Tourism companies must expand their training to attract the next generation
According to WTTC, companies need to offer competitive benefits to increasingly skilled workers in digital transformation, AI, and sustainability roles
Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), said companies must strengthen their training programs and offer competitive benefits to attract the next generation of workers in the sector, who must be qualified in digital transformation, AI, and sustainability roles.
As part of her activities at the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF), during her participation in the panel “Talk of Titans: Candid Cross-Industry Perspective on Owning the Moment,” Julia Simpson shared the stage with Sébastien Bazin, CEO of Accor, where the two discussed global travel megatrends, including demographic shifts and evolving consumer preferences.
The WTTC outlined the foundations that will guide the development of the sector, in which sustainability and biodiversity protection in tourist destinations are consolidated as a global commitment.
According to the WTTC's latest Economic Impact Report, the travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute 11.4% of the global economy and create more than 100 million new jobs worldwide by 2034.
The President and CEO noted that the technological revolution and artificial intelligence allow for personalized experiences for travelers. Solutions like Trip.com's "Trip Genie" use AI to show how technology is redesigning the traveler experience. These innovations not only improve customer satisfaction but also optimize operations, reducing energy costs by up to 20%.
"Companies in this sector are using AI to improve personalization, operational efficiency, and optimize customer experiences," said Julia Simpson.
The President and CEO stated that the luxury tourism segment is showing significant year-over-year growth, evolving toward a more conscious concept that combines exclusivity with social and environmental responsibility.
He added that among consumer expectations, which will shape the future, is that 76% of travelers believe that sustainability efforts are the responsibility of large companies and governments.
Strategic meetings with global leaders IHIF Berlin served as a key platform for strengthening strategic alliances with meetings that allowed for solidifying commitments to drive innovation, sustainability, and balanced growth in the global tourism sector.
Julia Simpson and Virginia Messina, Senior VP of the organization, held bilateral meetings with industry leaders and members, including: Roger Allen (Group CEO, RLA Global), Maalouf (Global CEO, Intercontinental Hotel Group), Sébastien Bazin (CEO, Accor), Vivian Zhou (VP, Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Group), Simon Vincent (Executive VP and President EMEA, Hilton), Mark Hoplamazian (President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corp.), Shaikha Al Nowais (VP Owner Relationship Management, Rotana), Anthony Capuano (CEO, Marriott International), Olivier Granet and David Damiba (Managing Partners & Co-CEOs, Kasada Capital), and Dillip Rajakarier (Group CEO, Minor International).
Source: WTTC.