WTM London, an influential travel
and tourism event, organised by RX, has named Britain’s national tourism agency
VisitBritain as its premier partner for this year.
Indicating a closer
working relationship between WTM London and the UK Government, who last year
announced plans to increase international visitor numbers to 50 million
annually by 2030, surpassing 2024’s total of nearly 43 million. In line with
this ambition, there will be a greater government presence at the show this
year.
Patricia Yates, VisitBritain CEO, said: “WTM London is a flagship global travel trade event in the industry’s
calendar, a catalyst for new business for more than four decades, and we are
delighted to be this year’s premium partner as we gear up to welcome top travel
buyers from around the world. We look forward to working with WTM to showcase
our outstanding tourism offer, our hospitality and warm welcome and the UK’s
ability to host events of the highest calibre.
“With international
visitors already forecast to spend more than £34 billion ($45 billion) in the UK
this year, this major event also shines a timely spotlight on tourism’s economic
importance and its huge potential to generate economic growth for local
economies across the nations and regions.”
Chris Carter-Chapman,
Event Director at WTM London, said: “We are delighted to welcome our host nation,
Britain as Premier Partner for this year's show. Britain has been the
home of WTM for 45 years and the economic benefits, over £200 million to the
London economy in 2024 alone, have been significant.
WTM represents a great
opportunity for VisitBritain to showcase to a global audience of travel
professionals what the nations and regions can offer.
This year's show is
the perfect forum for VisitBritain to further its role in achieving the UK
Government’s ambitious target of 50 million international visitors annually by
2030.”
During WTM London
VisitBritain will be showcasing its global ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ screen
tourism campaign, which is using the powerful draw of films and tv shows to
inspire visitors to choose Britain for their next trip.
VisitBritain’s
research shows more than 9-out-of-10 potential visitors are interested in
visiting film and TV locations during their trip.
From exploring
Britain’s vibrant cities, world-class attractions and stunning countryside, the
backdrop to so many iconic filming locations, to enjoying its exciting
contemporary culture and hospitality, Starring GREAT Britain inspires visitors
to put themselves in the picture, discover more and book a trip to Britain now.
Tourism and the
Creative Industries are growth industries.
The UK’s capacity to host major film and TV productions, and its world class production offer, boosts the range of screen related visitor experiences and locations, driving economic growth and strengthening perceptions of Britain globally as a place to visit and invest.
VisitBritain’s premier
partnership boosts Britain’s already strong presence at WTM London this year.
VisitBritain is
partnering with UKinbound on its stand N8-220, connecting suppliers and
destinations from across the nations and regions with global travel trade to
get tourism products and experiences sold in international markets and on to
the itineraries of future inbound visitors.
Over 40,000 travel
professionals attended WTM London last year, with four out of five (82%) of
them from overseas, encouraging a spike of inbound visitors to the country year
on year. The EIA recently announced the events, business, conference and exhibitions
industry adds a total of £11.5 billion to the UK’s economy – of which WTM
London significantly contributes.
This year’s WTM London
takes place from November Tuesday
4th- Thursday 6th at Excel London. -TradeArabia News Service