Spotlight on regenerative tourism

The global travel industry is increasingly recognising its role in promoting sustainable practices. World Travel Market London is set to shine a spotlight on regenerative tourism during its upcoming ‘Sustainability Summit’ on 6 November 2024.

TT Bureau

For the very first time, World Travel Market is focussing on regenerative tourism as a core element of its ‘Sustainability Summit,’ taking place at Excel London on 6 November 2024. Guided by the show’s sustainability advisor Tina O’Dwyer, an expert in sustainable tourism, the summit will explore on the theme of using travel for societal benefits, aligning with the show’s broader theme, ‘TravelPower.’

As the moderator, O’Dwyer will open the summit, discussing how travel can support resilient communities, robust economies, and thriving ecosystems while examining the factors driving regenerative tourism.   Renowned thought leader Anna Pollock will kickstart the event with a keynote on ‘Uncovering the Regenerative Tourism Paradigm,’ which will incorporate insights from successful case studies and actionable strategies. This will be followed by an engaging session on transformative tourism campaigns by Elke Dens, Founder of global sustainable tourism organisation the Travel Foundation and Place Generation.

Next, Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development, Fáilte Ireland, will present a session on ‘Policy to Practice: Ireland’s Real-Life Experience with Regenerative Tourism Placemaking,’ which will delve into how to apply regenerative tourism principles to promote economic growth with environmental and social restoration.

Debbie Clarke, Director of Regenerative Development, Centre for Good Travel and host of the Good Awaits Podcast in New Zealand, will share how to translate principles of regeneration into real-world experiences and itineraries, with insights from Asta Sigurjonsdottir, CEO, Iceland Tourism Cluster. Rob Holmes, Founder and Chief Strategist, GLP Films, and Anne Kawalerski, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Bloomberg Media Group, will discuss effective communication of sustainable initiatives, showcasing successful models. The summit will conclude with a discussion led by O’Dwyer on ‘The Future of Regenerative Tourism.’ Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director, World Travel Market London, commented, “The Sustainability Track offers a dynamic platform for all attendees to come together, exchange ideas, and forge innovative solutions that will both contribute to and shape the drive to regenerative tourism. The whole programme invites both exhibitors and the media to boldly rethink how we approach sustainability, re-imagine its purpose, and foster prosperity for all.”