WTM London (World Travel Market London): Globally renowned travel and tourism event: industry connections and trends.

Have you ever dreamt of exploring new destinations, discovering unique cultures, or perhaps even playing a part in shaping the way people travel around the world? The “travel and tourism” industry is a fascinating, ever-changing landscape, constantly looking for new ways to connect people with incredible experiences. If you’re a travel agent, a hotelier, an airline representative, a tour operator, a destination marketer, or simply passionate about the future of travel, then WTM London (World Travel Market London) is the event you absolutely must attend. It’s not just a trade show; it’s the “globally renowned travel and tourism event,” a place where “industry connections” are forged and the latest “trends” are revealed!

Imagine stepping into a massive, vibrant hall, alive with the sounds of different languages, the colours of global destinations, and the buzz of exciting new ideas. You’ll meet people from every corner of the world, discover hidden gems, learn about cutting-edge technologies that are changing travel, and find smart solutions to help your business thrive. This show is all about connecting you with the heart of the global travel community, helping you to find new partners, get inspired by the latest “trends,” and make powerful “industry connections” that will drive your business forward. It’s your golden ticket to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant world of travel and discover what’s next.

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to embark on a journey of discovery for your travel business? Here are the key details for WTM London:

Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This huge, modern exhibition centre is located in London’s Docklands. Its spacious design and excellent transport links make it the perfect setting for such a grand international event.
Dates: Mark your calendars for November 4th to November 6th, 2025. This is a three-day event, giving you plenty of time to explore the diverse halls, attend valuable talks, and make important connections.
Timings:
- Tuesday, November 4th, 2025: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Often includes an evening networking event)
- Wednesday, November 5th, 2025: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday, November 6th, 2025: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (The last day often closes a bit earlier).
Cost: Access to WTM London is designed specifically for trade professionals:
- Free-to-Attend: The fantastic news is that WTM London is generally FREE to attend for genuine trade professionals who pre-register online. This includes travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers, airline representatives, destination marketing organizations, media, and anyone else working within the travel and tourism industry. You will need to provide your business details during registration to receive your complimentary trade pass.
- “Trade Plus” Upgrade: While general entry is free, there might be an option to upgrade to a “Trade Plus” badge for an additional cost. This upgrade typically includes access to WTM ConnectMe, the official meetings platform, allowing you to pre-schedule meetings with exhibitors, buyers, and media, and use dedicated meeting rooms. This is highly recommended for maximizing your networking opportunities.
- On-Site Registration: While free to attend, it’s always best to pre-register online. Registering on the day at the venue might involve a small administrative fee, and you’ll definitely save time by having your pass ready beforehand.
- Children Policy: WTM London is a trade-only event. While specific rules may vary, it’s generally advised that children under 16 years old do not attend due to the business focus. If you absolutely must bring a child, it’s best to check the show’s policy on their official website beforehand.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a very well-connected venue, making your journey to WTM London straightforward:

By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest and often quickest way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located directly at the venue’s doorstep, offering seamless access to the exhibition halls.
By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Paddington and Liverpool Street) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees, significantly speeding up your journey from various parts of London.
By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and parking facilities are available on-site. However, driving in central London can be busy, and there’s usually a daily parking charge (around £25 for a full day). Public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in this area.
By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.
Other Unique Options: For a more scenic journey, consider the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Royal Wharf Pier (a 20-minute walk) or the Emirates Air Line cable car for stunning views across the Thames.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the show. Look for popular choices like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.
Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a lively atmosphere close to the venue.
Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
Booking Tip: WTM London is a globally significant annual event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and exhibitors. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official WTM London website often partners with accommodation providers or offers advice on finding suitable hotels.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for WTM London? The advantages are immense for anyone in the travel and tourism industry:

Globally Unrivalled Networking: This is the ultimate meeting point for the “global travel community.” You’ll connect with thousands of decision-makers, buyers, suppliers, media, and government officials from over 180 countries. It’s the perfect place to forge powerful “industry connections” and build relationships that can transform your business.
Discover the Latest Industry Trends: WTM London is where “trends” are born and discussed. Through its extensive conference programme, you’ll gain invaluable insights into emerging travel patterns, new technologies like AI in travel, sustainable tourism practices, and evolving consumer behaviours. Stay ahead of the curve!
Meet Global Suppliers & Destinations: Explore pavilions from countless countries and regions, each showcasing their unique attractions, hotels, and travel services. This is your chance to discover new products, find diverse travel options, and source incredible experiences for your clients or business.
Experience Cutting-Edge Travel Tech: A dedicated “Travel Tech” zone highlights the latest innovations in travel technology. See demonstrations of booking platforms, AI-powered tools, virtual reality experiences, and solutions designed to streamline operations and enhance the customer journey.
Expert-Led Content & Learning: Benefit from a packed schedule of free, high-level seminars, workshops, and panel discussions on multiple stages. Learn from global leaders, tourism ministers, and industry experts on topics ranging from marketing strategies and responsible tourism to market-specific insights and digital transformation.
Pre-Scheduled Meetings (with ConnectMe): Maximize your time at the show by using the “ConnectMe” platform (often available with a “Trade Plus” upgrade). This allows you to pre-schedule focused 1-on-1 meetings with potential partners and clients, ensuring efficient use of your time.
Market Research & Competitive Advantage: Get a pulse on the global travel market. See what your competitors are doing, identify gaps in the market, and gather valuable insights to refine your own offerings and strategies.
Inspiration and New Ideas: The sheer scale and diversity of WTM London are incredibly inspiring. You’ll return to your business with fresh ideas, new perspectives, and renewed energy, ready to innovate and grow.
Media Exposure: If you’re an exhibitor, WTM London attracts thousands of international media professionals, offering unparalleled opportunities for press coverage and brand visibility on a global scale.
Specialised Zones: The show is well-organised into various zones and regions, making it easy to navigate and focus on your specific areas of interest, whether it’s luxury travel, responsible tourism, or specific geographical markets.
WTM Trend Fest: In 2025, WTM London is introducing “WTM Trend Fest,” a new cultural programme showcasing immersive global experiences. Expect live performances, themed activations, and presentations focusing on wellness, pop culture, gastronomy, sport, and adventure, adding an exciting interactive element to the event.
WTM TV: Next year, WTM London will debut its live TV channel, “WTM TV,” providing continuous insights, interviews, and highlights from across the venue and online, enhancing visibility and engagement for attendees and partners.

Attending WTM London isn’t just about showing up; it’s about actively shaping your future in the travel and tourism industry. It’s an unparalleled chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to keep your business thriving in an ever-evolving world. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the UK’s most influential travel event!

To learn more and register for your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html