News

21st January 2022

successful Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit in ras al khaima, uae

The World Tourism Forum Lucerne organized the Start-Up Innovation Camp & Summit in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE on 18 & 19 January. With about 150 guests including even His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, 13 speakers and 12 selected start-ups the event was a great success.

18th November 2021

3rd December 2020

an innovation festival

On 29-30 April 2021 we bring you “Moving Forward” our first Innovation Festival. A hybrid event dedicated to innovation in tourism with the world’s best tourism start-ups and top speakers. Join us in Andermatt or participate online. Tickets on sale from mid-January.

29th October 2020

start-up innovation camp 2021

Applications are now open for the WTFL Start-Up Innovation Camp 2021. We are on the hunt for 15 high-potential start-ups from around the world that will become the driving force in helping the tourism sector restart faster and move forward in 2021.

6th October 2020

biodiversity & tourism

Biodiversity loss and climate change are the twin existential challenges that we face as humanity.  The responsible recovery of the travel and tourism sector after the Covid-19 pandemic requires that we address these challenges, while also ensuring tourism contributes to reducing poverty and deprivation.

Click here to see our collection of interviews with leading figures from travel and tourism, scientists and conservationists sharing their ideas about how tourism can contribute to halting the biodiversity crisis.

12th August 2020

Young talent programme, round 2 videos

We’re eagerly awaiting the video submissions of the Young Talent Programme candidates who made it through to the second round. The deadline is 1st September and all submitted videos will be posted online here.

18th May 2020

start-up Finalists selected - New camp dates Tbc

The finalists for our 2020 Start-Up Innovation Camp in Ras Al Khaimah have been notified. Due to Covid-19, the event can’t take place as planned from 22-24 June. New dates will be announced soon. Find out more about the Camp format here.

18th February 2020

START-UP INNOVATION CAMP IN RAS AL KHAIMAH

Are you a rising star among the start-ups in the travel, tourism and hospitality area? Apply now for the start-up innovation camp in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) on 22-24 June 2020. You get the chance to pitch your business idea, learn from industry experts and possibly win USD 10’000 prize money. Apply now!

14th February 2020

FORUM 2021 DATES ANNOUNCED

We’re pleased to announce that the next WTFL Forum in Lucerne will take place from April 28-30, 2021. Add the dates to your calendar now! 

June 2019

WTFL COMING TO INDIA

New projects around the corner! Our WTFL team is currently in India preparing for the very first WTFL Indian Start-Up Innovation Camp, which will take place in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India in mid December. Application call for start-ups will be available in mid August. Stay tuned!

June 2019

Fresh breeze in WTFL Advisory Board

We are happy to announce that we welcome Fernanda Barrence Mutz, CEO & Co-founder of The Trip Boutique in WTFL Advisory Board as the start-up representative for a mandate of 2 years. She will replace Michael Ros, COO/Co-founder of bidroom, mandate 2017-2019. Find more here.

May 2019

Bye Bye Plastic Bags

At WTFL we strongly believe that the youth is the future! Amazing Isabel Wijsen inspired all of us at the World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019 to say 'bye bye' to plastic bags. The co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags is an inspiring activist and entrepreneur that will blow you away. Watch the video and get your goosebumps!

May 2019

Jean Claude Biver about innovation

At WTFL 2019, we didn’t just bridge the silos between different generations and departments, but also between different industries. The importance of learning from other innovative industries than tourism was demonstrated by the man and the brain behind the Swiss watch industry, Jean Claude Biver, Chairman of LVMH watchmaking division, Hublot and Zenith. Watch it here.

May 2019

Parallel Sessions: Creative minds at work

One of the most characteristic things about the WTFL are the parallel sessions. In several involving workshops, CreaLabs, masterclasses and showcases, challenges the tourism industry has to face are grappled with. Stay tuned for what happens when one brings together the best minds of our industry!

May 2019

An award for everyday heros

We are not done celebrating committed young industry heroes yet: In collaboration with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) we share the honour of awarding three day-to-day business heroes from the tourism and hospitality sector with the Tourism Star award. Read more here.

May 2019

Young Talent winners

The 12 finalists were invited by WTFL to Lucerne and present a poster of their research. In a Career Planning Session organized by Korn Ferry, the Young Talents received some most valuable expert advice on how to advance their career and how to network and market themselves. During the Forum, the 3 winners of the Young Talent Award were evaluated and awarded in a ceremony. More here.

May 2019

from 230 applications to 5 start-up winners

230 start-ups hailing from 60 countries applied for WTFL Start-Up Innovation Camp 2019, 15 of them made it to the finals and pitched their novel ideas and visions in front of jury and audience. For each of the five categories – transaction, impact, destination, mobility and hospitality – the winner was chosen and announced during the WTFL. Find out more here.

