WTM London WILL go ahead at ExCeL this year

Organisers have confirmed WTM London will go ahead between 2 and 4 November 2020 and will be one of the first major exhibitions to take place globally since the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will take place at ExCeL, during London Travel Week. Travel Forward, WTM’s tech-focused exhibition will also go ahead.

This year’s event is centred on the concept of recovery, rebuild and innovate, as global travel and tourism leaders will meet to discuss the future of the industry and begin its resurgence.

WTM said: "The show will reflect the diverse needs of the travel and tourism industry by incorporating both a live event, at ExCeL London, as well as a virtual event taking place online the week after.

"Furthermore, the leading travel technology exhibition, Travel Forward, which is co-located with WTM London at the ExCeL Centre, will also be taking place this year inspiring visitors to embrace the latest technology that will help rebuild the industry.

"The highest standards of health and safety will be followed across all elements of the shows this year with WTM London, Travel Forward and London Travel Week adhering to UK Government guidelines on social distancing and all other aspects of Covid-19 prevention.

"Visitors can be safe in the knowledge that not only will they have the chance to meet other travel and tourism professionals in person for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19, but they will be able to do this in a safe environment too."

ExCeL has been working with the Association of Event Venues (AEV) and other key stakeholders to develop the All Secure Standard, an industry wide benchmark to enable the safe return of organised events.

ExCeL said: "The vast majority of the venue (90%) has been restored to its original state now, with the remaining space secured as equipment storage for NHS Nightingale. This ongoing support will not impact the normal operation of our venue and the centre will be able to host safe, secure, and successful business events and conferences from 1 October onwards." 

WTM London Event Director Simon Press said: "This is truly fantastic news to hear with regards to not only our industry but also the thousands of companies we directly support through WTM London in the global travel and tourism industry.

"We look forward to welcoming people to London this November in a safe way and providing the platform to help our industry recover, rebuild and innovate. In the lead-up to the event, we will be in constant communication with the UK Government with regards to plans surrounding the NHS Nightingale hospital in London making sure to find a solution for all parties involved.

"By hosting both a live and virtual event as part of WTM London 2020 we will be providing a truly essential service for the global travel and tourism industry as it looks to rebound heading into 2021. We look forward to welcoming you once again to the event where Ideas Arrive – WTM London."

By Lisa James, Deputy Editor (UK)