Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point 2025

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Possible actions for T&T businesses and stakeholders in the sector in developing sustainable tourism development include those shown in Table 3 (the coloured circles refer to the enablers shown in Table 1, with the first one indicating the primary enabler).3.3 Action areas and priorities for T&T sector constituents Action areas and priorities for the private sector in the T&T sector TABLE 3 Evolving traveller profiles –Identify and develop offerings for emerging segments: Identify growing segments that align with strategic priorities and create product or services that respond to evolving profiles (e.g. digital natives, conscious consumers) –Accelerate personalization capabilities: Deploy data-driven systems that tailor experiences to individual preferences while respecting privacy –Enhance cultural competence: Train staff and develop materials that effectively engage with diverse backgrounds and expectations –Create flexible payment systems: Implement payment options that accommodate different profiles, financial systems and preferences Growing segments as drivers –Develop specialized offerings: Create distinctive experiences targeting high-growth segments (e.g. wellness, ecotourism) –Enhance MICE sustainability: Redesign business events to integrate environmental responsibility, community benefits and lasting impact –Create segment integration strategies: Develop approaches that combine elements of multiple growth segments, such as eco–wellness or sport–cultural experiences –Implement segment-specific training: Develop the specialized skills required for accelerated segments Technology developments as an enabler –Use AI and big data for personalization: Implement solutions such as AI-driven chatbots or virtual assistants to provide customer support, use predictive analytics for optimization (e.g. pricing, demand forecasting), tailor recommendations and enhance customer experience with hyper-personalized itineraries based on behaviours –Invest in smart-tourism infrastructure: Integrate IoT-enabled smart hotels and airports for seamless experience, continue implementing biometric facial recognition systems to speed up verification and develop contactless and blockchain-based secure transactions –Enhance digital and mobile-first user experiences: Optimize mobile booking platforms for convenience and accessibility, develop voice-search and AI-powered travel assistants and use progressive web apps to provide offline access to information –Expand digital marketing and e-commerce capabilities: Use dynamic pricing models to optimize revenue, and use social commerce and influencer marketing to enhance digital presence (e.g. developing digital souvenirs or exclusive loyalty programme perks) Risk of global disruptions –Implement comprehensive risk frameworks: Develop structured approaches to identify, assess and mitigate multidimensional risks, including geopolitical tensions and public health crises –Diversify business models: Attempt to reduce vulnerability by expanding into markets, segments and complementary revenue streams –Enhance supply chain resilience: Map dependencies, identify vulnerabilities and develop contingency plans for disruptions, particularly for critical inputs –Develop workforce adaptability: Cross-train employees across functions, implement flexible staffing models and create remote work capabilities Increased friction between visitors and residents –Implement local economic inclusion: Establish local hiring targets, supplier development programmes and community benefit-sharing mechanisms to extend economic impact –Engage in destination governance: Participate actively in collaborative decision-making frameworks with community representatives and civil society organizations –Create meaningful visitor–resident interaction: Develop experiences that facilitate authentic exchange between travellers and residents, creating mutual benefits and understanding Infrastructure Finance Technology and innovation People and skills Regulation and public–private collaboration Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth 34
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