…

Reading Time: 7 minutes

World Travel Market London 2024 at ExCeL London unites top travel and hospitality innovators to transform the future of tourism with groundbreaking insights and networking.

World Travel Market (WTM) London stands as the pinnacle of global travel and tourism events, offering an unparalleled platform for the world’s travel trade industry, including travel influencers, travel technology companies, and Destination Management Companies. This event serves as a crucial nexus for travel and tourism professionals worldwide, providing a blend of inspiration, education, and networking opportunities.

2023 Highlights and Attendance

In 2023, WTM London proudly hosted over 40,000 professionals from 184 countries, establishing itself as the premier venue for networking in the travel sector. This includes think tanks, tour operators, travel agents, and travel industry leaders and influencers. WTM efficiently bridges connections across all levels and job types within the industry, from fresh graduates to seasoned experts and government officials.

Exhibition and Opportunities

WTM London features a vast array of exhibitors, representing every facet of travel and tourism. This includes destinations, experiences, transportation, accommodation, and cutting-edge travel technology solutions, business travel, making it the most comprehensive gathering for those looking to conduct business within the travel industry. The presence of hotel industry leaders and influencers, cruise companies, and travel service providers adds to the event’s significance.

Visitor Demographics and Media Presence

The event attracts travel professionals who are keen to create and offer distinctive, world-class travel experiences. Additionally, it is recognized for hosting the largest annual gathering of international media dedicated to the travel trade, providing a critical platform for staying informed about the latest and most inspiring developments in business travel, luxury travel and leisure travel. This gathering includes MICE leaders, travel consultants, and travel and hotel advisors.

Sustainable Travel Initiatives

Advancing Responsible Tourism

World Travel Market is committed to promoting sustainable travel. The event features robust Responsible Tourism programming and observes significant advancements in the sector’s accountability. Sustainable practices, once innovative, are now becoming standard within the industry. This commitment is shared by travel industry giants and online travel agencies.

Educational Programs and Sector Support

Looking ahead to 2023, WTM London will continue to deliver leading-edge educational content to aid the continual improvement of the travel and tourism sector. This commitment ensures that the event remains at the forefront of fostering sustainable and responsible travel practices, benefiting travel industry leaders and hotel and hospitality industry stalwarts alike.

Educational Initiatives and Ministerial Involvement at World Travel Market London

Continuation of Cutting-Edge Educational Programs

World Travel Market London is committed to delivering top-tier educational content in 2023. These programs are designed to support continuous improvement and innovation within the travel and tourism sector, ensuring that travel professionals, including think tanks, travel influencers, and MICE leaders, remain at the cutting edge of industry developments.

Responsible Tourism: The Cape Town Declaration

Following the 2002 Cape Town declaration, WTM London has focused on promoting responsible tourism, which encompasses:

• Minimizing negative economic, environmental, and social impacts.
• Enhancing local community well-being and economic benefits.
• Improving industry access and working conditions.
• Involving local people in impactful decisions.
• Contributing positively to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
• Enhancing tourist experiences through meaningful local interactions and cultural understanding.
• Promoting accessibility for physically challenged individuals.
• Encouraging cultural sensitivity and mutual respect between tourists and hosts.

The Ministers’ Summit: A Global Policy Forum

The Ministers’ Summit, held in association with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), represents the pinnacle of global tourism leadership gatherings at WTM. This summit has been a platform for tourism ministers, travel industry leaders and influencers, and other travel and tourism professionals to debate and shape future travel policies and strategies for 17 years. The 2023 Summit will occur on Monday, November 6th, offering travel and tourism professionals unprecedented insights into global tourism policies and the opportunity to influence future industry directions.

Why Attend World Travel Market London as a Buyer?

Unlocking Opportunities for Buyers

WTM London offers buyers, including travel agents, travel technology companies, and online travel agencies, a unique array of opportunities to advance in the ever-evolving travel industry. Key benefits include:

Networking and Partnerships

• Engage with over 45,000 travel professionals, including top-level suppliers, travel consultants, travel and hotel advisors, and decision-makers.
• Build lasting relationships that drive business success through our exclusive networking opportunities.

Innovative Products and Services

• Discover and evaluate a wide range of global travel products and innovative services from tour operators, cruise companies, hotel industry leaders and influencers.
• Stay ahead with the latest in travel technology and unique travel experiences.

Expert-Led Learning

• Gain insights from industry leaders through seminars, workshops, and expert-led sessions.
• Stay informed on the latest industry trends, challenges, and opportunities relevant to travel industry giants and Destination Management Companies.

Tailored Business Matchmaking

• Benefit from a dedicated matchmaking program designed to connect you with exhibitors that match your business needs.
• Optimize your time at the event by meeting with targeted suppliers and travel service providers.

Exclusive Buyer Perks

• Enjoy VIP treatment including access to the Buyers’ Lounge, fast-track entry, and other exclusive benefits, enhancing your overall experience and productivity at the event.

Inclusion and Accessibility at World Travel Market London

Commitment to Inclusivity and Accessibility

World Travel Market London is deeply committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all participants, regardless of their physical needs or backgrounds, feel welcomed and supported. This commitment is evident in the variety of services and facilities designed to accommodate all attendees.

