanghrajka attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, graduating with a degree in political science, with a special focus on international economics.

Braulio Arsuaga Losada

CEO

Grupo Presidente

Christopher Paniagua

CEO

Banco Popular Dominicano

Cleofe Albiso

Managing Director

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

Daniel Martínez Rodríguez

Executive Vice President

IFEMA Madrid

David Burgess

President & CEO

Miles Partnership, LLLP

Debbie Flynn

Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader

FINN Partners, Inc.

Deborah Haas

Vice President Travel

AAA - The Auto Club Group

ERKAN YAGCI

CEO

Zaf Group

Ewald K. Biemans

Owner, CEO

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

Frank Marini

President & CEO

Railbookers Group

Gabriele Burgio

CEO

Alpitour World

Gabriele Burgio

CEO

Alpitour World

Website

Gabriele Burgio (Florence, Italy 1954) attends law school in Florence, with a Major in International Private Law and an MBA at Insead Fontainebleau in 1982, with the Giovanni Agnelli scholarship. He starts his professional career in Bankers Trust, investment bank, working for several years between New York and Italy. Later on he becomes AD of Manufacturers Hanover Finanziaria SpA, a venture specialized in M&A and acquisition finance. In 1993 Gabriele moves to Spain as CEO of COFIR, a holding company, listed in the Madrid Stock Exchange and operating in many different sectors in Spain and Portugal, with a private equity approach. In 1997 he becomes CEO of NH hotels, at the time a small, local hotel company specialized in 3 and 4 stars urban hotels in Spain, and he builds it in the fastest growing Hotel Company in Europe, managing from the original 66 up to 401 hotels, expanding in 26 countries and increasing the turnover more than 10 times. From 2012 he is President and CEO of Alpitour S.p.A. Under his guidance, the Group undergoes a renovation and rearrangement process, whose major milestones so far includes the acquisition of Press Tours (2014), Swan Tour (2016), sardegna.com (2016), the establishment of Alpitour France (2017), the acquisition of Eden Viaggi (2018). Alpitour is now a 2Bn euro company, leader in Italy with a presence in Spain, France, Albania, Mexico and Dominican Republic. 2002: The Madrid chamber of commerce awarded him with the Tiepolo Prize 2003: The magazine “Expansiòn” awarded him with the Price “Best manager of the year in Spain” 2007: His Royal Highness Felipe II awarded him with the Prize “Excellence in tourism” in Spain. 2010: The President of the Republic of Italy conferred the honorary title of “Grande Ufficiale della Stella” on Gabriele Gabriele is a frequent guest speaker at University forums and tourist related gatherings.

Giulia Bandini

CEO & Founder

Cogito Strategies

Hamish Keith

CEO

EXO Travel

Holger Bartel

CEO

Travelzoo

Ian Swain

President & CEO

Swain Destinations

Jaume Puig Ribera

CEO

GVC Gaesco Gestion

Jeremy Jauncey

Founder, CEO

Beautiful Destinations

John Sage

Founder & CEO of Sage Inclusion

Sage Inclusion

Karen Chen

President

NEY International

Karen Chen

President

NEY International

Website

Karen Chen is the President of NEY Investment Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as NEY) and the Chairman of Merrystar Culture and Tourism Investment Co., Ltd. (referred to as Merrystar). NEY's subsidiary, Merrystar, is an esteemed cultural tourism brand based in Shanghai. With a strong focus on promoting "Haipai" (Shanghai-style) culture and Jiangnan culture, Merrystar creatively integrates these cultural elements into its core business of water tourism. Striving to become a world-class inland tourism ship operator, Merrystar boasts ownership of several five-star cruise ships in Shanghai, accompanied by prestigious certifications such as DOC and SMC. The company is actively involved in establishing a city water theater and a river reception hall, serving as venues for hosting influential industry summits, forums, and events of global significance. Notable collaborations include the WAIC World Internet Conference, WWF’s Give an Hour for Earth forum, and ForbesWomen in China Summit , among others. Karen Chen also serves as a director of WWF (China) and sits on the boards of various local charity organizations. Her family foundation is dedicated to education, senior support, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Furthermore, Karen Chen is deeply engaged in community development and philanthropy. As the founding president, she spearheads the Huacao Jinfeng International Community Development Association (JICDA) in Minhang District, Shanghai. This association plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication between Chinese and foreign residents, fostering the integration and development of international communities.

Kenichi Yoshikawa

President and CEO

BRIDGE MULTILINGUAL SOLUTIONS, inc.

