Paris Tourism Forum 2026 in France to Bring Global Leaders Together on AI, Climate and Sustainable Growth

France to Host Global Tourism Leaders in Paris as Climate, AI and Investment Challenges Intensify, bringing international decision-makers together on 29 and 30 October 2026. The A World for Travel forum will examine geopolitical uncertainty, sustainable investment, technological transformation and the policies needed to strengthen tourism competitiveness worldwide in coming years.

Global Tourism Growth Faces Increasing Economic and Environmental Pressures

The international tourism industry is preparing for an important discussion about its future as Paris hosts the seventh edition of A World for Travel (AWFT) on 29–30 October 2026.

The forum will bring together approximately 200 international decision-makers, including tourism executives, policymakers, investors and sustainability specialists.

Organised under the theme New Tourism Realities: From Global Disruption to Collective Action, the gathering will examine how tourism businesses and destinations can maintain growth while responding to increasingly complex global challenges.

According to figures cited by the organisers, the World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that travel and tourism will contribute approximately US$12 trillion to the global economy in 2026 and support around 376 million jobs.

The organisers also cite the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, reporting improvements in tourism development conditions across 92% of the 110 economies assessed since 2024.

However, the forum’s briefing highlights a slowdown in international arrivals, citing UN Tourism figures showing growth of just 0.4% during the first half of 2026.

These contrasting indicators underline the importance of strengthening tourism resilience alongside economic expansion.

Geopolitical Instability and Climate Risks Shape Tourism Strategies

One of the forum’s principal discussions will focus on the relationship between tourism growth and resilience.

Geopolitical tensions, climate exposure and biodiversity loss are increasingly influencing destination planning, infrastructure investment and international travel patterns.

Justin Crump, Chief Executive Officer of intelligence consultancy Sibylline, will examine how political uncertainty and global instability are changing the operating environment for travel companies.

His presentation will consider how businesses can identify opportunities while managing increasingly unpredictable international conditions.

Daniel Turner, Founder of Animondial, will explore the role of Nature Intelligence in responsible tourism development.

Government representatives from Gibraltar will also participate in discussions about destination resilience.

A separate Blue Economy session will address ocean conservation, maritime interests and the economic future of coastal tourism destinations.

Meanwhile, an Africa-focused discussion involving ATTA, the West Africa Tourism Organisation and representatives from Egypt will examine tourism investment, connectivity and international partnerships.

Hotel Groups Examine Sustainable Investment and Business Transformation

Investment and sustainability will form another major part of the programme.

Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, and Coline Pont, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Accor, will discuss how international hospitality businesses can implement sustainable operational changes.

The conversations will explore decarbonisation, energy partnerships and the financial requirements of transforming hotel infrastructure.

A dedicated investment session, moderated by European Commission Policy Officer Dr Misa Labarile, will feature Franck Gervais, Chief Executive Officer of Pierre & Vacances–Center Parcs, and Nikolina Angelkova, former Bulgarian Minister of Tourism.

Participants will examine changing investment priorities, risk assessment and long-term tourism asset development.

Additional discussions will address luxury travel, domestic tourism and evolving traveller expectations.

Artificial Intelligence and Open Networks Enter the Tourism Debate

Artificial intelligence will be another defining subject at AWFT 2026.

The forum will examine how AI could reshape travel distribution, customer experiences, destination management and business operations.

A proposed approach described as Connected Intelligence and Open Networks will explore alternatives to existing travel technology ecosystems.

Organisers plan to offer an initial preview in Paris on 28 October, followed by a fuller presentation on 30 October.

The programme will also examine aviation, rail and maritime transport, with discussions moderated by CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg.

These sessions will consider how mobility systems and digital technologies can support future tourism development.

International Tourism Leaders Prepare for Paris Discussions

The event’s announced participants include Gloria Guevara, President and Chief Executive Officer of WTTC; Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region; and Ana Mendes Godinho, former Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism.

Luis Araujo, former President of Turismo de Portugal and the European Travel Commission, is also expected to participate.

Anita Mendiratta, Special Advisor to the UN Tourism Secretary-General, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Rather than pursuing a large conference audience, organisers intend to create a focused environment for discussions between influential public and private sector representatives.

The central objective is to identify practical opportunities for cooperation across investment, sustainability, technology and destination management.

The Paris gathering will place tourism resilience, responsible investment and technological innovation at the centre of international industry discussions. As climate pressures and geopolitical uncertainty reshape travel markets, A World for Travel 2026 offers decision-makers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, evaluate emerging challenges and support sustainable global tourism development.