DRLondon: World Travel Market (WTM) London, to be held from November 4 to 6 at ExCel London, has lined-up high profile speakers including the President of Hilton Hotels in the EMEA region, top easyJet boss and the CEO of Virgin Atlantic. On the opening day, November 4, of WTM 2019, the Global Stage will play host to a panel discussion moderated by the Telegraph’s Deputy Head of Travel Ben Ross focusing on the current state of UK Travel Markets and what to expect in 2020.
With Expo 2020 on the horizon, delegates from the Middle East region are looking to achieve an even greater share of the multi-billion-dollar global travel market
Speakers – Jo Rzymowska, VP & Managing Director of Celebrity Cruises, Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel at Euromonitor and Neil Slaven, UK Country Director of easyJet – will discuss the key factors developing the travel trade and highlight the new possibilities for the industry. They will also share their views and address issues from consumer confidence to changing holiday preferences and the ever-present effect of Brexit.
Later in the day, Simon Vincent OBE, Executive VP & President of EMEA for Hilton Hotels will be expressing his views on the future of both Hilton and the hotel industry in general as the company celebrates its centenary. The Ministers’ Summit hosted by the UNWTO’s Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili and WTM London’s Senior Director, Simon Press on the Global Stage on November 5 will provide a platform for tourism leaders in the public and private sectors to share best practices and create new innovative perspectives for the travel sector. On November 5 afternoon, Shai Weiss, the CEO of Virgin Atlantic will be talking to John Strickland of JLS Consulting on the European Inspiration Zone stage. As Virgin Atlantic is taking off in a new direction this year with a new CEO and ownership structure, the session will provide a fascinating opportunity for the audience to understand how they plan to compete in the airline industry over the coming decades.
The final day of WTM 2019 will host World Responsible Tourism Day – the largest day of responsible tourism action in the world. “To celebrate the 40th anniversary of WTM London, we have speakers coming from every corner of the world to spread their wisdom on every element of the travel industry and there will be something of interest to everyone who works in the travel industry over the three days of talks at WTM London 2019,” Simon Press said.
Buyers’ Club Revamped
To create a new and exclusive experience for buyers, exhibitors and visitors, WTM has revamped its Buyers’ Club program. As part of this, only the top 600 industry buyers have been invited for it. “This group has been screened to guarantee the highest quality set of buyers that will have ever attended WTM London,” said an official statement.
As there will be no changes in visa policies for people entering the UK following a deal or no-deal Brexit – it is anticipated global buyer applications will exceed those of last year. In 2018, there were over 9000 buyers.
The Middle East Hogs Limelight
This year, 50,000 participants as well as 5000 exhibitors from over 180 countries are expected to attend WTM with organisers predicting a record year for 2019, boosted by a strong contingent of exhibitors from the Middle East region. With Expo 2020 on the horizon and the Middle East continuing to represent high growth potential for the travel industry, delegates from the region are looking to achieve an even greater share of the multi-billion-dollar global travel market.
According to research from Colliers International, the UK is predicted to retain its position as one of the top European destinations for GCC nationals to visit – accounting for 8,90,000 trips by 2023. While part of this growth can be attributed to the Middle East – and in particular the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s large expatriate populations, residents from the MENA region are no strangers to destinations within the UK, their culture and history – as well as their retail and luxury hospitality offerings. Besides, the relaxation of tourist visa requirements combined with Brexit weakening the British Pound have provided an additional incentive for Middle Eastern tourists.
Adding to this, several Middle Eastern companies have been shortlisted for the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs) – which takes place on November 5. Among the 90 shortlisted nominations for the ITTAs – which are presented by WTM and supported by the UNWTO – are entries from Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Azerbaijan Tourism Board and The Jordan Trail Association. “Both the volume and quality of entries received from the region not only demonstrates the vital role tourism is playing in the economy but also reconfirms the Middle East as one of the most dynamic travel destinations in the world,” Simon Press said.
This year, key exhibitors from the Middle East will include, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, Oman Ministry of Tourism and Jordan Tourism Board. WTM 2018 recorded an increase in visitors of more than 4 per cent to a record 32,462, with the event seeing a total of almost 89,000 visits from 51,409 participants. In total 4664 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions took part. Destination Reporter is a Magazine Partner of WTM 2019.
