WTM London 2025 Marks Record Growth in Buyers and Business Opportunities

Wednesday, 19.11.2025

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The 2025 edition of World Travel Market London concluded with record participation and business activity, underlining the event’s continuing relevance as a key meeting point for the global travel industry. Held at ExCeL London from 4 to 6 November, WTM London 2025 welcomed 5,500 pre-qualified buyers, an 8 percent increase on the previous year, alongside 46,500 attendees from 182 countries.

Performers in vibrant traditional costumes dancing at WTM London 2025, representing diverse global cultures on the event’s main stage at ExCeL London.

Colourful traditional performers bring the energy of global cultures to the show floor during WTM London 2025 at ExCeL London. Photo: WTM London

With the exhibition space expanded by 25 percent, this was the largest WTM London in the show’s history. Exhibitor numbers rose 5 percent, with particularly strong growth in the Travel Tech segment, which increased by more than 55 percent.

The event also recorded its highest-ever volume of scheduled meetings, up 30 percent year‑on‑year to more than 40,000 appointments. Organisers estimate that these interactions will lead to around £2.2 billion in business transactions.

Focus on Growth and Skills

The opening day saw the presentation of the WTM Global Travel Report, projecting that the sector will expand faster than the world economy through 2035, reaching a total GDP contribution of more than US $16 trillion.

At the 19th WTM Ministers’ Summit, held in cooperation with UN Tourism and the WTTC, government and industry leaders emphasised the central role of investment and education in unlocking tourism’s potential. Countries including the Philippines, Kenya, Ecuador and Lebanon identified public‑private financing models, tax incentives and infrastructure projects as key to sustainable tourism growth.

The widening skills gap was another recurring topic, with calls for curricula that better reflect the sector’s digital transformation and for targeted efforts to attract and train new talent.

New Format: WTM TrendFest

New for 2025, WTM TrendFest showcased emerging ideas in travel and hospitality, with a focus on experiential and immersive offerings. The interactive zone featured live performances, culinary showcases and networking opportunities, while exhibitor participation among experience providers grew 31 percent compared with 2024.

The show concluded with a conversation between actor Richard E Grant and Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy. Their informal discussion touched on travel, culture and the role of authentic experiences in shaping perceptions of destination countries.

Chris Carter‑Chapman, WTM London’s Event Director, said the 2025 edition had set “a strong foundation for further growth in 2026,” highlighting the value of bringing together global stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop partnerships.

WTM London 2026 will take place from 3 to 5 November 2026 at ExCeL London.  Download the full WTM Global Travel Report here

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