Themed around ‘Transforming Tourism Through Youth & Education’, World Travel Market (WTM) London is set to promote successful strategies in tourism education around the world.

Leading travel and tourism event World Travel Market (WTM) London has revealed that it will be underlining the importance of education in the sector at this year’s Ministers’ Summit. According to a press statement by the organisers, the topic for ministers to debate at the annual summit will be ‘Transforming Tourism Through Youth and Education.’

It is set to take place on November 6, on the opening day of WTM London, with BBC World News presenter Zeinab Badawi returning to host the discussions.

The organisers say that ministers will share examples of best practice and examine how international collaboration can be enhanced to promote successful strategies in tourism education around the world. This year’s conversation at the Ministers’ Summit will align with the overall World Travel Market campaign around the ‘Power to Change’, with a big focus on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion.

The statement adds that Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market, in association with United Nations World Tourism Organisation and World Travel and Tourism Council will take place on the Elevate Stage.

“Education is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. Investing in tourism skills and training is now more critical than ever. Ministers at the Summit will explore ways that their tourism and education policies can empower individuals and communities, drive innovation, foster responsible practices and support the resilience and success of our sector,” says Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London.

The statement says that UNWTO forecasts continued growth in international tourist arrivals in the coming years, leading to a surge in employment opportunities within the sector. By 2030, the tourism sector could provide employment for more than 300 million people worldwide, but 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 younger workers than other sectors, and jobs for young people have been rebounding quickly after the pandemic. Figures show that travel and tourism’s share of youth employment has grown from 6.5 pc in 2010 to 8.2 pc in 2021.

The organisers add that 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 evolving needs of the tourism industry. It will also look at ways to close the skills gaps in tourism education and training,

“The Summit will offer a unique platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas and forge innovative solutions that will contribute to shaping the educational journey in the tourism sector. I’m delighted to share that ‘Transforming Tourism Through Youth and Education’ will be the theme of our Ministers’ Summit, as we play our part in the global conversation to create new futures,” adds Losardo.