World Travel Market has reported a 5% rise in visitor numbers as the show welcomed record numbers to ExCel.
Almost 49,000 people attended the four-day event, including 5,200 buyers from across the world – an 8% leap on 2004.
The number of overseas trade visitors jumped 11% while the number of travel agents and other trade visitors on the final day increased 4% to nearly 3,000.
Student numbers however fell 1% to 1,580.
Group exhibition director Fiona Jeffery described the figures as “phenomenal.”
She said: “Despite the many traumas and problems that the industry has faced over this past year reflects the nearly 6% projected growth for 2005 and, encouragingly, a continued confidence next year.
“Although these statistics have yet to be audited, the figures reflect a massive targeted marketing and PR drive in 16 languages, a gradual move towards online pre-registration and a spectacularly successful tailored campaign to communicate more directly to exhibiting partners as well as main stand holders.”
