Global tourism is entering a new era of strategic choices. The industry is still generating economic growth, but geopolitical instability, climate pressures, investment challenges and technological disruption are testing its long-term competitiveness.
The numbers reveal a paradox. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, 92% of the 110 economies assessed have improved their conditions for tourism development since 2024. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a US$12 trillion contribution to the global economy in 2026, supporting around 376 million jobs.
However, UN Tourism reports that international arrivals grew by just 0.4% in the first half of 2026, as geopolitical tensions and rising costs weighed on momentum.
Tourism’s economic importance continues to grow, but its resilience can no longer be taken for granted.
How can destinations remain competitive while protecting their natural reext generation of travel business strategy better align?
These questions will drive the 7th edition of A World for Travel (AWFT), bringing together around 200 hand-picked international decision-makers in Paris on 29–30 October 2026.
Under the theme “New Tourism Realities: From Global Disruption to Collective Action”, the Forum will address three defining tensions.
Growth vs resilience: competing in a more fragmented world
Geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping travel flows, investment decisions and destination competitiveness, while biodiversity loss and climate exposure are becoming economic and strategic risks.
Justin Crump, CEO of intelligence firm Sibylline, will examine how global polycrisis is transforming the operating environment for travel and hospitality. “The world is increasingly complex, rapidly changing and becoming ever more difficult for every organisation to navigate,” said Crump. “We aren’t a world at war, but we are certainly a world in conflict. The challenges are clear, but with increased risks come new opportunities. Companies in the travel and hospitality sectors can and must position themselves to take advantage of the changing environment, given that demand will continue to increase.”
Daniel Turner, Founder of Animondial, will explore how Nature Intelligence can guide tourism development, followed by a discussion on destination resilience with government representatives from Gibraltar.
A session on the Blue Economy will bring ocean conservation, maritime sovereignty and coastal competitiveness into one conversation.
A dedicated Africa panel, with leaders from ATTA, the West Africa Tourism Organisation and Egypt, will examine the investment, connectivity and partnerships needed to unlock the continent’s tourism potential.
Investment vs transformation: where will capital create tomorrow’s tourism value?
Transforming the industry takes more than commitments. It requires investment, infrastructure, new business models and measurable returns.
Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability & Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, and Coline Pont, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Accor, will address the practical challenges of transforming global hospitality businesses. “A World for Travel reminds us that the future of tourism depends on transforming entire systems, not isolated businesses,” said Huijbrechts. “Verified Net Zero Hotels show how collaboration across destinations, energy providers, suppliers, investors and travellers can turn net zero from ambition into reality. By creating a transparent and scalable model for decarbonisation, we hope to contribute to the collective action and systemic change needed to build a more resilient and sustainable travel industry.”
A dedicated investment conversation, moderated by Dr Misa Labarile, Policy Officer at the European Commission, will bring together Franck Gervais, CEO of Pierre & Vacances–Center Parcs, and Nikolina Angelkova, former Bulgarian Minister of Tourism, to explore how investors and industry leaders are reassessing risk, value creation and the future of tourism assets.
Sessions on the future of luxury, domestic tourism and changing traveller expectations will explore how competitiveness, sustainability and long-term value creation can reinforce one another.
Innovation vs responsibility: who will shape tourism’s next operating model?
Artificial intelligence is moving beyond automation and personalisation to transform how travel businesses, destinations and travellers connect.
Who will control travel intelligence? Can more open, interoperable networks create value across the industry?
At AWFT 2026, a new vision of Connected Intelligence and Open Networks will challenge established models and explore how a more open, collaborative travel ecosystem could redefine the balance of power in global travel technology. Not from the US. Not from China. A third way is emerging.
A first glimpse will be shared in Paris on 28 October, with the full vision unveiled on 30 October.
The future of mobility will also take centre stage, with dedicated conversations on rail, maritime transport and as
A room designed for influence, not scale
AWFT convenes a deliberately focused international audience of senior executives, policymakers, investors, destination leaders and innovators.
Among the voices joining the Forum are Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC; Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region; Ana Mendes Godinho, former Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism; and Luis Araujo, former President of Turismo de Portugal and the European Travel Commission.
Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the UN Tourism Secretary-General, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Built around five interconnected pillars — Climate, Environment, Economy, Technology and Social Impact — AWFT aims to connect public policy, investment and implementation.
The challenge is no longer simply to grow tourism. It is to determine what kind of growth the world can sustain and who will help deliver it. “Tourism has proven its ability to recover and grow,” said Frédéric Vanhoutte, Founder & President of A World for Travel. “The most difficult question is whether we are building a sector capable of ambition, vision and action. Climate, geopolitics, technology and investment are no longer the subject of separate debates. They all influence the same decisions. Our role is to bring together the people who can influence these decisions and to move from shared concerns to concrete actions.”
A WORLD FOR TRAVEL 2026 | 7TH EDITION
28–30 October 2026 | Paris, France | www.aworldfortravel.org