May 2019

Side events:
Next Generation is key

The travel, tourism and hospitality industry needs to adapt to contemporary challenges and chances. The World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019 acknowledges that in order to do that, new, innovative minds are necessary. Today’s Side Events (Next Generation Leaders Day, Career Planning Session and Academic Circle) were all about how the next generation become accomplished business persons in the industry. Check out the video to see what they were doing!

May 2019

A disruptive world

In our modern, fast-moving society, disruption is steadily changing the tourism industry and it is of utmost importance to approach this topic carefully and with an open mind. Several keynotes and panels were held to discuss the changes the industry has been going through and the different ways to tackle these changes in a suiting and sustainable manner. Whatch the video!

May 2019

WTFL 2019 has started!

Several keynotes and panels are being held, many of them concerning the topics disruption in digitalization, as well as talent and diversity.
In the afternoon, participants can attend intriguing parallel sessions in the shape of workshops, CreaLabs, masterclasses and showcases, where they are more than welcome to engage in discussions and share their expertise. More here.

April 2019

LAST CALL: WTFL 2019

On 2-3 May, more than 500 international industry leaders, decision makers, investors, ministers, professors, start-ups, young talents and next generation leaders will gather in Lucerne for the 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne. Have you reserved your spot yet? Make sure you are part of this inspiring platform and don’t miss out challenging pannels, workshops, sessions and our special Guest Destination presentations. Register here!

April 2019

Start-Up Elevator Pitches

Be part of the Start-Up Innovation Camp 2019 and listen to Start-Up Elevator Pitches of the 15 most innovative finalists from around the world. Take the decision in your hands and help us find the most innovative start-up by voting for the “Public Prize Winner”, challenge them with questions and meet them in person. Registration is free of charge, register here.

April 2019

Programme highlights

#WTFL2019 will offer you with a very diverse program on the topic «Human Capital in an Age of Disruption» and the main focus on innovation, talent and diversity management within the industry. A selection of inspiring speakers will provide you with the latest insights, the best start-ups will be elected and distinguished and there will be workshops, sessions and pitches for all generations. Have a look at some of the highlights here.

April 2019

ARE YOU THE NEXT GENERATION LEADER?

We are searching for the Next Generation Leaders in your company! Bring your next generation leader with high career potential to the WTFL 2019. Registration for Next Generation Leaders Day accompanied by a C-Level participant is possible here. We talked with Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority about the importance of Next Generation Leaders in our industry. Read more here.

April 2019

15 START-UP FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The international jury has chosen 15 finalists for the 4th Start-Up Innovation Camp in Lucerne from 1 to 2 May 2019. The finalists come from the Hospitality, Mobility, Destination, Transaction and Impact categories. The Start-Up Innovation Camp will be held prior to the 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne (2–3 May 2019), when the five winners of the competition will be presented on the Forum's main stage. Find out who are the 15 most innovative start-ups from around the world here.

March 2019

RAS AL KHAIMAH AT WTFL 2019

The up and coming destination Ras Al Khaimah will be Guest Destination at the next WTFL on 1-3 May 2019 presenting its history and diversity with inspiring keynotes, cocktail dinner and cultural performances. In October 2018, the WTFL entered a two-year strategic partnership with Ras Al Khaimah to share expertise and address future challenges of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Read full media release here.

March 2019

YOUNG TALENT: NINA ZITZ

Nina from Modul University Vienna in Austria positive that making Alpine regions more sustainable will contribute to environmental protection and preservation, a compatible economic development as well as increase the quality of life for the region’s residents and tourists. Join us at WTFL 2019 on 1-3 May to learn more about sustainable development. Register here!

March 2019

EXCITING PARALLEL SESSIONS

World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019 is more than a congress - it involves the participants inputs, ideas and talents. Parallel Sessions as Workshops, CreaLabs, Masterclasses and Showcases will be part of the Forum where everyone can contribute. A special focus lies on «Create your own Workshop», based on the participant’s ideas. Read more about particular Parallel Sessions here and don’t forget to register for WTFL 2019 here!

March 2019

YOUNG TALENT: NARUEMON SUPHAP

Naruemon from Mahidol University International College in Thailand was investigating how a destination marketing organisation can implement effective virtual reality videos to promote a destination through an online channel. Are you interested to find out more about VR? Join us at WTFL 2019 on 1-3 May 2019, register here.

March 2019

YOUNG TALENT: VALERIE PRETSCHER

Valerie from Modul University Vienna in Austria says that the number of gateway cities like Amsterdam are facing severe issues as tourism is growing out of hand. In order to get hold of the tourism growth in the city, Amsterdam has introduced hotel moratoriums and restricted the number of AirBnB apartments and souvenir shops. Find out her recommendations at WTFL 2019. Read more about Young Talents 2019 here!

