Tourism Futures Forum

The theme for BU’s Tourism Futures Forum celebrates 30 years of World Travel Market.

To help celebrate 30 years of World Travel Market (WTM), BU is organising its annual Tourism Futures Forum with the theme ‘Vision 3030’.

The event takes place at the WTM held at ExCeL, London, on Thursday 12 November 2009.

BU is pleased to announce that the forum will be opened and addressed by the Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Dr Taleb Rafai.

The Tourism Futures Forum brings together leading academics and professional tourism experts who will reflect on the past 30 years of tourism and provide an insight into the industry’s future.

BU’s International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research has organised the annual forum in partnership with World Travel Market and Travel Daily News to facilitate debate and discussion about key strategic changes and the successful response of the industry.

The Forum will examine major trends in tourism demand and supply and explore the strategic changes that lead to the international tourism industry restructuring. It will also identify new trends as well as opportunities and challenges.

Forum Director Professor Dimitrios Buhalis, based within BU’s School of Services Management, said: “The current volatile market demonstrates the key challenges and opportunities emerging for both tourism destinations and suppliers around the world.

“Tourism destinations and organisations need to learn from the history of tourism developments in the last 30 years and adapt to the realities, technologies and globalisation for the next 30 years. Clearly understanding the Economics of Tourism and ensuring the sustainability of resources will be two key challenges for the future.”

To stimulate discussion, the event will involve two cutting-edge research-based presentations delivered by BU’s Professor John Fletcher and Dr Jonathan Edwards.

The discussion will be directed by Dr Keith Wilkes Dean of BU’s School of Services Management.

Confirmed panellists include:

Ufi Ibrahim (World Travel & Tourism Council)
Philippe Rossiter CEO, Chief Executive - Institute of Hospitality
Martin Brackenbury is President of the International Federation of Tour Operators
George Drakopoulos SETE, Greece
Kevin May Editor Tnooz.com
Graham Cook Vice President Expedia EMEA
Steve Endacott (onholidaygroup.com)

All participants will be encouraged to contribute to the debate and discussion.

Staged annually in London, World Travel Market is a vibrant must attend four day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals.

The event is free of charge but entry to the World Travel Market should be arranged in advanced. Delegates are advised to arrive early as there is limited capacity.

Where: Tourism Frontiers 3030@World Travel Market, ExCeL, London North Gallery Room 6.
When: Thursday 12 November 2009, 2-3.30pm
Further information: For information please visit the WTM website listed below.