EDITOR’S
LETTER
Hanni Tran,
Editor-in-Chief of The World Magazine
In an era where tourism stands as one of humanity’s most dynamic
forces for progress, inclusion, and innovation, this special edition
of World Magazine marks a truly historic milestone.
We proudly celebrate the election of H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais
as the first woman and first Emirati Secretary-General of UN
Tourism (2026–2029) — a landmark achievement that reflects
the global movement toward greater diversity, sustainability,
and empowerment within our sector. Her leadership and vision
for a future where tourism drives social transformation, digital
innovation, and economic opportunity inspire us all.
This Brussels 2025 Special Edition, published on
the occasion of the Global Tourism Forum Annual
Meeting, brings together exclusive conversations with
high-level leaders shaping the future of global tourism.
From transformative leadership and sustainable
development to the art of creating destinations with
purpose, each dialogue reflects the shared commitment
to collaboration and innovation that defines our time.
Among our distinguished contributors and
interviewees:
• Hala Matar Choufany, President – HVS Middle East,
Africa & South Asia
• Abid Butt, Board Member & Former Group CEO –
Assets Group
• Daði Guðjónsson, Director of Marketing
Communications, Business Iceland
• Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO – Visit Qatar
• Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO – Accor
Hotels Group
• H.E. Simonida Kordic, Minister of Tourism,
Montenegro & Chairperson – UN Tourism
Commission for Europe
Green Rock I Pilgrimaps | Cityfans | Parc Omega
| Cotur | Tiffany Hotels Cuba | Palmary Events | The
AIM Foundation | Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT) | Nani Travel | Club NENA
Through these voices, we celebrate excellence — in
destinations, hospitality, innovation, and leadership
— while reaffirming our collective mission: to build a
more resilient, inclusive, and connected world through
tourism.
As the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting Brussels
2025 gathers the world’s most influential leaders, may
this edition serve as both a reflection and an inspiration
— a tribute to those who continue to redefine the
future of travel with vision, courage, and heart.