Formal Invitation for H.E. Erkki Keldo

Theme: Redefining Tourism in a Changing World DAY 1 : SUNDAY, October 19, 2025 19:00 - 22:00 Welcome Dinner (WTFI members, ministers, and heads of delegations) An exclusive evening gathering to welcome World Tourism Forum Institute members, ministers, and heads of delegations to Brussels. The Welcome Dinner will offer a refined setting for high-level networking, cultural exchange, and informal dialogue among global tourism leaders, fostering meaningful connections ahead of the main forum sessions. Location: Rocco Forte Amigo Hotel DAY 2: Monday, October 20, 2025 08:30 - 10:00 Registration 09:00 - 09:30 Opening of Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 The Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 will commence with a prestigious opening session that sets the tone for two days of high-level dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. Featuring welcome remarks from distinguished global leaders and forum executives, the session will highlight the Forum’s vision for reshaping global tourism through investment, sustainability, and strategic cooperation. Updated: 08.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony A ceremonial ribbon-cutting will mark the official launch of the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025. This symbolic moment, led by heads of state, ministers, and industry pioneers, will signify the beginning of a landmark gathering that brings together global stakeholders to shape the future of tourism. 10:00 - 11:00 Opening Speech The Opening Speech will be delivered by a distinguished keynote speaker, setting the strategic direction and tone for the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025. Addressing the global challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector, the speech will emphasize themes of sustainability, investment, innovation, and international cooperation—laying the foundation for impactful discussions throughout the forum. 11:00 - 12:00 Presidential Session The Presidential Session will bring together heads of state and government leaders to share visionary perspectives on the future of global tourism. This high-level dialogue will explore tourism's role in national development, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable economic transformation. The session will serve as a platform for unveiling strategic initiatives and fostering political will to advance tourism as a key pillar of global prosperity. 12:00 - 12:30 Leading the Future of Tourism: Insights from the Top This flagship session will feature prominent CEOs, ministers, and visionary leaders who are shaping the global tourism agenda. Through bold insights and forward-looking strategies, panelists will explore emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and the evolving expectations of travelers. As industry trailblazers, they will discuss how leadership, innovation, and resilience are driving tourism into a new era of sustainable and inclusive growth. 12:30 - 13:00 TechFront:AI & Tourism – The $500 Billion Transformation Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the global tourism landscape, unlocking new value chains and redefining traveler experiences. This cutting-edge session will explore how AI is driving a $500 billion transformation across travel platforms, hospitality, mobility, and customer service. Industry innovators, tech leaders, and policymakers will discuss the opportunities, ethical considerations, and investment potential of AI-powered tourism—from predictive analytics to virtual assistants and beyond. Updated: 08.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute 13:00 - 13:30 Global Leadership for a New Tourism Economy In an era of economic realignment and shifting global priorities, this session convenes influential leaders from government, business, and international institutions to chart the course for a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven tourism economy. Panelists will address the strategic role of tourism in national growth, climate action, digital transformation, and job creation—highlighting how bold leadership can turn global challenges into transformative opportunities. 13:30-14:00 Sky Horizons: The Future of Aviation & Ultra-Long Haul Travel As aviation technology pushes the boundaries of distance and efficiency, this session explores the next frontier of global connectivity—ultra-long haul travel. Industry leaders, airline executives, and futurists will discuss innovations in aircraft design, sustainability in long-distance routes, passenger experience enhancements, and the geopolitical and economic impacts of a world more closely connected than ever before. The skies are not the limit—they’re just the beginning. 14:00-14:30 Women in Tourism: Empowering Leadership for a More Inclusive Future This session celebrates the vital contributions of women in the global tourism industry and highlights the path toward greater gender equity in leadership. Influential women from government, business, and civil society will share stories of resilience, innovation, and impact—offering actionable insights on how to break barriers, inspire the next generation, and build a more inclusive and sustainable tourism economy. 