WTM® Blog

Gain insight about trends, challenges and innovation across various tourism sectors from our industry leaders, on a regular basis.

Join the conversation by commenting on posts, or contact the Editor to enquire about being featured in one of our guest blog spots.

October 26, 2016January 23, 2017

Nano is the New Demography

Food Tourism

Nano means small, really, really small. When you think about a nanosecond, that’s not a long time, is it? Now think about how many seconds, or nanoseconds, there are in ... Read more

October 25, 2016September 18, 2017

Enhancing the Tourism Experience for Guests and Hosts

Development, Responsible Tourism

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 ... Read more

October 24, 2016January 23, 2017

This Girl Can…. in a latex leotard?

Women in Travel

Today’s guest blogger is Claire Hazle, director of Marketing and Ecommerce for Cosmos Tours and Cruises, Avalon River Cruises, Archers Holidays. Claire discusses female empowerment and how a latex leotard ... Read more

October 21, 2016January 23, 2017

The Long-Term Impact of Brexit on the UK Lodging Industry

Trends

The World War II slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On” regained popularity in the UK’s popular culture in the years after the economic crisis. After the Brexit vote, government leaders ... Read more

October 20, 2016January 23, 2017

Airlines: Turning Geography to Advantage

Aviation

Our airline guests at this year’s WTM can all talk about how they have used their respective geographies to their advantage. Emirates, which last year celebrated its 30th birthday, has ... Read more

October 19, 2016January 23, 2017

Just a Drop at WTM 2016: ‘This Bottle is a Lifesaver’ & The Marathon Man

Charity

This year, Just a Drop will once again run its ‘This Bottle is a Lifesaver’ initiative at WTM 2016, due to the initiative’s success last year. The charity will be ... Read more

October 19, 2016January 23, 2017

World Travel Market Tech Events

Technology

Once again, I have organised a couple of the technology/digital travel events at World Travel Market this year. I have been doing this for quite a few years. I am ... Read more

October 18, 2016September 18, 2017

Last Chance Travel: What if the only truly sustainable form of tourism is less of it?

Carbon & Water, Development, Overtourism, Responsible Tourism

Issues around Venice and the problems of what is fast becoming known as ‘overtourism‘ are being talked about a great deal these days. What I was unaware of until reading ... Read more

October 17, 2016January 23, 2017

On the Other Side of the Fence: Brexit – Implications for the Airline Sector

Trends

The news of the Brexit vote took the UK, Europe and the world by surprise, bringing instability and high uncertainty to the airline industry, reminiscent of the financial crisis of ... Read more

October 10, 2016January 23, 2017

Whats your Recipe for Success?

Food Tourism

Charting a path towards success with food and beverage tourism. Many times, charting a course for success with food tourism can appear to be a daunting task, not just for ... Read more

October 4, 2016September 18, 2017

Google Cardboard’s VR headset will change tourism forever. But will virtual reality make the industry more sustainable?

Carbon & Water, Disability, Responsible Tourism

In the last few days the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset has launched in the UK, bringing virtual reality to the headlines once again; although at £549, it still is ... Read more

October 3, 2016September 18, 2017

How Gulf destinations are opening their doors to the world

Blog, Disability

The Gulf has already established a formidable reputation as one of the world’s most accessible regions – in fact, it’s the very foundation of its tourism success story. Dubai International ... Read more

October 3, 2016January 23, 2017

Sojern Voices: Sylvia Weiler Reflects on her Career as a Travel Trailblazer

Women in Travel

For more than 17 years, I have been an active member of the travel and tourism industry, including my current role at Sojern as VP Audience Strategy & Development, and ... Read more

September 29, 2016January 23, 2017

Why Short-Term Rentals Will Change the Business Travel Landscape

Trends

Last week, Travel Leaders Group released its results from a survey undertaken amongst 354 members, constituting travel agent owners, managers and frontline agents providing services to business travellers. The survey ... Read more

