Urban Tourism - What Future after Covid19?

This webinar will discuss the future of urban tourism after the pandemic, with a particular focus on London and Paris. We will discuss the possible and desirable trajectories of tourism in metropolitan cities following the pandemic, as well as the role of planning and governance in shaping these. In line with the saying "never let a crisis go to waste", contributors will explore if and how the current crisis can be used to steer tourism in more sustainable and equitable directions.

The webinar will begin with a presentation of the preliminary results of the research project "Metropolitan Tourism in the Wake of COVID19" conducted by members of the newly founded Sustainable Metropolitan Tourism Network - SMeT-NET. This will be followed by a launch of the network and a panel discussion featuring professionals that play key roles in London’s tourism sector.

Outline schedule:

1700: Presentation and discussion of new research on Metropolitan Tourism in the Wake of COVID19 led by Ilaria Pappalepore (University of Westminster) and Maria Gravari-Barbas (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne).

1745: Launch of Sustainable Metropolitan Tourism Network SMeT-NET led by Johannes Novy (University of Westminster).

1800: Panel discussion on the future of urban tourism featuring key stakeholders involved in London’s visitor economy featuring:

Dan Anderson. Founder and Director of Fourth St Destination Consultancy

Laura Brinkmann. Head of Hospitality Europe, Brookfield Asset Management

Katie Thomas. Tourism and Luxury Lead for the New West End Company

Georgina Warren. Director of City Experience and Major Events at London & Partners

*Photo credit: Maja Jovic