Christopher Rodrigues CBE now a WTTC ambassador

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced today the appointment of Christopher Rodrigues CBE, Chairman of the British Council, as Ambassador as part of a new Ambassador Programme to extend WTTC’s reach at regional level.

The Ambassador programme identifies global travel industry leaders with proven records of success in key markets to work alongside WTTC, bringing wide and credible experience experiences from careers in the Travel & Tourism industry. Selected by Christopher J. Nassetta, Chairman WTTC and President & CEO, Hilton, and Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO, Christopher Rodrigues will work closely with WTTC to expand the Council’s presence, voice, and influence in key markets, working collaboratively on behalf of WTTC.

Christopher Rodrigues became Chairman of the British Council in May 2016, having already become Chairman of the Port of London Authority in January 2016, the Chairman of Openwork in January 2014 and the Chairman of the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association in August 2013.

He has held further roles, including Chairman of VisitBritain, Chairman of International Personal Finance and Windsor Leadership; Chairman of The Almeida Theatre, and Council member and Trustee of the National Trust.  He was on the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council from 2007 – 2016.

Christopher is a graduate of Cambridge University and the Harvard Business School.  He rowed for Cambridge in the 1970 and 1971 Boat Races, is a past-Chairman of Leander Club and is a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta.  He was made Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey in 2009 and a Visiting Professor at Cranfield School of Management in 2010.  He was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University of Surrey (DUniv) in April 2013. Christopher was made a Commander of the British Empire in the 2007 New Year Honours list for services to British business interests and charitable works in the UK and USA.

We are delighted to be welcoming the following WTTC Ambassadors at the programme’s launch: Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeriah and Immediate Past Chairman of WTTC; Dr. Adolfo Favieres; Jean-Claude Baumgarten, former President & CEO of WTTC; Dr Michael Frenzel, former CEO of TUI and former WTTC Chairman; Kathleen Matthews, former Chief of Global Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International; with further Ambassadors to be announced at a later date.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, commented: ‘I am delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Rodrigues as WTTC Ambassador. Mr. Rodrigues, along with our other Ambassadors around the world, possesses deep sector knowledge of the Travel & Tourism industry, following strong career experience within the sector. His proven record of success is representative of the mission and values of WTTC and we look forward to working together on behalf of Travel & Tourism.’

Christopher Rodrigues CBE, Chairman of the British Council, commented: “Travel brings delight to billions of people and makes the cultural connections that lead to better understanding between peoples and nations. I am delighted to become a WTTC Ambassador working to support a growing sustainable industry.”

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