The Global Tourism Forum 2025 is set to take place in Brussels on October 20-21, gathering over 3,000 tourism leaders, policymakers, and investors from around the world. This highly anticipated event, organized during World Travel Week, will focus on sustainability, digital transformation, investment, and policy reforms, marking a pivotal moment for the travel industry as it looks to redefine its future in the coming years.
Sustainability will be one of the most prominent topics discussed at the forum, as the travel sector grapples with its environmental impact. With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly travel, climate adaptation, and community-inclusive tourism, the forum will explore strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote more responsible travel practices. Industry leaders are expected to discuss the implementation of carbon-neutral tourism models in line with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These discussions will not only focus on making travel more sustainable but also on ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the communities it touches.
Another key theme at the Global Tourism Forum 2025 will be investment and public-private partnerships. The forum aims to facilitate $2 billion in tourism agreements, with a special focus on smart tourism destinations, sustainable resorts, and emerging travel technology startups. With growing interest in these areas, the event will serve as a platform for businesses to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen the global tourism market’s commitment to sustainability.
The AI and digital transformation in tourism will also take center stage, with conversations centered on how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain are shaping the travel experience. From personalized itineraries to digital payment solutions and virtual reality (VR) tours, these innovations are transforming how travelers plan and experience their trips. The forum will explore how AI-driven tools, including chatbots and tailored recommendations, are revolutionizing the way tourists interact with destinations and service providers.
Tourism policy reform and international cooperation will also be crucial topics during the event. A Tourism 20 (T20) ministerial session will bring together ministers from 40 countries, aiming to create a Global Tourism Declaration. This session will focus on simplifying visa regulations, improving cross-border travel, and enhancing tourism crisis management strategies. The forum’s goal is to provide solutions that make it easier for tourists to explore the world while fostering greater international collaboration.
In addition, the Global Tourism Forum 2025 will delve into the protection of cultural heritage and the importance of inclusive tourism. Strategies for preserving UNESCO World Heritage sites and fostering cultural exchanges will be key points of discussion. The forum will also address the importance of accessible tourism, ensuring that all travelers, regardless of their needs, can enjoy the world’s most remarkable destinations.
With major industry leaders, government officials, and experts from organizations like the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the European Commission, and the UNWTO participating, the forum promises to be a landmark event for the tourism industry. Attendees can expect to hear from heads of state, former world leaders, industry CEOs, and tourism ministers, all contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the future of global travel.
The Global Tourism Forum 2025 will be an unmissable event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the tourism industry, offering a rare opportunity to shape the future of travel, explore investment prospects, and embrace sustainable tourism innovations.
