Destinations throughout the world have competed for the opportunity to showcase their tourism appeal to the unique audience who attend a WTTC Summit. Following the first WTTC Global Summit, hosted by Portugal in 1996, Summit Hosts globally continue to carry forward the tradition of hospitality, with the support of local and national governments and heads of state. Leaders such as President Calderón of Mexico, President Lula of Brazil, President Ollanta Humala of Peru, King Felipe VI of Spain, and Prime Minister Noda of Japan have played a significant role in attracting a WTTC Summit to their country, supported by direct participation from their leading ministers.