WTM under attack from tourist offices

World Travel Market director, Fiona Jeffery has defended the event after facing criticism from tourist offices for being “over long and over priced”.

A survey by the Association of National Tourist Office Representatives (ANTOR) revealed that almost three quarters of members wanted the show duration cut from four days to three.

The poll, representing the views of 67% of ANTOR’s 70-strong membership, overwhelmingly supported WTM’s two Meridien Days but said travel agency staff should also be allowed to attend alongside senior buyers.  The final two days should then be combined to give a three-day event.

WTM group exhibition director, Fiona Jeffery said she welcomes ANTOR’s comments on the event and said that its criticisms over the length of the event have been an ongoing debate.

However, she said that a meeting with senior management from the industry decreed that WTM continue with four days.

The association also questioned whether WTM organisers treat all exhibitors exactly the same, with almost 40% questioning whether contracting procedures are transparent and 38% being unconvinced that all exhibitors are offered a uniform rate for stand space.

In response to this Ms Jeffery said: “We would, however, like to put the record straight concerning exhibitor contracts. Reed Exhibitions worldwide has a fair and transparent ‘no discount’ policy for all its exhibitors, including World Travel Market. Exceptions are only made on occasions for charitable and trade organisations and stands negotiated as part of a value for value agreement.”

Ms Jeffery also claimed that various initiatives have already been taken to reduce costs including a prize freeze until 2005, negotiation with ExCel to allow exhibitors to bring in indigenous food without facing a venue surcharge, and early bird discounts for exhibitors on various services.

She added that ANTOR is invited to present their latest findings at the next WTM Advisory Council meeting.

A third of ANTOR members called for the show to return to Earl’s Court in west London rather than the ExCel exhibition centre in east London, which took flak from 45% of members for “poor” or “very poor” public transport links.

More than 60% of ANTOR tourist offices said they would be tempted to support smaller, more focussed shows with 45% saying they had no idea whether they would still be exhibiting at WTM in five years time.

The impact of the internet was also recognised, with 43% of association members querying whether large scale travel exhibitions were still absolutely necessary due to the amount of information now available online.

While 93% praised WTM organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions for helping exhibitors extract maximum benefit from the show, there were concerns about having to use a preferred in-house caterer.

This year’s show is held on November 8-11.

Report by Phil Davies