A record £1,860 million in travel and tourism industry deals is claimed to have been generated from last year’s World Travel Market.
The figure represents a 13% rise over the 2011 exhibition in London, according to independent research of exhibitors.
It is based either on contracts signed at the event or from negotiations with Meridian Club members which will lead to deals before WTM 2013.
WTM 2011 generated £1,653 million in business deals, either on the exhibition floor or in the 12 months that followed, which was a 16% increase on WTM 2010’s £1,425 million. WTM 2009 generated £1,139 million.
An enhanced speed networking programme for exhibitors and Meridian Club buyers partly contributed to the increase in business, according to WTM organisers.
WTM 2012 saw the traditional first morning session before the exhibition opened and new Thursday speed networking sessions, aimed at facilitating post-WTM business deals.
The first day of WTM 2012 saw almost 7,992 exhibitor invitees attending, according to unaudited figures. These visitors are the people exhibitors have cited they want to conduct business with.
The figure compares to 7,614 on the first day of WTM 2011, which was 14% up on the year before.
Reed Travel Exhibitions WTM director Simon Press said: “World Travel Market 2012 has seen, and will lead to, a phenomenal amount of travel and tourism industry business being agreed.
“The expanded speed networking programme played an important role in the success of WTM 2012 for both exhibitors and Meridian Club members, offering both stakeholders increased opportunities to meet new contacts, sign contracts and conclude deals.
“The amount of business conducted and the findings from the exhibitor research shows WTM is delivering on its commitment to facilitate business in the travel and tourism industry.”