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.

May 24, 2018July 3, 2018

CRM is moving on

Technology

A week or so ago I saw a demonstration of one of the better CRM systems, specifically designed for travel companies. What impressed me is how sophisticated customer relationship management has ... Read more

May 22, 2018

With funding for app secured, Refill my bottle now ready for international expansion

Carbon & Water

Like most of the best ideas, the Refill my Bottle initiative is incredibly simple. So simple that you’ve probably guessed most of what it is about from the title. Started ... Read more

May 15, 2018May 17, 2018

Orphanages: Campaigning for Responsibility in Tourism

Blog, Human Rights

Responsible Tourism is about taking responsibility to address the issues that matter whether in a particular place or one that occurs in many areas. This year in WTM’s World Responsible ... Read more

May 14, 2018August 14, 2020

Women in Leadership and Gender Parity

Blog, Diversity & Inclusion, Professional Development, Women in Travel

This week it is my pleasure to interview Barbara (Bobby) Stewart, Executive Manager: Strategic Relations and Human Resources, V&A Waterfront. Bobby was a mentor at the recent Women in Travel meetup in ... Read more

May 11, 2018May 11, 2018

International Travel & Tourism Awards: Meet the Judges

Events, Professional Development, WTM Team

The International Travel and Tourism Awards team are busy pulling together a panel of independent credible industry experts, business leaders and senior advisors from around the world to sit on ... Read more

May 8, 2018May 9, 2018

Banish Bucket Lists. Go back to the place you love most

Blog, Overtourism

I come here at this time every year. I have been coming here now, every year, at the same time, for 10 years. And I intend to come here at ... Read more

May 2, 2018August 18, 2020

Blog rebranding, is it time for a drastic change?

Blog, Blogging, marketing

You’re woken in the middle of the night with a cold gust of wind on your feet and a loud rhythmical chu-chug as the train runs over the rail joints. ... Read more

May 1, 2018

Taking responsibility for sustainability is now a business imperative

Development, RT Marketing

Recent research published by TUI clearly shows that consumers expect the industry to take responsibility for ensuring that their product is sustainable. Research by booking.com found that 87% of global ... Read more

May 1, 2018May 1, 2018

All you need to know about tourism in Russia

Destinations

Russia has a great offering of tourism, and after reading this blog you will get the complete picture of the Russian travel market and what it has to offer tourists ... Read more

April 25, 2018April 25, 2018

#ATMDubai25 – The Final Day!

Blog

It may have been the fourth and final day of #ATMDubai25 but that didn’t mean things slowed down at all. The halls were once again a hive of activity and ... Read more

April 24, 2018April 30, 2018

How Tourism can rapidly eliminate single use plastics – Earth Day inspiration from around the world

Carbon & Water, Development, RT Marketing

For a somewhat obsessive follower of tourism industry news like me, the spike in press releases that mark the annual Earth Day celebrations provide a quick reference point to the ... Read more

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018

#ATMDubai25 Day Three – What did you miss?

Blog

It was business as usual on day three at #ATMDubai, with travel professionals from around the world once again filling the halls at the 25th edition of the Middle East’s ... Read more

April 23, 2018April 23, 2018

#ATMDubai25 Day Two – Making things happen!

Blog

Day two of #ATMDubai25 was once again all about making things happen. With a buzzing show floor that continued to connect travel professionals and communities from around the world with ... Read more

April 22, 2018April 22, 2018

#ATMDubai 2018 Day One – The Highlights!

