This week marked the annual World Travel Market London 2022 (WTM). The tourism industry is one of the most important sectors for economic and cultural growth, and this event is one of the most relevant for the industry.
WGT was held in the ExCel London venue from November 7 to November 9, and allowed people from the tourism industry around the world to gather, network, and learn to improve their businesses. More than 3,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries were in attendance.
In addition to providing networking opportunities, the WTM focused on a few key topics related to the future of travel. This year’s theme was “The Future of Travel Starts Now.” This reflected how the travel industry is changing rapidly, and the urgent need for a response.
WTM tried to address how the industry must move on from the pandemic and from other global emergencies. Resilience and recovery were important subjects.
Sustainability is a vital issue for the tourism industry, and WTM encourages the sector and related events becoming carbon neutral. The feasibility of outer space tourism was another topic of discussion.
Hotel chains, travel agencies, airlines, cruise lines, investors and more host exhibitions in London each year. Individual visitors are invited to attend as well. The event is predicted to have facilitated a record number of travel deals as the industry is eager to recover from the pandemic.
Representatives from global powerhouses in the tourism industry, such as Hilton and Wyndham, attended. Many newcomers hosted their first exhibits.
Included among presenters from around the world, there are numerous exhibitors from Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These countries represent major leisure destinations and are global leaders in the industry.
WTM hosted specific events for education, including “speed networking,” and expert talk sessions on topics such as retailing and sustainability.
During a normal year, the WTM Londres could see up to 51,000 visitors. The fair had to be canceled in 2020, and in 2021 was much smaller than usual, with only 4,000 in-person visitors. Although it is still not predicted to beat pre-pandemic rates, the event is beginning to return to normalcy.
The WTM held extra weight this year due to the uncertainty of the pandemic and the need for quick recovery. Additionally, tourism in Europe has been affected by the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine.
The tourism industry is one of the most important globally, and it was also one of the sectors most damaged by the pandemic. T-CRISIS-NAV project will enable HEIs to educate existing SMEs and future entrepreneurs in the tourism sector to gain the skills and tools needed to successfully navigate their business through a virulent crisis.
Sources:
Arranca World Travel Market Londres 2022
Navigating Tourism Crisis Recovery
Record travel deals expected as WTM London opens
Responsible Tourism at World Travel Market, London
The Future of Travel Starts Now
WTM 2022 is set to facilitate a record number of deals
WTM London 2022: Official Daily Day one
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