The Birth of a Global Movement
In 2020, the World Tourism Network (WTN) was born in Berlin, Germany, at the ITB trade show, which unfortunately never took place. Instead, the network hosted over 200 Zoom discussions during the COVID-19 shutdown, bringing together ministers, heads of tourism boards, travel professionals, and a core audience of small and medium-sized travel and tourism businesses. With no membership fee, WTN quickly gained 29,000 members worldwide.
Regional Expansion and Interest Groups
WTN launched several local chapters in Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nepal, expanding the discussions to a regional level. This move was crucial in addressing the diverse needs and interests of various stakeholders in these regions. Interest groups, such as Medical Tourism, launched projects that have made significant contributions to the development of tourism in these countries.
- One notable project is the medical tourism project in Indonesia, which has been setting national trends in the industry.
- The project’s success can be attributed to the collaboration between WTN, medical tourism professionals, and local authorities.
Partnerships and Collaborations
WTN partnered with Adriane Berg to launch Ageless Tourism, a project that aims to promote travel and tourism for older adults. Adriane’s recent speech at the United Nations in New York and her podcasts have set global trends in policies and implementation for destinations and hotels looking to attract more mature travelers.
| Project | Collaborator | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Ageless Tourism | Adriane Berg | To promote travel and tourism for older adults |
A New Era for Global Tourism
WTN is growing, but it needs sponsors and paying members to expand further. To achieve this goal, the network is looking for ambassadors to help expand its reach and secure funding.
Welcoming a New Vice President
The World Tourism Network is pleased to welcome Francis Gichabe as its new Vice President for African Affairs. As the current Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board, Francis brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role. His appointment is seen as a significant step towards positioning WTN as a global organization that can encourage destinations and small and medium-sized businesses to participate in global initiatives benefiting the African continent.
Francis Gichabe’s Vision
Francis Gichabe has expressed his commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. He believes that tourism is the heartbeat of global connection, a bridge that unites people, cultures, and economies. As Vice President, he aims to reimagine travel, celebrate diversity, and create pathways that uplift economies while preserving the authenticity of cultures worldwide.
“I am truly honored to accept the role of Vice President World Tourism Network Board. This is more than a title—it is a responsibility, a commitment, and a call to action. Tourism is the heartbeat of global connection, a bridge that unites people, cultures, and economies. Today, as I accept this position, I do so with an unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. Together, we will reimagine travel, celebrate diversity, and create pathways that uplift economies while preserving the authenticity of cultures worldwide. I look forward to working with each of you as we chart a future that is vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity. We are standing at the threshold of a new era—one that calls for fresh energy, bold ideas, and a renewed vision for global tourism. I bring with me a passion for transforming possibilities into realities, championing destinations and communities, and ensuring that tourism remains a dynamic driver of prosperity for all. Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working alongside all of you to make a lasting impact!” – Francis Gichabe
The Future of Global Tourism
The World Tourism Network is growing, but it needs sponsors and paying members to expand further. As Dr. Peter Tarlow, safety and security expert and president of the World Tourism Network, says:
“We welcome Francis on board. Safety and security is a big concern in Africa, and we hope to work with Francis on projects including training of tourism police, consulting, and training.”
The network is looking for ambassadors to help achieve its expansion and funding goals. With Francis Gichabe on board, WTN is poised to make a significant impact in the global tourism industry. As the network continues to grow, it will be exciting to see the progress and achievements of WTN in the years to come.
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