World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024 is reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in the travel industry with a series of transformative steps. The event, one of the largest and most influential in the global travel and tourism sector, is introducing an action-oriented DEAI Summit, new inclusivity-focused facilities, and enhanced event commitments designed to drive tangible progress in creating a more inclusive industry. Taking place from 5-7 November 2024, this year’s WTM will prioritize not just conversations, but actions that push the travel and tourism sectors forward in terms of DEAI.

DEAI Summit: From Commitment to Action

The centerpiece of WTM London’s DEAI initiative is the dedicated DEAI Summit, which will be held on the opening day (Tuesday, 5 November) from 1:15 pm to 5:00 pm in the Purple Theatre. The theme for this year’s summit is “From Commitment to Action,” focusing on practical steps that travel and tourism stakeholders can take to fulfill their commitments to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

The summit will conclude with dedicated networking drinks from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and advocates in the industry.

Uwern Jong (he/him), WTM’s newly appointed DEAI adviser and a prominent figure in promoting diversity and inclusion in the travel sector, is organizing and moderating the summit. Jong, who has won several awards for his advocacy, emphasized the importance of moving beyond conversations to focus on action. “We’ve talked about DEAI in tourism for years, and while this is a positive step, it’s time to shift from discussions to action-oriented delivery,” Jong said.

Key Sessions and Speakers

The DEAI Summit will feature a range of speakers from across the travel industry, sharing insights and best practices on creating a more inclusive industry. Some key highlights of the event include:

Fireside Chat with Andreas Fiorentinos (he/him), Secretary-General of the Greek National Tourism Office (GNTO): This session will explore how DEAI principles are shaping Greece’s destination strategy, particularly as it relates to attracting diverse tourists and promoting inclusive tourism.

Panel Discussion with Alessandra Alonso (she/her), Founder of Women in Travel: Alonso will chair a discussion on the importance of mentorship and allyship programs within the travel industry. This panel will focus on how these programs can foster a culture of inclusion, especially for underrepresented groups in the industry.

Intercultural Sensitivity in Marketing and Communications: Caroline Moultrie (she/her), EMEA president for MMGY Global, will lead a discussion on how to effectively incorporate intercultural sensitivity into tourism marketing and communications, ensuring campaigns resonate with diverse audiences.

Inclusive Travel Products and Services: This session will delve into how the travel and hospitality sectors must evolve to meet the needs of all travelers, regardless of background, ability, or identity. It will explore inclusive design principles for travel products and services, and how they can make travel more accessible to everyone.

The DEAI theme will continue on Wednesday, 6 November in the Orange Theatre, with sessions focusing on accessibility and inclusivity in tourism. Topics include making nature-based and cultural experiences accessible to travelers with physical, cognitive, or neuro disabilities. Additionally, a session on indigenous tourism will explore how the travel industry can respect and equitably promote indigenous communities’ heritage and traditions.

Enhancements to Event Facilities for Inclusivity

WTM London 2024 is also unveiling several enhancements to its event commitments and facilities to ensure that the event is a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for everyone. These new facilities include:

50% Speaker Representation from Underrepresented Groups: The official WTM Conference Program will ensure that at least 50% of speakers are from underrepresented communities, ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard.

Closed Captioning and Ramp Access: All stages at the event will be fitted with closed captioning and ramp access to ensure full accessibility for attendees with mobility and hearing impairments.

Reset Room for Neurodiverse Attendees: A ‘Reset Room’ will be available for those with neurodiverse needs, offering a quiet and calming space for individuals who may need it during the event.

Gender Neutral Restroom Facilities: WTM will provide gender-neutral restroom facilities, creating a more inclusive environment for attendees of all gender identities.

Pronoun Badges: Attendees will have the option to add their pronouns to their event badges, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.

Multi-Faith Rooms: Multi-faith prayer rooms will be available to attendees, ensuring those who need a space for worship can access it during the event.

Sunflower Lanyards for Hidden Disabilities: WTM will offer sunflower lanyards for attendees with hidden disabilities, ensuring they receive the appropriate support during the event.

WTM London’s Commitment to Change

Juliette Losardo (she/her), Exhibition Director of WTM London, emphasized the event’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable travel industry. “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,” Losardo said.

She added that the launch of WTM’s DEAI Summit and the enhanced facilities demonstrate the event’s investment in driving real change. “This year, we aren’t just tabling the topic, but we’re investing in change. WTM will provide a wide range of new facilities and services, which we hope will make WTM a safe space for all,” she said.

Conclusion

WTM London 2024 is not just reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the travel industry—it is taking concrete steps to drive action. From the dedicated DEAI Summit to the introduction of inclusivity-focused facilities, WTM is positioning itself as a leader in promoting a truly inclusive travel industry. By addressing the barriers that still exist and celebrating best practices, WTM is setting a new standard for global travel events and inspiring positive change throughout the industry.

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