Tourism Breaking News
WTM London and its Global Travel Partner the Saudi Tourism Authority both hailed the economic and cultural importance of the sector as the event opened its doors on 5 November. Speaking at the WTM Global Welcome, Jonathan Heastie, WTM Portfolio Director, said: “The halls are packed already for what is the biggest WTM London to date. More than 4,000 exhibitors have joined us this year; there are delegates here from 184 countries around the world. “It is a remarkable turnout and I think it’s going to be a remarkable World Travel Market gathering. This time last year, £2.2 billion worth of travel deals were done in these halls, This year, you will hear from more than 200 world-class speakers in 70 enlightening sessions.” Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive and Board member for Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Tourism powers economies more than anything. The jobs we create are the jobs for the young, the entrepreneurs, for the remote, for the pop-and-mom shops and for the new rising talents. When we travel, we go with our best intentions. Our minds are the most open.” Many sessions at today’s show were devoted to the DEAI conference track. Speaking in one of the panels, LoAnn Halden VP of communications for IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) urged travel companies not to merely pay lip service to diversity for Pride or Black History Month but to address longer term social inclusion. She recommended having ‘internal allies’ who understand under-represented groups. Jane Cunningham, director of European engagement for Destinations International noted that good diversity and inclusion was “not only [welcoming] for visitors but very much serving the citizens who live in that destination.” Commenting on stereotyping in advertising, …
Read More »Highlights from WTM Day One
