Julia Simpson, WTTC president and chief executive, praised May for her “long-standing interest” in the environment during her time in Downing Street from 2016 to 2019, during which she launched a 25-year environmental plan for the UK to tackle plastic waste and committed the country to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

May was the UK’s second female prime minister and second longest-serving post-war home secretary, holding the office for six years from 2010 to 2016.

“During the pandemic, Theresa May was concerned about the uncoordinated global response, and she showed great political leadership calling for international cooperation based on evidence,” said Simpson.

“Our event will bring together many of the world’s most powerful leaders in our sector to discuss and secure its long-term future, which is critical to economies and jobs around the world.”

May will speak alongside former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon at the conference taking place in Saudi Arabia from 28 November to 1 December.

The summit sees industry leaders meeting government officials from across the globe in the Saudi capital of Riyadh to discuss the tourism sector’s post-pandemic recovery and to “ensure a safer, more resilient, inclusive and sustainable sector”.