Towards the future: A call to action4 The T&T sector holds the potential to continue driving positive change. To realize this potential and create a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient industry, it is necessary for all stakeholders to collaborate and act across all dimensions. All stakeholders should adopt a holistic approach to resilience and sustainability. This includes embracing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), implementing environmentally responsible practices from infrastructure and operations to product design and marketing while actively reducing emissions and waste. Inclusivity should be top of the mind for all stakeholders in the sector. Empowering local communities, including under-represented groups, is critical. Local voices should have an active role in decision-making processes, to ensure economic benefits are equitably distributed. Tourism experiences should be designed to meet diverse needs, to give back and to create authentic experiences that promote cultural exchange respecting local traditions. They can change travellers’ mindsets when they return home. To future-proof the industry, investing in digital innovations, technologies such as AI and models that enhance the travel experience while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing social benefits is the key to future success. This includes embracing digital innovations, sustainable infrastructure and regenerative tourism models. Further, nurturing a culture of continuous learning and adaptability through education and training programmes will ensure that a diverse and skilled workforce is ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Additionally, advocating for policies and regulations that support inclusive, sustainable and responsible tourism practices is essential for creating an enabling environment that drives growth and positive change. These actions will help make the sector more resilient, adaptable and a force for good. Finally, transparent reporting on the social, environmental and economic impacts of tourism activities should become the norm, fostering accountability across the sector. The following questions should guide future actions to push the boundaries of innovation and collaboration: 1. How can the sector be redefined to ensure increased collaboration across stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities the sector faces? 2. How can a new governance mechanism be developed to mobilize the ecosystem to shape travel and tourism as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth? 3. What are the key enablers, tools and frameworks to make strides towards this objective of balancing between economic growth, traveller and host communities’ well- being, and environmental regeneration? Photo credit: Unsplash/ NEOM Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth 13

Future of Travel and Tourism 2025