March 2019

START-UP ALUMNI MEETING

Our WTFL Start-Up Alumni gathered for a reunion at ITB Berlin. Special guest of the meeting was Mario Hardy, CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association and active investor himself, who shared his tips and tricks how to approach investors and get them on board. Mario also gave constructive feedback in “Fundraising Training” with 2 perspective travel start-ups: The Trip Boutique and Room Price Genie.

March 2019

GLOBAL OVERTOURISM STUDY

More and more destinations worldwide are confronted with the impact of so-called “overtourism”. This year’s WTFL study seeks to explore overcrowded tourism destinations. 10 case studies of destinations from WTFL’s Partner Universities around the globe are being compared and analyzed. Are you interested in results of this global overtourism study? Find out more at WTFL 2019 on 2-3 May in Lucerne.

February 2019

Start-Up Application is closed

Start-Up Innovation Camp 2019 application is closed! We received more than 230 applications from 56 different countries. Now it's in the hands of the jury members to decide on the most innovative start-ups, who will be invited to WTFL 2019 on 1-3 May. Meet our experienced jury members and join us for the exciting start-up events in Lucerne! Find out more here.

February 2019

YOUNG TALENT: VERONIQUE PELOUARD

Veronique says that innovation is the only way that luxury hotels can differentiate themselves in this increasingly competitive market. Find out how luxury hotels should adapt their strategies in order to meet the needs of Millennials and create a competitive advantage thanks to innovation! Join us at WTFL 2019 on 2-3 May in Lucerne. 
More information on Young Talent finalists here.

February 2019

WILL YOU BE PART OF WTFL 2019?

Ursula Kriegl (Executive Director of Ernst & Young Real Estate), Martin Nydegger (CEO of Switzerland Tourism) and Jeannine Pilloud (SBB Delegate for Public Transport Sector Development) will all take part at World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019. Find out more about why they are looking forward to attend the Forum and register here if you don’t want to miss out deep industry insights!

February 2019

YOUNG TALENT: KESEGO OBONA

Kesego was investigating the challenges facing female youth in balcancing family and career in hospitality industry. Her research has recommended that hospitality organisations policies should encourage employees to start families and provide flexible working hours in order to balance career development and family building. Find out more about Young Talent Programme 2019 at WTFL 2019 on 2-3 May!

February 2019

START-UP ALERT!

We are calling for travel, tourism and hospitality-related start-ups from all over the world to apply for the Start-Up Innovation Camp 2019! Pitch your business in front of international investors, industry leaders and experts, win 20’000 USD and get free entry to WTFL 2019. Application is open until 24 February, don’t miss out and apply here.

February 2019

YOUNG TALENT: REFILOE LEKGAU

Refiloe's research aim was to examine the socio-economic impacts of wildlife tourism from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on the Tsabong community in Botswana. Did you know that wildlife tourism has increased the community’s sense of pride in their culture? Find out more about Young Talent Programme 2019 at WTFL 2019 on 2-3 May!

February 2019

TOURISM STAR AWARD 2019

World Tourism Forum Lucerne is in collaboration with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) on a mission to spot, shine light and celebrate a committed, inspiring, and enthusiastic person working in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The Tourism Star 2019 will be celebrated at the annual ceremony of WTFL in Switzerland on 2-3 May 2019. Application is now closed. More information here.

February 2019

YOUNG TALENT: ALOK GULATI

Alok says that food allergies in the Indian community are still not known to all, but a rising pediatric condition. With the aim to spread awareness about food allergies and to provide people with the safest dining experience, he invented ANOKHA app!
Meet Alok at World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019 on 2-3 May. More about Young Talents 2019 here!

February 2019

TOURISM FOR ALL, AND ALL FOR TOURISM!

“Reduce Inequalities”, UNWTO’s SDG #10, which aims to empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status, will also stand in focus of our WTFL 2019 next May. Read about Brett Heising’s perspective on accessible tourism and many more news in this month’s newsletter!

February 2019

YOUNG TALENT: SENATLA COURAGEOUS GABOBOFANE

Have you ever wondered how working environment in hotel industry influences employee’s performance? Senatla might have the answer! Find out more about the finalists of Young Talent Programme 2019 and join us at WTFL 2019 to hear Senatla’s recommendations for a more positive working environment!

January 2019

EARLY BIRD WTFL 2019

The 20% discount early bird rate for the World Tourism Forum Lucerne expires soon. Make sure you are part of this inspiring platform and register now until 31 January with the special rate for the 2-day forum pass. More information and registration here.

January 2019

YOUNG TALENT: ELIZABETH DOMINGUEZ

Elizabeth from The University of Queensland is Young Talent Programme 2019 finalist! She researched how negative storylines in online TV shows contribute to the perception, destination choice and travel intentions of millennials. Are you interested what are Elizabeth's recommendations for tourism destinations? Join us at WTFL 2019 on 2-3 May in Lucerne!

