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World Tourism Day: 'Now is a time of immense challenge – and opportunity – for our industry'

Climate change
Justin Francis
26 September 2025

Writing for TTG ahead of World Tourism Day (27 September), Responsible Travel founder and executive chair Justin Francis OBE highlights four challenges the industry must face up to now – and offers four causes for optimism.

Justin Francis is the co-founder and executive chair of Responsible Travel
(Credit: Responsible Travel)

Justin Francis is the co-founder and executive chair of Responsible Travel (Credit: Responsible Travel)

Our industry has changed significantly in the 25 years I’ve worked in it. And we’re operating in a global landscape which looks different even from a year ago – one that is more fractured and less stable.

Tourism has four key challenges to respond to: