World Travel Market Kicks Off in London

Today marks the beginning of one of the most significant events in the global travel and tourism industry—the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. This prestigious gathering attracts hundreds of industry leaders, tourism boards, hoteliers, transport companies, and members of the public from around the globe. This year’s event is set to be the largest ever, with an anticipated seven percent growth and over 80 new exhibitors participating at ExCeL London, illustrating the vibrant recovery of the international tourism sector.

Key Themes and Topics for This Year’s Summit

As the travel industry continues its upward trajectory post-pandemic, there is a growing awareness of its environmental impact. Here are the central themes and topics that will be explored during this year’s summit:

Regenerative Tourism and Travel as a Force for Good

A new element of this year’s WTM is a prominent focus on regenerative tourism. This topic will be a key area of discussion during the Sustainability Summit on November 6. Under the guidance of the show’s sustainability advisor, Tina O’Dwyer—a renowned expert in sustainable tourism and impactful campaigns—this three-hour summit will explore how travel can be harnessed as a force for good.

The discussions will examine how travel can contribute to building resilient communities, fostering flourishing economies, and enhancing thriving ecosystems. “The entire program encourages both exhibitors and the media to boldly reconsider our approach to sustainability, reimagine its purpose, and cultivate prosperity for all,” states WTM’s Exhibition Director, Juliette Losardo.

Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

This year, WTM is expanding its focus on diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and intersectionality (DEAI). A dedicated DEAI Summit will take place from 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by networking drinks from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on November 5 in the Purple Theatre. The theme for this summit is ‘From Commitment to Action,’ concentrating on actionable steps that travel and tourism stakeholders can implement to fulfill their promises of creating a fully inclusive industry for travel businesses, their teams, and customers.

Destinations from around the world will showcase their stands at the conference to promote their regions. Attendees will benefit from insights shared by influential speakers on topics such as implementing mentorship and allyship programs, enhancing intercultural sensitivity in marketing and communications, ensuring that nature-based and cultural visitor experiences are accessible to all, and fostering respectful and equitable connections between travelers and Indigenous communities. Throughout the event, facilities such as gender-neutral toilets, the option to include pronouns on official event badges, and multi-faith rooms for prayer will be available.

How Greece is Investing in Sustainable Tourism

Countries from all over the globe will have the opportunity to present their unique offerings at the conference. The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), a key partner of the event, will showcase its initiatives aimed at balancing tourism benefits with the needs of local economies and communities, all while safeguarding the natural and cultural environment. Greece has implemented policies to diversify its tourism offerings, mitigate seasonal fluctuations, enhance education, and foster collaboration with local communities. Furthermore, innovative tools have been developed for comprehensive and systematic data collection and information dissemination in tourism.

‘Frictionless’ Travel and AI Technology

This year’s Technology Track sessions will address the persistent challenges that travelers encounter when searching, shopping, booking, and paying for their trips. The discussions will emphasize the significance of the customer’s digital experience and explore the future intersection between AI and loyalty schemes.

Related

• Heathrow, Schiphol, Berlin: The airports trialing AI technology to minimize flight delays.
• This German airport could be the first to introduce face-scanning technology for all passengers.

“We’ve decided to confront one of my industry frustrations directly: despite the advancements in technology, why do sellers and suppliers complicate the process for travelers trying to find what they want, purchase our products, and enjoy the experiences we offer?” says WTM’s technology advisor, Timothy O’Neil-Dunne. “I will be addressing what I consider the ‘apocalyptic inefficiency’ across the industry and exploring the technology needed to overcome these challenges.”