The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that John Kerry, the United States’ 68th secretary of state, will headline the 2024 WTTC Global Summit in Australia this October.

Kerry is a best-selling author and he received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year for his lifetime commitment to public service. Likewise, he became the first special presidential envoy for climate in 2021, as well as the first principal to sit on the US National Security Council solely focused on climate issues.

WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson remarked that Kerry’s insights will inspire the global travel industry as it seeks to develop innovative solutions that balance economic growth with everyone’s responsibility to protect the Earth. 

Simpson said: “We are honoured to welcome secretary John Kerry as a keynote speaker at our Global Summit in Perth. His unparalleled experience and dedication to tackling climate change and global challenges align perfectly with our mission to drive a more sustainable and resilient future for the travel and tourism sector.”

WTTC’s Global Summit brings in industry leaders and government representatives from around the world, providing a valuable venue where they can collaborate on strategies that ensure the continued growth and sustainability of global travel and tourism

Aside from Kerry, Australian conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin will also take to the stage in Perth. As a wildlife warrior, Irwin is also a producer, author and photographer, and renowned around the world for his advocacy for the natural world.