WTM 2023 Ministers' Summit to focus on tourism education

23-10-23

On the first day of WTM London 2023, and hosted by BBC World News presenter Zeinab Badawi, tourism ministers will discuss today's most pressing issues.

For 17 years, tourism leaders from around the world have gathered at World Travel Market, in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to discuss policy, strategy, development and investment.

UNWTO forecasts continued growth in international tourist arrivals in the coming years, leading to increased employment opportunities within the sector.

By 2030, the tourism sector could provide employment for more than 300 million people worldwide, but having a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is vital, requiring the sector to invest and close existing gaps in education and training.

According to WTTC, travel and tourism employs a higher proportion of young workers than other sectors, and jobs for young people have recovered rapidly after the pandemic.

Its figures show that travel and tourism's share of youth employment has increased from 6.5% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2021.

In addition to looking at ways to close skills gaps in tourism education and training, the Summit will ask how public-private partnerships can be strengthened to improve access to quality education and how educational institutions can align their courses with the changing needs of the world. tourism industry.

Ministers will share examples of best practices and examine how international collaboration can be enhanced to promote successful tourism education strategies around the world.

The conversation at this year's Ministers' Summit will align with the World Travel Market's overall campaign around the Power of Change, with a strong focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion.

The Ministers' Summit at World Travel Market in partnership with UNWTO and WTTC will take place from 11:00 to 13:00 on the Elevate Stage on the first day of WTM London (November 6).