World Travel Market (WTM) is an annual business-to-business event tailored to the travel and tourism sector. Running for four days in November, the event showcases a diverse range of destinations worldwide, presenting industry professionals with the opportunity to meet, negotiate and network. WTM will be celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2014, where it has been announced that the show will be opened by Justin King CBE, former CEO of J Sainsbury’s.

City Sightseeing offers sightseeing tours, usually in open-top buses, in famous cities all over the world

WTM 2014 will also see its opening hours extended in order to facilitate more business. The event will remain open for an extra two hours on Wednesday, November 5 from 1800hrs to 2000hrs.

In 2013, WTM saw more than 50,000 senior industry executives in attendance – signing business deals worth more than £2.2billion, it was revealed by Fusion Communications.

WTM is owned by Reed Exhibitions (RE), who is also responsible for organising a vast portfolio of other travel industry events such as Arabian Travel Market and International Luxury Travel Market. WTM is free to attend and guests must be registered online prior to arrival. Monday, November 3 is attended by invitation only. Many sectors of the travel industry are represented at the show, including Tourist Boards, Iceland Honeymoon packages, Airlines, Cruise, Hotels and Travel Technology, with the event boasting 5,000 international exhibitors overall – some showcasing flamboyant displays.

At WTM 2014, there will be more than 100 events and seminars hosted, offering invaluable insights into emerging trends. All sessions are free to attend, with very few allowing entry by invitation only. Highlights from the events programme include:

TripAdvisor Seminar Session Tuesday, November 4 (1430hrs to 1515hrs) In 2014, TripAdvisor launched its ‘Instant Booking’ system, which can be accessed via mobile. Maud Larpent, Director of Connectivity for TripAdvisor, will discuss new opportunities for independent hotels, the future of booking and how businesses can get connected. The Travel Tech Show at WTM should also be considered. It’s the UK’s largest travel technology event with more than 10,000 visitors in attendance – a figure which has doubled in size since 2010.

With this year marking 100 years since the start of WWI, the Flanders Fields stand is worth a look

WTM Global Trends Report 2014 Tuesday, November 4 (1530hrs to 1630hrs) In association with Euromonitor International, the Global Trends Report 2014 will aim to predict major travel trends worldwide and recognise the latest dynamics in Travel Technology. Celebrating its ninth consecutive year, the Global Trends Report 2014 will offer an insight into emerging brands and consumer trends, in addition to destinations and demographics.

World Responsible Tourism Awards Wednesday, November 5 (1100hrs to 1200hrs) World Responsible Tourism Day will be held on Wednesday, November 5, in association with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The event will be celebrating its 11th year, hosted on the WTM Global Stage (AS850) rewarding responsible tourism experiences, with achievements in 12 categories, which highlight important issues such as cultural heritage and conservation.

World Travel Leaders at WTM Wednesday, November 5 (1600hrs to 1730hrs) To mark WTM’s 35th anniversary, the event will celebrate industry achievements since WTM’s introduction. An expert panel will debate the future of travel and tourism, by predicting how holidaymakers may travel in the future. World Travel Leaders Awards is extended to individuals and organisations recognised for their contribution to the global travel industry.

WTM Blogger Speed Networking Thursday, November 6 (1030hrs to 1130hrs)WTM Blogger Speed Networking is a newly introduced feature to WTM, and will remain open to Exhibitors and Exhibitor PR’s exclusively. Here, 60 leading travel and tourism bloggers can hold mini meetings to discuss ways to increase an exhibitors’ media exposure online.

WTM Buyers Club is the leading business network for travel buyers, which has an average global membership of more than 14,000. Members comprise of senior industry professionals such as Domestic & Outbound Tour Operators, Group Travel Organisers, Coach Tour Operators, Corporate Travel Buyers and Online Travel Companies, amongst others. Exclusive benefits include fast track access to the show, speed networking sessions, access to meeting rooms with free internet and a complementary lunch with sandwiches and drinks.

For further event information visit www.wtmlondon.com/content/world-travelmarket-events. For travel and venue information visit www.excel-london.co.uk or www.wtmlondon.com

Visit Wales’ stand at a previous show

PICK OF THE EXHIBITORS

ABTA: THE TRAVEL ASSOCIATION STAND GV569

ABTA aka The Association of British Travel Agents was founded in the 1950s and has since grown to become the UK’s leading travel association. ABTA’s aim is to help members improve and increase their business and to give customers confidence in their travel experiences.

It is estimated that over £31.5billion is spent on holiday arrangements made with ABTA members each year. ABTA members aim to provide flexible schemes for financial protection and guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety issues. Each member follows a strict code of conduct ensuring the upmost professionalism. ABTA will be exhibiting alongside ABTA Magazine. For more information visit www.abta.com or www.countrybycountry.com/magazine

VISIT FLANDERS UK STAND EM14-18

At WTM 2013, Visit Flanders UK showcased an impressive stand to mark the centenary of the First World War. Visit Flanders UK is responsible for the promotion of Flanders and Brussels and has been elected the official partner of WTM 2014.

Flanders is located in the northern region of Belgium, which is said to have seen the greatest loss of life on the Western Front – namely from the three battles of Ypres. GTW recently embarked on a press trip hosted by the tourist organisation, where fellow journalists were invited to learn and explore Ypres, Poperinge and Messines.

Visit Flanders UK will aim to further promote the intense feeling of identity and cultural consciousness which has grown through the events and experiences of war. Pop by the stand to discover more about future events/openings to commemorate. For more information see www.visitflanders.co.uk

UKINBOUND STAND UKI100 AND UKI300

UKinbound is one of the leading trade associations, which focuses solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. UKinbound’s presence grows year on year, enhance further by their annual Gala Dinner, which is hosted on the first night of WTM.

Celebrating the success of the UK’s tourism industry, the Gala Dinner is open to all and offers further networking opportunities in a more relaxed and informal setting. WTM 2014 will see 60 exhibiting partners, located at the forefront of the main entrance of the UK & Ireland sector. Supported by VisitBritain, the UKinbound stand is home to other bodies such as London & Partners, VisitEngland, VisitScotland and VisitWales, amongst others.

The stand showcases a significant number of UKinbound members, including a cross section of tour operators, accommodation, attractions and service providers. UKinbound also produces their own “UKinbound @ WTM Magazine” which contains exclusive industry reports and launches, including key information for all exhibitors. The magazine will be available to all visitors throughout the duration of the show. For more information visit www.ukinbound.org