WYSTC 2024 | WTTC, a busy trade hall and more ‘How to’ insights on day two
The second day of WYSTC 2024 was packed with insightful discussions, productive business appointments, and valuable networking opportunities. The day kicked off with a flurry of business appointments, keeping the trade hall buzzing with energy and new connections.
A big thank you to Rachel Claffey, Taxback Canada, Sarah McNamara, AuPairCare, and Lucy Ruthnum (Absolutely Lucy), who shared practical tips on travel safety, fraud prevention, and ensuring smooth travel experiences. Liz Tuck from World Challenge offered a fresh perspective on pre-departure education, empowering young travellers to make informed, sustainable choices that lead to long-lasting positive impacts on the environment and global citizenship.
Adolfo Reyes of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) took the stage to deliver a comprehensive economic outlook for travel and tourism, highlighting key trends and challenges impacting the sector. Panel discussions also drew strong engagement, with Indira Alcequiez, Alliance international Recruiting Agency, Crystal Bunts, Alliance Abroad, Agron Kamberi, Discover America, and Phil Simon, Cenet, sharing strategies to strengthen advocacy within cultural exchange programmes, emphasising their critical role in public diplomacy, national security, and economic growth.
Javier García Colomo of Cooltourspain session offered fascinating insights into engaging teenagers through street art tours in Madrid and Barcelona, while Martin Holm Mortensen of DreamBoks showcased how innovative sleep technology can increase RevPAR, highlighting impressive profit growth through their cutting-edge sleep capsules.
Ella Al-Shamahi,National Geographic Explorer, palaeoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist and stand-up comic, captivated the audience with tales from her expeditions in Yemen and Somaliland, showing the importance of archaeological and scientific research in unstable regions. Chris Townsend of What Media followed with an inspiring session on leveraging AI and personalisation to engage audiences more effectively, while Chris Engler, WoldUnite!, provided a deep dive into the growing trend of Japan and South Korea as popular Working Holiday destinations.
Closing out the day, Liz Hong Farrell of International Experience Canada tackled the topic of climate anxiety among Canadian youth, promoting longer-term travel to reduce carbon footprints and foster greater cultural understanding.
After a full day of business and learning, attendees gathered for the WYSE members and buyers reception, sponsored by Hanover to unwind and network in a more relaxed atmosphere.
