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Date: 8 October 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today celebrated six of its former Chairs through its Senator Recognition Programme, honouring the leaders whose stewardship helped strengthen the private sector's single voice with governments and elevate the standing of Travel & Tourism on the global stage.
Recognised during WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Malta, the Senators represent a distinguished group of industry leaders whose vision, advocacy and commitment have helped shape the Council's development and influence over many years.
Launched in Rome in 2025, the WTTC Senate was established to recognise former Chairs whose leadership has left a lasting impact on both the organisation and the wider Travel & Tourism sector. Through their continued engagement and support, WTTC Senators help preserve the Council's institutional knowledge while reinforcing its mission and long-term vision.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: "WTTC's former Chairs have each played a pivotal role in strengthening our organisation and advancing the interests of the global Travel & Tourism sector. Their leadership helped build the foundation on which WTTC continues to thrive today. The Senate recognises their remarkable contribution and ensures their experience and insight remain an important part of our future."
Over the years, WTTC's Chairs have helped establish Travel & Tourism as one of the world's most important economic sectors, championing closer public-private collaboration, advancing policy priorities and ensuring the industry speaks with a stronger, more unified voice.
The six WTTC Senators recognised this year represent decades of leadership across some of the world's most influential travel and tourism businesses.
They include:
Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton, WTTC Chair from 2018 to 2021
Geoffrey J. W. Kent, Abercrombie & Kent, WTTC Chair from 2007 to 2012
Dr Michael Frenzel, TUI, WTTC Chair from 2012 to 2016
Gerald Lawless, Jumeirah Group, WTTC Chair from 2016 to 2018
Arnold Donald, Carnival Corporation, WTTC Chair from 2021 to 2023
Greg O'Hara, Certares, WTTC Chair from 2023 to 2025
Together, these leaders guided WTTC through periods of transformation, growth and unprecedented challenges for the sector, helping strengthen the organisation's role as the global voice of the private Travel & Tourism sector.
Their leadership contributed to expanding WTTC's influence with governments and international institutions, advancing research and advocacy efforts, and reinforcing the importance of Travel & Tourism as a driver of jobs, economic growth and prosperity around the world.
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For more information about WTTC, please visit wttc.org
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About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global body representing the private sector of Travel & Tourism and the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms and destinations, spanning every major region globally.
WTTC works to advance sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by driving collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the sector’s economic impact worldwide.