Unlike anything humanity has experienced before, the current scale, scope and complexity of change is shaking foundations society has accepted as the norm.
Five converging megaforces present destinations with both tremendous opportunities and challenges: climate breakdown, ecocide, demographic shift, social change and digitalisation.
The meetings and events industry supports 26 million jobs, $1.5 trillion in global GDP, and reaches 1.5 billion participants in over 180 countries (Events Industry Council). The tourism industry contributes 10.2 percent of the world’s GDP and one in ten jobs worldwide (World Travel & Tourism Council).
If well managed, these two influential sectors can continue to generate quality jobs for resilient growth, to accelerate social progress and to regenerate our natural world.
However, without appropriate policies, safeguards and investments, the continued growth of the tourism and events industry will increase the pressure placed on ecosystems and the services they provide for both people and the planet.
Creating Better Places to Live, Meet and Thrive in – Sustainable Destination Management Trends – Best Practices and Insights (2019 GDS-Index white paper, GDS-Index website)
New Era of Sustainability to Shape Future of Industry, Report Finds (Meetings & Incentive Travel article)
