WTM London 2017 closed on high note

The announced plans for Maldives include expansion of the recently rebranded Velana International Airport and the opening of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge in July 2018 as well as development plans of the health services in the Maldives

The announced plans for Maldives include expansion of the recently rebranded Velana International Airport and the opening of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge in July 2018 as well as development plans of the health services in the Maldives

One in five British holidaymakers say they may visit Tunisia, now that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has relaxed its travel advice. Before the ban in 2015, about 420,000 Brits travelled to Tunisia annually but that fell to just over 23,000 in 2016 due to the restrictions

Accommodation available on the Hotelbed's platform – including the recent additions of Tourico Holidays and GTA – have now risen from around 120,000 to approximately 170,000 unique hotels, a majority of which is directly contracted; Tourico Holidays shared data reporting a 29% increase in hotel bookings to the United Kingdom in 2017, compared to the same time last year

Rotana Hotels & Resorts is marking its 25th anniversary by continuing its sponsorship of the registrations for next year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), also celebrating its 25th anniversary; The announcement was made at WTM London

Responsible tourism was the key theme for the final day, with World Responsible Tourism Day – the largest day of responsible tourism in the world – taking place

Meeting Point International and its subsidiaries had several announcements and substantial meetings during the exhibition. One of the highlights were the meeting that emphasized on relaunching Lebanon as a lifestyle and roundtrip, year-round destination

Cancun is expected to be the strongest growing city in 2017 in the Americas. In 2016, Cancun welcomed 5.8 million international arrivals and the report forecasts this will reach 6.8 million in 2017 – up by 16% year-on-year. It means the city will rise five places in the global rankings to 32.

Italy is top of the list of countries that UK holidaymakers would like to visit in future, according to research released at World Travel Market London. When asked which destinations they were interested in visiting in the future, 60% of holidaymakers said Italy, making it the top choice, ahead of USA (54%), Greece (48%) and Cuba (24%).

Hong Kong remains the largest arrivals city worldwide, thanks to its relationship with China, but more Chinese travellers are looking further afield and boosting numbers in other Asian cities

The Greek city of Heraklion will be the strongest performing city in Europe in 2017, as visitor arrivals are forecast rise by more than 11%, while Athens will see arrivals increase by 10%. The GNTO expects a record-breaking 30 million international visitors to Greece for 2017 – up 7% year-on.

Fears about the impact of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit on the travel trade dominated debates at World Travel Market London’s first day panel discussion

At a special press conference lead by the Minister of Tourism for Argentina, Gustavo Santos and CEO of Edelweiss Air Mr. Bernard Bauer announced new direct services from Zurich to Buenos Aires

The Indian city of Delhi is expected to see the largest rise in inbound arrivals in Asia this year. Delhi will see numbers soar by 37.7% year-on-year to a total of 10.3 million

Almost a year to the day since the US public voted for Donald Trump to become their next leader, there are signs travellers are turning to alternative destinations, with Canada in particular seemingly benefiting from a ‘Trump Slump’

Abu Dhabi, Greek National Tourism Organisation, AC Group, Tourism Ireland and Fortymee Ltd win WTM London 2017 Best Stand Awards

Countries in Africa are prioritising visa-free travel around the continent for inhabitants and visitors as an essential factor in the region’s economic development

World Travel Market 2017, ExCeL London - Excel West entrance