WYSTC 2024 | Day one wrap-up
The first full day of WYSTC was a whirlwind of buzzing conversations, lively discussions and new business.
David Chapman, Director General at WYSE Travel Confederation, opened WYSTC 2024 and welcomed all delegates together with WYSE Chairperson Sébastien Leitner.
AI took centre stage during the morning keynote, delivered by journalist Jennifer Strong and moderated by Kevin O’Shaughnessy of CityHook. The pair discussed how although AI can optimise efficiency in travel processes, there are concerns about trust due to the rise of misinformation and automated bookings.
The bustling trade hall saw hundreds of business appointments take place throughout the day. Over 190 buyers, of which 30% first-time attendees, ensured plenty of new faces and interesting business opportunities to be explored. Our thanks to International Experience Canada for sponsoring the business appointments.
Next up, the first 20-minute workshops. Greg Richards of WYSE Travel Confederation delivered a thought-provoking series of workshops, drawing on two decades of youth travel research and taking delegates through new data featured in New Horizons 5. He explored the ripple effects of Brexit on EU youth travel to the UK, the surge in solo travel, and the rising loneliness amongst young travellers.
Panel discussions were another highlight of the day. Industry leaders Heather Leisman, EF Ultimate Break, Adam Armstrong, Contiki, Ari Charlestein, Competitours and Søren Sattrup, The Kilroy Group, discussed major trends shaping international multi-day tours. From the integration of technology to the unexpected influence of the cost-of-living crisis, this session offered valuable takeaways for delegates navigating the evolving travel landscape.
Jason Noronha of D3x and Kevin O’Shaughnessy of CityHook staged a lively debate on seven of the current and future tech travel trends such as AI agents, dynamic pricing, AI/VR as a third platform after web mobile in youth travel and many more.
More bitesize workshops took us through the afternoon, with topics such as being discussed. The new ‘How to’ workshop format inspired by the community-driven nature of the youth travel industry focussed on key areas such as the role of AI in recruitment, sustainability in youth hostels, and strategies for simplifying travel bookings. The workshops provided actionable insights and opened conversations around current industry challenges or trends.
After many more business appointments and several coffee breaks – thank you to our coffee sponsor, DreamBoks – the Welcome Reception at the end of the day gave delegates the chance to relax and mingle in an informal environment. It was fantastic to see so many new and familiar faces, and our thanks to CIEE for sponsoring the Reception. The first full day of trading was topped off with the WISE Foundation Conference Bar – and a not so early night for some!
Thank you to all our speakers and sponsors for helping to kick off WYSTC 2024 in memorable fashion.
