TUI Boss to Address UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit on Safe and Seamless Travel

Fritz Joussen, TUI Group’s chief executive.

Fritz Joussen, the new chief executive at travel giant TUI Group, will make the opening address at the UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market London 2016.

Mr Joussen will speak to an audience of around 100 tourism ministers and senior industry executives from across the globe at the high-profile event, which will celebrate its tenth edition at WTM London 2016.

“I’m delighted to have such an industry heavyweight as Fritz Joussen to address the UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit”, WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said. “In previous years, the summits have offered insights into issues such as social media, branding and the legacy of ‘mega-events’ such as the World Cup and Olympics”, Mr Press said.

Simon Press, World Travel Market.

The 2016 summit will aim to tackle the vital matter of traveller safety, looking at terrorism and other problems facing the industry, ranging from volcanic ash clouds to floods and earthquakes.

“But we’ll also discuss ways to make travel more seamless, smoothing the way for travellers across the globe”, Mr Press said, adding that WTM London is the only forum offering so many ministers and experts a platform to discuss the big issues affecting the global tourism business.

Mr Joussen will outline to ministers how TUI is dealing the challenges of security in its operations and open a key debate on how public and private sector can promote a safer and more seamless travel experience.

Taking place on Wednesday 9 November, the summit organised by WTM and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will be part of WTM London’s Ministerial Programme.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai

“Safety and security in all its aspects is a global challenge that can only be addressed through collective action and a global response”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“Public and private sectors must plan, work, communicate, and respond together. Stepping up cooperation between the industry and governments is fundamental to enhance security and advance travel facilitation”, Mr Rifai added.

Acccording to WTM organizers, TUI’s Joussen is well placed to outline the case for the travel industry to a high-level delegation of tourism ministers.

TUI is the world’s number one integrated tourism group, employing 76,000 people in more than 100 countries. It has iconic tour operator brands such as Thomson; 300 group-owned hotels and clubs; six European airlines; and three cruise lines operating 13 ships. Based in Germany, its shares are listed in the London Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. In financial year 2014-15, the group generated turnover of more than €20 billion.

Joussen took over as sole chief executive of TUI Group in February, ending a period of joint leadership with Peter Long which followed TUI Travel’s merger with German-based TUI in 2014. With a background in the mobile phone industry, he ran Vodafone Germany from 2005 to 2012, giving him insight into the world of online and mobile transactions.

WTM London 2016 will be revamped as a three-day event and run November 7-9 with opening hours extended from 10am – 7pm for all three days.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London 2016.