WTM London is set to take place from November 2-4 this year. It will be one of the first major exhibitions to take place globally since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This follows the announcement this week by the UK government that the country’s exhibitions industry will resume from October 1..This means that the UK can once again welcome international business delegates from around the world.
WTM London event director Simon Press said this year’s event centred on the concept of recovery, rebuilding and innovation, as global travel and tourism leaders will meet to discuss the future of the industry and begin its resurgence.
He said the show would reflect the diverse needs of the travel and tourism industry by incorporating both a live event, at ExCeL London, as well as a virtual event taking place online the following week.
Furthermore, the travel technology exhibition, Travel Forward – which is co-located with WTM London at the ExCeL Centre – will also take place this year, inspiring visitors to embrace the latest technology that will help rebuild the industry.
Simon emphasised that the highest standards of health and safety would be followed across all elements of the shows this year, with WTM London, Travel Forward and London Travel Week adhering to UK government guidelines on social distancing and all other aspects of COVID-19 prevention.
“ExCeL has been working with the AEV (Association of Event Venues) and other key stakeholders to develop the All Secure Standard, an industry-wide benchmark to enable the safe return of organised events,” he said.
Simon added that by hosting both a live and virtual event as part of WTM London 2020, the organisers, Reed Exhibitions, would provide “a truly essential service for the global travel and tourism industry” as it looks to rebound heading into 2021.
London Travel Week will be held from Friday, October 30 to Thursday, November 6.
WTM Africa dates
WTM Africa – held at Cape Town International Convention Centre – has been confirmed for April 7 to April 9, 2021.