World Travel Market London 2023 has announced details of its conference programme, with high-profile speakers and seminars. Over 60 conference sessions are lined up, with eight new tracks set to take place across three stages over three days, taking place at ExCeL London, 6-8 November 2023. In a move away from previous years, the 2023 conference stages will be named Discover, Elevate and Innovate – a reflection of their goal. Additionally, in response to the demand in 2022 – which saw 9,102 visitors attend the WTM London Conference sessions – stage sizes have been increased. Rather than having one main stage, WTM will host three 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. Some of the key sessions taking place are:
Monday 6 November
The Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market in association with UNWTO and WTTC
In its 17th year, this event will bring together the largest gathering of dignitaries from around the world to discuss and ratify key tourism agreements. Unlike previous years, the Summit will take place on Day One of WTM London 2023.
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 7 November
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. 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. Delegates at the Innovate Stage will hear from Tom Hall, VP, Lonely Planet, who will review how changes in traveller behaviour and priorities have shifted the landscape of travel.
Wednesday 8 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. Where Next? Reimagining tourism in a constantly changing climate will discover what good tourism looks like as climate and biodiversity challenges worsen, followed by a surprise keynote speaker whose identity has not yet been confirmed. To book tickets: Register for World Travel Market London (wtm.com)