Blog

At midday today the 25th edition of Arabian Travel Market, the leading global event for the Middle East, got underway! Inbound and outbound tourism professionals filled the halls, all here ... Read more

April 20, 2018August 20, 2018

Big interview: Setting responsible travel standards

Overtourism, Responsible Tourism, Spring 2018 Magazine

G Adventures has helped push sustainable tourism to the top of the world travel agenda. Katherine Lawrey speaks to founder Bruce Poon Tip about how the company did it ... Read more

April 20, 2018

WTM Daily News | Wednesday 20 April 2018

Blog, Blogging, Press Releases, WTM Africa

Catch up on the latest news at WTM 2018! Download Issue NO3 here

April 19, 2018July 24, 2018

2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards: Wilderness Safaris scoops coveted Overall Winner title

Blogging, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Responsible Tourism Spotlight

Cape Town – Wilderness Safaris – an operator of safari camps, lodges and experiences in seven African countries, has grabbed the main prize at the 2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards, on Wednesday, ... Read more

April 19, 2018

Middle East Carriers and Luxury: A Battle of Indulgence

Luxury

Let’s all do a little time-travelling and look back in the mid-90’s to early 2000’s. This was a time in commercial travel where in general, airlines’ business class seats were ... Read more

April 19, 2018April 20, 2018

WTM Daily News | Wednesday 19 April 2018

Blog, Blogging, Press Releases, WTM Africa

Catch up on the latest news at WTM 2018! Download Issue NO2 here

April 18, 2018

Four question with VILA VITA

Blog

1. What are you looking to promote at ATM this year? After extensive refurbishment of all 194 rooms in our luxurious hotel in Marburg, Germany we are hoping to encourage ... Read more

April 18, 2018August 20, 2018

Bahamas – doors open at Baha Mar

Destinations, Spring 2018 Magazine

After financial difficulties impeded the opening of Baha Mar in the Bahamas, the development is finally welcoming guests. Andrew Doherty reports Following more than two years of delays, the ... Read more

April 18, 2018April 18, 2018

WTM Daily News | Wednesday 18 April 2018

Blog, Blogging, Press Releases, WTM Africa

Catch up on the latest news at WTM 2018! Download Issue NO1 here

April 17, 2018April 30, 2018

Responsible Tourism moves centre stage

Responsible Tourism

TUI recently published survey results on UK consumer demand. 62% of UK holidaymakers agree it makes them feel better when they know their holiday was organised with respect for nature ... Read more

April 16, 2018August 20, 2018

A golden year for Mauritius

Destinations, Spring 2018 Magazine

Celebrations around the island, new aircraft for Air Mauritius and hotel refurbishments mark an anniversary year, finds Katherine Lawrey This year will be a special one for Mauritius as ... Read more

April 13, 2018

Wellness at The Begnas Lake Resort & Villas

Destinations, Wellness

According to ancient Hindu beliefs, Ayurveda was gifted to mankind by Lord Brahma (Creator of the Universe) to help us lead a healthy and fruitful life free from mortal ailments. ... Read more

April 13, 2018

Wellness and Medical Haven in India

Destinations, Wellness

SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre, is the first healing centre of its kind in the world where it judiciously combines different traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga ... Read more

April 12, 2018May 10, 2018

Smart Tourism 2020

Technology

One of the seminar sessions I am running at this year’s Arabian Travel Market is called Smart Tourism 2020. I do work within both the tourism and travel industries and ... Read more

April 11, 2018May 10, 2018

Artificial intelligence: to infinity and beyond

Spring 2018 Magazine, Technology

Artificial intelligence has the potential to be as transformative as the introduction of computers – and the travel industry stands to benefit. Jenny Southan explains Over the past few years, ... Read more

April 10, 2018April 12, 2018

African Travel & Tourism Entrepreneurship: a Female Perspective

Professional Development, Women in Travel

For the current blog I am delighted to interview the amazing Chantelle Cole, Executive Manager: Strategic Projects and Brand at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Chantelle tells us about her career ... Read more

April 10, 2018April 25, 2018

Is Day Zero becoming the new normal, and not just in Cape Town?

