- The forum will take place in Paris on 29–30 October 2026 under the theme “New Tourism Realities: From Global Disruption to Collective Action”.
- Discussions will cover geopolitical risk, nature, investment, hospitality transformation, artificial intelligence and transport.
- A new vision for Connected Intelligence and Open Networks will be previewed on 28 October, ahead of its full unveiling on 30 October.
Tourism growth faces new pressures
The industry continues to generate substantial economic activity, although recent figures point to a more complex operating environment. 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 that travel and tourism will contribute US$12 trillion to the global economy in 2026, supporting around 376 million jobs. However, UN Tourism reports that international arrivals increased by just 0.4% in the first half of 2026, with geopolitical tensions and rising costs weighing on momentum.
Against this backdrop, A World for Travel 2026 will examine how destinations can remain competitive while protecting natural resources, where investment can create long-term value and how public policy can align more closely with business strategy.
Resilience, nature and destination competitiveness
Under the theme “New Tourism Realities: From Global Disruption to Collective Action”, the programme will address three tensions affecting the sector: growth versus resilience, investment versus transformation, and innovation versus responsibility.
Justin Crump, CEO of intelligence firm Sibylline, will examine how geopolitical instability is changing 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 inform tourism development. The programme will also include a discussion on destination resilience with government representatives from Gibraltar, alongside a session on the Blue Economy covering ocean conservation, maritime sovereignty and coastal competitiveness.
A dedicated Africa panel featuring leaders from the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), the West Africa Tourism Organisation and Egypt will examine investment, connectivity and partnerships needed to develop the continent’s tourism potential.
Investment and hospitality transformation
The forum will also consider how capital, infrastructure and new business models can support measurable change across the industry. 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.Huijbrechts said: “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 separate investment discussion, 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. The session will explore how investors and industry leaders are reassessing risk, value creation and the future of tourism assets.
Other discussions will address the future of luxury, domestic tourism and changing traveller expectations, including the relationship between competitiveness, sustainability and long-term value creation.
Artificial intelligence, open networks and mobility
Artificial intelligence will feature in discussions about how travel businesses, destinations and travellers connect. The programme will consider who controls travel intelligence and whether more open, interoperable networks can create value across the industry.
A new vision for Connected Intelligence and Open Networks will challenge established travel technology models and explore a more open, collaborative ecosystem. The organisers say an initial preview will take place in Paris on 28 October, with the full vision scheduled to be unveiled on 30 October.
Mobility will also feature through dedicated conversations on rail, maritime transport and aviation, moderated by Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor at CBS News.
Senior international participants confirmed
A World for Travel is designed to convene a focused group of senior executives, policymakers, investors, destination leaders and innovators. Participants include 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.
The seventh edition of A World for Travel will take place in Paris on 29–30 October 2026, bringing tourism leaders together to discuss the policy, investment and technology choices shaping the sector’s next phase.
Tags: Paris A World for Travel