14:30-14:50 Keynote Speech 14:50-15:20 CEO Boardroom An exclusive closed-door session gathering top executives from leading tourism, hospitality, and investment companies. The CEO Boardroom provides a strategic platform for candid discussions on global trends, risk management, cross-sector collaboration, and future growth opportunities. Designed for decision-makers, this session fosters trust-based dialogue and actionable partnerships to shape the future of the global tourism economy. 15:20-15:50 Airports 2030: Hubs of the Future (Fireside chat) This intimate fireside chat will explore how the world’s airports are evolving into multifunctional smart hubs that drive connectivity, innovation, and sustainability. Industry leaders and visionary architects will discuss the transformation of airports into lifestyle destinations—integrating digital Updated: 08.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute technologies, green infrastructure, seamless passenger experiences, and commercial ecosystems. The session will offer a bold look at how airports will define the next decade of global mobility. 15:50 - 16:20 Tourism in the New World Order: Geopolitics, Power Shifts & Emerging Blocs As global power dynamics evolve and new geopolitical alliances emerge, the tourism sector must navigate a rapidly shifting landscape. This thought-provoking session will examine how changing international relations, trade policies, and regional blocs are reshaping travel flows, investment priorities, and tourism diplomacy. Experts and policymakers will explore strategic responses and the role of tourism in fostering global understanding in an increasingly multipolar world. 16:00 -16:30 Connecting the World: Airlines as Engines of Growth Airlines are more than just transportation providers—they are strategic drivers of economic development, trade, tourism, and global integration. This session will bring together aviation executives, policymakers, and infrastructure leaders to explore how airlines fuel regional connectivity, unlock investment, and catalyze growth in emerging and mature markets alike. Discussions will also address sustainability, airspace modernization, and future-ready fleet strategies. 20:00 - 23:00 World Tourism Awards The World Tourism Awards is the pinnacle celebration of excellence across the global tourism industry. Honoring trailblazing destinations, companies, innovations, and individuals, the ceremony recognizes those who are redefining travel through sustainability, creativity, and impact. Held during the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025, this red-carpet event will spotlight the top 100 performers shaping the future of tourism on a global scale. Location: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Brussels DAY 3: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 10:00 - 10:30 NextGen Policy Lab: Innovations in Public-Private Partnerships This forward-looking session brings together policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders to explore the next generation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in tourism. As global challenges demand collaborative solutions, the Policy Lab will showcase innovative frameworks, financing models, and governance strategies that are unlocking transformative tourism infrastructure and destination development. A must-attend for those shaping the policy-finance nexus in the tourism economy. Updated: 08.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute 10:30 - 11:00 Destination 2050: Smart Cities & the Future of Place-Making As cities evolve into dynamic hubs of technology, culture, and sustainability, the tourism industry must rethink how places are designed, experienced, and governed. This session will spotlight the intersection of smart infrastructure, data-driven planning, and human-centered design in creating next- generation destinations. Urban leaders, architects, and tech pioneers will explore how intelligent place- making can drive tourism, enhance livability, and shape the cities of tomorrow. Global Ministers’ Summit — Regional Roadmaps to 2030 Tourism ministers from around the world will convene for a high-level summit to present their regional visions, policies, and strategies leading to 2030. This session will explore how nations are aligning tourism with broader development goals—from climate resilience and digital transformation to inclusive growth and cross-border collaboration. The summit serves as a platform for shared learning, diplomatic engagement, and coordinated action to shape the global tourism landscape of the next decade. 11:00 - 11:30 Asia Rising: Digital Pioneers, Smart Destinations & Innovation-Driven Growth 11:30 - 12:00 Africa Ascending: Tourism for Infrastructure, Youth Employment & Investment 12:00 - 12:30 The Americas Reset: Resilient Tourism, Cultural Power & Inclusive Growth 12:30 - 13:00 Europe Reimagined: Heritage Meets High-Tech – Leading the Tourism Transformation 13:00 - 13:30 Inspiration Keynote: Building Legacies in Tourism This powerful keynote will celebrate the individuals and visions that have left a lasting mark on the tourism industry. Delivered by a renowned global changemaker, the session will explore how leadership, purpose, and perseverance can transform destinations and empower communities. More than success stories, it’s about creating impact that transcends generations—reminding us that tourism is not just about places, but about legacies. 