WTM numbers drop

Numbers attending this year's World Travel Market were down by eight per cent over 2008"s event.

A total of 45,904 people went to the four-day exhibition in London.

Un-audited figures show 24,454 Meridian Club and trade visitors attended WTM, down 7.7% on last year but ahead of 2007's level of 23,721.

The number of exhibitor invitees increased to 8,062 and international media numbers increased by 12% to 2,841.

The number of ministers and aides attending the UNWTO Ministers' Summit at the show increased by 18% to 147.

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.

"Early feedback about the extent of business conducted during the event has been extremely encouraging.

"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."

by Phil Davies

Friday, November 27, 2009

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Wrong venue

Who wants to go to the windblown desert of Docklands. WTM needs to return to Earls Court, if the numbers are to go up and visitors are satisfied.

By Paul Neaves, Monday, November 30, 2009
Empty Thursday

I attended both Tuesday and Thursday this year, and the contrast between the two days was startling. There was a real buzz in the air on Tuesday with lots of visitors and lots of business and good contacts being made. Thursday was Agents Day and the place was deserted by the majority of exhibitors as usual, who tend to leave their stands by about lunchtime. This leaves the agents walking around empty sections as half the suppliers have left. Because this happens year after year, so the agents have also decided to desert the show on a Thursday too. I think the organisers need to decide that if Thursday is going to be a viable day, how are they going to keep the exhibitors in the Show, in order to attract the visitors - what's the point of a two hour journey to London to visit an empty show !! The exhibitors shouldn't underestimate the buying power of agents and the influence they have when helping clients in their choice of holiday. And the students are the future lifeblood of the industry - also to be taken seriously.

By karen goldman, Friday, November 27, 2009

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