Specialized Accessibility Services

For those with specific access needs, WTM London offers tailored support:

• Contact for Accessibility Needs: For any specific requirements, attendees can reach out directly via [email protected].
• Reset Room: Located at S3, accessible via the halls, this room offers a quiet space for those who need a break from the event’s bustle.
• Mobility Services: In collaboration with ExCeL London, WTM provides comprehensive mobility services to ensure that everyone can navigate the venue with ease. Details on these services can be found on the ExCeL London website under “Venue Accessibility.”
• Multi-Faith Room: Situated next to the S9 entrance, this room offers a peaceful area for prayer and reflection, ensuring spiritual needs are met without interruption.
• Family Room: This facility includes amenities for families with infants, such as changing mats, breastfeeding chairs, a microwave for baby food, and a bottle warmer, located by the S9 entrance.

Enhanced Conference Accessibility

• Subtitles and Translations: Plans are in place to subtitle and translate key conference sessions, including the Ministers’ Summit, to accommodate a broader audience.
• Diverse Speakers: For the first time, WTM will ensure that 50% of speakers within the conference program come from diverse backgrounds, enriching the event with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Service Animals

• WTM and ExCeL London welcome guide and assistance dogs, adhering to the Equality Act 2010. This ensures that assistance dogs can accompany their owners throughout the venue, though other pets are not permitted.

Directions to WTM London

Venue Location

• ExCeL London: World Travel Market London is hosted at the ExCeL London exhibition and convention center, a sprawling facility located on a 100-acre site along the northern quay of the Royal Victoria Docks, positioned strategically between Canary Wharf and London City Airport.

Venue Details and Event Dates for World Travel Market London

Venue Location: ExCeL London

• Address: Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London, E16 1XL

Event Schedule:

• Tuesday, 5th November 2024: 09:30 – 19:30 (Networking Party from 17:30 – 19:30)
• Wednesday, 6th November 2024: 09:30 – 18:00
• Thursday, 7th November 2024: 09:30 – 17:00

Travel Options to ExCeL London

Public Transit Routes:

• Tube and Rail:
• Jubilee Line: Alight at Canning Town and transfer to a Beckton-bound DLR train to ExCeL.
• Elizabeth Line: Direct connections from Paddington and Heathrow, via Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf.
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Alight at Prince Regent station (East Entrance at ExCeL).

By Car:

• ExCeL London Orange Car Park: Postcode for GPS – E16 1FR. The car park has 1,500 spaces, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Additional Car Parks: Dockside Road Car Park (E16 2QT), Manor Road Car Park (E16 4PA), and The O2 (SE10 0DX).

Alternative Travel Options:

• By Boat: Take an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Royal Wharf Pier, then a 20-minute walk or Bus 241 to the venue.
• By Cable Car: From North Greenwich Pier, take the Emirates Airline Cable Car across the river. WTM attendees enjoy a 50% discount on standard ticket prices upon showing registration confirmation.
• By Bicycle: ExCeL is near the cycle superhighway CS3, with cycle racks available at both entrances.
• By Taxi: Metered taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available, with a drop-off and pick-up point at the west end of the venue.
• By Plane: London City Airport is less than a mile away, with additional options across London’s five other airports.

Dining Options at ExCeL London

Variety of Food and Beverages:

• ExCeL London offers a diverse selection of dining options, from quick sandwiches to gourmet meals. To avoid the lunchtime rush, it’s advisable to pick up lunch before or after peak times.

Passport and Visa Information for World Travel Market London Attendees

Guidelines for Visitors

• Visa Application Proof: Attendees must demonstrate their connection to the travel industry by providing evidence of their employment and the nature of their employer’s business at the British Embassy in their country.
• Letter of Invitation: World Travel Market London does not issue letters of invitation for visa purposes.
• Visa Resources: Additional information on UK visa applications is available at www.ukvisas.gov.uk.

Information for Exhibitors

• Visa During Badging: Specific visa-related information is provided to exhibitors during the badging process.

How to Apply for a UK Visa

• Application Options: Visas can be applied for by post, courier, in person, or online. The preferred method for your location can be confirmed via the visa section of your nearest British mission.
• Online Applications: Check the possibility of online applications by contacting [email protected]. If online application is not available, you will need to complete a visa application form (VAF 1 – Visitor), available free of charge from any British embassy with a visa section.

Visa Application Centres (VAC)

• Function and Locations: VACs are situated in populous areas to simplify the visa application process. They collect bio-metric data and application fees, and provide guidance on ensuring your application is complete. The final visa decision is made by entry clearance staff, not VAC staff.

Bio-metric Information Requirements

• What is Required: The visa application process requires bio-metric information, including finger scans and a full-face digital photograph.
• Procedure: Applicants must visit a VAC in person to provide bio-metric data. In countries without a VAC, this must be done at a British mission. The process involves electronic finger scanning and digital photography, taking no more than five minutes.
• Preparation for Bio-metric Data: Ensure no decorations, cuts, or markings are on your fingertips and that your face is clear of any obstructions such as sunglasses or hats, unless worn for cultural or religious reasons where the face must remain visible.