14:30 - 15:00 Beyond Earth: Space Tourism & the Commercial Frontier As space tourism moves from science fiction to commercial reality, a new frontier of travel is emerging. This session will explore the rise of private spaceflight, orbital hotels, suborbital experiences, and the infrastructure needed to support extraterrestrial tourism. Visionary entrepreneurs, aerospace pioneers, and futurists will discuss how space travel is redefining the boundaries of exploration—and what it means for the future of global tourism and humanity itself. Updated: 08.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute 15:00 - 15:30 Tourism Titans This premier session features the most influential figures in global tourism—visionary CEOs, investors, and pioneers who are reshaping the industry. With decades of leadership and bold decision- making behind them, these titans will share game-changing strategies, lessons from navigating crises, and predictions for the future of travel. A rare opportunity to hear from the minds behind the world’s most successful tourism empires. 15:30 - 16:00 Capital Connect: Private Equity & Sovereign Wealth Funds in Hospitality This strategic session delves into the evolving role of private equity and sovereign wealth funds in shaping the global hospitality landscape. Key investors, fund managers, and hospitality leaders will examine capital flows, risk-return expectations, and the emerging investment opportunities across hotels, resorts, and tourism infrastructure. A behind-the-scenes look at how institutional capital is redefining growth, innovation, and value creation in the tourism economy. 16:00 - 16:30 New Media & Destination Dynamics: Shaping Travel Through Influence In today’s digital-first world, content creators, influencers, and social platforms are powerful forces shaping travel decisions and destination branding. This session will explore how new media is transforming the tourism landscape—driving visibility, redefining storytelling, and influencing traveler behavior at scale. Industry leaders and digital strategists will reveal how destinations can harness this momentum to build authentic connections and global appeal. 20:00 - 24:00 VIP Dinner ( Members Only) Location: Corinthia Brussels Updated: 08.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute Saatja: "Yagmur KUTLUER" <[email protected]> Saaja: "info - MKM" <[email protected]> Teema: Formal Invitation for H.E. Erkki Keldo to Speak– Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025 Kuupäev: 2025-08-26 09:08 Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. Dear Sir/Madam, On behalf of Mr. Bulut Bağcı, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), please find attached a formal invitation letter addressed to His Excellency Erkki Keldo - Minister of Economy and Industry of the Republic of Estonia to participate as a Distinguished Speaker at the Global Ministers’ Summit during the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025, taking place on 20–21 October 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. We would be grateful if your esteemed office could kindly ensure that this invitation is forwarded to His Excellency and advise us on the next steps regarding his participation. I am also pleased to share that Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the newly elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 mandate, has already confirmed her participation, alongside other global leaders, which will further enrich this high-level dialogue. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Our team remains at your full disposal. With my highest regards -- <https://d36urhup7zbd7q.cloudfront.net/c2aa1781-fd66-4ffa-bccf-b2af19a9ce76/EkranResmi20200512192913.format_png.resize_200x.png#logo> Yağmur BAĞCI WORLD TOURISM FORUM INSTITUTE. Mobile: +9 <tel:Mobile:++905308268875> 71 55 751 3017 | [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> www.worldtourismforum.net <http://www.worldtourismforum.net/> Add:District - Business Bay - 406-A TOWER The Opus by Omniyat - Burj Khalifa Blvd - Dubai, UAE Protocol and Speaker List Head of State 1. Félix Tshisekedi – President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) United Nations and International Secretaries-General 2. Shaikha Al Nowais – Secretary General, United Nations Tourism 3. Kuban Omuraliev – Secretary General, Organization of Turkic States Regional / International Organization Leaders 4. Apostolos Tzitzikostas – Commissioner for Tourism and Transport, European Union * 5. Eduardo Pedrosa – Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat 6. Sergio Guerreiro – Chairman, Tourism Committee, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 7. Shamsah Fatima Dhala – Global Manager, Tourism Retail and Property, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group *confirmation waiting Updated: 18.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute Government Ministers / State Officials 8. Hannatu Musa Musawa – Minister of Tourism and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria 9. Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie – Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Republic of Ghana 10. Hon. Marcio de Jesus Lopez – Minister of Tourism, Republic of Angola 11. Fredson Bacar – Secretary of State of Tourism, Ministry of Economy, Republic of Mozambique Royal Family Members 12. Mana Al-Maktoum – UAE Royal Family National Tourism Authorities / CEOs 13. Angela Gerekou – President, Greek National Tourism Organization, Hellenic Republic (Greece) 14. Arnar Már Ólafsson – Director General, Icelandic Tourist Board, Republic of Iceland 15. Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger – CEO, Austria Tourism, Republic of Austria 16. Susanne Andersson – CEO, Visit Sweden, Kingdom of Sweden 17. Sabine Wendt – CEO, Visit Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany 18. Martina Bienenfeld – CEO, Zagreb Tourist Board, Republic of Croatia 19. Anouk van Vekkelen – Netherlands Board of Tourism, Kingdom of the Netherlands 20. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi – CEO, Visit Qatar, State of Qatar 21. Fuad Naghiyev – Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, Republic of Azerbaijan 22. Grigoris Konstantellos, CEO of Aria Wings and Mayor of Vari – Voula – Vouliagmeni Former Ministers / Former International Officials 23. Dimitris Avramopoulos – Former European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, European Union / Hellenic Republic (Greece) 24. Abulfas Garayev – Minister of Culture and Tourism (2006–2018), Republic of Azerbaijan Updated: 18.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute  25. Ambassador Michael B. Christides – Secretary General (2015–2021), Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Hellenic Republic (Greece) 26. Najib Balala – Former Minister of Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya 27. H.E. Hugues Mbadinga Madiya – Minister of Investment Promotion, Public-Private Partnerships, and Business Climate Improvement (2019–2023), Gabonese Republic (Gabon) 28. Gloria Guevara – Former Secretary of Tourism, United Mexican States (Mexico); Former President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Private Sector Leaders 29. Jean-Jacques Morin – Group Deputy CEO, Accor Hotels Group 30. Federico J. González – CEO, Radisson Hotel Group 31. Paul Griffiths – CEO, Dubai Airports 32. Selahattin Bilgen – CEO, Istanbul Airport 33. Abid Butt – Group Chief Executive Officer, Assets Group 34. Alexander Schneider – COO, Sani/Ikos Group 35. Jeremy Jauncey – Founder & CEO, Beautiful Destinations 36. Justin Reid – Senior Director of Media, Destinations, Hotels and Growth, Tripadvisor 37. Hala Matar Choufany – President, HVS Middle East, Africa and South Asia 38. Salman Gasim – CEO, Swiss Hospitality Company & Vice President, Saudi European Central Western Business Council 39. Senthil Gopinath – CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 40. Martin Boyle – CEO, AIPCO 41. Sissi Lignou – President, AIPCO 42. Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz – Member of Executive Board, Turkish Airlines 43. Wael Joujou – Founder & CEO, V-Marine 44. Dagon Ronen – Chairman, Compass and Resonai 45. José Carlos Díez Gangas – Economist 46. Ylka Reiss - Vice President of Strategic Alliances - iD Tech 47. Emil Alon - CTO – Resonai 48. Mohammad Siam - CEO - Office Al Maktoum 49. Luca Zambello - CEO – Jurny 50. Mahmood Abdulla, LinkedIn Global Emirati Voice – Influencer 51. Weynand Kuijpers-Co-Founder and CTO of Skipr Technologies Updated: 18.08.2025 World Tourism Forum Institute London, August 26th, 2025 His Excellency Erkki Keldo Minister of Economy and Industry Republic of Estonia Your Excellency, On behalf of the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), it is my great honor to extend to you an invitation to join us as a Distinguished Speaker at the Global Ministers’ Summit during the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025, taking place 20–21 October 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. The Summit session, “Europe Reimagined: Heritage Meets High-Tech – Leading the Tourism Transformation”, will convene tourism ministers from across the region to exchange strategic perspectives on building resilience, harnessing cultural power, and fostering inclusive growth in the tourism sector by 2030. In recognition of your leadership in advancing Republic of Estonia’s tourism sector, strengthening resilience, and positioning Republic of Estonia as a cultural and economic powerhouse in the global tourism landscape, we believe your insights would add exceptional value to this strategic dialogue. I am also pleased to share that Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, the newly elected Secretary-General of UN Tourism for the 2026–2029 mandate, has already confirmed her participation at the pretigous event, which will further enrich this high-level dialogue. The Annual Meeting 2025, themed “Redefining Tourism in a Changing World”, is the flagship event of World Travel Week in Brussels, bringing together Heads of State, Ministers, policymakers, investors, and global industry leaders to shape the future of tourism in this era of transformation. You may find the tentative agenda and event details here: 🔗 https://globaltourismforum.org We would be deeply honored by your participation and would greatly appreciate confirmation of your availability at your earliest convenience. Should your office require any further information, our team remains at your full disposal. With the highest consideration and respect, Bulut BAGCI President, World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) London, United Kingdom World Tourism Forum Institute 284 Chase Road Block A 2nd Floor, Chase Road, London, London, United Kingdom England, N14 6HF