World Travel Market (WTM) is offering free travel to up to 5,000 attendees on the last day of the event this year.
The travel show’s organisers will give away 5,000 off-peak travel cards to members of WTM’s Meridian Club, which includes about 22,000 of the show’s most senior buyers.
The tickets will be handed out on the Tuesday and the Wednesday of the event, which runs from November 9-12 at ExCeL in London’s Docklands.
Tickets will be valid for travel on London Under-ground, Docklands Light Railway and London train services after 9.30am on Thursday November 12.
However, organisers are warning the tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis at the event, which attracted more than 50,000 attendees last year.
WTM exhibition director Craig Moyes said: “One of World Travel Market’s key objectives is to facilitate industry negotiation and deals between exhibitors and Meridian Club members.
“In 2008, several billion pounds of business was agreed following negotiations at World Travel Market.
“By offering senior travel industry buyers free travel to WTM, we are rewarding them for their support and helping to further facilitate business in the sector.”
Offering free London travel cards is one of a number of new initiatives for the revamped Meridian Club, which include a new logo.
Amir Latif, who founded tour operator for the blind The Traveleyes Team and has won the Chambers of Commerce International award of Young Business Entrepreneur of the World, will also address the club during WTM.
Free shoe shining and reflexology services will be on offer in the Meridian Club Lounge alongside free news-papers, refreshments and internet access.
Further benefits include a welcome pack worth £26, invitations to social events and the exclusive M-Bar at ExCeL, to aid exhibitor networking.
Meridian Club members are also invited to the WTM 30th birthday party on Wednesday November 11.