Ireland’s approach to tourism featured prominently at day two of World Travel Market in the Excel centre in London where the industry sessions put the spotlight on sustainable and regenerative tourism.
The Institute of Travel & Tourism’s Future You session focussed on recruitment and prospect of 85m vacancies in the travel industry by 2030. Speakers said that 40pc of jobs offer higher pay scales and encouraging students to remain persistent in securing work opportunities.
Despite looming global economic uncertainties, industry forecasts indicate a positive travel outlook from mid-2024, as people continue to prioritize travel amid rising living costs and geopolitical conflicts impacting spending patterns.
Destinations presenting their tourism recovery strategies included plans for the new luxury mountain destination Soudah Peaks, updates on the revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and Fáilte Ireland’s €68m investment in regenerative tourism in the midlands.
The conference addressed critical topics such as responsible tourism, diversity and inclusion, and innovations in aviation technology aimed at reducing carbon emissions, with calls for the industry to adopt inclusive practices and prepare for upcoming EU environmental regulations.
The responsible tourism debate addressed how European destinations are combating overtourism, with Barcelona reducing stag party visitors by promoting cultural events and Flanders enhancing cycling and heritage experiences in Bruges.
Cinque Terre National Park is shifting its focus towards cultural tourism to alleviate pressure on its scenic villages, aiming to attract visitors beyond day-trippers.
Experts in a final session discussed advancements in hydrogen technology and other sustainable aviation fuels as means to reduce carbon emissions within the travel industry.
Industry representatives, including those from easyJet and Airbus, expressed optimism about achieving zero emissions flights soon, highlighting ongoing hydrogen test flights and the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuels.
The Ireland stand reported its busiest two days since pre-pandemic. Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh joined the team as they met tourism providers form round the world.
Tourism companies from the island of Ireland attending World Travel Market 2024 include:
- Abbey Group
- Andras Hotels
- AC Group
- Aer Lingus
- Ashling Hotel Dublin
- ATS Travel
- Carroll’s Tours
- Causeway Coastal Route
- Choice Hotel Group
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
- Cronin Travel Group
- Dalata Hotel Group
- DoDublin Tours
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- Excursions Ireland
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour
- Guinness Storehouse
- Hastings Hotels
- Historic Royal Palaces – Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
- Holiday Ireland Tours
- Ireland Chauffeur Travel
- Irish Ferries
- J&K Coaches
- Killarney Hotels Collection
- Killarney Jaunting Cars
- Killary Fjord Boat Tours
- Kleemann Tours & Aspects of Ireland
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
- Luxurious Ireland / Culture & Heritage Tours Ireland
- McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience
- McGettigan Hotel Group / The Address Collective
- McKeever Hotels
- MHL Hotel Collection
- Moloney & Kelly DMC
- Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion
- National Museums NI
- O’Donoghue Ring Collection
- Original Irish Hotels
- Overland Ireland Tours
- Railtours Ireland First Class
- Shannon Heritage
- Stena Line
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery
- The Grace at Westport Estate
- The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
- The iNUA Hotel Collection
- The Talbot Collection
- Titanic Belfast
- Tour Partner Group
- Trigon Hotels
- Trinity Hotel Groups
- Visit Ards and North Down
- Visit Armagh
- Visit Belfast
- Visit Causeway Coast and Glens
- Visit Cork
- Visit Derry
- Visit Mid Ulster
- White’s Tours & Hotels
- Windmill Lane Recording Studios
