London is set to host the highly anticipated 44th edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) at Excel London from November 5th to 7th, 2024. Recognized as the world’s leading travel and tourism event, this year’s gathering will attract over 40,000 industry professionals, offering an expected economic contribution of around £200 million to the London economy in just one week.
With over 4,000 exhibitors attending from around the globe, WTM London 2024 has achieved a 7% increase in participation, making this year’s show the largest yet. The exhibitors, representing tourism boards, hoteliers, transport providers, technology companies, associations, and travel experiences, will engage in an estimated £2.2 billion worth of business deals throughout the event’s three-day duration.
The economic impact of WTM is reinforced by VisitBritain’s data, which reveals that international trade show attendees in the UK spend an average of £352 per day. This spending, paired with Deloitte’s assessment that every £1,000 spent generates an additional £1,800 in tourism value, translates to a substantial economic boost from WTM visitors’ presence.
Most attendees are expected to stay in the capital beyond the show. While 40% of WTM attendees will remain in London for three days, 33% plan to stay at least a week, with 9% extending their visit to nine days or more. This influx of visitors fuels local spending in accommodations, dining, transportation, and entertainment, further bolstering London’s tourism sector.
Juliette Losardo, WTM London’s Exhibitor Director, shared her enthusiasm for the event’s positive impact on the city: “While the travel trade are busy curating that £2.2 billion worth of travel and tourism deals during World Travel Market, we’re proud that WTM also has such a significant impact on our host city of London. The range of accommodation, world-class dining, and wealth of attractions the city has to offer are a real draw for our attendees, many of whom use WTM London as an opportunity to tag on leisure days and, in doing so, boost spend for the economy.”
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