Increasingly in today's world, influences from economic, political, environmental and social changes routinely interact at international level, determining the environment in which everyone has to operate. So a mature sector such as Travel & Tourism obviously needs to take this into account in its own planning and policy development.

For this reason, the Global Travel & Tourism Summit of the World  Travel & Tourism Council which takes place from 20-22 April in Dubai, is delighted to welcome as a keynote speaker Professor Norbert Walter, Chief Economist at Deutsche Bank, and CEO of Deutsche Bank Research, who will set the scene for the session 'Global Perspectives - Changing Priorities', specifically addressing the key issues of the current economic debate: sub-prime, recession and the credit crunch. All these issues clearly pose major challenges to the Travel & Tourism and related industries.

Professor Walter, a member of the Deutsche Bank 'Think Tank', which covers a wide spectrum of issues ranging from economic forecasting to country rating and sector analysis, is also a member of the Committee of Wise Men on the Regulation of European Securities Markets - the 'Lamfalussy Group' - and he was a close adviser to Gerhard Schröder's government.

The panel discussion following Professor Walter's presentation will comprise leading business and political leaders from around the world, who will debate the implications of his pronouncements, focusing particularly on the impact on the Travel & Tourism industry.

Panellists include:

• HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
• Christopher Dickey, Paris Bureau Chief and Middle East Regional Editor, Newsweek
• Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Arthur de Haast, Global CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels
• Jabu Mabuza, Chairman, South Africa Tourism, CEO Tsogo Sun and CEO, Southern Sun Hotels

The main objective of the session, which is expected to involve a lively debate with the participation of delegates in the audience, will be to identify the principal global trends in 2008 and beyond that might constrain the industry's potential for growth, sustainability and responsibility. It will also examine the main impacts on Travel & Tourism, such as the pressures from climate change, population growth, wider inequalities, cultural tensions, political instability, financial market volatility, and increased competition for land, water, food and energy.