United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
WTM London outlines plans for socially distanced event
WTM is insisting this November’s London event will go ahead, with fewer delegates and enhanced social distancing measures.
As the travel industry tries to restart after the Covid-19 global lockdown, the theme for this year’s show is ‘Recover, Rebuild and Innovate’.
Social distancing and hygiene rules mean a number of measures have been put in place. Aisles will be wider and a one-way system will operate. There will be no lanyards, electronic payments only and all food will be pre-packaged.
Organisers said 200 exhibitors have signed up to attend.
There will be a tighter vetting process of WTM Buyers’ Club, while speed networking events have been reformatted for social distance.
In addition to the show, which is planned for 2-4 November at ExCeL, London, WTM will also hold a WTM Virtual event the following week.
WTM Virtual will take place from 10-11 November 2020 to embrace travel professionals from all over the globe, especially the ones who can’t attend the live event due to travel restrictions.
A video has been put together to explain all the changes.
In addition, WTM’s technology event, the Travel Forward conference, which takes place within WTM London, will be free to attend this year.
This year’s TF theme is Resilience, Innovation and Response and will focus on helping travel companies, from across the globe, steer a path on the road to a post-Covid recovery.
Travel Forward will also be part of WTM Virtual.
By Lisa James, Deputy Editor (UK)
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel