World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, has succeeded in substantially raising the quality of business visitors to this year’s event with an expected increase in the number of exhibitor invites attending WTM 2009. The number of exhibitor invitees who attended WTM increased to more than 8,000 (8,062). The exhibitor-invitee remained strong throughout the four day event helping to lead to a significant increase in the amount and value of business conducted throughout World Travel Market…
World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, has succeeded in substantially raising the quality of business visitors to this year’s event with an expected increase in the number of exhibitor invites attending WTM 2009.
The number of exhibitor invitees who attended WTM increased to more than 8,000 (8,062). The exhibitor-invitee remained strong throughout the four day event helping to lead to a significant increase in the amount and value of business conducted throughout World Travel Market.
Diego Lofeudo, Director of Market Management, Eastern Med and Africa, Expedia summed up the thoughts of many at WTM when he said: "Anyone who’s anyone in the travel and tourism industry attended WTM 2009 which made it the place to conduct business. I held numerous high level business meetings which have led, and will lead, to new business contracts."
Valerio Scoyni, Director Italian Tourist Board UK agreed: "World Travel Market’s quality of visitors this year was phenomenal. I had a number of great conversations and negotiations with visitors which can produce very interesting opportunities for us."
The increase in the amount and value of business was also aided by the launch of World Travel Market’s first speed networking session between exhibitors and senor industry buyers from WTM Meridian Club. "The speed networking initiative was really successful," Lofeudo added. "I met lots of new contacts and being on the Monday allowed me to continue negotiations throughout the rest of WTM."
Guido Conti, Director for Castello di Spaltenna, a luxury manor hotel in Italy’s Chianti region, agreed: "I met several buyers which will result in further meeting and contracts being placed."
World Travel Market Exhibition Director Craig Moyes said: "Delivering senior buyers to exhibitors to conduct business, identify new markets and network is what World Travel Market is all about."
"Exhibitors want to meet and discuss with buyers that have verified and significant purchasing authority, so I am delighted we have achieved this important strategic objective."
Furthermore, the number of international media increased by 12% to an impressive 2,841. While the number of ministers and aides attending the UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market increased by 18% to 147. Un-audited figures show 24,454 Meridian Club and trade visitors attended WTM 2009, down only 7.7% on 2008 and still ahead of 2007’s visitor participation of 23,721. Overall, almost 46,000 (45,904) people attended WTM 2009, which is just 8% down on 2008.
"Early feedback about the extent of business conducted during the event has been extremely encouraging," Moyes added. "In the current economic climate WTM 2009 has posted solid attendance figures, which demonstrate the important role it plays within the travel and tourism industry."
Keynote Events
World Travel Market 2009, the 30th WTM, was opened by London Mayor Boris Johnson who wowed the packed audience with his engaging speech. A London West End musical medley, including hits from Chicago and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, entertained delegates at the 30th Anniversary Party on the Wednesday evening.
Furthermore, there were 91 events, conferences, seminars, presentations and debates on the latest industry trends and developments. This included a number of new initiatives alongside the Speed Networking session, including Advice Clinics – Ask the Experts.
The Advice Clinics were a great success allowing WTM delegates the opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with experts covering a whole range of subjects including legislation, technology, search engines, public relations and crisis communications.
Amelia Stewart, Managing Director of tour operator to Libya Simoon Travel said of the Advice Clinics session: "It was fantastic being able to sit with someone at the top of their industry and speak with them one on one, and even better to come away with their business card knowing that I can contact them again easily. I found the sessions informative and productive and will be definitely booking them in for next year."
Also new for 2009 was the Sport Tourism Programme, which included presentations from Danny Jordaan, CEO of 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Mark Howell, Director 2012 Games, Visit London and Professor Tim Coles, Director for Sport, Leisure and Tourism Research, University of Exeter.
The WTM Vision – The Global Economic Forum also took place for the first time with invaluable insight from some of the leading figures in the travel and tourism industry. In addition, World Travel Market also hosted the first Future You conference for students, the predecessor to the hugely popular Aspire Conference.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
