The organiser of World Travel Market London and its co-located technology show Travel Forward has pledged the events will take place as planned next month – amid rising Covid-19 rates in the UK.
On Wednesday (October 20), the health secretary Sajid Javid warned that daily Covid cases could rise to 100,000. The number of new cases reported on October 21 was more than 52,000, with 115 deaths reported.
The statement also follows news that flights between the UK and Morocco have been suspended over growing concerns in the north African destination about the UK’s Covid infection rate.
Organiser RX said in a statement that it wants to “reassure all our customers and partners that our shows will take place as planned” on November 1-3 at ExCeL London and will be followed by the virtual shows on (November 8-9).
“During the shows, we pledge ‘utmost priority’ for health and safety,” said the statement.
“All attendees will verify their Covid status, by showing they have been double-vaccinated, or have a negative test, or proof of natural immunity, so delegates can conduct business with confidence providing a safe place to meet.”
WTM London and Travel Forward strongly recommend that masks should be worn indoors and while delegates are on public transport.
RX said the venue, ExCeL London, has “successfully and safely delivered more than 30 events” since re-opening this summer with the health, safety and wellbeing of all visitors remaining “their utmost priority”.
WTM London 2021 will also have a Covid testing facility inside the venue so visitors who need to take a test before flying home can do so without having to leave ExCeL.
A ‘safety guide’ video has been created and shared on social media, featuring Simon Press, WTM London exhibition director, and Jeremy Rees, ExCeL London chief executive, outlining the safety protocols at the venue.