Key takeaways from my week in London:
1. The massive power of travel to unify, create opportunity, and provide new perspectives is undeniable.
2. The importance of in-person meetings and candid conversations should not be overlooked.
3. Always choose enthusiasm and curiosity–you never know where it might lead you.
Attending World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024 this week was beyond inspiring. Being among over 40,000 industry leaders from 180+ countries truly showcased the massive power of travel and gave me a real sense of belonging to a larger community.
Thanks to my awesome team—Lucie Wesley, Keon Dadgostar, Karis Tu?ón, Mireya G., and Jaime Lusher. In-person time with you all is rare but always a highlight. You guys are brilliant, enthusiastic, and always entertaining, and your teamwork is something else! Shoutout to the extended MMGY Global team—Caroline Moultrie, Jonathan Sloan, Rhys Powell, Samuel Hancock, Ava Mehta, Cees T. Bosselaar, Detlef Freiherr von Weitershausen-Haner, Ma?té (My-Tay) Conway Ross, Alexandra Delf, Samantha Holdsworth and more—for all the insights, support, and collaboration. There's nothing quite like face-to-face meetings and candid conversations, Sometimes around the conference room table and maybe a few around the pub table.
Big thanks to Destinations International, especially Jane Cunningham and Gabriel Seder, for having me at the partner's dinner. That dinner was ??, and the conversations were even better. Sharing stories, experiences, and dreams—reinforced how travel brings us together. Hearing from the teams at Destination DC, VisitScotland, and Vienna Tourist Board about their love for their destination, where they're most excited to travel next, and some of their favorite recent travel stories energized me and fueled my own curiosity.
And last but certainly not least, MMGY Global MOJO Summit 2024. Creating a space to share industry challenges and opportunities and learn from leaders around the globe was the perfect way to end the week. The highlight was the fireside chat with Eduardo Santander Fernández-Portillo, PhD, who shared his outlook on the industry, his vision for continued European tourism growth... and a great lasagna recipe! Massive thanks to our event sponsors—Expedia Group Media Solutions, Travelzoo, Sojern, Wanderlust Travel Media, and Northstar Meetings Group—for making it all possible and for your continued partnership.
Amid constant conflict and division, this week reminded me of travel's unifying power. It's why we do what we do—to help people step out of their bubbles, have real conversations, and see the world from different perspectives. Feeling honored and inspired to be part of such an important industry now more than ever. I am travel. Travel changes everything.
To all my friends and colleagues who traveled this week, what lessons or insights did you bring back home? ??? I'd love to hear about your experiences and what inspired you during your journeys.
