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SPAIN – The Economist Events to host conference to debate the future of travel
More than 150 senior business leaders, policy makers, and travel industry experts, are gathering in Madrid on March 24, 2015 to discuss the future of the travel industry and the contribution technology, innovation and regulatory change can make to delivering a holistic travel experience.
The Conference entitled ‘The Future of Travel’ will debate the future of the industry, which now accounts for at least 9.5% of global GDP*. Examining issues such as whether Europe can become a single travel area, the potential for a ‘multimodal’ travel future and inspiring the new explorer generation of travelers.
Simon Vincent (image), EMEA President, Hilton Worldwide commented: “Now more than ever it is important for us to consider the future of travel and the way industries such as hospitality will evolve over the coming years. The growing prosperity of emerging markets is set to change the face of the demographics of international travel. Coupled with exciting advances in technology, we stand at a point in time where the travel industry can take the lead in driving economic growth and create an estimated 73 million new jobs by 2022.”
Discussing his views on the next decade of travel Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus commented: “The travel industry is poised for a golden decade with average growth rates of 5.4% over the next ten years. Rapidly emerging economies such as China, Brazil and Indonesia will reshape our industry as non-OECD economies represent 50% of global air traffic for the first time by 2023. The fundamentals of the business travel sector will evolve as we expect links between those rapidly developing economies and Western markets to be a source of significant opportunity for years to come.”
Key speakers include names such as: Jose Manuel Soria Lopez, Minister of Energy, Industry and Tourism, Government of Spain; Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO; Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer, Ryanair; Lee McCabe, Global Head of Travel, Education & Consumer Services, Facebook; Greg Schulze, Senior Vice President, Tour & Transport, Expedia.
‘The Future of Travel’ is organized by The Economist Events, and sponsored by Amadeus. For the latest program, please visit www.travel.economist.com . You can also join on Twitter at #econtravel and @EconomistEvents.