FINANCIAL experts and senior travel executives will debate the impact of the worldwide financial downturn on the industry in 2010 during WTM’s rebranded The WTM Vision – The Global Economic Forum. The new name follows the successful inaugural WTM Vision Conference in London this summer.
Panel guests include British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh, TUI Travel chief executive Peter Long, United Nations World Tourism Organisation secretary-general Taleb Rifai, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line vice president and managing director Robin Shaw, VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe and Mexican Tourism Board director Manuel Diaz-Cebrian.
The panel of economic experts will be chaired by former BBC journalist and economics expert Peter Hobday.
WTM exhibition director Craig Moyes said: “The impressive line up of industry and economic experts will give delegates some fresh thinking and innovative business ideas for 2010 and beyond.
“Experts agree travel and tourism will be on the rise again next year, just as it has in previous eras. It will not be straight forward but those companies that have survived the downturn are robust and flexible so should be in a good position to capitalise on a more promising future.”
The forum takes place at ExCeL, London on November 12. Registration fees: £95 ($152) (before November 6); £115 ($184) (on the door).
The mayor of London Boris Johnson is to open this year’s 30th WTM.