Co-operative Travel Group managing director Mike Greenacre will lead a stellar line up of private sector speakers at the annual World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry.

This year’s summit is poised to be the largest ever with more than 150 ministers and senior aides attending. For the first time, the summit will conclude with a Statement of Intent outlining the future direction of the travel and tourism industry. Greenacre’s, and the other private sector leaders’, thoughts and opinions will play a key role in shaping the Statement of Intent.

The 2010 Ministers’ Summit takes place on Tuesday, November 9 and is entitled – Shaping a Stronger Travel and Tourism Industry – Governance and business models for the future – and it will agree on the plan and direction for the industry over the next 12 months.

The well-respected Greenacre will share his thoughts during the summit’s main panel debate on the three key issues challenging the sector; these include:

- Mainstreaming Tourism in the Political and Economic Agendas

- Creating a Competitive Framework for Tourism Development

- Climate Change and the Green Economy

Greenacre follows in the footsteps of other senior industry leaders including Thomas Cook’s Peter Long and Thomas Cook Group chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa, who took part in last year’s debate.

Greenacre will share his experiences and best practices on future business models and public policies.

World Travel and Tourism Council president Jean-Claude Baumgarten is also taking part in this key panel debate. Other private sector leaders taking part include Australian travel industry body TTF managing director Christopher Brown.

“The Ministers’ Summit is a great vehicle for the public and private travel sector leaders to meet together and debate some of the key issues facing the industry. I am honored to be a part of the summit and look forward to sharing my thoughts, opinions, and experiences to help shape the industry and move things forward,” explained Greenacre.

World Travel Market chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “I am delighted Mike will be taking part in this year's UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market.

“Mike is one of the most well-respected leaders in the industry, and his input will be invaluable in shaping the direction of the world’s tourism ministers for the next 12 months.”

The fourth annual UNWTO Ministers’ Summit will be held at ExCeL–London, followed by an official press conference presenting the main conclusions and outcomes of the summit.

Also for the first time this year, World Travel Market, supported by the UNWTO, will host the WTM Ministerial Evening at the prestigious St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. The exclusive evening will host tourism ministers and senior aides from around the world.