WTM London 2022: Ministers’ Summit to Challenge Sector to ‘Rethink Tourism’

Tourism leaders from across the globe will convene once again for the Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market (WTM) London and share their vision for the future of the sector, while focusing on key opportunities and challenges.

WTM London 2022 will take place November 7-9 at ExCel London and the world’s largest annual gathering of tourism ministers will take place on Tuesday, November 8, in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

In its 16th year, the Ministers’ Summitt, under the 2022 title “Rethinking Tourism”, will bring tourism policy makers together to debate with private sector leaders and youth representatives.

The 2022 Summit will provide a timely forum for the UNWTO, WTTC and government ministers, representing every region across the world, to join tourism leaders from the private sector to share ideas, shape future policies and support recovery.

According to WTM London Exhibition Director Juliette Losardo, while last year’s summit looked at ways to create a more sustainable future, this year’s event is expected to build on that progress, examining how the tourism sector can balance its climate responsibilities with the need to develop jobs and economic opportunities.

“We will ask how we tackle the major threats to the industry’s recovery after the upheaval and consequences of the pandemic – and how ministers can support tourism businesses and destinations to realise their enormous potential,” Losardo said, adding that the summit will offer a chance for new voices with fresh ideas – those offering technological solutions and young people with innovative outlooks.

“We need to ensure that young people are included in the decision-making process and taking active roles in shaping the way our sector evolves,” she said.

UNWTO, as the United Nations agency for tourism, is leading the conversation as the sector looks to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable sector.

UNWTO Director-General Zurab Pololikashvili

It helped shape the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, which launched officially at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last November and has attracted more than 600 signatories in less than a year.

In July, the UNWTO held its Global Youth Tourism Summit, which concluded with the launch of the Sorrento Call to Action, a bold and ground-breaking vision for young people to be active participants in tourism’s sustainable, inclusive recovery.

In addition, WTTC recently launched its Net Zero Roadmap for the global travel and tourism sector, which will support the industry in combatting climate change. The roadmap provides concrete guidelines and recommendations to help guide businesses on their journey towards net zero.

The Ministers’ Summit at WTM London will take place on the “Future Stage” between 10:30-12:30.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London.