TORONTO — With over 2,100 travel agents already registered, Travelweek’s upcoming virtual conference just gained another esteemed keynote speaker to close discussions about the future of travel.

G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, has been announced as the closing keynote of ‘Future of Travel: Back to Business?’, which is set to take place live on Wednesday, June 3 from 1-3 p.m. EST. Poon Tip, who recently unveiled his new ‘instabook’ called ‘Unlearn: The Year the Earth Stood Still,’ will be delivering a message of inspiration for the industry and sharing his thoughts on how travel will evolve as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m honoured to be invited to speak at Travelweek’s virtual conference, to have the opportunity to connect and inspire our community at a time like no other,” says Poon Tip. “There’s no doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have been catastrophic and heartbreaking for all of us who have built such great businesses and are so passionate about travel as means to change lives. Now is the time for us all to come together and unite as an industry. It’s our job now, as leaders in the travel industry, to reimagine what travel could, and should, look like.

“We’re going to be dealing with a very different consumer mindset, but this pause has created a huge opportunity for us all to stop and rethink what we want travel to look like on the other side. We shouldn’t want to go back to normal.”

Devin Kinasz, Publisher, Travelweek, says Poon Tip is a welcome addition to the panel and will provide special insight into what ‘the new normal’ will look like.

“We are so excited to have Bruce as our closing keynote speaker,” she says. “As the founder of one of the world’s most trusted travel brands, and a thought-leader on responsible travel and adventure travel trends, Bruce is the perfect addition to complete our prestigious panel of speakers. His insight, along with those from all our esteemed speakers, will hopefully give travel agents and travel partners some much-needed reassurance and clarity during this incredibly challenging time for the industry.”

The first-of-its-kind, industry-leading virtual conference will feature two panel discussions: ‘The Future of Group Touring’ and ‘The Future of Destinations’. In addition to Poon Tip, there will be six other keynote speakers: Joseph Adamo, Chief Distribution Officer, Transat & President, TDC; Charles Crowder, VP Sales & Distribution, WestJet; Lisa Pierce, Managing Director of Canada & USA Sales, Air Canada; Deana Murphy, VP Retail Sales, Sunwing; Gary Sadler, Senior VP, Unique Vacations (Sandals); and Michelle Palma, VP Field Sales, Uniworld.

The conference is open to all travel agents, suppliers and other industry partners. Participants are eligible to win prizes, including the grand prize of a $500 VISA gift card.

To register click here.