WTM 2014: The best by far

As World Travel Market 2014 celebrates its 35th event, Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, Reeds Travel Exhibitions, says the event will be the best yet and India will again have a bold and colourful presence this year.

With WTM completing 35 years, what are your expectations from the event this year?

WTM 2014 will be the best yet as World Travel Market celebrates its 35th event. This will be marked by extended opening hours to facilitate even more business deals. The event will stay open for an extra two hours to 8pm on November 5 evening, giving exhibitors the opportunity to host WTM 35th event celebrations ‘WTM Festivals’ on their stands. This will allow them to network with buyers in a more relaxed manner than during the traditional business hours, while also showcasing their destination’s culture and uniqueness. So far we’ve got Belgium, The Caribbean, Cyprus, The Philippines and Taiwan lined up to host WTM Festivals on their stand, and we’re really looking forward to it.

What is the way ahead for WTM? Any expansion model that you'd like to share?

World Travel Market has really grown into the event that means business. Last year, WTM facilitated more than £2.2 billion in industry deals; this includes more than £264 million for exhibitors from Asia/ Pacific/ Indian Ocean and the India regions. This year and over the next five years, we expect even more business will be conducted at the event, including with those exhibitors from India. One of the conduct for all of our exhibitors from the Asia and India regions is phenomenal and a testament to Reed Travel Exhibitions role in facilitating business on a truly global scale.

Considering the government as well as the private sector, how big is the share of India in the WTM pie?

India will again have a bold and colourful presence at WTM this year. Incredible India will share its stand with over 30 tour operators, Indian State Governments, hotels and other tourism suppliers. Bangladesh Tourism Board is making a big splash as well around ExCeL London, so look out for their banners on your way into the venue. Indian states such as Kerala, concluding deals - is World Travel Market’s exclusive business club for the travel industry’s most senior buyers with direct responsibility for purchasing. An example of a WTM Buyers’ Club member would be a buyer for a tour operator looking to purchase product from exhibitors to put in its brochures, or an IT director looking to purchase a technology for their organisation.

Membership is open to the entire travel industry with a strict selection process in place to ensure that only the most senior industry buyers are granted membership. To apply, Indian buyers should visit www.wtmlondon.com/registerbuyers. Benefits will continue to be