A dedicated DEAI Summit is taking place from 1:15pm to 5:00pm, with dedicated networking drinks from 5:00-6:00pm, on the opening day of this year’s event (Tuesday, 5 November) in the Purple Theatre.
The theme is “from commitment to action”, and the sessions lined up will concentrate on steps that travel and tourism stakeholders can take today to deliver on its promises to create a truly inclusive industry for travel businesses, their teams and their customers.
Sessions are being organised and moderated by WTM’s newly appointed DEAI adviser, Uwern Jong (he/him). Uwern has won a variety of prestigious press and marketing awards through his advocacy of diversity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in the travel industry.
“I’m excited to be given this opportunity to shape the DEAI track at one of the most important travel events in the world,” he said. “But I’m even more excited at being given the go-ahead to change the DEAI focus from mere discussions to action-oriented delivery. In tourism, we spend a lot of time talking around DEAI, which is a positive step for the industry, but it is time that we take affirmative action, showcase and celebrate best practices in the industry and overcome the barriers that still exist.”
Attendees will hear from a range of important speakers. One highlight is a fireside chat with the new Secretary-General of the Greek National Tourism Office (GNTO), Andreas Fiorentinos (he/him), discussing how DEAI is shaping Greece’s destination strategy.
Also, Alessandra Alonso (she/her), founder of community interest company Women in Travel is chairing a panel discussion based around implementing mentorship and allyship programmes.
Intercultural sensitivity in marketing and communications will be discussed by Caroline Moultrie (she/her), EMEA president for MMGY Global.
The Tuesday line-up also features a session on how the travel and hospitality product must evolve to meet the needs of all travellers, no matter their backgrounds, abilities or identities. This theme is developed on the following day (Wednesday 6 November) with a run of sessions taking place in the Orange Theatre.
Topics include how destinations of all sizes can attract visitors by making nature-based and cultural visitor experiences accessible to all, particularly those with physical, cognitive or neuro disabilities. Another session offers insight into indigenous tourism and how the industry can ensure that connecting travellers with the rich heritage, traditions, and wisdom of indigenous communities is done respectfully and equitably.
World Travel Market is also announcing a series of enhancements to its event commitments and facilities, ensuring WTM remains a safe space for all. The WTM Official Conference Programme commits to 50% of speakers partaking from underrepresented groups, while all stages will be fitted with closed captioning, and ramp access. The event will have a ‘Reset Room’ – a quiet space for those with neurodiverse needs.
There will be gender neutral restroom facilities and the option to add pronouns to official event badges. The event will provide multi-faith rooms for prayer, and a host of other facilities to ensure WTM remains a place where everyone is welcome.
Full accessibility information will be available at the information desks in the main boulevard, where staff will be fully trained to support enquiries.
Juliette Losardo (she/her), Exhibition Director, WTM London said: “We all have a role to play in making the world a more equitable and inclusive place. World Travel Market has an opportunity to table topics that need to be talked about and incite progress, and due to its scale, has the power to be heard by many.
The launch of WTM’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion and Intersectionality Summit demonstrates our commitment to moving the dial from conversation to action, and in 2024, we aren’t just tabling the topic, but we’re investing in change. This year, WTM will provide a wide range of new facilities and services, which we hope will make WTM a safe space for all.”
Source: WTM London.