2023-11-10 18:07:40
The World Travel Market 2023 exhibition brought together professionals from the travel and tourism sector in London. Opportunity for us to take stock of the trends of today and tomorrow in this industry which increasingly highlights sustainability and authenticity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Thousands of professionals from the tourism and travel sector participated in the show World Travel Market 2023 in London. Opportunity for them to discuss, debate and close deals as the industry continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Leisure travel is still 10% below 2019 levels,” Dave Goodger, general manager of Tourism Economics for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. “But we must not forget that the year 2019 was synonymous with a record; thus, the level reached this year 2023 has only been exceeded three times in history,” he tempers.
This recovery comes despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties, but also a summer marked by high temperatures and devastating forest fires in countries like Greece.
“Regarding tourism, I would say the biggest challenge for the long-term future is the climate crisis,” notes Dimitris Frangakis, secretary general of Greek Tourism Organization. “Greece has a specific plan by 2030 to ensure respect for the environment, fight against the consequences of climate change and, of course, adapt to this new era,” he emphasizes.
The sustainable commitments of Valencia, Green Capital of Europe 2024
For its part, Valencia, Spain, attracts tourists with its beaches, natural beauty and history.
Recognized for its sustainable tourism, the city was named Green Capital of Europe 2024.
"The ancient source of our river is now a large green space, a large green boulevard," indicate Carlos Mazón Guixot, president of the Valencian Communauté. “We are working hard on public transport: it is very important for us, in terms of new energy technologies,” he continues. “We commit not for one year, but for the rest of our lives,” he insists.
Fight against overtourism
After the pandemic, sustainability also involves fighting against overtourism.
Venice, for example, plans to impose a tax of five euros on day tourists next year to limit their numbers.
Other destinations, such as Croatia, are also considering a strategy in this area.
“We cannot use the term ‘overtourism’, maybe only in a few cities like Dubrovnik,” says Martina Srnec, de Croatian National Tourist Board.
“As a country we have not yet taken specific measures, but today is the right time for local authorities and decision-makers to start thinking about it: it is important because we want to preserve our country as it is today,” she insists.
Thailand: spread visitors across more national sites
Thailand says it prioritizes quality over quantity of travelers.
It strives to reduce attendance at the most visited sites and develop new destinations throughout the country.
“We are focusing more on how much tourists spend in Thailand,” says Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor of theTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). “Secondly, it is also about spreading the number of tourists and establishing links with the local community, with other destinations throughout the country,” he added.
The rise of slow tourism
Traveler tastes are also changing.
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly prioritizing experiences and their bucket list of places to visit around the world, according to a World Travel Market study.
In addition, the trend is towards longer stays.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Due to greater environmental awareness, there is what we call slow tourism,” says Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director of World Travel Market. “We take fewer vacations, but they are much longer and are more focused on the experience than on tanning at the beach,” he describes.
Morocco focuses on authenticity
Morocco is one of the countries that offers some of these experiences.
It wants to attract 26 million tourists per year by 2030, almost double this year.
“Visitors are looking for authentic experiences,” says Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Moroccan Minister of Tourism. “They want to be in nature, taste local cuisine and meet local communities and they seek the outdoors: nature experiences, hiking or even the mountains. she explains.
The global travel and tourism sector is expected to fully recover over the next two years as profound upheavals renew it for the long term.
1699654882
#WTM #London #increasingly #green #slow #tourism #sector