September 28, 2016June 22, 2017

Brazilian tourism gains with an income tax rate of 6%

Destinations, Trends

by Magda Nassar, Braztoa’s President On July 21, 2016 Brazilian tourism entities celebrated the fact that the rate of 6% for income tax deducted at source (IRRF) on remittances abroad ... Read more

September 28, 2016April 27, 2022

The Emerging Niche of Luxury-Adventure Travel

Luxury

“A serving of adventure with a dose of luxury, please…“ Virtuoso’s Luxe report is out, and the message is clear: Luxury travellers are getting more adventurous. Virtuoso, an international network ... Read more

September 27, 2016September 18, 2017

A new challenge “overtourism”

Carbon & Water, Overtourism, Responsible Tourism

A new challenge and a new word: “overtourism.” First used on twitter as #overtourism back in August 2012 it’s likely to become commonplace over the next few years. Its meaning ... Read more

September 21, 2016January 23, 2017

Adventure and creativity can bring about positive social change

Women in Travel

My guest blogger this week is Natalia Komis founder of iamadventures. Natalia is an adventure maiden, artist and creative activator. Having gained a Fine Art Degree and studied Arts Therapy ... Read more

September 20, 2016September 18, 2017

#TOURISMFORALL – Is your travel website reaching as many guests as possible?

Disability, Responsible Tourism

The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day, which happens a week today on September 27, is Tourism for All. In the promotional materials for its annual event, the UNWTO ... Read more

September 19, 2016January 23, 2017

Online and Mobile Channels are Driving Growth of Travel Industry

Trends

Technological changes are disrupting travellers’ consumer behaviour, with travel companies required to provide personalised travel experiences and mobile assistance to meet consumers’ expectations in the data economy. Travel companies need ... Read more

September 15, 2016January 23, 2017

All is revealed about the Women in Travel Meetup 2016!

Women in Travel

I am only too delighted that Summer is over and I am now back at my desk and not just because London is still basking in sunshine… but because today ... Read more

September 14, 2016January 23, 2017

An Overhaul of Online Reviews is Desperately Needed

Food Tourism

There is no denying that review websites are part of our travel planning process today. No matter whether travellers use Trip Advisor for hotels and attractions, Yelp for restaurants or ... Read more

September 14, 2016June 20, 2017

Happy people are more successful!

Professional Development

Positive psychology, neuroscience and emotional intelligence have published various studies (www.6seconds.org; “Authentic Happiness”, Martin Seligman) showing that happy people are more successful socially and professionally, have good health and a ... Read more

September 13, 2016September 18, 2017

It is a privilege to judge the Responsible Tourism Awards

Certification, Development, Responsible Tourism

Since 2004 when responsibletravel.com launch Responsible Tourism Awards I have been privileged to chair the judges for the Awards presented at WTM in London on World Responsible Tourism Day each ... Read more

September 12, 2016April 25, 2022

Could Artificial Intelligence Replace the Travel Agent?

Technology

I like to think that I am online savvy, so when my wife suggested we have a short break in Iceland, my first thought was to get on the web ... Read more

September 7, 2016January 23, 2017

Brexit Consequences for the Airline Business

Aviation

On June 24th the UK Referendum on EU membership delivered something of a shock with its “leave” decision. On the day of the “Brexit” decision the pound went into freefall ... Read more

September 6, 2016September 18, 2017

Tourism has to stop worrying about how to spin sustainability

Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

I am sitting inside a campervan, sheltering from the rain on day 12 of a road trip around England and Wales. I have stayed in 4 different camp sites, and ... Read more

September 2, 2016January 23, 2017

UK Travel and Tourism in the Aftermath of the Brexit Vote

Trends

The referendum result brought a period of uncertainty with many unknowns, leading to a period of shock and soul-searching across the UK. Euromonitor International’s macro model predicts a 2% fall ... Read more

August 31, 2016June 22, 2017

The Economic Crisis Tests the Resilience of Brazil’s Tourism Industry

Destinations, Trends

by Marília Borges, Research Associate, Euromonitor International Brazil is currently undergoing a strong recessionary cycle, with soaring inflation rates, volatile exchanges rates and retraction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – ... Read more

August 31, 2016January 23, 2017

Luxury Travel is on the Rise. How Can Travel Brands Take Advantage?

