WTM London Highlights Importance of Sustainability to Mark World Tourism Day

Photo source: WTM London.

In celebration of World Tourism Day, the organizers of WTM London 2023, recognized as the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, are emphasizing the pivotal role of sustainability within the industry.

World Tourism Day, an annual initiative by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), underscores how the sector can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

This year’s theme, “Tourism and green investment,” spotlights three key areas: education, sustainable infrastructure, and technology.

To highlight the importance of sustainability in tourism, WTM London 2023 has unveiled a program of sustainability sessions spanning all three event days, culminating in the Sustainability Summit on Day Three.

“With investment in sustainable infrastructure being a key pillar of World Tourism Day, I’m delighted to take this opportunity to announce details of our sustainability sessions and the Sustainability Summit,” Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said.

WTM London 2023: Sustainability Summit

Photo source: WTM London.

This year’s conversation at the Sustainability Summit will align with the overall World Travel Market campaign around the Power to Change, with a big focus on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.

“Sustainability is one of the key tracks for our agenda at WTM London 2023, which means there will be several sessions throughout each day, culminating in the Summit on Day Three,” said Losardo.

The inaugural Summit session, ‘Where Next? Reimagining Tourism in a Changing Climate,’ will tackle questions like “What should responsible tourism look like amid climate and biodiversity crises?” The discussion will be moderated by Jeremy Smith, co-founder of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.

Photo source: WTM London.

The Sustainability Summit will also explore creating sustainable holidays and promoting greener transportation in Europe, particularly rail travel. Experts leading these discussions include Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor; Ruth Wright, Euronews Travel Managing Editor; Carlos Abade, Chairman of VisitPortugal; Martin Brackenbury, Advisor to UNWTO; Sacha Dench, CEO & Ambassador for the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species; and Vincent Nijs, Chief Strategist at Visit Flanders.

Speakers at the green transport session will include Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International; Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe; and José Ramón Bauzá Díaz, Committee of Transport and Tourism, European Parliament.

Photo source: WTM London.

The sustainability discussions start on Day One on the Discover Stage, featuring sessions highlighting global success stories and adaptations to green regulations and consumer trends.

On Day Two, Harold Goodwin will lead debates on the Innovate Stage, exploring the business sense of responsible tourism and the issues surrounding “greenwashing.” These discussions will delve into aviation, technology, and overtourism.

“Travel has the power to change the world and through our influential debates with leading experts, our delegates will understand how they have the power to change travel.”

Photo source: WTM London.

The Sustainability Summit at WTM London is scheduled from 10:30 to 13:00 on the Elevate Stage on Day Three of the exhibition.

WTM London is scheduled to take place between November 6 to 8, at ExCel London.