G20's Recovery Plan

Since the start of the pandemic and to help the sector recovery, we have been working with Governments to reopen the sector not only to save millions of jobs but also to recover the millions of GDP that have been lost.

During their G20 Chairmanship, Saudi Arabia requested the collaboration of the Travel & Tourism private sector in developing a path to recovery. In response, WTTC’s Members developed and presented a concrete plan aimed at restarting international travel.

During the event, WTTC emphasised the importance of public and private sector collaboration to speed recovery. The CEOs and international organisations that attended the meeting spoke on the importance of resuming international travel, which is key for global economic recovery.

Attendees highlighted the importance of coordinated testing programmes and protocols at departure points as the solution to regain consumer confidence and recover millions of jobs. There was also support for international corridors, such as London-New York, to boost international travel.

Quotation marks

Be in no doubt; Covid-19 has led to the worst crisis in the history of commercial global aviation. To ensure the industry’s survival we are calling for a common global approach to testing and the creation of regional air corridors so that we can get more flights back in the air, and the global economy moving, as soon as possible. Governments must act fast and work together before it’s too late.

Alex Cruz

Chairman and Chief Executive, British Airways

Quotation marks

It is critical that governments and industry work together to safely re-open borders with systematic COVID-19 testing. Some 46 million jobs are at risk. The historic participation of industry in this G-20 summit is a good start to the government-industry partnership that will be needed to revive the travel and tourism economy on which 10% of global GDP depends.”

Alexandre de Juniac

Director General and CEO, IATA

Quotation marks

It was an honour to have the opportunity to speak at this important event. The travel and tourism sector has been a major driver in global economic growth over the last 5 years and it is imperative that we all work together to restart international travel in a safe and efficient manner.

Arnold Donald

North American Vice-Chair and President & CEO, Carnival Corporation

Quotation marks

In the midst of one of the greatest challenges that our global economy and society has ever faced, I’m heartened that governments around the world are taking a particular interest in our sector. Our sector is uniquely important to both economic productivity and personal wellbeing and we are suffering disproportionately. There are many data points thus far that should serve to encourage people to return to life and travel as we knew it. We need global governments’ assistance to re-install traveler confidence by communicating information clearly and objectively.

Greg O'Hara

Founder and Managing Partner, Certares

Quotation marks

Travel is a resilient industry, and a fundamental part of so many of our lives. I am delighted that everyone is coming together to not only discuss about the industry but to also share our passion for travel. The current trends we’ve observed in the China market are encouraging, and we are confident that coupled with the guarantees, measures and innovations we’ve introduced, we’ll continue to see promising growth and new heights for the industry in the near future.

Jane Sun

CEO & Director

Quotation marks

We are currently going through an extraordinary time which has revealed the need for an evolution of public-private collaboration. Communication must be improved, and we need to define clear commitments that will allow us to go through this crisis with the least impact on employment and the tourism economy. Today's meeting between the G20 and 45 CEOs of the tourism industry is a historic milestone. International collaboration is essential to return to business and to strengthen the social, economic and environmental sustainability of our companies.

Sabina Fluxà Thienemann

Vice-Chairman & CEO, Iberostar

Quotation marks

I am deeply grateful to have attended such a conference and had the opportunity to work together for recovery. What is required of us now is to provide safe and secure travel and to realize a society in which travelers and residents can coexist. I would like to make an effort to realise it.

Tadashi Fujita

Representative Director, Executive President, Japan Airlines

The Recovery Plan

100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan

WTTC Global Summit 2021 G20 Sessions

During the WTTC Global Summit 2021 in Cancun, Mexico, the Recovery Plan was discussed and Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, discussed what was accomplished under the Kingdom’s leadership of the G20 and what more needs to be done to enable the sector’s recovery.