Luxury

Luxury Travel is on the Rise. How Can Travel Brands Take Advantage? A couple of months ago, we dissected the six new types of traveller tribes based on travel IT group ... Read more

August 30, 2016September 18, 2017

People and Gorillas at Bwindi

Development, Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

Looking out of the lodge window at Rushaga in southwest Uganda close on the border with Congo and Rwanda the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home to the fabled mountain gorillas presents ... Read more

August 24, 2016January 23, 2017

Emerging Destinations for Food Travel

Food Tourism

How Secondary and Tertiary Destinations are Poised to Prosper For the new food traveller, nothing quite scratches the itch better than your first trip to France or Italy. But after ... Read more

August 23, 2016September 18, 2017

Will the “Brexit Bounce” mean a living wage for London Hotel Workers?

Development, Responsible Tourism

“Post referendum weaker pound boosts UK inbound tourist spending” reads a headline on the homepage of Travel Weekly UK this week. “Massive Brexit boost to tourism in UK sees 3 ... Read more

August 19, 2016January 23, 2017

The Pearl of Africa Project Visit by Just a Drop’s Louise

Charity

Uganda. The Pearl of Africa, lush landscapes, bright colours, and friendly people. Where to begin describing this beautiful country? The journey from Entebbe airport was my first taste of the ... Read more

August 16, 2016September 18, 2017

World’s Biggest Responsible Tourism Event

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

Every year at WTM London we have about 2,000 participants across the various Responsible Tourism events, it is a big success but we want to reach still more people and ... Read more

August 15, 2016January 23, 2017

The Online Con

Technology

It was shocking to read about the recent demise of LowCost Travel Group last month. Just take a look at the Administrator’s message on the Group’s website. Under the heading, ... Read more

August 15, 2016September 18, 2017

WRTD Spotlight on Rural Suite

Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? Since the beginning, our aim was the same: to create a singular type of accommodation focused on the “Inclusive Tourism”, not only ... Read more

August 15, 2016September 18, 2017

WRTD Spotlight on Footprint Vietnam Travel

Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? In 1999, the dream began, when Mr. Thanh and me, Son Dang, from Hanoi Open University (Faculty of Tourism), met and began ... Read more

August 12, 2016January 23, 2017

Interview with Sarah and Terry Lee of LiveShareTravel

Blogging

Continuing on from last month’s great interview with Tawanna Brown-Smith, we’re chatting to another speaker, or in this case speakers, who will be presenting the Traverse sessions at this year’s ... Read more

August 12, 2016September 18, 2017

WRTD Spotlight on LooLa Adventure Resort

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? After finishing my Masters degree in mathematics in Holland in 1988, I went backpacking for a year in South East Asia. There ... Read more

August 10, 2016January 23, 2017

Lessons from a first time Entrepreneur

Women in Travel

My guest blogger this week is Sara Ismail founder of Trip for Wellness. Born and raised in Portugal, with an academic background in Business Administration and Marketing and after having ... Read more

August 9, 2016September 18, 2017

Why every tourism company should sign up to the World Community Grid

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

For many of us in the northern hemisphere, August is a month when our computers finally lie idle, emails get bounced back with out of office replies, and we spend ... Read more

August 9, 2016September 18, 2017

WRTD Spotlight on Naam Group

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? This business was contrived by its founder and Chairman Dr Ravi Ponniah who feels that Langkawi – although an island – is ... Read more

August 2, 2016September 18, 2017

The Olympics and Tourism

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

The 2016 Olympics open in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday 6 August, they were in London in 2012 and they will be in Tokyo in 2020. For 2024 there were originally ... Read more

