“With the regional focus, everyone in the show is much
closer – people can use their time more productively” SIMON PRESS, WTM LONDON SENIOR DIRECTOR
However, the introduction of the new Inspiration Zones will not be at the expense of some of WTM London’s regular areas. The WTM Global Stage will continue to host the UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit tomorrow, while the Platinum Suites will be the venue for events such as today’s Leaders’ Lunch and ITT’s Future You event on Wednesday. The South Gallery Rooms will be used for private events run by delegates, while the WTM International Media Centre Conference Theatre in the Middle East will be the place to hear global research sessions by companies including ForwardKeys, Mintel, Nielsen and Euromonitor International.
Areas of growth
Press said that while the regional areas are making room for the new zones, Europe and Asia have seen growth thanks to an increasing number of exhibitors with increasingly large stands.
He said Europe’s growth has been driven largely by Spain and Italy as well as the neighbouring UK and Ireland section.
He added: “Europe has grown so much, and that can be attributed to increased competition among the national tourist offices. Meanwhile, the regions are becoming more aware of the benefits tourism can bring, and that has driven growth too.” In the case of Asia, Press said
Japan and China had spurred much of the growth, as had India, adding: “Consumers are becoming more aware of regional aspects and attractions in destination, while dealing with the threat of overtourism means destinations are looking at pushing travellers to less-visited areas to help deal with the problem.”
As well as growing its physical presence at the event, Press said Italy is one of the key sponsors for WTM London and is joined by Greece, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey and India in supporting the event. Meanwhile, Djibouti’s inaugural appearance will mean 187 of the world’s 195 countries will be represented at WTM London. Press said other new features will include the inaugural International Travel and Tourism Awards, presented by WTM and held tomorrow night at Tobacco Dock, where more than 500 attendees will hear the winners of 13 global categories, covering everything from the best national tourist board to the best digital marketing campaigns. Elsewhere, the new WTM Agency Pavilion will give space to marketing, PR, digital influencer, social media, SEO and PPC agencies that are looking to sell their expertise to the global travel and tourism industry. Positioned at the entrance of the WTM International Media Centre, Press said: “It is another new offering. It is about getting more ideas flowing, like how best to promote your product and generate new business.”
Planning visits at WTM London 2018 will be easier thanks to new Inspiration Zones
In which case, things really are on the move as WTM London prepares for its 40th anniversary or, as Press added: “It is the same venue but it is going to be very different in its look and feel, as well as for everyone taking part.”
ON THE AGENDA Susan Hooper
Brexit, the travel industry and the sharing economy will all be under the spotlight today at the invite- only WTM Leaders’ Lunch. Susan Hooper, who sits on the board of the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU), will be the keynote speaker at the event. She will be interviewed by the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) new chief executive Gloria Guevara in front of more than 200 senior industry executives.
WTM London senior director Simon Press said Hooper’s experiences sitting on the board of companies such as Wizz Air and Uber UK, and a career that has seen her work with travel companies including Saga Holidays and Avis Europe, will mean she can also speak more widely about the travel industry and the sharing economy. He added: “Having Susan Hooper address our Leaders’ Lunch at such a crucial time is a real coup. She is directly
involved in issues like aviation agreements and the hiring of overseas staff in the post-Brexit environment that will have a critical effect on our industry. “Every year we try to bring a top-name speaker to the event and this year is no exception, but with the added bonus that the audience will get the inside track on talks that are crucial to the travel industry just as they are taking place.”
Nor will Hooper be the only high-profi le speaker at this year’s WTM London: easyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren will be on stage today in the Europe Inspiration Zone at 4pm. Preceding Lundgren in the same zone at 2.15pm will be a panel discussion over what to expect next year, featuring Tui UK & Ireland managing director Andrew Flintham, Hilton Hotels & Resorts senior vice president and managing director UK & Ireland, Steve Cassidy, easyJet chief operating offi cer Chris Browne and Steve Byrne, chief
executive of Travel
Counsellors. Meanwhile, G Adventures founder
Bruce Poon Tip (right) will be on the Global Stage at 2pm.
05.11.2018 21
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