WTM London 2023 Conference Program Includes 60 Sessions, High-profile Speakers

More than 60 conference sessions with high-profile speakers and seminars are lined up for this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) that will run November 6 to 8 at ExCel London.

According to the travel trade show’s organizer Reed Travel Exhibitions, the WTM London 2023 conference program will include eight new tracks across three stages over three days, empowering the global travel community, and reminding them they have the Power to Change travel.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the great line-up of speakers and panellists headlining at this year’s event,” Brooke Gilbertson, International Conference Manager of WTM London, said.

In a move away from previous years, the 2023 conference stages will be named Discover, Elevate and Innovate – a reflection of their goal.

Furthermore, in response to the demand in 2022 – which saw 9,102 visitors attend the WTM London Conference sessions – stage sizes have been increased, and rather than one main stage, WTM will host three equally important stages across the event.

The eight conference tracks will be titled Sustainability, Technology, Geo-Economics, Emerging Markets, Consumer Trends, Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and Experience and aim to help the global travel community succeed and thrive, by informing, entertaining, and influencing their business decisions.

In another first, the Discover Stage will feature a new layout designed to support networking. Table-based seating, rather than traditional conference-style chairs, will promote networking between sessions, which will also include icebreakers, storytellers, and socialising during breaks.

“For those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it, WTM London 2023 is a must-attend show with speakers coming from every corner of the world to spread their wisdom on every element of the travel industry,” Gilbertson added.

Some of the key sessions taking place, listed by day, are:

Monday, November 6

– The Ministers’ Summit at WTM in association with UNWTO and WTTC

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili speaking during the Ministers’ Summit at WTM London 2022.

In its 17th year, this important event in the WTM London calendar brings together the largest gathering of dignitaries from around the world to discuss and ratify key tourism agreements. The summit will take place on Day One of WTM London 2023. This a change from previous years, when it has taken place on Day Two and signifies the increasing importance of the summit to the worldwide travel and tourism industry.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.

Also on Monday 6th November, attendees can look forward to the release of WTM’s new research WTM Presents…A Global Travel Outlook. Delegates will gain valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of travel with a presentation of the new WTM Global Travel Report, supported by renowned researchers Oxford Economics.
This session will give a voice to the changing needs of travellers, emerging and growing destinations, and uncover behaviours and trends for 2024 and beyond.

Tuesday, November 7

– Diversity & Inclusion Summit (D&I)

This important summit launch will tackle why a travel business can perform better with diverse workforces, and the importance of inclusivity in the development of leisure travel strategy. Fostering sense of belonging with consideration for under-represented groups will ensure that travel is accessible to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Amongst the sessions, Darren Edwards, a record-breaking disabled adventurer, will examine the stigma surrounding disability and will explore ways in which businesses can overcome subconscious biases.

– Technology Summit

The Technology Summit will cover sessions such as Building Cities for Smart Tourism; the Future of Technology; and AI – Boundless Opportunities for Change in the Travel Sector.
Also, on Tuesday, November 7, on the Innovate Stage, the travel community will hear from Tom Hall, Vice President at Lonely Planet, who will review how changes in traveller behaviour and priorities have shifted the landscape of travel.

Wednesday 8th November

– Marketing Summit

Marketing sessions will cover data-driven; storytelling and engaging with influencers. Wednesday’s sessions will also cover the future of marketing and digital tools in travel marketing.

– Sustainability Summit

Sustainability is still facing many barriers in the travel industry and the summit discovers how education, socio-economic benefits and effective funding can drive positive change and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the sector.

Last year’s WTM London expo exceeded expected attendance and presented over double the attendance than that of 2021, with over 35,800 people participating.

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