.webp?language=en)
Date: 11 May 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has successfully concluded its first-ever Recovery & Leadership Cruise event aboard Crystal Serenity by Crystal Cruises, making history with a landmark gathering of global Travel & Tourism leaders during transit through the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most strategically important trading corridors. Former Presidents, Ministers, CEOs, investors and international policymakers gathered at a defining moment for the sector.
Hosted by the Egyptian Government and sponsored by the Antonio Lefebvre Foundation, Coral Travel Group, Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent, the three-day programme brought together some of the most influential figures in global Travel & Tourism, including WTTC Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara, the Minister for Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt Sherif Fathy, former President of Mexico Felipe Calderón, former President of Argentina Mauricio Macri and the former Prime Minister of Italy Matteo Renzi.
Attending Government representatives included Nick Adams, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism; Harris Whitbeck, the Tourism Minister of Guatemala as well as private sector leaders including Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel; Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Head of Policy at Chase Travel; Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company; Frank Marini, President and CEO of Railbookers; Enrique Ybarra, Founder and CEO of City Sightseeing Worldwide; Richard Attias, Chairman of FII Institute Executive Committee, and the renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.
Set against the backdrop of the Middle East’s continued recovery and renewed global confidence in the region, the WTTC Leadership Cruise served as the first major global platform dedicated to accelerating Travel & Tourism recovery through stronger public-private collaboration.
At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, the event sent a powerful message, that the Middle East remains open, resilient, and central to the future of global Travel & Tourism.
From strategic discussions on rebuilding connectivity, seamless cross-border travel, workforce and talent shortages, and destination stewardship, to high-level conversations on leadership during crisis and the future of high-value tourism, the programme focused on the critical actions required to move from recovery to sustained long-term growth.
The event also placed Egypt firmly at the centre of this global conversation, spotlighting the country’s continued rise as a leading destination and its long-term tourism strategy. Sessions featuring Ahmad Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, alongside renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, reinforced Egypt’s unique position where culture, heritage, and tourism strategy converge to drive sustainable growth.
The transit through the Suez Canal served as a powerful symbol of global connection and resilience, reflecting the sector’s shared commitment to rebuilding trust, restoring traveller confidence, and strengthening international cooperation.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said:
“This event was created to bring global leaders together at a pivotal moment for Travel & Tourism. As we said from the outset, rebuilding trust and confidence requires strong coordination between governments and the private sector. Over these three days, leaders from across the world came together not only to discuss recovery but to define the actions needed to deliver it.
This historic first Leadership Cruise marks an important milestone for WTTC and for the Middle East, reinforcing the region’s role as a driver of global Travel & Tourism growth, resilience, and opportunity.”
Manfredi Lefebvre, WTTC Chairman, said:
“This first-ever WTTC Leadership Cruise represents far more than a historic gathering, it reflects our industry’s determination to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Bringing global leaders together in Egypt, aboard Crystal Serenity and through the Suez Canal, sends a strong signal that Travel & Tourism remains one of the world’s most resilient sectors. Recovery requires leadership, partnership, and long-term vision, and this event demonstrated exactly that.”
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, added:
“It was an honour to participate in the WTTC Leadership Cruise and share Egypt’s vision for the future of tourism. Egypt is combining its extraordinary heritage with innovation, investment, and sustainable development to create diverse, world-class travel experiences. Through strong public-private collaboration and a commitment to seamless connectivity and cultural preservation, we are positioning Egypt as the unmatched diversity leading global destination for the next generation of travellers. WTTC continues to play an important role in shaping a more resilient and connected future for global tourism.”
Throughout the programme, discussions consistently returned to the same message first outlined at launch: recovery must be built on resilience, rebuilding trust, and restoring confidence.
The WTTC Leadership Cruise has now established a new platform for that mission - proving that in times of uncertainty, leadership and collaboration remain the most powerful drivers of progress.
As the sector looks ahead to the next decade of transformation, the event leaves behind not only a successful first edition, but a renewed sense of confidence that Travel & Tourism can continue to lead economic recovery, create jobs, and strengthen global stability.
The first-ever WTTC Leadership Cruise has concluded and, in doing so, has made history.
- ENDS -
For more information about WTTC, please visit wttc.org
For media enquiries, contact Paul Charles / Philip Allport / Rob Morris via [email protected]
About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector. Members include more than 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world’s leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies and industries.
For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to maximising the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster peace, security, and understanding in our world.