World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024 will be the largest to date, with an expected 7 per cent growth
World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024 will be the largest to date, with an expected 7 per cent growth and expansion into new halls at ExCeL London
Taking place from November 5 to 7, WTM London expects to showcase around 4,000 exhibitors including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport brands, technology services and world-class experiences.
There has been significant growth amongst the destination market, with a 9 per cent increase in destination participation. Over 135 National Tourism Organisations will be in attendance, with a huge volume of regions and cities joining them.
Africa is the fastest growing region of the event, which follows proactive and diligent strategies implemented by nations such as Morocco and Egypt in a post-pandemic world.
There has been a significant increase in non-destination travel brands exhibiting at WTM London, with a 71 per cent increase in exhibitor participation from companies aligning themselves to the new ‘Experiences’ zone within the event. The show has seen a 22 per cent growth in accommodation brands and a 16 per cent growth from exhibitors in the technology sector.
At WTM this year, there will be gender neutral restroom facilities and the option to add pronouns to official event badges
Exhibitors attending for the first time include KOS Island, Viet Experiences Travel, China Nimbus Travel, Nimax Theatres, Kuoni Tumlare, Jabal Omar Co, Latvia Travel, Grand Prix Grand Tours, Corendon Airlines, Barclaycard Payments, Riyadh Air, Regnum Hotels, Addison Lee & Stripe Payments, among others.
The Greek National Tourism Organisation is the event’s Premier Partner this year, showcasing the destination’s dynamic cultural experiences and year-round opportunities.
Also WTM has expanded its coverage on diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion and intersectionality this year with a dedicated DEAI Summit and networking drinks on Tuesday, the opening day of the event.
The Tuesday line-up also features a session on how the travel and hospitality product must evolve to meet the needs of all travellers, no matter their backgrounds, abilities or identities. This theme is developed on the following day (Wednesday 6 November) with a run of sessions taking place in the Orange Theatre.
Topics include how destinations of all sizes can attract visitors by making nature-based and cultural visitor experiences accessible to all, particularly those with physical, cognitive or neuro disabilities. Another session offers insight into indigenous tourism and how the industry can ensure that connecting travellers with the rich heritage, traditions, and wisdom of indigenous communities is done respectfully and equitably.
World Travel Market is also announcing a series of enhancements to its event commitments and facilities, ensuring WTM remains a safe space for all. The WTM Official Conference Programme commits to 50 per cent of speakers partaking from underrepresented groups, while all stages will be fitted with closed captioning, and ramp access. The event will have a ‘Reset Room’ – a quiet space for those with neurodiverse needs, and sunflower lanyards for those with hidden disabilities.
There will be gender neutral restroom facilities and the option to add pronouns to official event badges. The event will provide multi-faith rooms for prayer, and a host of other facilities to ensure WTM remains a place where everyone is welcome.
World Travel Market is placing Regenerative Tourism at the forefront of its Sustainability Summit, taking place at Excel London on Wednesday 6 November 2024.
Overseen by the show’s sustainability advisor Tina O’Dwyer, a leading expert in sustainable tourism and driving impactful campaigns, the three-hour Summit will focus on the core theme of using travel as a force for good, coinciding with the show’s overarching theme of ‘TravelPower’.PARTNERING WITH TRIP.COM
World Travel Market (WTM) London has announced Trip.com Group, leading global travel service provider, will be the event’s Official Technology Partner at this year’s show.
Exhibiting for a second year and building on last year’s success, Trip.com Group is showcasing its latest innovations in user-centric technology and its commitment to enhancing the travel experience. With an impressive portfolio of brands, including Trip.com, Skyscanner, and Ctrip, the group continues to drive the future of travel through its pioneering use of AI and big data, offering personalised, seamless travel solutions to travellers worldwide.