The World Travel Market in London has kicked off, with over 80 new exhibitors making it the largest event to date. This year’s summit focuses on key themes such as regenerative tourism and sustainable travel practices. The Sustainability Summit will discuss how travel can be used as a force for good in supporting communities, economies, and ecosystems. The event aims to encourage a bold rethinking of sustainability and the fostering of prosperity for all. There is also a focus on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, with a dedicated summit to address steps that stakeholders in the travel industry can take to create a fully inclusive industry.
One of the premier partners of the event, the Greek National Tourism Organisation, will showcase how Greece is investing in sustainable tourism practices. The country is working to balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of local economies and communities, while also safeguarding the natural and cultural environment. Policies have been put in place to diversify offerings, mitigate seasonality, upgrade education, and foster cooperation with local communities. Tools have been developed for comprehensive and systematic data collection and information flow in the tourism industry. This demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and responsible tourism in Greece.
The Technology Track sessions at the World Travel Market will focus on ‘frictionless’ travel and AI technology. The discussions will address the ongoing challenges faced by travelers in searching, shopping, booking, and paying for their trips. The importance of enhancing the customer’s digital experience and the future intersection between AI and loyalty schemes will be explored. Technology advisor Timothy O’Neil-Dunne will address the inefficiencies in the industry and explore the necessary technology to improve the travel experience. This highlights the importance of leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance the overall travel experience for customers.
The event also includes a focus on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion with a dedicated summit on these topics. The speakers will address implementing mentorship and allyship programs, intercultural sensitivity in marketing and communications, making visitor experiences accessible to all, and connecting travelers with Indigenous communities respectfully and equitably. The event will also provide gender-neutral toilets, the option to add pronouns to official event badges, and multi-faith rooms for prayer, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
Overall, the World Travel Market in London is a gathering of industry leaders, tourism boards, hoteliers, transport companies, and members of the public from around the world. The event offers a platform for discussions on important topics in the travel industry, such as regenerative tourism, sustainable practices, and technology innovation. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the summit aims to drive positive change in the industry and foster prosperity for all. Through showcasing countries’ efforts towards sustainable tourism practices and addressing issues such as frictionless travel, the World Travel Market demonstrates a commitment to shaping a more responsible and inclusive travel industry.