Carbon & Water, Destinations, Development

This month, Cape Town may or may not reach Day Zero, signifying the point at which the city runs out of water. According to an April 9th article on South ... Read more

April 10, 2018April 10, 2018

Finalists for the 2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards announced

Responsible Tourism Spotlight, WTM Africa

A luxury island in the Seychelles, a cultural experience among the Maasai in Kenya and a township experience in Namibia are among the organisations selected as finalists for the 2018 ... Read more

April 9, 2018April 11, 2018

Millennials – the new vacation ownership generation

Blog

The much-maligned millennial generation gets a bad rap for a lot of things – said to be entitled, narcissistic and totally immersed in a world of digital wonder. However, what ... Read more

April 9, 2018April 25, 2018

Western Cape has safety plan for TMNP

Responsible Tourism

The Western Cape government is to spend “millions” on making Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) safe for tourists and locals, says Economic Opportunities MEC, Alan Winde. He told Tourism Update on Tuesday that his ... Read more

April 9, 2018April 25, 2018

How to travel responsibly

Responsible Tourism

It’s becoming more and more important to think about the marks we leave on places when we travel. After all, we all want future generations to be able to enjoy ... Read more

April 9, 2018July 24, 2018

Keep safe in the city

Responsible Tourism

This article covers all you need to know about travelling to Cape Town, including detailed safety tips and information on health and medical facilities. Safety Here are our top tips ... Read more

April 9, 2018April 10, 2018

Tomjachu – An award-winning Bush Retreat to exhibit at World Travel Market Africa 2018

Blog, Hospitality, Luxury, WTM Africa

The award-winning Tomjachu Bush Retreat will once again be exhibiting at this year’s World Travel Market Africa show in Cape Town. An historic family owned, 4* exclusive private nature reserve, ... Read more

April 9, 2018April 11, 2018

Responsible relaxation in Central America

Responsible Tourism, Spring 2018 Magazine, Wellness

Wellness and sustainable travel are top of the agenda for Central America tourism boards, writes Katherine Lawrey Costa Rica is promoting a new tourism strategy for 2018 titled Wellness Pura ... Read more

April 9, 2018April 9, 2018

A vigorous future for tourism in Dubai

Hospitality

As the tourism and hospitality sectors in the GCC mature, Dubai’s hotel supply continues to grow from 105,000 keys to 130,000 keys in the next year or so. As supply ... Read more

April 6, 2018

Prepare to be impressed by Dubai

Destinations, Spring 2018 Magazine

Dubai continues to break the mould with its attractions and hotels. Tom Jordan rounds up new headline acts in the emirate and elsewhere As Dubai Expo 2020 creeps ever nearer, ... Read more

April 4, 2018May 10, 2018

Comparing the Middle East travel market to other regions

Technology, Trends

Phocuswright has been tracking the size and growth of total and online travel markets for over two decades. In 2017, we sized the total market globally at US$1.6T. While online ... Read more

April 3, 2018April 25, 2018

Responsible Tourism & Market Demand

RT Marketing

As Jane Ashton, then with First Choice, said in a newspaper interview back in 2006 “‘The product we sell is the people and environment – so we have an obvious ... Read more

March 29, 2018

Opening doors

Trends

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), world tourism in 2017 registered a 7% increase compared to 2016. It was the highest ... Read more

March 28, 2018July 5, 2021

The reasons driving a boom in Sri Lanka’s tourism

Destinations, Spring 2018 Magazine

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is prospering, fuelled by a diversification of its visitor markets. Dave Richardson explains Nearly a decade on from the end of its civil war, Sri Lanka ... Read more

March 27, 2018May 21, 2018

IGTM 2018 to deliver increased value to the global golf tourism industry

Events, Uncategorised

International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) 2018 will take place for the first time at the GR Exhibition and Convention Centre, located in the heart of Ljubljana, from October 15 – 18, ... Read more

March 27, 2018March 28, 2018

The future of hotels is circular… and two of them are opening soon

Hospitality, Responsible Tourism

A couple of exciting new stories about two upcoming hotels suggest the travel industry is beginning to wake up to the potential of the circular economy for tourism. In my ... Read more

March 26, 2018April 3, 2018

Healthy outlook for wellness tourism

Spring 2018 Magazine, Trends, Wellness

A new report by the Global Wellness Institute sheds light on the spa trends of the future. Charlotte Cullinan asks the experts how these will change the industry The wellness ... Read more

