Monday, September 9, 2024 World Travel Market (WTM) London has officially announced that this year’s event will be its largest to date, reflecting the tremendous growth and dynamism of the global tourism industry. The event, scheduled to take place from November 5–7, 2024, at ExCeL London, is expected to see a 7% increase in size, with participation from over 4,000 exhibitors, representing tourism boards, airlines, hotel chains, technology firms, and a host of travel-related brands. This year’s edition will also see an expansion into new halls at ExCeL, a move driven by the growing demand for exhibition space and the burgeoning global interest in the travel sector.
The event’s organizers have confirmed that more than 80 new exhibitors have already been confirmed, making this year’s event a record-breaker in terms of size and scale. Record Growth Reflecting a Thriving Tourism Sector As the global tourism sector continues to recover and thrive in the post-pandemic world, WTM London 2024 is positioned as a key platform for showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in travel. The event’s growth is largely attributed to increased participation from both destination markets and non-destination travel brands.
This year has seen a significant 9% increase in destination participation, with over 135 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) confirmed. Notable regions such as Africa are leading the growth, thanks to strong strategies by countries like Morocco and Egypt, which have focused on reigniting their tourism sectors after the global pandemic. Africa’s tourism sector is seeing a resurgence, and this is reflected in its growing presence at WTM.
Non-destination travel brands are also making a substantial impact, with a 71% increase in participation from companies aligning themselves to the event’s new “Experiences” zone. This zone will showcase brands that offer unique, world-class travel experiences, including everything from luxury travel and cultural tours to adventure sports and wellness retreats. WTM London 2024 is poised to be a hub for those looking to discover new ways to enhance the global travel experience.
In addition to the surge in non-destination brands, the event will see a 22% increase in accommodation exhibitors and a 16% increase in exhibitors from the travel technology sector. This reflects the ongoing shift towards innovative, tech-driven solutions in the travel industry, with brands eager to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. New Exhibitors Set to Make Their Mark Among the 80+ new exhibitors are some of the most exciting names in travel, technology, and hospitality.
First-time exhibitors 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, and Stripe Payments. These new exhibitors represent a diverse range of industries, each bringing something unique to the global travel market. Whether it’s offering innovative payment solutions for the tourism industry or showcasing premium travel experiences, these new entrants are set to make a lasting impact at the event.
WTM London 2024 will provide these exhibitors with an unparalleled platform to network, build business relationships, and expand their reach into new markets. Exhibitor Director’s Vision for WTM London 2024 Juliette Losardo, Exhibitor Director for WTM London, expressed her enthusiasm about the scale of this year’s event. “2024 will be the best year yet for World Travel Market, with the largest cohort of exhibitors on record,” Losardo stated.
She emphasized the event’s diverse range of exhibitors, both from traditional destination markets and from innovative private sector organizations. “World Travel Market truly is home to the world’s travel trade, and this gathering of over 45,000 verified travel professionals represents the most influential meeting point in the travel and tourism calendar,” Losardo added. She encouraged potential visitors to secure their tickets as soon as possible, as spaces are filling up fast.
The event is expected to provide a busy and inspiring three days of networking, business, and learning opportunities, serving as a crucial touchpoint for travel professionals preparing for the year ahead. A Platform for Networking, Learning, and Growth WTM London 2024 offers a multitude of opportunities for attendees, from exhibitors to visitors, to engage with the latest developments in the travel industry. With representatives from all sectors of the tourism industry, the event is designed to foster connections, collaborations, and business growth.
Participants will have the chance to attend keynote speeches from industry leaders, participate in workshops, and discover new business strategies that can help shape the future of travel. From discussions on sustainability in tourism to the impact of new technologies, the event will address key trends and challenges facing the industry. Additionally, the new “Experiences” zone is anticipated to be one of the most exciting aspects of WTM London 2024.
Here, brands that specialize in delivering immersive, high-quality travel experiences will showcase their offerings, providing insights into how travel companies are increasingly focusing on delivering unique and memorable journeys for their customers. Global Impact on Tourism and Travel The significance of WTM London 2024 extends beyond just the travel sector—it also has implications for global economies. As tourism continues to be a major economic driver for many countries, events like WTM provide an essential platform for boosting tourism revenues and enhancing international business relations.
With increased participation from both traditional destinations and non-destination brands, this year’s WTM will likely influence how the global tourism industry shapes itself in the coming years. Exhibitors and visitors alike will benefit from the knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities that can lead to increased investments, partnerships, and new business ventures. Conclusion: An Unmissable Event for Travel Professionals With its record-breaking size, expanded exhibitor list, and dynamic focus on the latest trends and innovations in tourism, WTM London 2024 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone involved in the travel industry.
From destinations showcasing their tourism potential to technology brands offering the latest in travel solutions, the event provides something for everyone. As the world’s leading travel trade show, WTM London 2024 will continue to be a vital meeting point for travel professionals, offering insights, opportunities, and inspiration for the future of global travel. With over 45,000 attendees expected, including exhibitors, visitors, and industry leaders, this year’s event promises to be the most successful and influential edition yet.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this historic gathering—register today and secure your place at World Travel Market London 2024..
