WTM London 2025 has unveiled the winners of its annual Best Stand Awards – comprising of three categories across design, doing business and on-stand features – plus an accolade for the Best Activation on the show’s newest TrendsFest stage.
With judging taking
place on day one of the show, this year the panel included Bruce Martin, CEO,
Travel Gossip; James Campion, Head of Exhibition Sales, Excel London; Hugo
McCullagh, Communications Officer, Just a Drop; and Matthew Gardiner, Director,
Travel Massive.
Here was the verdict:
Best Stand
Design
In the Middle East,
the Best Stand Design was won by Jordan, for the “bold façade which
magnificently displayed what the country has to offer in terms of ancient
culture”. Nearby, Egypt was also accoladed for their design thanks to
the way “visitors feel transported to another world by the Egyptian Grand
Museum walkthrough”.
Over in the Americas,
the award went to Antigua & Barbuda. The judges enthused: “This
stand did very well to recreate an island vibe through their relaxed,
comfortable, and welcoming space”.
In Africa, Best Stand
Design was handed to Gambia, with judges commenting on how “their jungle
themed stand showcased the very best of Gambian nature and culture in an
eye-catching, visual and immersive display”.
Europe’s Andalusia
was praised for its design. Judges said: “This was certainly an eye-catching
stand with its orange neon evocative recreating one of the destinations iconic
sunsets. It looked, and felt, like a welcoming and warming place”.
China was another, praised for its “well-thought-out
design”. Judges particularly noted the bamboo features and use of sustainable
seating materials which gave a “sleek look”.
Best Stand for
Doing Business
Oman took the accolade in the Middle East. Judges
commented: “within its high walls and grand design, Oman’s stand retained a
very cosy, comfortable and relaxed setting – perfect for conducting meetings”.
Also in the South Hall, Peru’s stand was celebrated for being
“inherently Peruvian while maintaining a cosy and quiet meeting space.”
South Africa was recognised thanks to the “real buzz it had
about it”. Judges commented “we could see business taking place very smoothly
in such a nice setting”, while Sri Lanka’s “big hubbub of activity”
earned them a spot in Best Stand for Doing Business. Judges commented on how
the stand “looked the place to be”, adding “we can see how they’re really
getting value from their investment here”.
Portugal was also recognised. Judges commented on how the stand “looked a productive place to do business… very inviting!”
Best Stand
Feature
The Dominican
Republic was praised for its “extremely captivating” interactivity, with
some mentioning “we could have stayed there for hours! A very well-designed
film which draws you in and keeps you there”.
Another accolade was
scooped by Cabo Verde which “wowed again with an impressively curated
film giving a true insight into the diverse tourism opportunities that Cabo
Verde has to offer”.
Over in the North
Hall, Corendon Airlines was recognised for its “classy execution” which
included clever touches like airline windows, bringing the experience to life
for visitors.
With its use of
audio-visual features, Sarawak Gateway to Borneo was another to win Best
Stand Feature, particularly thanks to its “eye-catching” waterfall.
Best Activation
- TrendsFest
Brand new to the show
this year, the inaugural TrendsFest award was scooped up by Taiwan, for
their immersive Harmonica Quartet performance on day one of the show. Featuring
music by Judy’s Harmonica Ensemble, the debut cultural stage transported guests
to the destination through its musical spirit, humble instruments and symphonic
voices. -TradeArabia News Service