The second Global Tourism Forum Leaders Summit Europe 2022 in Brussels was successfully hosted by the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI) and Co-chaired by Ismail Ertug, Member of the European Parliament, and José Ramón Bauzá, Member of the European Parliament.
For a seamless tourism scheme, the trendy theme of this Summit “Connectivity – Investment and Hospitality” has brought tourism stakeholders together globally. Our honourable participants came from the public and private sectors. We brought various global policy maker leaders together to support a strong institution of the tourism industry of the EU and worldwide.
Bulut Bağcı @bulutbagci , President of WTFI @WTourismForum said: “Together we are stronger to boost and support the start of a new era of growth for the Travel & Tourism sector for Europe and the world” pic.twitter.com/wkPMGxhrM3
— Global Tourism Forum (@gtourismforum) September 7, 2022
There are three main points that prove the Global Tourism Forum Leaders Summit Europe Brussels drives sustainable tourism development in the EU in a shortened approach.
1. First of all, topics were shared by leading speakers. Our focus was the roof policies on tourism – transportation and mobility. This is a root cause of sustainable development which is one of the key approaches to push for the travel industry after the recovery time.
Indeed, two years on, turbulent Covid-19 recovery continues. Mobility plays an important role to providing good travel and tourism experience. The challenges faced have had a major impact on the travel and tourism sector. In parallel, new Green Deal legislation (especially the Fit for 55 packages) and negotiations on key decarbonization policies are moving forward and these will have a massive impact on mobility, on which travel & tourism heavily depends in Europe. Also, Europe, as the leading and most competitive tourism destination in the world, is committed to becoming the most sustainable one. The goal of the green and digital transition will only be achieved if we succeed in attracting and retaining talent for this sector. The return of travel demand across Europe has been quicker than expected by many in the industry, however the staff shortages are particularly evident in the transport sector, which is currently a challenge.
2. Secondly, the hot topic of Digitalization and Blockchain for Tourism is an important cross-cutting issue to motivate action. WTFI and its partner Ariva have prepared available toolkits for tourists through blockchain, which is crypto payment for the entire journey. For example, tourists will pay for their journey with cryptocurrencies or travel coins in accepted countries.
Fascinating debate on using blockchain technology in travel! @gtourismforum moderated by @JeannetteCeja
— Maria Ramos (@MariaRamosUK) September 6, 2022
With @ClaudiaTapardel and other tourism leaders. pic.twitter.com/NEMkQEjou1
From digitalization to cryptocurrency, and from space travel to virtual reality, the Travel & Tourism sector continues to embrace new technologies to facilitate and enhance travel. In fact, with digital adoption being further accelerated as a result of Covid-19, significant opportunities lie ahead.
As technological interventions continue to reshape human life and business, pushing society into the future, what does the future look like and how are new technologies enhancing Travel & Tourism? Technology and its success have brought tourism beneficiaries going fast in their travel decision. We are on the way to leading the tourism industry in the fast technology growth era.
3. Last but not least, we are on the way to meeting the Agenda 2030 in tourism. The tourism captains and other industries’ top leaders, such as investment and foreign affairs of countries in Africa, Central Asia and ASEAN, also took part in the Summit. Their perspectives showed the priority of tourism development in investment and foreign policies. These indicators show that regional connectivity is very open. They are the key policies to push foreign direct investment in tourism.
Destinations globally continue to relax travel restrictions, enabling the release of strong (short- and mid-haul) demand. However, skyrocketing energy prices are pushing travel costs yet higher, prompting people to travel closer to home or consider cost-saving options.
There is a need to raise awareness of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 crisis on European and Global tourism and showcase how investment in sustainable tourism can be the driver of the recovery, not only in Europe or Africa and Asia but globally.
Growth in Travel & Tourism investment is forecasted over the next decade. Tourism investments are key for the recovery and growth of the Travel & Tourism sector. To achieve this, governments around the world must create a favorable enabling environment with favorable tax incentives, safety and security as prerequisites to attract investments in the sector.
The final goal of our expectation is living with peace. Tourism brings Peace to people all over the world. We, at WTFI and our partners of the world, are stepping on the shortened road of sustainability for the entire tourism sector and its sub-sectors. The policies and their practices are driving the EU to a sustainable road in the next five years and contribute to Agenda 2050 when we will meet zero carbon in tourism activities.
