More than 1,000 industry and government leaders, from over 75 countries worldwide, gathered in Dubai for the Global Travel & Tourism Summit to address the responsibilities that the sector should exercise as its global influences increases.

At the special welcome address Khalid bin Sulayem, Director General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said "As the success of Dubai has demonstrated, Travel & Tourism can be a factor for growth, for jobs, for trade, for positive change - and above all, for understanding. We know, too, that this potential puts Travel & Tourism in a powerful position of influence right around the world. We are consequently very glad to welcome the participants to this Global Summit."

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Summit will be the travel industries' most significant public/ private partnership comprising DTCM, Emirates Group, Jumeirah Group and Nakheel.

Expressing his appreciation to the Dubai government and the Summit Patrons for their support in realising the Summit in Dubai, Jean-Claude Baumgarten President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlighted the importance of this year's Summit "While the industry's growth is positive, without adequate planning, investment and responsible development these opportunities could be undermined and this industry's full potential could be limited. The spotlight now turns to you as participants and guests to use the springboard that this meetings offers, for debate, for exchange and for building new relations together on how far we as an industry have come until today and on how we should develop tomorrow."

Under the theme of World Citizens, the Summit format of The Round will facilitate an open exchange of ideas aimed at informing and inspiring individuals, businesses and governments along a path which will guide them in acting as responsible global citizens in a rapidly evolving world and more importantly with renewed energy and commitment.

The chief deliverable from the Summit will be a maximal agreement on the priority areas for responsible Travel & Tourism for industry, host communities, governments and for travellers - each playing a vital role as global citizens.

Key messages will be listed from one session to the next to ensure a clear, coherent and constructive line towards attaining the overall aims demonstrating how challenges can be met through shared partnerships, innovation and creativity. It should result in a list of where industry and governments can constructively influence planning, investment, education, development and the actual practice of Travel & Tourism.