January 2019

START-UP INNOVATION CAMP 2019 APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN

Connect, learn, grow at Start-Up Innovation Camp 2019! Start-ups from all over the world have now the opportunity to pitch in front of international investors, industry executives and experts, win 20’000 USD, get coached at 1:1 Coaching Talks and be part of WTFL 2019 for free.
Have a look at our new design and new structured application form and apply until 24 February here.

January 2019

HUMAN CAPITAL IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

Disruptive forces challenge established tourism companies and provide opportunities for new businesses. On May 2-3, 2019, the 6th World Tourism Forum Lucerne will provide insight into the latest developments and present the most promising global start-ups.

Read full media release here.

January 2019

YOUNG TALENT: SOFIA BRANCA

Our next finalist in WTFL Young Talent Programme 2019 is Sofia Branca from IMI International Management Institute Switzerland. Her goal is to come up with ideas how tourism can bring positive change to societies. This goal led her to investigate the impact of mega events on international tourist perceptions on the case of Milano Expo 2015.

January 2019

ALL NEWS IN ONE PLACE

From now on all news including videos, important information and previews on the World Tourism Forum 2019 will be published in our Newsroom. Moreover, exciting contributions will be posted on a regular basis during the event. We’ve already uploaded three statements of different stakeholders which will be part of WTFL 2019. Have a look here!

January 2019

WTFL 2019: SAMIH SAWIRIS WILL BE THERE. WILL YOU?

WTFL 2019 will host all the important travel, tourism and hospitality industry players in one place in Lucerne on 2-3 May 2019, where people will focus on what is good and new in the industry.
Samih Sawiris, entrepreneur and investor, is already part of our strong multi-stakeholder community. Register now and become part too!

January 2019

Young Talent: veronika alieva

Out of more than 70 applications, 12 students have now been selected for WTFL Young Talent Programme 2019! The first of the finalists is Veronika Alieva from North-Caucasus Federal University, Stavropol, Russia.
Veronika will present her ideas on how to break the walls of nutrition illiteracy in hospitality industry at WTFL 2019 in Lucerne.

December 2018

WTFL 2019: HUMAN CAPITAL IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

Innovative business models constantly disrupt our industry. New digital solutions question the way business has worked so far, but what about human labour? Join us at WTFL 2019 to address these challenges and the changes they provoke in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Register now and bridge the sylos between three generations on 2-3 May 2019 in KKL, Lucerne.

December 2018

2019 IS ON THE DOORSTEP

Looking back to 2018, it has been a very productive year for World Tourism Forum Lucerne as well as our industry. Together we contributed to positive changes and improvements of our industry to become more sustainable, diverse, embraced and innovative one. Read more about our past and future plans here.
We wish you all joyful holidays and a good start to the new year!

Photo by: tobil_photography at https://tobil.ch/

December 2018

World Tourism Forum Lucerne  is now pata member

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, from now on also WTFL.

November 2018

EXCLUSIVE NEWS: 2-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH RAKTDA

World Tourism Forum Lucerne has entered a two-year strategic partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah will be an exclusive partner in the upcoming World Tourism Forum 2019, as well as the official sponsor and supporter of the WTFL Think Tank, WTFL Talent Boost, and WTFL Start-Up Innovation Camp in 2020.
Read full media release (English / German).

October 2018

WORLD TOURISM FORUM LUCERNE 2-3 MAY 2019: SAVE THE DATE

For the sixth time World Tourism Forum Lucerne - the leading networking platform in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, will be held in the beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland. The Forum offers you an enriching opportunity to meet, discuss, think out of the box and inspire each other in order to shape the industry’s future.

More information soon to come here.

September 2018

START-UP ALUMNI MEETING

At WTFL we are aware that trustworthy relations and community do not grow over night. In order to maintain and support all our Start-Ups Alumni members, we are organizing the Start-Up Alumni Meeting in London on 6 November. If you’re interested to take part, please contact us for more information.
Find out who are the winners of the 3rd Start-Up Innovation Camp here!

August 2018

ALERT FOR SWISS START-UPS!

For the first time in Switzerland, we are searching for the rising stars of Swiss start-ups scene. Swiss Start-Up Innovation Camp 2018 will take place on 9 November in Lucerne. Start-Ups will have a unique chance to pitch their business and receive valuable advice from coaching experts. All travel-, tourism- and hospitality-related Swiss start-ups can apply until 23 September here (no application fee). Read media release (DE & FR).

August 2018

WORLD’S 15 BEST START-UPS

The 15 most innovative start-ups from the travel, tourism and hospitality industry were selected by the international jury and are now invited to WTFL Start-Up Innovation Camp 2018 in Malaysia, where they will have a unique opportunity to pitch their business model and convince international investors to help make their vision a reality. Find out which start-ups succeeded in convincing the jury the most!