Regenerative tourism, accessibility and AI: The hot topics as the travel industry gathers at WTM

One of the world’s most influential travel and tourism markets has kicked off in London today. 

The World Travel Market sees hundreds of industry leaders, tourism boards, hoteliers, transport companies and members of the public gather from across the globe. 

This year’s event will be the largest to date, with an expected seven per cent growth and over 80 new exhibitors at ExCeL London, reflecting the thriving international tourism sector.

Here are the key themes and topics of this year’s summit as the travel industry continues to grow post-pandemic and becomes increasingly conscious of its impact on the environment.

New to WTM this year is a spotlight on regenerative tourism. The topic will be the focus of discussions at the Sustainability Summit on 6 November.

Overseen by the show’s sustainability advisor Tina O’Dwyer, a leading expert in sustainable tourism and driving impactful campaigns, the three-hour summit will focus on using travel as a force for good.

Discussions will delve into how travel can be harnessed to support resilient communities, flourishing economies and thriving ecosystems.

“The whole programme invites both exhibitors and the media to boldly rethink how we approach sustainability, re-imagine its purpose and foster prosperity for all,” says WTM’s Exhibition Director Juliette Losardo. 

WTM is expanding its coverage on diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion and intersectionality (DEAI) this year.

A dedicated DEAI Summit is taking place from 1:15pm to 5:00pm, with dedicated networking drinks from 5:00-6:00pm, on 5 November in the Purple Theatre.

The theme is ‘from commitment to action’, and the sessions will concentrate on steps that travel and tourism stakeholders can take to deliver on promises to create a