Q&A with WTM London Exhibition Director, Simon Press
What is the theme for WTM London 2021?
WTM London is the leading global event for the travel industry.
WTM London was the last travel trade show to take place before the pandemic, and will be the first one to take place after COVID. These will be the first contracts signed after almost 2 years.
It aims to support the industry in recovering, rebuilding and reconnecting as quickly, efficiently and sustainably as possible after COVID-19.
With over 40 years of experience, we are considered a solid knowledge centre for the tourism economy and a reliable source of data and ideas for our exhibitors, buyers, visitors and media.
WTM London is the brand that unites the industry and facilitates businesses to build their businesses across physical and online platforms.
In essence, WTM London is a strategic partner supporting all members of the global travel industry to promote their assets and attract targeted travelers.
What is new for WTM London 2021?
So much is new for WTM London 2021. This year WTM London will be held for the first time in an innovative hybrid format.
The physical event will occur at ExCeL London on Monday, November 1-Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and will be followed by WTM Virtual – November 8-9, 2021.
I have already highlighted the recovering, rebuilding and reconnecting concept – essential for this year’s show to help exhibitors get back on track reconnecting with the right buyers, suppliers, visitors and media.
Responsible Tourism is one of our core pillars. We’ll run content sessions around the topic and host the Responsible Tourism Awards during WTM London on November 2. The awards recognise and reward businesses and destinations contributing to a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
Travel Forward, the travel technology event co-located with WTM London at ExCeL, will also take place physically from
1-3 November and virtually from 8-9 November. The show inspires the travel and hospitality industry with the next
generation of technology.
Across the WTM Portfolio, WTM Buyers’ Club has over 10,000 qualified international buyers, and as before, we will be focusing on quality over quantity. Representatives from more than 80 countries have signed up to WTM London’s Buyers’ Club.
Buyers from Jet2holidays, easyJet Holidays, Saga Holidays and British Airways Holidays are among the companies confirmed at WTM London’s Buyers’ Club.
We are pleased to announce that we will be running our very successful buyers speed networking again – in person. This is where buyers and exhibitors have short meetings then hold longer meetings during the show open hours.
We understand the need for the industry to reconnect. We are anticipating a huge demand to gain access to speed networking from both exhibitors & buyers. The new formats deliver better connections and more meetings, all in a safe environment.
ΠΗΓΗ GTP
