WTM London 2024 Tourism Expo Closes with Strong Attendance, Record Numbers

World Travel Market London 2024, held from November 5-7 at Excel London, concluded with impressive results, according to organizer RX Global.

The event saw an 11 percent increase in pre-qualified buyers, with 5,049 professionals attending, compared to 4,560 in 2023. Overall attendance rose by 6 percent, reaching 46,316 participants. Exhibitor participation also grew by 8 percent, totaling 4,047 exhibitors, and a remarkable 34,082 business meetings were scheduled, marking a 17 percent increase from the previous year.

“What an incredible three days it’s been coming together as one global tourism community,” said Juliette Losardo, WTM London Exhibition Director, reflecting on the event’s success.

In line with the expanded event, the exhibition floor grew by 8 percent, utilizing new halls and additional conference areas. This provided a broader platform for discussions on crucial topics, including diversity, sustainability, and the role of technology in tourism.

“From meetings to attendance, our increased presence shows the thriving tourism sector’s desire to embrace opportunities and create positive change,” Losardo added.

Notably, the Ministers’ Summit brought together more than 50 influential political figures to discuss the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of tourism. This 18th edition, held in association with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council, focused on the role of AI in facilitating positive change while stressing the importance of the tourism industry’s voice in policy-making.

The WTM Global Travel Report 2024, unveiled on the first day of the show, predicted record-breaking international tourism arrivals of 1.5 billion in 2024, surpassing 2019 levels. By 2030, global tourism is expected to grow by over 30 percent, with international visitors reaching two billion.

The event also welcomed over 80 new exhibitors, including KOS Island, Riyadh Air, and Latvia Travel, further cementing WTM London’s position as a key event in global tourism.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) was an official media partner, covering ongoing updates on the event.

For more news from the WTM London 2024 expo, see our WTM London 2024 Special.