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The French capital is dusting off its velvet chairs and preparing to roll out the red carpet, as global travel and tourism leaders gather in Paris from 29–31 October 2025 for the 6th A World for Travel Summit. Expect more than polite nods and business cards—this is where the fate of tourism’s future is thrashed out.

A Global Industry at a Crossroads

The travel and tourism industry, which accounts for over 10% of global GDP and sustains one in ten jobs worldwide, faces its greatest balancing act since the jet age began. Climate imperatives are knocking at the door, political shocks are unsettling markets, and travellers themselves are demanding experiences that don’t leave the planet wheezing in their wake.

Ever the stage for grand gestures, Paris will again play host to this industry soul-searching exercise. Over three days, the summit will see 80 heavyweight speakers engage in candid debates, bold solution-sharing, and what promises to be spirited conversations about tourism’s path forward.

A World for Travel Day 2 – ©Pepo Herrera

Who’s Speaking, and Why It Matters

The cast list is as glittering as the Seine at night. Gabriel Attal, French Member of Parliament and former Prime Minister, will wrestle with the question of Europe’s role in navigating turbulent geopolitics. Before him, Boston Consulting Group will deliver a provocatively titled keynote titled “10 Forces Reshaping Global Business” and ask the critical question: Will Europe Step Up?

Meanwhile, Aziz Abu Sarah, Palestinian peacebuilder and CEO of MEJDI Tours, will cut through the political fog with a message about tourism’s power to heal fractured societies. His presence alone will remind us that travel isn’t just about beach towels and boarding passes; it can be a bridge across divides.

Big Names, Big Stakes

Beyond the headline acts, the summit’s lineup reads like a “who’s who” of the industry’s global leadership. Senior executives from Accenture, BCG, IKEA, ICF, Air France-KLM, Club Med, Radisson Hotel Group, Booking.com, Amadeus, and Trip.com Group will share stages with global associations such as FIFA, GBTA, WTTC, GTTP, and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. If this collection of leaders can’t move the needle on sustainable travel, then who can?

Christian Delom, Secretary General of A World for Travel, captures the urgency perfectly:

“These summits bring together diverse perspectives, from policymakers to entrepreneurs, to foster collaboration and accelerate progress. If we are to make tourism truly sustainable, we must combine innovation, accountability, and global cooperation.”

A World for Travel Day 2 – ©Pepo Herrera

What’s on the Agenda?

Delegates won’t just be nodding sagely over croissants. Expect challenging questions about:

Climate action: How fast can the industry cut carbon emissions without stalling economic growth?
Artificial intelligence: How far can AI reshape the visitor journey before travellers rebel against robotic experiences?
Sustainable luxury: Can champagne flow freely on yachts while calling it “regenerative travel”?
Regenerative tourism: The next buzzword, but with profound implications for destinations stretched to their limits.

To sweeten the serious talk, there will be a gala dinner on the Seine (invitation only, naturellement), complete with awards honouring progress in sustainable tourism. Paris never misses the chance to dress in elegantly for a challenging conversation.

Why It Matters for the Future

This summit is not just another round of glossy brochures and polite applause. Tourism stands at a critical juncture: the industry must grow without eating itself alive. The decisions and alliances forged in Paris this October will ripple across airports, hotels, and destinations for years.

Those interested can register or learn more via the official website: A World for Travel.