Our latest Agenda Dialogues explored the challenges of building a just and equitable society post-COVID.
It had a specific focus on the future of the travel and tourism industry.
There was clear agreement that there's pent-up demand for leisure travel - but it will only be met where restrictions allow it.
How can we build a just and equitable society, and how can we rebuild the travel and tourism sector in a new post-COVID economy?
These were the key questions discussed by leaders from around the globe in our latest Agenda Dialogues session. You can watch the full session here.
Here's are some of their key quotes.
On inequality and the post-pandemic recovery
We are committed to building back better - not only for India but for the world.
Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development, and Textiles, India
The pandemic has really overwhelmed an unprepared world. It’s left an untold cost in human lives, livelihoods, economic growth.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Founder and Chair of the Board, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
India is poised to become the pharmacy of the world [...] That is our commitment that we grow strong, grow back better, not only for India but also for the rest of the world.
Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development, and Textiles, India
Today, if we do not stop the virus, all human lives are at risk.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Founder and Chair of the Board, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
On travel and tourism
We are very hopeful for tourism. People want to go, people want to travel, but this is dependent on the destinations being open.
Ebru Özdemir, Chairperson of the Board, Limak Holding
As soon as we’re allowed to fly more, you’ll find that Indian carriers will bounce back really quickly.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet Ltd
I believe there’s massive pent up demand [for travel], but it’s hemmed in by restrictions in any given country.
Peter Kern, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chair, Expedia Group
What we have is a mosaic of different policies, procedures, government regulations [...] That nobody's really able to decipher - and that's really discouraging travel.
Hassan El-Houry, Chief Executive Officer, National Aviation Services
(NAS)
People definitely miss travelling for pleasure, but business-wise I don’t see travel coming back as quickly as we expect.
Ebru Özdemir, Chairperson of the Board, Limak Holding
The shortest distance between us and getting back to normal is getting the world vaccinated.
Peter Kern, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chair, Expedia Group
We are proud to contribute to our government's massive effort to save its own people.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet Ltd
I think as the stakeholders of travel and tourism, we failed miserably last year to bring all these policies together to create a global platform, so people can understand what is expected of them, so they can travel.
Hassan El-Houry, Chief Executive Officer, National Aviation Services
(NAS)
