NEWS
LONDON TRAVEL WEEK
1-7 November
londontravelweek.wtm.com
The inaugural London Travel Week will take place from 1-7 November this year alongside WTM London as a seven-day celebration of travel.
This launch will bring together industry events to become the largest festival supporting the global travel and tourism sector.
Attendees can discover must- attend events outside ExCeL, and be the first to hear about industry parties, networking sessions, launches and more.
London Travel Week can also plan and promote bespoke events on behalf of a sponsor.
ETOA: IMPACT OF BREXIT ON RECRUITMENT ‘ENORMOUS’
Sophie Griffi ths, TTG editor
The European Tourism Association (Etoa) (TP600) has warned of staffing challenges in the industry as Europe and the UK grapple with the prospect of Brexit. The association, which has more than
1,100 members – almost 30 of whom will be on its stand at WTM London – said it would be using this year’s event to inform and support the sector in the face of this political uncertainty, with a Brexit/staycation panel confirmed for 12.15pm today (Monday) in the UKI & International Inspiration Zone. Amid myriad concerns on Brexit,
Tom Jenkins, CEO of Etoa, said: “One of the biggest impacts that we can predict – and which is already taking hold – is recruitment. “The impact on the end of freedom
of movement for our members and their clients is enormous. Our members need multi-linguists, yet talented European residents are being put off from coming to the UK for work, as
SRI LANKA NAMED WTM PREMIER PARTNER
Pippa Jacks
Sri Lankan Tourism (AS200) will be the Premier Partner at WTM London 2019 as the island’s tourism industry continues its path to recovery after Easter’s terror attacks. The Premier Partnership deal with
WTM London will see thousands of international travel trade professionals and buyers be introduced to the country’s new “So Sri Lanka” branding, and hundreds of journalists and influencers will hear about the country’s rich heritage. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion
Bureau will share its exhibition space at WTM London with 67 trade partners,
including travel agencies, resorts and operators. The destination has also teamed up with legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, who will act as a spokesperson. Tourist numbers plunged 70% in the wake of April’s tragic events, but concerted efforts by the Sri Lankan tourist industry mean the recovery is happening faster than expected. Tourist arrivals in 2018 reached
a record 2.3 million – worth almost $4.4 billion – and numbers still look set to top two million in 2019. John Amaratunga, minister of tourism
development, wildlife and Christian religious affairs, said: “Tourism is a lifeline to Sri Lanka’s economy. Before long, tourism will be the number-one revenue earner.”
future regulations are as yet unclear.” Elsewhere at WTM London, Etoa will champion its 2020 vision of Better Tourism in Europe as it seeks a more “sustainable business environment” amid concerns about overtourism. Acknowledging Europe “is in the fortunate position of being a popular tourist destination,” Jenkins noted that crowding “is therefore likely”, and that Etoa’s ambition was to “play a role in enabling a fair and sustainable business environment so that Europe remains competitive and appealing for residents, visitors and industry.” Asked whether tourism taxes could be helpful in tackling overtourism, Jenkins replied: “Tax is inflationary and affects competitiveness. Note should be taken of the cumulative effect of local taxes on competitiveness in any given country.” He also noted there “should be
reciprocity”; while not all revenue might be allocated to services and infrastructure that visitors may use, most should. “We stress the need for consultation with the industry, and for due notice to be given of changes,” he added.
ON THE ROAD WITH SHERBET
Sherbet London, the official taxi company for WTM London, is offering attendees 1,000 one-way transfers in 40 electric vehicles in a bid to offset 18 tons of carbon emissions during the event. You can book your ride now at
sherbetride.com/wtm-booker
04.11.2019 WTM OFFICIAL EVENT DAILY
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