UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit to Focus on Tourism Technology

World Travel Market 2017, ExCeL London – UNWTO & WTM Ministers Summit. Photo Source: WTM London

Cutting edge technology innovations will be shared during the 12th UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit, which will be held on November 6, during the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2018.

Under the theme, “Investment in Tourism Technology”, the summit aims to highlight the need for stronger public-private partnerships in the field, and show that technology can boost competitiveness and sustainability.

Likely uses to come under discussion will be online booking systems, social media, mobile apps, chatbots, and smart hotel rooms.

Stakeholders will also consider the implementation of data-driven decision-making strategies in tourism, specifically in analytics and smart destination management.

The role of technology in helping the tourism sector meet the aims of the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will also be covered.

“This year’s topic is a particularly important one as technology can help tourism remain a force for good in terms of global connectivity and sustainability,” said WTM London Senior Director Simon Press, who will also address the summit.

New format for UNWTO & WTM Summit

A new improved structure will help spark the debate of the summit, ensuring that the opinions and ideas are flowing and the delegates can fully benefit from listening to leading private sector leaders and tourism ministers.

Within this framework, the UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit will start with a private sector discussion and debate before the minister panel and other public sector stakeholders join the discussion.

Furthermore, this will be the first summit for UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, who took up the position in January.

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, will be held between November 5-7.