The World Travel & Tourism Council has announced the appointment of a series of ambassadors as it seeks to build its operation at a regional level.
Gerald Lawless, the former chief executive of Jumeriah and a past chairman of WTTC, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, a former WTTC president, Michael Frenzel, former chief executive of TUI, Christopher Rodrigues, chair of the British Council, and Kathleen Matthews, former chief of global communications and public affairs officer at Marriott International, have all stepped into the role.
The ambassador programme identifies global travel industry leaders with proven records of success in key markets to work alongside WTTC, bringing strong experience from careers in the tourism industry.
Selected by Christopher Nassetta, chairman of the WTTC and chief executive of Hilton, and Gloria Guevara, WTTC chief executive, the ambassadors will work closely with the organisation to expand its presence, voice, and influence in key markets.
The WTTC is the body which represents the tourism private sector globally.
WTTC has a history of 25 years of research to quantify the economic impact of tourism in 185 countries.