30/10/2006

London - 30 October 2006 - The World Travel & Tourism Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Geoffrey Kent, Chairman & CEO, Abercrombie & Kent as Chairman of WTTC. Effective January 1, 2007, Mr Kent will take over the chairmanship from Vincent Wolfington , who will be stepping down after his two year tenure.

On behalf of all the Members, WTTC would like to thank Mr Wolfington, who has been a supportive Member of the Council since 1994 and was previously WTTC's Vice Chairman for Membership as well as a longstanding Member of the Executive Committee.

Mr Wolfington launched the 6th Global Travel & Tourism Summit held in Washington DC in April 2006 and played a pivotal role, as Chairman of the US Host Committee, in the success of this world gathering, at which four US Cabinet Secretaries addressed 700 Travel & Tourism leaders from across the world. During his tenure the industry has been marked by profound changes. After three turbulent years, global growth and the emergence of new markets and new destinations are driving the Travel & Tourism industry to new heights.

Geoffrey Kent is an internationally renowned entrepreneur who founded and built Abercrombie & Kent into a world recognised brand. Mr Wolfington stated, "Geoffrey's succession to the WTTC chairmanship comes at a time when WTTC is widening its activities worldwide. His leadership and extraordinary lifetime of experience, innovation and genuine passion for the industry will help WTTC attain a higher level of recognition for the Travel & Tourism industry's full social and economic potential."

WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten said, "Geoffrey Kent is a long-standing Member of the Council and we are delighted that he will be taking over the mantle of Chairman. His commitment to Travel & Tourism, to WTTC's core mission and his vast knowledge of the industry make Geoffrey an excellent choice for the chairmanship."

Geoffrey Kent added, "It is an honour and privilege for me to have been elected as Chairman of this organization and I look forward to building on Mr Wolfington's successful tenure to drive this Council even further towards fulfilling its mission and accomplishing the many aims and aspirations that we, as Members, hold."

About The World Travel & Tourism Council

WTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. With Chief Executives of some one hundred of the world's leading Travel & Tourism companies as its Members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.

WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world's largest industries, employing approximately 230 million people and generating over 10 per cent of world GDP.

For further information:
Contact Louise Oram, WTTC enquiries@wttc.org