The number of visitors to World Travel Market this year was up by 12%, according to unaudited figures from organisers.
The total number of participants at the trade show, held at Excel earlier this month, was up by 4%.
Delegate numbers for the whole show increased from 23,722 in 2007 to 26,498 this year. The number of exhibiting companies went up to 5,631, including nearly 100 new exhibitors. In the UK and Ireland there were 20 new exhibitors and there were also more for Middle East destinations and the Americas.
However, a new admissions policy on the Monday for exhibitors to focus on core business contacts meant the first day was quieter than in previous years, said WTM chairman Fiona Jeffery.
She added that the increased attendance exceeded expectations. “It demonstrated that in these tough times for the industry it is necessary for senior and middle management to come together, not only to conduct business and identify new contacts and markets, but also to debate the many challenges that lie ahead,” she said.
For more stories on WTM go to travelweekly.co.uk/wtm2008