March 23, 2018April 3, 2018

Q&A with the Oman Ministry of Tourism

Destinations, Spring 2018 Magazine

Maitha Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary for the Oman Ministry of Tourism, shares the country’s tourism strategy Oman’s goal by 2040 is to attract 11.7 million annual visitors. How do you aim ... Read more

March 21, 2018May 10, 2018

Trade Shows, Events and Digital Convergence

Technology

By Paulo Salvador There can be no doubt that the Trade Shows & Events segment is undergoing unprecedented transformation. The concrete signs of these changes are a direct consequence of ... Read more

March 21, 2018May 10, 2018

Millennials, mobile fuel soaring online bookings in Middle East

Destinations, Technology, Trends

The Middle East’s relatively young population (38% below 20 years old and 27% millennials) and high Internet penetration (74%) are helping to driving double-digit growth in the region’s online travel ... Read more

March 20, 2018March 20, 2018

Making a Difference with Every Holiday

RT Marketing

Thomas Cook has just launched a new three-year sustainability strategy, promising to “Make a Difference with Every Holiday”. Their ambition is to make a positive contribution to the destinations they ... Read more

March 20, 2018April 3, 2018

Cold is the new hot

Luxury, Spring 2018 Magazine

Virtuoso, a luxury consortium with a keen eye on global trends, gives the lowdown on the luxury market to Charlotte Cullinan Luxury travellers will be heading to colder climes in ... Read more

March 19, 2018

#IWD18 taught us that girls can be a girl’s best friend!

Women in Travel

Thursday 8th March was International Women’s Day 2018 and its theme was #pressforprogress. Women in Travel run a day of celebration in connection with a leading hospitality trade show here ... Read more

March 19, 2018

Why is there a luxury hotel boom in the Middle East?

Luxury

As travellers enjoy the benefits of shared economy business models in companies like Airbnb and Uber, I cannot help but think that the theory of negative correlation rings true across ... Read more

March 16, 2018March 16, 2018

#PressforProgress- The Unheard Voices

Women in Travel

It’s a long while since women’s voices have been heard so audibly. The Weinstein scandal and the subsequent Time’s Up movement have galvanised Hollywood, the 100th anniversary of ... Read more

March 15, 2018

A conversation with travel agents

Blog

By Paulo Miguel Júnior Did you know that the car rental industry is also an opportunity for travel agents that are interested in increasing their monthly income? Well, last year ... Read more

March 15, 2018May 10, 2018

Losing your voice

Technology

I have been doing some research for a presentation I will be giving next month. I am going to be talking about our future customers – Generation Z. They were ... Read more

March 15, 2018

Save like a local: how visitors can help during Cape Town’s water crisis

Blog, Destinations

Cape Town is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent history, which has led to a serious water crisis. The region is severely water-stressed, and this has ... Read more

March 15, 2018

WATER-WISE ACCOMMODATION IN CAPE TOWN

Blog, Destinations

Cape Town is currently experiencing the worst drought in over a century, and it’s more important than ever to make conscious choices when visiting. We’ve approached hotels in the ... Read more

March 14, 2018April 3, 2018

Benefits of tourism grant programme spread throughout England

Destinations, Economy, Spring 2018 Magazine

A £40 million Discover England fund has been distributed to ensure England stays competitive in the global tourism industry. Debbie Ward finds out what the grant recipients will bring to ... Read more

March 13, 2018March 13, 2018

How to engage tourists in sustainable tourism (Part 2): redesign the loyalty scheme

Carbon & Water, Development, Hospitality, RT Marketing, Social Economy

Last week, I spent a night in a hotel in Brussels that has taken a circular economy approach to redesigning the way its loyalty scheme works. Following on from my ... Read more

March 9, 2018April 3, 2018

Cape Town’s Big Five tourism trends

Destinations, Responsible Tourism, Spring 2018 Magazine, Trends

Here are five ways that Cape Town, host city of WTM Africa, is at the forefront of tourism trends, writes Katherine Lawrey. 1. Investment in Halal training Cape Town Tourism ... Read more

