An insightful thought leadership event delving into the substantial untapped potential of retail tourism unfolded at La Roca Village, a part of The Bicester Collection, in Barcelona today. The event culminated with a resounding call to emphasize the significance of retail tourism. Central to the event was the launch of a groundbreaking report titled "Global Retail Tourism: Trends and Insights," a collaborative endeavor between the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), The Bicester Collection, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The report, characterized by its strong emphasis on data and insights, aspires to delineate the future of retail tourism while spotlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the sector.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, underscored the critical role of retail tourism:

"In the realm of Travel & Tourism, the significance of retail tourism cannot be overstated. Accounting for over $178 billion of global GDP in 2019, it's time to recognize its true potential. Our report reveals that retail tourism is not just about shopping; it's about revenue, job creation, and influencing travelers' choices. It's our collective responsibility to embrace these opportunities, shape the industry's future, and embark on an exciting journey."

 An insightful thought leadership event delving into the substantial untapped potential of retail tourism unfolded at La Roca Village, a part of The Bicester Collection, in Barcelona today. The event culminated with a resounding call to emphasize the significance of retail tourism. Central to the event was the launch of a groundbreaking report titled "Global Retail Tourism: Trends and Insights," a collaborative endeavor between the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), The Bicester Collection, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The report, characterized by its strong emphasis on data and insights, aspires to delineate the future of retail tourism while spotlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities that shape the sector.

The event was marked by engaging discussions, featuring prominent voices from various business sectors. Moderated by international news anchor Maria Ramos, the panel included distinguished speakers:

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
Desirée Bollier, The Bicester Collection Chair and Global Chief Merchant
Professor Haiyan Song, School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Director of Hospitality and Tourism Research Center
Maribel Rodriguez, WTTC Senior Vice President Membership, Commercial, & Events
Miguel Sanz, Tourespaña General Director
Elena Foguet, The Bicester Collection Business Director Spain
Jeni Mundy, VISA Global Senior Vice President Merchant Sales & Acquiring
Anne Madison, Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) Senior Vice President Global Marketing & Strategic Communications
Nikolina Angelkova, Terra Way Investment Group Member of the Board