Hosting the 2012 Global Summit in Japan this year’s showcases that the industry’s support to the region post-tsunami.

With the April event expected to run in Sendai and Tokyo over 16 to 19 April this year, World Travel & Tourism Council president David Scowsill explained the decision to run the event Japan was an emphasis of the company’s assurance to the country.

"Having the Global Summit in Sendai and Tokyo sends a clear message about our commitment to showing that Japan in general, and the Tohoku region in particular, have recovered from last year’s tragic events only a year after and are ready to rediscover their position among the world's premier tourism destinations," Mr Scowsill said.

The annual event’s host committee chairman Atsutoshi Nishida added that as well as supporting the region, hosting the event over April would allow guests to experience Japan during spring time. 

“Japan has developed a distinct travel culture that is permeated with the spirit of hospitality,” he noted. 

“I want to make WTTC’s Global Summit a fusion of this unique culture and Japan’s cutting edge technology.”

As well as showcasing the destination, the twelfth Global Summit is expected to see industry leaders discuss big questions covering the theme ‘Leading a Dynamic Industry through Turbulent Times’.

Mr Scowsill said with speakers from Travelport’s chief executive to UNWTO’s secretary-general attending, discussions would cover events from unrest in Africa and the Middle East to Japan’s quake and sustainable growth.

“Now it is more important than ever for us to discuss on how to ‘Lead a Dynamic Industry through such turbulent times’ and restore its economic power globally,” he noted. 

“This year’s Global Summit aims to inform the Travel & Tourism industry on how this can be achieved globally.”