World Travel Market 2013 concludes with even more business deals agreed

Almost 48,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press, embark on ExCeL - London

Travel News
Travel News

Day four of World Travel Market - the leading global event for the travel industry - opened with another packed Speed Networking Session with hundreds of buyers and sellers keen to meet and discuss business deals.

Many had attended previous networking sessions at WTM and were keen to repeat the experience as it offered the chance to make valuable, targeted contacts in a concentrated period, which enabled them to chase lucrative leads later at the show.

Tourism Intelligence International Managing Director Dr Auliana Poon added: “Judging by the amount of people here, it should be even bigger. I’m really surprised to see so many people here and they were lining up to get in.

"It is a brilliant idea and demonstrates just how much people want to work together.”

The UK’s various tourism bodies need to start working together in order to meet the best interests of both the country and holidaymakers.

London Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise Kit Malthouse said a more cohesive strategy would ensure visitors are encouraged not just to visit London, which currently attracts 80% of all overseas tourists, but to extend their trips and visit other destinations such as Wales and Scotland.

He argued this would not only benefit the entire country financially but would also ensure tourists get a complete experience of Britain, as opposed to simply its capital.

Malthouse said: “If you (the nation’s different tourist boards) co-operate and come together then you would promote the country better.”

He added a further benefit would be ensuring the various tourist bodies could then speak to Government with one voice and so get better recognition of their work and greater assistance.

Another well-attended session on the fourth morning was the Future You conference for travel and tourism students, organised by the Institute of Travel and Tourism.

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