The World Travel CEO Forum makes its debut in England’s northern city of Newcastle Gateshead on October 8th, 2007 by tackling “green” issues, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in our travelling lives.

Simon Calder, Travel Editor at The Independent, Christopher Rodrigues, Chairman of VisitBritain and Alan Clarke, CEO, One North East are amongst confirmed speakers at this event. Nik Gowing, BBC World presenter and a prominent figure within the travel conference arena will be moderating the sessions.

The fact is the tourism sector is waking up to the harsh reality of climate change and there is an urgent need for a dialogue on how the market can, will and does deliver good answers to the troublesome questions of global warming, resource conservation and preservation.

The tourism sector is a key area of concern for many environmental activists, yet demand for both leisure and business travel continues to climb. How can growth in tourism go hand-in-hand with responsible global stewardship? The forum aims to create an environment for travel CEOs to debate and tackle issues at the heart of this very topic.

The one-day forum will take place at the Sage Gateshead, designed by Lord Foster, which stands on the impressive banks of Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, North East England. It will bring together over 200 of the travel industry’s most influential executives from all sectors along the travel, tourism and hospitality supply chain. Delegates will discuss how the environmental impact of travel and tourism can be minimized and consider what technologies and techniques should be deployed to ensure a greener future.

Other hot topics will also be discussed during the event including Web 2.0 and the rapidly growing phenomena of social networking for the travel and tourism trade.

“The travel and tourism sector is in the firing line when it comes to carbon emissions and pollution. With billions of pounds worth of infrastructural and resort developments planned in coming years, it is a sensitive topic that needs addressing,” says Manon Han, event director.

“The World Travel CEO Forum has been created to give within the travel industry an opportunity to voice their concerns and tackle these problems. It is about creating a dialogue so that people can discuss the new reality that we are all facing and how we can respond to new challenges,” she explains.

“It is crucial that the travel industry deals head on with climate and conservation issues we face.  We are part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution. Passing the responsibility and blame to other industries is not part of the equation.”

International media participation is expected to boost the profile of the event. BBC World have already signed up as the official media partners and will broadcast the event to over 254 million homes in over 200 countries. Other participating publications include Breaking Travel News.

The World Travel CEO Forum will take place the day before the regional World Travel Awards Europe ceremony, offering high-level international participation and ideal networking opportunities for delegates for both events.

Additional networking events planned include the Forum Dinner at the Alnwick Garden and the Golf Tournament at the PGA course at Slaley Hall. There is also an optional spa day packages available at the Seamham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa. Exhibition opportunities will be available exclusively for delegates and sponsors. 
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