August 1, 2016May 24, 2017

Travel Agents are fundamental for cruises

Trends

by Marco Ferraz, President of CLIA ABREMAR BRASIL Investing in a specialization and professional qualification for selling cruises is fundamental to the success of the work of a travel agent. ... Read more

July 29, 2016January 23, 2017

Defining the Asian Luxury Traveller

Luxury

Six years ago, the annual Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Report declared that Asia has caught up with Europe in terms of its high-net worth population and their wealth. It was reported then ... Read more

July 26, 2016September 18, 2017

In defence of the really wild and raucous holiday

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

“Campaigners seek to reintroduce Eurasian lynx into parts of Britain” ran a headline in the Guardian early this week. Amidst this season’s swelter of Brexit, terror and Trump, a story ... Read more

July 24, 2016June 22, 2017

The possible impacts of ‘Brexit’ on tourism

Trends

We all have our own opinions about the decision taken by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, the so-called ‘Brexit’. It’s not our place to make any type ... Read more

July 22, 2016January 23, 2017

Healing…The British Way

Wellness

At four weeks since the result no one expected, life has taken on a new dimension, something akin to compulsive addiction. Not for drugs or hard alcohol but moreover, a ... Read more

July 20, 2016January 23, 2017

A Summer of Inspiration

Women in Travel

Think of summer, think of holidays, sun, relaxation…we use summer to rest, recharge, and also find enough inspiration to get ready for a new season of work. So how better ... Read more

July 18, 2016January 23, 2017

The Customer has Arrived

Technology

At the beginning of the month I ran the first of my Genesys Happiest Minds Executive Series seminars in partnership with Happiest Minds. The idea is that we will hold ... Read more

July 15, 2016January 23, 2017

Q&A With the Experts – Tawana Browne-Smith talks Live Streaming

Blogging

There’s no getting around it, live streaming on social media is here to stay. While not a new thing, it’s really in the past year that live social media has ... Read more

July 13, 2016October 4, 2016

How to reinvent your tourism sustainability strategy – At the beach

Responsible Tourism

This month sees the return of The Big Holiday Beach Clean, the central focus of ABTA’s annual “Make Holidays Greener” campaign, which lasts for the whole of July. I want ... Read more

July 8, 2016September 18, 2017

WRTD Spotlight on Verde Hotel

Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? Owner Mario Delicio spent a great deal of time travelling, staying in many hotels around the world. With an innate passion for ... Read more

July 8, 2016February 8, 2017

WRTD Spotlights on Sociedad Geográfica de las Indias

Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? In 2007 we missed a sustainable tourism business model, which procured benefit to all participants, a relationship win-win-win-win, etc. (travelers, travel agency, ... Read more

July 8, 2016September 18, 2017

WRTD Spotlight on Hopineo

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? We both are entrepreneurs. We both have been raised with an inspiration to do our part to build a better world, little ... Read more

July 6, 2016January 23, 2017

The string that binds… is humanism

Wellness

The most fitting response I have heard amidst the continued and rather addictive coverage following last weeks’ referendum result has been from HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Whilst addressing the fifth ... Read more

July 5, 2016September 18, 2017

Communicating Responsible Tourism

Development, Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing

At this year’s WTM in London we shall be looking back at 20 years of Responsible Tourism in South Africa and in the UK – critically assessing how much progress ... Read more

July 4, 2016October 4, 2016

WRTD Spotlight on Sumak Travel

Responsible Tourism Spotlight

1. What inspired you to create your business? Sumak Sustainable Travel is based on one optimistic assumption: that tourism can be a force for good. There are hundreds of thousands of ... Read more

July 4, 2016January 23, 2017

If Women Ruled the World (and the Travel Industry)

Women in Travel

Today I picked up a local newspapers and found an article about what may happen in 2017. With Clinton (USA), May (UK), Sturgeon (Scotland) and Merkel (Germany) potentially all in ... Read more

June 29, 2016January 23, 2017

Say Hello to the New Tribe of Luxury Travellers. Which One Do You Belong to?

