WTM attempts to address exhibitor fears
World Travel Market organisers say they will be confirming their final terms and conditions for this year’s show in the coming weeks after concerns were raised by potential exhibitors.
Demands are now being made for final balances for the November event, but some travel companies and tourism organisations say they are worried they will be left out of pocket if WTM doesn’t go ahead, with the current contract terms not guaranteeing refunds.
When contacted by TravelMole, a WTM spokeswoman said: "We fully understand that companies are facing challenging times due to the current crisis and are looking for a more flexible contract with their booking conditions. Therefore, our sales teams are always in contact with our exhibitors, answering any questions and sharing any essential updates from WTM.
"We appreciate that companies and destinations attending WTM this year are finding planning more complicated than usual, and we are working with the industry and with individual companies to make it is as easy as possible.
"This includes offering some flexibility around deadlines and T&Cs as well as assisting with everything from stand build to catering more than in prior years. Again, we are still working on it and will be confirming our final T&Cs in the coming weeks as we depend on external decisions as well."
Organisers say social distancing measures will be in place
TravelMole has learned that some exhibitors, particularly from the US, have already pulled out of the show this year.
When asked if this makes the show still viable, the WTM spokeswoman said although the US is a ‘pivotal’ exhibitor, it was only one of 182 countries represented.
She said a survey in May, carried out by Sentiment Research, showed travel professionals are very keen to attend WTM London at ExCel this year.
She said 76% of those interviewed said that meeting face to face is equally, if not more important than before.
"Those taking part in the physical event will also have the opportunity to take part in the virtual element, which means the exposure, brand awareness and opportunity to meet buyers will be equivalent if not higher than to previous editions," she said.
"We’re also aware that travel bans can impact the presence of some exhibitors/visitors at WTM. Therefore the virtual show taking place on the following week after WTM London will be a valuable platform for the industry to carry on with the conversation."
Organisers say social distancing measures will be in place, with WTM and ExCeL both committing to following Public Health England directives and government guidelines.
More details will be revealed at an online press conference on July 29.
The event is due to be held on November 2-4 at London ExCel, which was transformed into a temporary Covid-19 hospital earlier this year.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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