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WTM London 2016 Day 1

November 7, 2016

Harold Goodwin

With 25 RT events during WTM London, we will be publishing on each of the three days – this is an exceptional frequency, please do not unsubscribe. We shall then revert to monthly publication.

There are panels as there have been for the last 10 years, this year we have added a wide range of conversations which are taking place on the Responsible Tourism Stand AF100

This year we are building on our success last year in engaging a wide range of people in conversations on the Responsible Tourism stand – on the show floor and with far more participation The idea is to get the host(s) to get a conversation going, no set piece presentations – no death by PowerPoint. Some video, some storytelling, images, conversation, controversy; a real chance to forge new business relationships, to inspire, educate and challenge.

Today's Responsible Tourism programme:

Monday 7^th November 2016

13:00-14:30 India: Enhancing the Tourist Experience Responsible Tourism Stand AF100

This session will be opened by Secretary of Tourism Mr Vinod Zutshi

Responsible Tourism is about using tourism to make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. 2017 is the UN’s International Year of Sustainable Development through Tourism. WTM is launching a new feature of WTM London, showcasing some of the ways in which tourists can engage positively with local communities purchasing local goods and services, contributing to the conservation of natural and cultural resources and valuing their community. Come along to meet leading local tour operators, their source market partners, members of local communities and national government and tourist board leaders.

Hosted by Harold Goodwin, WTM’s Responsible Tourism Advisor, share in the experience of India, engaging with communities, meeting with those who can enhance the guest experience and benefit the host community.

14:45-15:45 Responsible Tourism Potential of the Republics of Central AsiaResponsible Tourism Stand AF100

Come and meet representatives of the new and emerging sustainable tourism destinations and hear first hand what they have to offer in sustainable and eco-tourism. Discover more about these fascinating countries and their culture, customs and historical sites as well as the genuine hospitality of the people. See their breathtaking scenery and the potential they each have to offer to tourists looking for an alternative tourism experience.

Hosted by Harold Goodwin, WTM’s Responsible Tourism Advisor with George Smith of KSE Solutions

16:00 – 17:00 Disintermediation and Destination Management Travel Tech Theatre TT390

The growth of budget scheduled airlines, Airbnb and a host of other intermediaries enabling travellers and holidaymakers to engage directly without the services of a tour operator or registered and regulated accommodation provider in the destination is the latest ‘revolution’ in travel. How much has really changed? What are the implications for hotel companies and registered accommodation providers? How can these tourists and new tourism service providers best be managed in the destination?

Interviewer: Martin Brackenbury
Garry Wilson, Managing Director – Product and Purchasing at TUI Group
James McClure, UK & Ireland General Manager, Airbnb
Anja Hartung Sfyrla, Head of Business Development, VisitDenmark
Jordi William Carnes, General Manager of Turisme de Barcelona.
Nikki White Wright Director of Destinations and Sustainability at ABTA

17:15-18:00 How can businesses report on their Responsible Tourism Impact? Responsible Tourism Stand AF100
The UN Sustainable Development Goals apply to developed and developing economies alike. There are opportunities for businesses to use this framework to report on their positive impacts and to secure profile and market advantage. How can we most efficiently report on the contribution businesses make to the sustainable development through tourism?

Harold Goodwin & Jen Bobbin