World Travel & Tourism Council Suez Canal cruise to focus on Middle East recovery

Travel leaders will meet aboard Crystal Serenity to discuss Middle East recovery during a Suez Canal transit in May.

Senior figures from across the global travel and tourism sector are set to convene aboard Crystal Serenity for a three-day leadership forum focused on recovery in the Middle East, as the industry continues to assess the impact of recent geopolitical tensions on regional travel flows.

The event, organised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and hosted by the Egyptian government, will take place during a transit of the Suez Canal in early May.

Ministers and policymakers from markets including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Latin America, and Europe are expected to attend, alongside senior industry executives.

The gathering comes at a time when cruise lines and wider travel operators are adjusting deployment and capacity in response to recent disruption linked to the US-Iran conflict, which has affected maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and prompted itinerary changes across the region.

“At a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East, the WTTC gathering sends a clear signal of confidence in the region and reinforces the sector’s role as a driver of stability and economic growth,” the WTTC said.

“Discussions will directly address the impact of current challenges, with a dedicated strategic roundtable on policies to accelerate recovery in the Middle East, reflecting the urgency of coordinated action across both public and private sectors,” it added.

The agenda is expected to cover a range of topics beyond immediate recovery, including workforce and talent shortages, cross-border travel frameworks, high-value tourism, and destination management. These issues are being examined within the context of longer-term growth, as destinations seek to rebuild demand while maintaining operational resilience.

“Set against the transit of the Suez Canal, this initiative represents more than a high-level gathering,” the WTTC added. “It reflects a collective commitment from across the global travel and tourism sector to move forward with confidence, strengthen international cooperation, and shape a more resilient and sustainable future for the industry through unified global action.”

Egypt’s tourism strategy will also form part of the programme, with a dedicated session outlining investment priorities and long-term positioning. The country has continued to expand its role as a regional tourism hub, supported by infrastructure development and its geographic position linking Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

“While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are impacting travel flows worldwide, our research shows that travel and tourism is one of the most resilient sectors, capable of recovering quickly when there is strong coordination between governments and the private sector,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO, WTTC. “This event represents the first major global platform dedicated to recovery, bringing together governments and industry leaders to accelerate progress and unlock opportunities worldwide.”

“The focus now is on accelerating recovery and ensuring long-term, sustainable growth,” she said. “This requires continued collaboration, investment, and clear leadership to support destinations and unlock the full potential of travel and tourism in the years ahead.”

Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman, WTTC, said the location of the event underlined the sector’s continued engagement with the region. “Egypt remains one of the world’s most compelling destinations and a perfect one to host this WTTC leadership cruise,” he said. “As industry leaders, it is our duty to move forward with confidence and clarity, continuing to champion the sector’s unique appeal.”

“Hosting this event aboard the Crystal Serenity reflects our unwavering belief in the resilience of travel and tourism and underscores the vital importance of sustained partnership and investment in shaping the future of our sector,” Lefebvre added.

The use of a cruise vessel as the setting for the forum reflects the continued intersection between maritime operations and wider tourism policy, particularly in regions where shipping routes and cruise deployment are closely linked to broader travel dynamics.