Leyla Servet Oner Guncavdi

CEO

Tura Turizm

Mário Ferreira

President & CEO

Mystic Invest

Mario Fuenzalida

Chairman

Cocha Travel

Martin Zanone

Managing Director

Eurotur

Maximiliano Pazo

URBANOVA INMOBILIARIA

Melissa Krueger

CEO

Classic Vacations

Member to be Announced

Entrust

Nadia Zahir Omer

Chief Executive Officer

AirAsia MOVE

Rob Hennin

CEO

nib Travel

Shannon Knapp

President & CEO

The Leading Hotels of the World

Shannon Knapp

President & CEO

The Leading Hotels of the World

Website

Shannon Knapp became the president and chief executive officer of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. in 2019. She is a results-driven, visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience and has been instrumental in spearheading the growth and success of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. For more than a decade, Ms. Knapp has been a driver of innovation and transformative change within The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. She guides nearly 200 global employees and empowers the commercial success of the collection’s more than 400 independent, luxury hotels. Her dedication to excellence and a relentless commitment to independent hotels have firmly established her as a trailblazer within the travel industry. Assuming the position of president and chief executive officer just six months prior to the global pandemic, Ms. Knapp exemplified resilience, humanity and confidence in navigating one of the most devastating disruptions to the travel sector. Under her leadership, Leading Hotels’ members emerged from the crisis stronger than ever, and the Company achieved record-setting revenue in consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. During this pivotal period, she collaborated with her management team to overhaul the Company’s business model, aligning it with the dynamic needs of independent hotels. The strategic shift extends beyond revenue generation and guest acquisition, and encompasses comprehensive hotel operations, IT support, cost saving initiatives, and customer and market insights. Ms. Knapp’s vision enables hoteliers to thrive in the rapidly evolving industry landscape, ensuring their sustained success. Prior to serving as president and chief executive officer at The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Knapp held the position of senior vice president and chief marketing officer for six years. In the role she created a breakthrough brand and data-driven marketing strategy, transformed the customer experience, and accelerated brand loyalty for the more than 90-year-old company. She oversaw the various marketing divisions and was responsible for the redesign and 2018 relaunch of Leading Hotels’ loyalty ecosystem, Leaders Club. Additionally, she built the marketing analytics and customer insights organization to drive a paradigm shift in the use of data to inform marketing strategy, resulting in an increase of marketing efficiency and millions of dollars in incremental revenue. Prior to joining The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Knapp spent 15 years at American Express, most recently serving as vice president of marketing for American Express Travel. In this role, she was responsible for leading U.S. customer acquisition and loyalty marketing, branding and public relations strategies, with global oversight of communications and compliance programs for the multi-billion-dollar global travel organization. She transformed the marketing approach to accelerate lead generation for all distribution channels, delivering an increase in the acquisition of new customers. She also led the strategic marketing program which supported over 40 luxury travel partners. Previously, she was the director of premium cardmember marketing, where she led the development of program marketing and customer experience strategies for Centurion and Platinum Card member travel programs, including Fine Hotels & Resorts, as well as cruise, tour and villa programming. During this engagement she managed strategic partnerships with over 700 luxury travel partners to optimize economics and maximize value for Card members and travel partners. Ms. Knapp received her Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Colgate University where she studied abroad for a semester in Geneva, Switzerland.

Shohreh Abedi

Former Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Technology Officer & Member Experience

AAA - The Auto Club Group

Shohreh Abedi

Former Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Technology Officer & Member Experience

AAA - The Auto Club Group

Website

Shohreh Abedi leads the Member Experience, Technology and Operations organization for The Auto Club Group (ACG) and is responsible and accountable for all member, customer, call center and field support functions. These include membership, direct sales operations, automotive services, customer satisfaction, marketing/brand, information technology, cybersecurity, research and analytics, and travel product and services. With more than 25 years of experience, Shohreh has been privileged to work for and with companies across the financial services, healthcare, retail, defense, technology, and management consulting industries. She has worked through complex matrix global organizations, bridged corporate and regional priorities, built efficiencies, and optimized delivery of transformational initiatives—all in support of business vision and strategy. Shohreh’s passion is to execute on the corporate vision through transformational and innovative strategies targeting profitable growth and operational effectiveness, as well as building and developing the talent that delivers results. She serves as Chair of the Midwest Auto Clubs (MAC) Board, Director for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Board of Trustees, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the Technology and Digital Strategy subcommittee for the AAA Federation. In addition, over the span of her career, she has been published and recognized across multiple industries as one of the top women leaders in operational effectiveness and technology transformations, with awards from such organizations as Celent, Women in Insurance, and NASSCOM.

Suphajee Suthumpun

CEO

Dusit Thani Public Company Limited

Tim Hentschel

CEO

HotelPlanner

Troy Haas

CEO & Chairman

Brownell

Honorary Member

Geoffrey J W Kent

Founder and Co-Chairman

Our Members

Chair

Greg O'Hara

Vice Chair

Andrea Grisdale

Audrey Hendley

Desirée Bollier

Gaurav Bhatnagar

Gibrán Chapur

Gloria Fluxà

Hiroyuki Takahashi

Jane Sun

Jeffrey C Rutledge

Jerry Inzerillo

Manfredi Lefebvre

Matthew Upchurch

Paolo Barletta

Pierfrancesco Vago

William E. Heinecke

Executive Committee

Adam Stewart

Caroline Beteta

Christie Travers-Smith

Christopher J Nassetta

Dillip Rajakarier

Elie Maalouf

Elif Balci Fisunoğlu

Frank R. Rainieri

Greg Schulze

Greg Webb

James Thornton

Jason Liberty

Josh Weinstein

Mark Hoplamazian

Nicolas Huss

Pansy Ho

Paul Griffiths

Peter Muriungi

Phillipa Harrison

Qusai Alfakhri

Sebastian Ebel

Will House

Zhi-gang SU

Zubin Karkaria

Global Member

Adel Ezzat

Andy Duncan

Anthony Capuano

Ayhan Bektas

Brian Chesky

Clement Kwok

Daniel Richards

David Lavorel

Elif Özdemir

Ellen Bettridge

Enrique Jose Sarasola Marulanda

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Liming CHEN

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