Luxury

Travel IT group Amadeus has recently released a new report, “Shaping the Future of Luxury Travel”. From recent luxury travel trend reports, we have gathered that the needs of the ... Read more

June 28, 2016September 18, 2017

What is tourism’s role after Brexit?

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

I had planned to write about something else today. I had planned to write about Jordan, a country I have recently visited, a country with one of the richest cultures ... Read more

June 24, 2016September 18, 2017

Foreign exchange and the resilience of tourism

Disability, Trends

by Jeanine Pires The years 2015 and now 2016 have been particularly difficult for Brazil and this has been reflected in both the economy of the continent and in various ... Read more

June 24, 2016May 24, 2017

The travel blog audience

Blogging

Travel blogs have an audience that is different from the traditional means of communication. While major web sites, newspapers and magazines disclose their information to the masses, travel blogs disclose ... Read more

June 21, 2016September 18, 2017

Is Climate Change Currently a Benefit to Some Countries and Businesses?

Carbon & Water, Responsible Tourism

There are winners and losers but more losers than winners. Back in 2014 Iceland’s Prime Minister said that climate change would be good for Iceland, melted ice caps would, he ... Read more

June 16, 2016January 23, 2017

Tough Mudder Summer Challenge

Charity

At the end of April this year, over 50 travel industry professionals gathered to complete a Tough Mudder in order to raise funds for a borehole project in Nsunka Village, ... Read more

June 15, 2016January 23, 2017

What can you expect from the Women in Travel meetup at WTM London 2016?

Women in Travel

5 months to go and counting! As I look at the calendar I am thrilled about this third, forthcoming Women in Travel meetup 2016 but also know there is a ... Read more

June 14, 2016February 21, 2017

#ATM2016 & Beyond: Hilton Worldwide

Blog, Video

Mark Nogal Regional Head, Focused Service Brand Management EMEA, Hilton Worldwide Following his ‘Mid-market Sector Strategies’ session, Mark gave us his predictions for 2016 and beyond. Here’s what he had ... Read more

June 14, 2016February 21, 2017

#ATM2016 & Beyond: Airline Innovation

Blog, Video

Blake Emery Director of Differentiation Strategy, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Following his ‘The Impact of Innovation and Technological Change on the Airline Sector’ session, Blake gave us his predictions for 2016 ... Read more

June 14, 2016September 18, 2017

How to engage over 100,000 people in your responsible tourism campaign in under a month

Responsible Tourism, RT Marketing, Technology

A few months ago I was contacted by Anna Mckeon, the co-ordinator of the Better Volunteering Better Care initiative. She was seeking my advice on how to raise the profile ... Read more

June 13, 2016January 23, 2017

The Price is Right

Technology

Last week I was moderating Travel Technology Initiative’s Summer Forum that I organised. The subject was Revenue Management. I called the Forum ‘Money for Nothing.’ My thinking was that this ... Read more

June 8, 2016September 18, 2017

Zika, Strikes, Terrorism but Tourism Remains Remarkably Resilient

Development, Responsible Tourism

In the last few days the dependence of tourism on the wider economy and the disruption caused by conflicts within them has been highlighted. As 500,000 British holidaymakers headed for ... Read more

June 3, 2016January 23, 2017

Chat Apps: Real-Time Travel Information on the Move

Social Media

If visiting Istanbul, you may well buy a tourist pass giving discounts to museums, bus tours and other attractions. Many cities have them. But not all offer what the Istanbul ... Read more

June 1, 2016May 15, 2017

Groot Constantia Facts

Destinations, Food Tourism

Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine farm – in existence for 330 years this year. Wine has been produced on the estate without interruption since 1685 when Commander Simon ... Read more

June 1, 2016September 18, 2017

The endless quest for authentic tourism is sowing the seeds of its own destruction

