The World Travel Market London (WTM), which opened today (November 7) in the UK capital, is expected to facilitate a record number of travel deals with an increased number of new and returning exhibitors from around the globe.
Across all areas of the exhibition floor, new faces will be present, as well as familiar ones. More than 3,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries are taking part in the show, the leading global event for the travel industry, running till November 9 at ExCel.
The Middle East countries will be strongly represented at the event with Saudi Arabia being named the Premier Partner of World Travel Market London 2022 for the second year running.
Saudi’s Vision 2030 strategy is an ambitious blueprint for the future that is transforming Saudi, creating prosperity and opportunity, with tourism at the heart. Driving forward aims of welcoming 100 million visitors by 2030, Saudi joins partners and delegates at WTM to showcase an unparalleled destination offering.
Meanwhile, the future of travel is centre stage at this year’s World Travel Market London, with the opening keynote to be presented by futurist, Rohit Talwar.
Talwar is co-founder and CEO of Fast Future, a research and insights business that specialises in the fields of futures and foresight. It was set up in 2015 and works across multiple industries and with governments.
His keynote, taking place on the Future Stage is headlined “The Future of Travel Starts Now”. In the session he will outline his vision for the future for travel, a future in which humans need to remain at the centre of agenda as technology continues to progress.
Meanwhile, senior experts from leading business intelligence and consulting specialist Euromonitor International will showcase the best of digital, consumer-centric and sustainable travel innovations at World Travel Market London.
The ‘Powered Up: Driving Travel Forward with Digital and Sustainable Innovation’ session will feature detailed insights from Caroline Bremner, Senior Head of Travel Research at Euromonitor, and Alex Jarman, Senior Industry Analyst at Euromonitor.
Sabre Hospitality President Scott Wilson will lead a session on how retailing will revolutionise hospitality.
Some of the highest-profile new participants can be found in the ‘International Hub’ region of the show, with global representatives from hotel giants such as Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. International Hub will for the first time host bed-bank Yalago – part of the Emirates Group, transport rental firm OK Mobility and destination management company Intrepid.
Public, private and hybrid destination management companies and tourist boards are making their presence felt at this year’s event.
First-time destination-driven exhibitors include the Association of Ugandan Tour Operators and representatives from the Azadi International Tourism Organization, showcasing hotels, eco safaris, villages and climbing tours available in Iran.
Elsewhere, there will be a greater presence this year from the more established leisure destinations such as the Caribbean, Spain, and Portugal. The UK and Ireland stand will be twice the size of last year, hosting more than 50 partners and reflecting the continuing interest in the UK and Ireland as a staycation destination and its appeal for inbound visitors.
This year’s technology hall will include for the first time Sojern, one of the world’s leading travel-specific marketing platforms. UK-based Vamp, which helps travel companies work with influencers, and US-based car rental aggregator Sofiac are among the dozen or so technology businesses also testing the WTM London waters.
Juliette Losardo, WTM London Exhibition Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome brand new exhibitors to this year’s event – new organisations participating is essential to moving the sector forward, as well as being very pleased to see some of our long term loyal exhibitors return. These new and returning participants come from all corners of the globe – there are now exhibitors from more than 100 countries confirmed.”
WTM London will this year have a number of specific initiatives designed to help buyers get the most out of their time at ExCeL London. The ever-popular speed networking event takes place on the first two days of the show (Monday 7 November and Tuesday 8 November) from 08:30 to 10 am. A dedicated lounge will be available to The Buyers Club, and buyers will have access to WTM Connect Me – a platform to schedule meetings ahead of arrival.
Losardo continued: “Buyers attending this year’s WTM London have the chance to meet with thousands of potential clients, reconnect with industry peers and come away inspired with new ideas. 2022 promises to be one of the most important WTM’s to date.”
