World Travel Market is the place for travel and tourism professionals to network and do business. Here’s a taste of what the 2008 event has in store
This year, more than ever before, World Travel Market offers agents and suppliers the chance to exchange intelligence, collaborate and plan for the challenging times ahead.
These pages will highlight some of the key exhibitors, announcements and seminars – plus the lowdown on getting to London’s ExCeL exhibition centre.
WTM news and tips
- What’s new for 2008
Chairwoman Fiona Jeffery tells us what to expect - How to survive WTM
Five strategies from World Travel Market veterans
Must-see exhibitors
Here’s Travel Weekly’s guide to the stands you don’t want to miss. We’ve split exhibitors into several key regions…
Agents’ day seminars: WTM Global Economic Forum
Thursday November 13, Platinum Suite, 11am-1pm
Chaired by former broadcaster and economics journalist Peter Hobday, the WTM Global Economic Forum’s panel of economic experts will take an in-depth look at the economic outlook for the travel and tourism industry.
As a global economy we are facing a critical moment. Energy prices are fluctuating, there are fears of a global recession, stock markets continue to suffer. This all feeds investor pessimism and the credit crunch has encouraged bankers to proceed with caution.
Now is the time when only the fittest will survive…but how do you make sure you are fit, not just to survive, but maybe even to prosper? Those are the questions we will be debating. The aim is more than just discussion; we will be looking for practical advice and solutions.– Peter Hobday, former broadcaster and economics journalist
As a global economy we are facing a critical moment. Energy prices are fluctuating, there are fears of a global recession, stock markets continue to suffer. This all feeds investor pessimism and the credit crunch has encouraged bankers to proceed with caution. Agents’ day seminars: Focus on responsible tourism
Thursday November 13, South Gallery Rooms 21 & 22, 11am-4pm
As part of Responsible Tourism Day, this paid-for conference will investigate the financial profitability of practising responsible tourism, with a focus on hoteliers and tour operators.
It will focus on what responsible tourism means for the bottom line, how ‘doing good’ can enable businesses to improve performance, how to develop strategies to minimise risk and enhance products as well as secure market advantage.– Professor Harold Goodwin, director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan University
About ExCeL
About the venue: Set on the waterfront in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, the ExCeL centre is within easy reach of central London and boasts five on-site hotels and numerous bars and restaurants in which to relax or continue business once the main events of the day have come to an end.
Getting there: The venue has three on-site Docklands Light Railway stations, easy access to the Jubilee Line and London City airport and parking for 4,000 cars.
The site is undergoing a major expansion programme during which the east car park will become a construction site and ExCeL’s eastern entrance will be closed off, as will Prince Regent DLR station, with no access to the halls from the eastern side for exhibitors or visitors.
Oyster cards: Working with Transport for London, WTM is making it easier than ever to get around the capital by offering the electronic pay-as-you-go transport card via the WTM website.
The cheapest way to travel around London, Oyster cards come pre-loaded with £20, £30, £40 or £50 worth of travel on the London Underground network. Visitors can save money and avoid queueing for tickets by purchasing online.
Entertainment Zone: At the east end of the boulevard at ExCeL, you’ll find the WTM Entertainment Zone, an area where international companies, brands, regions and cultures can get together in a central location.
Mobile Guide: This year, Frommers has produced a World Travel Market mobile phone guide which visitors and exhibitors can download onto their handset for free.
Designed to help attendees get the most out of the event, the guide provides instant access to this year’s programme, including seminars and conferences and how to get around. It also contains details of nearby bars and restaurants.
