The World Travel Market (WTM) is one of the most important annual business-to-business (B2B) events in the global travel and tourism calendar. It brings together thousands of travel professionals, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, tech providers, and government leaders — all under one roof to connect, learn, and do business. World Travel Market+1


What Is World Travel Market (WTM)?

World Travel Market (WTM) is a premier global travel and tourism event where industry professionals gather to network, negotiate deals, exchange ideas, explore trends, and shape the future of travel. Originally launched in London in 1980, WTM has grown into one of the largest and most influential travel trade exhibitions in the world. World Travel Market+1

Held annually at ExCeL London in November, WTM includes exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and targeted networking sessions designed to facilitate commercial engagement and industry collaboration. World Travel Market


Who Attends WTM?

WTM draws a broad spectrum of professionals across the travel ecosystem, including:

  • Tour operators and travel agents
  • National tourism boards and destination representatives
  • Hotel groups and airlines
  • Travel technology companies
  • Media and travel influencers
  • Government officials and policymakers Go Vista India

With tens of thousands of attendees and thousands of exhibitors from all continents, WTM is truly global in reach. Forbes


Why WTM Matters to the Industry

A Central Marketplace for Travel Deals

WTM is a platform where companies meet buyers and partners, form strategic alliances, and secure commercial deals that drive growth. World Travel Market

Spotlight on Industry Trends

Each year, WTM highlights the big trends shaping travel, such as sustainable tourism, travel tech, digital innovation, and shifting traveler preferences. The annual WTM Trends Report provides deep insights into what the future holds for the industry. Forbes

Policy & Leadership Engagement

The event often includes high-level discussions involving tourism ministers, global policymakers, and investment leaders — shaping travel policy and international collaboration. World Travel Market

Networking & Business Growth

WTM’s structured networking formats — including pre-scheduled meetings and business lounges — allow participants to connect meaningfully and efficiently with the partners they need. Hospitality Net


What Happens at WTM

1. Exhibition Floor

Thousands of exhibitors from destinations around the world showcase tourism products and services, ranging from hotel resorts to travel technology solutions. Hospitality Net

2. Conferences & Panels

Sessions and talks cover critical topics such as:

  • Sustainability and responsible tourism
  • Digital transformation and data analytics
  • Destination marketing and branding
  • Future traveler behavior and economic outlooks Tour Operator Software

3. Networking Events

Scheduled business meetings, roundtable discussions, and social events help attendees forge partnerships and grow their networks. Hospitality Net


Real-World Impact

In recent editions — like WTM London 2025 — the event saw:

  • More than 46,000 industry professionals from over 180 countries
  • Record-breaking participation from exhibitors and buyers
  • A focus on travel tech, sustainability, and cultural experiences in global travel trends. GP Solutions

Cities and destinations also use WTM as a platform to launch large-scale promotional campaigns — for example, destination adverts in central London areas during the event to attract global attention. Cadena SER


How to Make the Most of WTM

Whether you’re a travel business, media professional, or destination marketer, here are tips for leveraging WTM:

Plan Ahead

Look at exhibitor lists and conference agendas before attending so you can prioritize strategic meetings. MISSTRAVELTHEWORLD

Network Actively

Engage in networking sessions, lunches, and happy hours — many business deals start in informal settings. MISSTRAVELTHEWORLD

Attend Panels & Talks

Stay current with industry insights that can help you adapt and innovate in your own sector. World Travel Market

Follow Up

After WTM, follow up with new connections via email or LinkedIn to turn conversations into concrete collaborations. MISSTRAVELTHEWORLD


Conclusion

World Travel Market (WTM) is more than just a travel exhibition — it’s a central hub where the global travel industry collaborates, innovates, and grows together. With its extensive network, trend insights, and business-driven environment, WTM remains one of the most important events for anyone serious about shaping the future of travel and tourism. World Travel Market

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