Gloria Guevara, the World Travel and Tourism Council’s interim chief executive, said travel and tourism was “booming” but had recruitment issues after many left the sector during the pandemic without returning.

"We have hotels with rooms that can’t be served and planes that can’t be crewed,” she said. However, Guevara claimed the sector was “growing like never before” – 40% faster than the global economy.

“Since the pandemic, one in three jobs were created through travel and tourism," she continued. "Last year, we were the fastest growing sector in the world. This year, we are 10% of global GDP. If our sector was a country, it would be the third largest in the world.”

The panel agreed it was essential to engage young people’s interest in tourism careers. Canadian hospitality consultant Christina Reti told the summit she first worked in hospitality aged 14 and that an important lesson needed to be taught in schools about the industry.

"There is nothing being taught at primary school, at secondary school, around the potential of this career,” she said. "I think it’s very basic; it’s about why we travel, what is the basic human curiosity – explaining the ‘why’ is as important as the ‘how’. It really needs to start at a young age.”

'Invest wisely'

Pedro Machado, Portugal’s tourism minister, also told of a pilot scheme where migrants had been trained to work in tourism in partnership with 300 businesses. So far, 1,000 are working in the industry.

UK tourism minister Stephanie Peacock also addressed what was WTM London's 19th ministers' summit. Peacock called the summit “a crucial platform to address shared challenges”.

She said investment in UK tourism was rising: “Between 2019 and 2023, it was first in Europe and second globally for foreign investment.” She noted several projects, including Universal’s proposed theme park near Bedford.

Antonio Lopez de Avila, UN Tourism director of innovation, education and investment, echoed the importance of the industry to the global economy but warned: “Growth no longer defines success.”

He urged the summit to “generate long-term value and invest wisely”.