Manchester City Council leader, Richard Leese will deliver the opening welcome address at legendary Manchester Town Hall to delegates attending the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC).
Youth, student and educational travel industry professionals representing more than 80 countries will attend the three and a half day WYSTC conference being held in Manchester, UK, 22-25 September.
Each year, the conference takes place in a different city around the world, with a leading representative from the host destination traditionally greeting delegates. Sir Richard Leese’s welcoming of attendees to this year’s event in Manchester will mark the first time in its 18 year history that WYSTC takes place in the United Kingdom.
Sir Richard’s long history in working with youth, first as teacher in the UK and an exchange teacher in the USA, in addition to his former Chairmanship of Manchester’s education committee and his continued dedication to a sustainable future make him a fitting and inspirational speaker for the industry-only conference.
It is significant too that the WYSTC conference theme this year is innovation. Sir Richard is a strong proponent of innovation and its value as a driving force in rejuvenating cities and communities.
“WYSTC is very privileged to have Sir Richard Leese welcome this year’s WYSTC delegates. Sir Richard recognises the importance of cultural exchange, young people travelling, and the need for organisations, industry and communities as well, to innovate. He is a shining example of someone who has dedicated their life to helping others through education and public service,” said Susan Goldstein, WYSTC Managing Director.
The welcome ceremony will be held at the more than 130-year old neo Gothic Manchester Town Hall on Tuesday, 22 September 2009. For further information visit www.wystc.org.
About WYSTC
The World Youth and Student Travel Conference is the must attend B2B trade event for key stakeholders and organisations in youth, student and educational travel. WYSTC brings the many markets and diverse organisations that serve today’s young travellers together to build and strengthen their business network — person to person. The conference is the signature event of the WYSE Travel Confederation.