March 9, 2018

Keep calm and continue saving water

Blog, Destinations

It was announced yesterday that Day Zero will in all likelihood be avoided this year. Lance Greyling, CTT board member and the City’s Director for Enterprise & Investment, shares the latest information ... Read more

March 7, 2018March 16, 2018

Human Travel Agent

Blog

When you just need your travel agent to be human From chatbots to virtual reality and blockchain, the 21st century has been a wild technological roller coaster ride for ... Read more

March 7, 2018May 10, 2018

City break innovations in a Balearic capital

Destinations, Spring 2018 Magazine, Technology

Now that Palma de Mallorca has reinvented itself as a city break destination, Katherine Lawrey finds out how the city is refining the visitor experience. Encouraging visitors to disperse throughout ... Read more

March 6, 2018

Travelling to encounter the other

Blog, Development, Social Economy

Fifty years ago my father took me for a day trip to Boulogne, just across the channel from Ramsgate. He headed us straight for the back streets to see how ... Read more

March 1, 2018August 18, 2020

Social media mayhem, why bloggers need to control their creative content

Blog, Blogging, marketing, Social Media

One of the most common questions you’ll get at many blogging and influencer conferences these days from new content creators is “what advice would you give someone starting out today?”. ... Read more

February 27, 2018May 10, 2018

Technology and the necessary off-line connection

Blog, Technology

It is a fact that information technology (IT) is fundamental to the tourism chain. If we limit ourselves to thinking about the corporate sphere and the day-to-day routine of the ... Read more

February 27, 2018

How to engage tourists in sustainable tourism – make them feel proud to come

RT Marketing

What connects most of the recent high profile campaigns to make tourism more responsible? Stop riding elephants. Don’t swim with dolphins. Avoid handicrafts made from endangered species. No selfies with ... Read more

February 26, 2018February 26, 2018

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS, Cape Town & the Western Cape #WaterWiseTourism

Blog, Destinations

Come and enjoy… As beautiful as it is, the Western Cape is a water-scarce part of the world (much like other successful tourist regions like Southern California and Western Australia) ... Read more

February 25, 2018

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATING TO WATER SHORTAGE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Blog, Destinations

FEBRUARY 2018 Q: Is water available in Western, Eastern and Northern Cape for travellers? A: Yes – citizens and travellers alike are requested to abide by the water restrictions set ... Read more

February 25, 2018

A message from the city: building a sustainable water future

Blog, Destinations

It was announced this week that Day Zero has been pushed out to 9 July, with water consumption across the City hitting a new low of 523 million litres a ... Read more

February 22, 2018March 2, 2018

How can travel brands appeal more to the Millennials of the Middle East?

Luxury

If there’s any consumer market that’s been studied the most the in last five years, it would be Generation Y, more popularly known as the Millennials. Millennials, classified as those ... Read more

February 22, 2018February 22, 2018

Overview of the trends for 2018

Blog, Trends

There can be no doubt whatsoever that 2017 was an atypical year for the travel industry. Between setbacks such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, crises and overtourism, the travel industry ... Read more

February 22, 2018June 2, 2020

Social media expertise needed as the market gets complicated

Technology

For three years from 2014-17, I looked after a lot of social media accounts. It was the phase where travel companies knew they had to have social, but had no ... Read more

February 20, 2018

50 restaurants in Cape Town that locals love

Blog, Food Tourism

Cape Town has such a huge foodie scene that it can be difficult to choose between the hundreds of great restaurants. Take your cue from those who know the city ... Read more

February 20, 2018

25 Halal restaurants we love in Cape Town

Blog, Food Tourism

Cape Town is increasingly catering for Muslim diners, with a variety of certified halal eateries. Many of them are casual, family-friendly establishments, or takeaway joints, but there are also a ... Read more

February 20, 2018

The best adventure activities in Cape Town

Adventure, Blog, Destinations

If you’re looking for an adrenaline fix, you’ve come to the right city. From shark cage diving to abseiling down the iconic Table Mountain, there’s enough adventure to keep your ... Read more

February 20, 2018February 26, 2018

Why don’t we sell travel like we sell shoes?