Overtourism, Responsible Tourism

Every week it seems, there are more stories about communities around the world banning or limiting tourism in order to protect that which they hold dear. Most recently, it has ... Read more

May 31, 2016February 6, 2017

4 Luxurious Expeditions That Will Bring out The Adventurer in You

Luxury

“It is human nature to stretch, to go, to see, to understand. Exploration is not a choice, really; it’s an imperative.” – Michael Collins For the longest time, humans have ... Read more

May 26, 2016May 26, 2017

Blog professionalization to provide tourism-trade services with increased efficiency

Blogging

All those working in any tourism sector certainly perceived that in the past 5 years, the number of travel-blogs has steadily increased along with their respective bloggers, who are seeking ... Read more

May 26, 2016June 22, 2017

We need to invest in travel promotion, but planning for the long-term

Trends

We’re currently going through a complicated economic moment both in Brazil and the rest of the world. The European economy is slowly recovering, with Spain, the country that is leading ... Read more

May 24, 2016May 24, 2017

5 content creation tips for improving your digital marketing

Technology

You may have already heard that in the age of the Internet content is king. Companies that achieve most relevance in the digital media are those that have good stories ... Read more

May 23, 2016May 15, 2017

Carol Weaving Column

Blog

Facilitating and organising a large trade fair is exciting work but takes a great deal of expertise, knowledge, and an enormous amount of careful and resourceful planning in order to ... Read more

May 3, 2016February 17, 2017

Passions, emotions and enough energy to fuel a rocket!

Blog, Women in Travel

I have just come back from running my first Women in Travel meetup at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and I am still feeling elated and exhilarated by the whole ... Read more

May 2, 2016June 22, 2017

Trust and Security

Trends

I’ve decided to talk about trust and security, words that are closely linked to the world of travel and its professionals, whether they are directly or indirectly involved. Whenever anyone ... Read more

April 29, 2016April 27, 2022

Top 10 First Class Airline Cabins

Luxury

The world is getting smaller in the sense that people are travelling more than ever now. Rise of low-cost carriers, competitive fares, and people getting more adventurous in general (all ... Read more

April 26, 2016February 17, 2017

#ATM2016 Day 3 – Were you there?

Blog, Video

Day three of #ATM2016 was business as usual. Quality and quantity of exhibitors, visitors and buyers, plus another packed day of education across the ATM Event Programme. ATM leaders breakfast… ... Read more

April 26, 2016February 20, 2017

#ATM2016 Day Two – The Best Bits

Blog, Video

Day two at #ATM2016 kicked off with an in-depth look at the Middle East market, when Travel industry research authority Phocuswright took to the stage for their comprehensive research based ... Read more

April 26, 2016February 20, 2017

VIDEO BLOG: Alison Grinnell from @PwC_Middle_East

Blog, Video

VIDEO: Alison Grinnell from @PwC_Middle_East tells us how to make the most of your relationship with the OTA’s! #ATM2016

April 25, 2016February 20, 2017

#ATM2016 Day One – What did you miss?

Blog, Video

At 10am today the 23rd edition of Arabian Travel Market opened its doors. Inbound and outbound tourism professionals filled the halls, all looking to unlock business potential within the Middle ... Read more

April 12, 2016September 18, 2017

Managing Risk – Paedophilia and Canned Lions

Human Rights, Responsible Tourism

The panel on business resilience at WTM Africa last week explored the range of issues from drought to reputational risk that can threaten a tourism business. Two films which I ... Read more

April 8, 2016April 20, 2022

Hotel Branded Residences Trends

Hospitality

The number of Hotel Branded Residences across the world increased tenfold in the decade up to 2012. Will this trend continue during this decade or will the bubble burst? Branded ... Read more

April 8, 2016January 23, 2017

Genesys Digital Transformation

Technology

I founded Genesys over 21 years ago. Back then, the Internet and the digital world that we know today were simply unheard of. Tim Berners-Lee had already conceived the idea ... Read more