World Travel Market began today with a 50% larger venue thanks to a £165 million expansion.
The host venue ExCel is now 97,500 square metres. The additional space has allowed the organisers to revamp the exhibition floor plan and add a new Sports Pavilion and technology theatre.
The UK & Ireland, Europe and Mediterranean and Africa regions are in the North Halls, while The Americas, Asia and Australasia, Middle East, Global Village and Technology and Online Travel will be in the South Halls.
Sports tourism will be a key focus of the show, with the introduction of a dedicated Sports Pavilion in the UK and Ireland region.
Technology and online travel will play a larger part, with a new 80-seat theatre and expanded programme. The increased floor space has also enabled WTM to extend the Meridien Club speed networking sessions.
News from World Travel Market
Tourism
- UK visitors to Turkey up 12%
- Sri Lanka aims for 400% hike in UK visitors by 2016
- Mauritius partners with neighbours to promote island-hopping
- Croatia looks for new operator and airline partnerships
- Jamaica to name new airport after Ian Fleming
- Hong Kong to offer twin centres with Guangxi
- Tenerife to promote adventure, culture and gastronomy
- Bahamas to push US twin-centres
Operators and agents
- Government ‘hindering’ industry, says Tui boss
- Lastminute to replicate Holiday Autos’ agent programme
- Universal Orlando extends Potter partnerships
- Dubai wines and dines 600 agents
Marketing and tech
- ‘Only a third of Brits use social media to research holidays’
- Firms falling short on gay-friendly welcome
Aviation
- BA promises ‘no stealth extras’ on new Marrakech flights
- APD rated a major concern by travel bosses
- Airlines to increase US capacity for 2011
WTM dailies
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