12 November 2008

Tourism minister apologises for WTM transport chaos

Tourism minister Barbara Follett issued an apology from the government for the transport chaos which has delays to hundreds of World Travel Market visitors.

She spoke at the start of a summit of tourism ministers organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation at the exhibition at London's ExCel Arena.

Problems with the Docklands Light Railway continued yesterday with trains not running between Bank station and Shadwell - a key route from the centre of the capital to WTM.

Many people had to use replacement buses but faced long queues and delays on both modes of transport.

Further problems with the DLR caused more distruption for those attending the third day of WTM today (Wednesday).

WTM organisor Reed Exhibitions apologised for any inconvenience caused by public transport problems outside its control.

But the delays, which caused lengthy queues for those trying to reach WTM, have cast a massive shadow on London's ability to cope with major events as it prepares to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

by Phil Davies

*Have you experienced WTM transport problems? Give us your views by adding a comment below.

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Your Comments (9)

WTM transport challenges

Getting to Excel takes too long and is too frustrating. It makes WTM daunting and not enjoyable. And, please get some escalators!!!

By Titti Kerr, Thursday, November 20, 2008
EMBARRASSING

Apart from the appalling travelling conditions, delays and near disaster when employees of DLR failed to stop an escalator heaving people onto an already overcrowded platform - the problems continued later on Gatwick Express in an incident that I can only describe as totally appalling and an embarassment to everyone involved. The Gatwick Express 07.45 Thursday left London and halfway to East Croydon a tanoy message advised that there was a medical case on board and the train would have to stop at East Croydon for an ambulance to remove the passenger in question. I looked up and down the carriages but saw no incident. I then realised that the young lady sitting opposite me was leaning on the table. She was obviously sick. The train slowly pulled into East Croydon and without any form of assistance the woman lurched towards the door. I rushed to help her and she collapsed close to the door. There were no staff assisting and when they finally appeared I had to demand water for her. She continued on the floor for approx 10 mins until a doctor from the platform arrived. 10 mins later it was discovered the ambulance hadn't even been called. Without going on with the saga - if this had been a case of a heart attack, the patient would probably be dead. The train was held up in Croydon for over 40 minutes - still no ambulance - and finally we were advised that the train would be evacuated and we were all to lug our cases to another platform to catch the first normal stopping service to Gatwick. We left the young lady still heaving and crying on the floor with the doctor pleading for an ambulance. Apart from the fact that a whole train load of passengers probably missed or almost missed their flights it is frightening to think that there is absolutely no contingency on B.Rail for emergencies!!! I hope the young lady recovered finally and my heart goes out to the poor passengers desperately worried about missing their flights after a total of a one hour delay on reaching Gatwick on a supposed Gatwick Express. SHOCKING

By Nicola Revell, Friday, November 14, 2008
Solution to WTM Chaos - Fresh Location?

Chaos at a time when the Global economic downturn is threatening Tourism in particular. I like fresh thinking about 'location'. But why does it have to be London? It is true that the world does not 'think UK', or even 'England', but usually London. I've seen travel guides featuring all major European countries and then 'London'. Heathrow is a key hub but it is not difficult to re-route to Manchester, or other egional airports. Many arriving at WTM will have taken low cost flight options on Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2, BMIBaby or other airline routes. Are transport links so critical to fix the event in London? London has been left behind in terms of service provision and standards. The rest of the UK is slick in comparison, and well able to produce outstanding service and value, to the stanards that many europeans, Americans and Far East visitors demand. Which other venues could better accommodate WTM? Would it give tourism a boost, flourishing in a new location. If it must remain in London, then Earls Court/Olympia could be better?

By Julian Rowe, Thursday, November 13, 2008
Olympics? yeh right..

I wouldn't trust the UK to run a school sports day, let alone the Olympics. As a visitor to London I was appalled and embarrassed by the quality of the transport to Docklands. The fact that it was such a mammoth journey to get there by underground then DLR, the inhuman overcrowding, and the lack of information. We had to ask where the DLR train was going (kind of basic information that was missing) and were waved away by the DLR 'information' booth guys, who were far more interested in sitting round chatting than helping. We were made to feel like we should apologise for asking! Olympics? What a joke! London can't even cope with the day to day rush hour! It's all going to be one huge enormous expensive mistake...again. What's wrong with WTM being at the NEC? At least it's sat right on a mainline station and that will save at least an hour of commuting! Ditch London - they can't cope.

By nigel harris, Thursday, November 13, 2008
Where were Boris and our wonderful Government

An apology from a junior Minister, just appointed and who knows nothing about travel will hardly suffice for the disgraceful performance of the DLR and its staff, and indeed the whole of LTR. We need to hear from the real leaders, and I use the term loosely. As a Brit working for US employers and having to talk and travel with senior Travel Industry colleagues from all around the World - it was downright cringe making to have to watch and participate in the scandalous, even pathetic and non-caring efforts of our transport system. Very little improved on Tuesday or Wednesday - so obviously nothing was learnt from the shambles that is London Transport. I am looking for a flight out of GB in 2012 to the furthest point I can get from here - I do not want to see or be involved in the debacle that will be the Olympics. Lets get WTM back into the City to a sensible venue with better transport links - like Earls Court!

By jim saunderson, Thursday, November 13, 2008
DLR Crush

This needs to be addressed now - I (along with many other people) were crushed so badly yesterday, I could not breathe. All human decency and manners from men and women, went out the window yesterday morning. At one point a small child and pregnant woman were shoved by a manic crowd trying to get onto the DLR. With the planned extension of Excel, there needs to be a planned extension of the DLR so this does not ever happen again.

By Lynsey Thomas, Thursday, November 13, 2008
what a stuffup..

At best even when everything works its still a major logistics exercise and a right royal pain in the backside to get to Excel..from anywhere..the last few days show that the venue is simply no longer viable for WTM... back to Earls Court thanks - decent transport links, close to the city and staff who actually want to serve you... God help us for 2012 if this last few days is a taste of things to come..

By Graeme Archer, Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Alternatives

If you don't mind walking and don't suffer from Vertigo and the problem is with the Becton branch of the DLR go to West Silvertown on the City Airport/KG branch and walk up (literally) across Royal Victoria Dock.

By Graham Harrison, Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Plus ca change

I remember the first morning of the first year at Excel... exactly the same. The problem is not just DLR. It's the location. It may have been more cramped, but Earl's Court is in London (!), has more atmosphere, and you don't spend half your time trying to work out which hall you are in (and at which end)!

By Alastair McKenzie, Tuesday, November 11, 2008