Andrew leads strategic development at VisitEngland where he oversaw the £40m Discover England Fund delivering 60+ transformative projects and launching TXGB, a platform connecting SMEs to global markets. He directed national reforms post de Bois Review and established high-performing Local Visitor Economy Partnerships enhancing regional coordination. His work advances innovation, digital integration and business resilience across the sector. He also oversees support programs driving recovery and growth. In 2023 Andrew was awarded the OBE in King Charles III’s first Birthday Honours for services

Aurélie Bouti is a French travel content creator with a background in E-Business Management. She transitioned from marketing to full-time travel storytelling and has built a global community of over 5 million followers. Alongside her husband and business partner, she produces immersive content through high-impact collaborations with major tourism boards and global brands. Recognized as France’s top travel influencer since 2023 and the leading Middle East travel creator since 2022, she was named World’s Best Travel Influencer in 2025 highlighting her creative influence and international reach in destination storytelling.

Dr. Abdulla Hassa Al-Mehshadi has extensive CEO-level experience, including Msheireb Properties, envisioned as the new heart of Doha. He has been involved with major oil and gas projects and has served a variety of organizational boards, contributing significantly to Qatar's development. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering, two Executive MBAs and a Doctorate in Business Administration.  

Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer is Executive Director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank where he leads national strategies that empower Qatari businesses in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. He also serves on several prominent boards contributing to economic growth through strategic leadership. Academically he holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Swiss Business School a Master’s in Applied Research and another in Strategic Management from HEC Paris. A graduate of Qatar Leadership Centre Dr. Hamad brings strong academic depth and vision to advancing sustainable enterprise development.

Prof. Rana Sobh has contributed to numerous projects and served on many boards, locally, nationally and internationally. She advocates for re-designing higher education to prepare graduates for 21st-century challenges. Her work in consumer culture and behavior, international marketing communication, and sports marketing has been widely published. She has also received local and international awards in recognition of her teaching and research. 

An award-winning publisher with decades of experience in premium consumer media he has led the successful launch of iconic titles including Good Food Vegetarian Good Food Marks & Spencer magazine and contributed to the early success of Gardener’s World and Top Gear magazine. He is currently Publisher and CEO of Food and Travel magazine which he co-founded with Angela Dukes establishing it as the world’s leading gastronomic travel publication. With six international editions and prestigious events such as the Food and Travel Reader Awards the brand continues to influence culinary tourism globally.

HE Hamad Al Mulla holds advanced qualifications in tourism and hospitality and has completed specialized training in hotel management and financial operations. He served as Deputy General Manager of the Marriott Hotel and Director of Doha Club then as CEO of Human Resources at Qatar Hotels Company and later as CEO of Katara Hospitality. He is Vice-Chairman of the Education Culture Sport and Information Committee of the Shura Council and Chairman of the External Affairs Political and National Security Committee of the Arab Parliament actively contributing to regional and global parliamentary missions.

Since joining UN Tourism in 2006, Marcel has coordinated over 200 tourism projects across five continents. His work focuses on strategy development, marketing, poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation, and capacity building, benefiting more than 50 countries globally. Marcel previously worked as a consultant and tourism advisor in Tanzania, Bolivia, and the Netherlands. He holds master’s degrees in human geography and policy science. 

Samer Al-Kharashi is Regional Director for the Middle East at UN Tourism appointed in 2024. A seasoned Saudi diplomat he brings over two decades of international experience including senior roles in Geneva Washington D.C. and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He holds a Law degree and a High Diploma in Diplomatic Studies along with executive education from Harvard and Cranfield. Al-Kharashi plays a key role in advancing sustainable tourism and enhancing regional competitiveness. He is also an honorary member of the Saudi Intangible Heritage Association and a Minister Plenipotentiary.

Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi has 25 years of experience in media and commercial advertising. With a specialization in innovative brand strategies, he has been a key part of a Global Media Network, delivering standout projects. An alumnus of HEC Paris Executive Business School, he excels in digital transformation, innovation and digital marketing techniques. Ramzan has also received the SME Excellence Award, Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and Best Social Entrepreneurship Project.