The summit on 23 July will bring together scientists and health experts to offer the latest insights and best practices for operating in a world with Covid-19, and discuss "the new normal" for travel.

Other contributors will include global tourism leaders, WTTC members, government agencies, destination partners, trade and private businesses, who will share practical and adaptable solutions to help mitigate the impacts of coronavirus on operations.

"The summit will bring together a robust lineup of renowned medical, epidemiology and public health experts to explore and share the latest best practice on the science of Covid-19, and how best to address the many practical questions people have about the disease," said Carnival and WTTC in a statement.

The event will take place from 2pm to 5.30pm GMT and will be free to attend. Registration is open at covidsciencesummit.com.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said: "I was excited when Arnold [Donald, Carnival Corp president and chief executive] approached me with this idea. This event will be a powerful platform for harnessing the best thinking from across all fields of knowledge in the public and private sectors.

"The science of this virus is rapidly evolving, and these real-time insights will be invaluable in helping us determine evidence-based protection and mitigation measures to combat Covid-19. They will also help drive global alignment and collaboration on the frontiers of science and policy, which is critical to the survival of this important sector."

"Covid-19 has had a crushing global socio-economic impact and is threatening the jobs of millions of people whose very livelihoods depend upon a thriving travel and tourism sector for their survival."

The event will combine panel debates and discussions focusing on epidemiology, transmission, screening and testing, therapeutics, and practical risk mitigation – including tackling people’s fear of the infection.

Donald, a member of the WTTC’s executive committee and vice-chair North America, added: "Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, protecting the environment and the safety, health and well-being of our guests, our crew members and the people in the communities we visit.

"Throughout the pause in our guest operations, we have been consulting and assembling the best minds in medical science, public health and infectious disease control. We are grateful to bring together a select group of science and medical experts who bring such relevant insight into Covid-19 for the public to hear.

"Hopefully, this summit will be an efficient way for attendees to become more informed about Covid-19 in the space of just a few hours."