All eyes on Europe & UK markets
WTM 2016 is expected to rise above last year’s record $3.23 billion business. The Middle East, with over 150 exhibitors from the six emirates and GCC, will be well represented. Simon Press, Senior Director, WTM London, reveals more.
Q Give us a brief update of the highlights of the event this year.
This year, World Travel Market London will be a three day event (November 7-9) with opening hours extended from 10 am to 7 pm.
There will be more than 80 conference seminars covering all the key sectors including aviation, hotels, sports, tourism, responsible tourism, blogging, social media and travel technology. Do not miss out the WTM Presents Keynotes with tourism expert Doug Lansky and futurist Brain Solis.
The WTM Speed Networking in the Global Stage will bring 1,400 exhibitors and more than 200 businesses senior buyers over one session. The two pillars of the WTM London 2016: World Responsible Tourism Day and the prestigious UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit will both celebrate their 10th editions this year. Let’s not forget the Travel Tech Show, the UK’s largest travel technology event and the fastest growing region at WTM London. The show brings together the latest products and services in technology to the global travel industry.
Q What are the highlights from the UAE this year?
This year, Ajman Tourism Development Department has increased their presence at WTM London 2016 by taking a larger space. Their delegation will focus on promoting the finest of the emirate’s hotels, resorts, cultural and heritage attractions.
Ras Al Khaimah, the northern-most emirate of the UAE has seen record growth from their major source markets, including a 33% rise in visitors from the UK between Jan-Jul 2016 versus Jan-Jul 2015. This is why Ras Al Khaimah has increased their stand space for WTM London 2016 as they will be using WTM as a platform to launch some exciting new tourism attractions in the highest mountain of the UAE and they will also be launching their destination website.
For Fujairah, WTM London remains to be one of their most must attend European fairs as the UK market is an important source market for them. Their destination will be represented together with their partners from the tourism sector and are looking forward to the great opportunities for deal making and meetings during the three day event.
Q Are there any new exhibitors from ME or UAE in particular?
We have Saudia Airline who is exhibiting again this year. This year the UAE tourism bodies which are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah will be bringing with them new stand sharers to take part in promoting the different destinations within the UAE.