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WTM London 2025 Set to Break Records as Largest Travel Industry Showcase in 45-Year History

The global travel industry is set to converge in the UK capital for what promises to be the most expansive and impactful World Travel Market (WTM) London in the event’s 45-year history. Scheduled from November 4 to 6, 2025, WTM London 2025 is shaping up to surpass all previous records, driven by surging international demand and the transformative expansion of ExCeL London, its long-standing host venue.

Building on the remarkable success of the 2024 edition—which saw an 11% increase in qualified buyers and over 34,000 pre-scheduled meetings—this year’s event is expected to see an even larger turnout. The 2024 debut of ExCeL London’s Capital Hall and Auditorium significantly enhanced capacity and visitor experience. In 2025, the venue will grow by another 25,000 square meters, representing a 25% expansion. This development is critical to the enhanced programming and scale envisioned for WTM London’s landmark 45th edition.

Introducing WTM Trend Fest: A Cultural Showcase of Global Experiences
A major highlight of the 2025 edition is the launch of WTM Trend Fest, a dynamic new cultural programme that brings together immersive experiences from across the globe. The initiative aims to spotlight evolving travel trends through live performances, themed activations, and daily presentations across five key pillars: wellness, pop culture, gastronomy, sports, and adventure tourism.

WTM Trend Fest offers exhibitors unprecedented opportunities to showcase their brand narratives through experiential storytelling, while providing attendees a first-hand taste of the world’s most compelling travel offerings. Sponsorship and activation opportunities tied to this cultural showcase are expected to draw significant engagement from both destinations and experiential travel brands.

A Growing Global Platform: More Exhibitors, More Innovation
The upward momentum of WTM London is further evidenced by exhibitor growth. In 2024, over 4,000 exhibitors participated—a robust 8% increase compared to 2023. The 2025 event is projected to exceed even those numbers, with early registrations already signaling record-breaking participation.

To enhance industry engagement, WTM London 2025 will launch a brand-new media platform: WTM TV. Designed to deliver real-time coverage, expert insights, and exclusive content, the live channel will be broadcast across the venue and online, ensuring extensive visibility for partners and presenters. WTM TV is set to amplify the event’s educational and networking value, making it more accessible to a broader global audience.

Policy-Level Dialogue: Tourism Ministers’ Summit Expands
WTM London continues to solidify its role as a global influencer in policy and tourism governance. In 2024, the event welcomed more than 50 tourism ministers, marking a 12% increase in ministerial attendance. In collaboration with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the 2025 Ministers’ Summit is anticipated to host its most diverse and impactful lineup to date, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors on key travel industry challenges and opportunities.

New Leadership, Bold Vision
The 2025 edition will be led by Chris Carter-Chapman, newly appointed Event Director of WTM London. Carter-Chapman brings a bold and progressive vision to the show, aiming to further elevate its global stature and industry relevance.

“Although we’re still early in the planning cycle, WTM London 2025 is already tracking significantly ahead of 2024,” he said. “With the next phase of ExCeL London’s expansion underway, we’re unlocking unprecedented opportunities for exhibitors, content, and visitor engagement. This event is evolving faster than ever to meet the expectations of a truly global audience.”

He added that WTM’s long-term partnership with ExCeL London remains central to its growth and innovation strategy. “Together, we’re reinforcing London’s position as the capital of global travel dialogue.”

Curated Thought Leadership: Conference Advisory Team Returns
WTM London’s reputation as a thought leadership hub will be further strengthened by its Conference Advisory Team, returning to shape the event’s influential conference programme. The 2025 advisory panel features notable industry voices, including:

Uwern Jong, Experientialist®-in-Chief at OutThere

Mark Frary, Author and Consultant

Matthew Gardiner, Director of Travel Massive and SVP at FINN Partners

Tina Charisma, Founder of the Charisma Campaign

Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space

Timothy O’Neil-Dunne, President at T2Impact LLC

Conference tracks will be announced in the coming months, and they’re expected to tackle a wide range of timely topics including regenerative tourism, technology in travel, sustainability, DEI initiatives, and AI-powered personalization.

Looking Ahead: A Defining Moment for the Travel Industry
With a strategic blend of expanded infrastructure, enhanced programming, and global stakeholder engagement, WTM London 2025 is poised to be a defining moment for the international travel industry. More than just a trade show, the event is now a crossroads of innovation, policy, and culture, uniting leaders across sectors to shape the future of tourism.

As the countdown begins, one thing is clear: WTM London 2025 will not just celebrate 45 years of travel leadership—it will set the benchmark for the next 45.