Articles — November 23, 2024
WTM 2024 London
ToolBox Consulting Ltd organised a stand in WTM 2024 for the third time in a row. Under the label “ Green North “ , 12 companies from Estonia, Finland and Norway shared our joint Baltic-Nordic stand.
There is a great demand for our destination, and the stand was busy with both pre-arranged appointments and ad-hoc visitors. DMC:s are always busy, many customers are asking for suggestions to organise a tour covering both Baltic and Nordic countries.
World Travel Market London was held 5-7 November in Excel London. The 44th edition hosted 5,049 buyers, a substantial increase of 11 per cent compared to 2023.
Bigger and better than ever, overall attendance at the event increased by six per cent to 46,316 individuals, with many travel professionals attending for between two and three days. To accommodate the additional visitors, the show increased in scale by almost eight per cent, adopting new halls within Excel London’s Level-0, where visitors could enjoy large new conference stages and hospitality areas.
Aligned to the event expansion, a record number of exhibitors from the private sector were in attendance, with exhibitor participation growing to 4,047, another rise of eight per cent compared to last year.
Leading conversations that will shape the travel and tourism industry throughout 2025, WTM London focussed on ‘Travelpower’ and how attendees, including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport services, technology brands, associations and experiences, can use their platforms for positive change. Reflecting this, the show’s exhilarating conference programme saw more than 200 world-class speakers deliver over 70 insightful sessions built around the topics of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI), Geo-Economics, Marketing, Sustainability, Travel Trends, and Technology.
London is one of my favourite cities and I cannot leave without having a bit of free time. After working hard for 4 days, I treated myself to Michael Jackson musical. Also visited Battersea Power Station, a luxury shopping and leisure destination. (www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk)
Covent Garden never disappoints, visited also the most ancient pub in Govent Garden: Lamb and Flag. The city centre was already full of Christmas lights and decorations.
London consists of small “ villages “, suburbs. This time I visited Richmond, a lovely neighbourhood by the River Thames.
And shopping and Indian restaurants….Oxford Street is not what it used to be. During the pandemia, many of the chain stores disappeared. Good old Selfridges and John Lewis are still in business. Westfield Shopping centre is a good option, you can find all the high street stores in there. This time I did not have time to visit any museums or art exhibitions. I just enjoyed walking and admiring the Christmas decorations. But there is always next time.
Elizabeth Line runs through London, from Heathrow Airport to Abbey Wood. Direct connection from the centre to ExCel, where WTM is held. Very convenient.
We are already preparing for WTM 2025, the details will be published soon in our web site(events). Welcome to join us!
Written by Kristiina Kauppinen
Forecast of UK outbound travel market
The UK outbound travel market is projected to continue its recovery and growth in 2025, following the rebound from the pandemic-related disruptions. Key trends and forecasts include:
Market Growth
Volume: The number of outbound trips by UK residents is expected to reach approximately 75-80 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4-5% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Spending: UK travelers are forecasted to spend over £60 billion abroad, driven by increased demand for premium experiences and longer vacations.
Popular Destinations
Europe: Remains the dominant region, accounting for over 70% of outbound trips, with Spain, France, and Italy leading.
Long-haul Destinations: Destinations like the USA, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia are expected to see a significant boost, driven by strong air connectivity and easing visa restrictions.
Economic and Geopolitical Impacts
Exchange Rates: The strength of the pound sterling will heavily influence spending power abroad.
Airline Industry: The recovery of flight capacity and competitive pricing will be critical to sustaining outbound travel growth.
Regulatory Environment: Post-Brexit travel rules, including passport requirements and border checks, will remain a factor but are expected to stabilize by 2025.
Key Challenges
Inflation and Cost of Living: Rising costs of living may limit discretionary spending, though higher-income households are likely to continue traveling.
Climate Policies: Stricter environmental regulations may impact the cost and availability of long-haul flights.
Prospects for Growth
The UK outbound travel market is on a robust growth trajectory for 2025, supported by pent-up demand, rising consumer confidence, and innovative offerings in the tourism sector. Despite challenges, the appetite for international travel among UK residents remains strong, making this a key market for global tourism players.
Read more about our market insights of UK: https://www.toolboxtravel.fi/market-areas/