World Travel Market London will mark the 20th anniversary of its prestigious Ministers’ Summit this November, bringing together around 50 tourism ministers alongside global industry leaders to strengthen resilience, drive regeneration and set a shared direction for collective action.
Taking place on Wednesday 4 November, the Summit is organised by WTM London, powered by RX, in association with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The milestone edition will explore how governments and the tourism industry can work together to build a more resilient and regenerative future for the sector.
UK Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock MP will join representatives from UN Tourism, WTTC and WTM London to open the Summit.
For two decades, the Ministers’ Summit has provided a high-level platform for tourism ministers, senior government representatives and global industry leaders to exchange perspectives, address shared challenges and shape the future of international tourism. Its 20th anniversary comes at a pivotal moment for the sector, as leaders consider how to move beyond recovery and establish a stronger foundation for long-term resilience and prosperity.
Strengthening tourism for a resilient and regenerative future
Aligned with WTM London’s 2026 theme, Resilience, Rebound & Reinvention, the 20th Ministers’ Summit will explore Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient and Regenerative Future.
Building on last year’s discussion around more inclusive investment in tourism, this year’s Summit will focus on how governments and industry can strengthen resilience, encourage sustainable investment and work together to prepare for future disruption.
WTM London, UN Tourism and WTTC will bring together global tourism leaders to examine how stronger public-private collaboration, forward-thinking policies and shared priorities can help tourism deliver lasting benefits for economies, communities and the environment.
Marking 20 years of the Summit, the focus will be on turning dialogue into action and setting a clear direction for collective action. The discussion will also draw on the perspectives of young people entering the sector and entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities and supporting the businesses and communities shaping tourism’s future.
Chris Carter-Chapman, Director of WTM London, commented: “We are delighted to be hosting the 20th anniversary of the Ministers’ Summit this year. This milestone provides an important opportunity to reflect on two decades of global tourism leadership, while looking ahead to the collective action needed to build a more resilient and regenerative future for our sector.
“Tourism has demonstrated its ability to adapt through repeated periods of disruption, but the challenges facing the industry require continued collaboration between governments and the private sector. The Summit provides a valuable platform to move the conversation forward, share priorities and help shape the next chapter for global tourism.”
The 20th Ministers’ Summit will take place on Wednesday 4 November, from 10:30 to 12:30, at ExCeL London ICC, Maritime Suites, George V Room 1. WTM London attendees will also be able to attend the discussion, offering the wider industry an opportunity to hear directly from global tourism leaders.
The Summit will be followed by a lunch for ministers, UN Tourism delegates and ANTOR members, sponsored by ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives). The occasion will also mark ANTOR’s 75th anniversary, celebrating its longstanding role in bringing national tourist offices together.
Reflecting the importance of inclusive growth and the next generation of tourism leadership, this year’s Summit will also create space for the perspectives of young people entering the sector and entrepreneurs whose businesses and livelihoods are directly affected by tourism’s resilience and long-term sustainability.