Blog

Do you want to know how to turn online shopping into a wow experience for your clients? As members of the Association of Southern African Travel agents (ASATA), we ... Read more

February 20, 2018

Orphanages: Slavery and Birthday Parties

Human Rights

There is mounting concern about orphanages and tourism around the world, but the response has been patchy. Our world is a diverse place and our understanding of orphanages varies between ... Read more

February 16, 2018May 10, 2018

At last a use for Blockchain

Technology

I don’t know about you but I have been to quite a few presentations on blockchain and read plenty of articles on the subject. I now think I understand what ... Read more

February 13, 2018

To deal with the climate costs of flying, we need to talk about growth and carbon offsetting

Carbon & Water

Last week Harold Goodwin’s blog laid out his reasons why the aviation industry’s approach to addressing its ongoing growth in emissions is inadequate. This week, I want to look at ... Read more

February 12, 2018May 10, 2018

Grow your market worldwide – achieve competitive advantage as a Travel Agency

Technology

The Travel Industry has come a long way and is continuously developing. This includes both supply and demand. Latest trends shown in The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 indicate many ... Read more

February 12, 2018August 14, 2020

How women returners could become a valuable part of your future workforce

Blog, Diversity & Inclusion, Women in Travel

According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers Women in Work Index 2016, Women Returners still make up a significantly underutilised resource. In particular, this research shows that in the UK an additional £1.7bn of ... Read more

February 9, 2018February 9, 2018

What should tourists know about #50litres and #dayzero?

Blog, Destinations

On 19 January 2018, the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille declared that #dayzero is now likely. #dayzero is the day when the dams feeding water to Cape ... Read more

February 8, 2018May 10, 2018

Digital travel is travel and how the Middle East stacks up

Technology, Trends

Phocuswright has been tracking the shift of global travel bookings from offline to digital for over 20 years. Today, while only about half of travel is booked online in the ... Read more

February 6, 2018

Aviation: Business as usual? Is that acceptable?

Carbon & Water

Globally aviation emits around 2% of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, bring its total emissions to around 5% of the global total; if aviation were a country it world rank ... Read more

February 5, 2018February 6, 2018

The importance of independent entrepreneurs in the hotel industry

Blog, Hospitality

Established destination. New destination. Untouched destination. Wherever there is something to be seen in the world and there is a tourist, there is a requirement for a means of accommodation ... Read more

February 5, 2018February 6, 2018

Initial presentation: LGBTQ / LGBT / LGBTI

Blog, LGBT

I am very privileged to have received an invitation to start creating this blog that focuses on World LGBT Tourism; it could not have come at a better time. After ... Read more

February 1, 2018

Why there’s never been a better time to sell cruise

Trends

This year will see a record 27.2 million passengers take a cruise and more than 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships make their debut, the latest statistics from Cruise ... Read more

January 31, 2018

£22 for a sunlounger? Is no part of our holiday sacred?

Responsible Tourism

Thomas Cook is making the news this week for a new programme it is trialing to enable guests to pre-book sunloungers before they come on holiday. From the end of ... Read more

January 25, 2018May 10, 2018

Smart Tourism

Technology

I will be running a new seminar at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. I am calling it Smart Tourism. The ‘smart’ concept has reached almost everything around us. I have ... Read more

January 24, 2018May 10, 2018

How technology is going to transform the travel industry

Blog, Technology

As technology advances and the behaviour of travellers changes, the whole tourism production chain is reinventing itself. With consumer confidence increasing in relation to technology, their travel expectations are also ... Read more

January 23, 2018January 31, 2018

What is the biggest threat to our global environment?

Carbon & Water

It is a kind of pollution. There are of course several contenders. Carbon emissions and consequent global warming, soil degradation, overpopulation, biodiversity and plastics. It is not easy to decide ... Read more

January 22, 2018January 23, 2018

5 minutes with Vincent Miccolis, Regional General Manager of The Ascott Limited

Hospitality

What are you looking to promote at ATM this year? This is an exciting year for The Ascott Limited as we expand our global footprint and set to surpass the ... Read more