Organisers have reported World Travel Market London 2025, which concluded on 6 November at ExCeL London, as the largest in the show’s 45-year history. Exhibitor numbers rose 5pc year-on-year. Pre-scheduled meetings reached over 40,000 at WTM London 2025.
The three-day gathering hosted 5,500 qualified buyers, a 5pc increase from the 5,049 who attended in 2024. Exhibitors numbered more than 4,000, representing destinations, transport providers, accommodation operators and technology firms from over 150 countries. The global travel industry contribution is anticipated to reach €14.7tn to GDP by 2035.
Pre-scheduled meetings reached 40,000, a 31pc rise on the previous year. These appointments generated €2.6bn in business deals. The event occupied 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, including the new Capital Hall and Auditorium addition. Entry fees for buyers stood at €500, with exhibitor stands ranging from €5,000 for a basic 9 square metre unit to €20,000 for premium locations.
Chris Carter-Chapman, exhibition director, noted the growth reflects demand in the global travel sector. The event drew participants from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Sessions covered topics under the theme Reimagining Travel in a Changing World. Forty conference tracks featured speakers from governments and companies. Attendance at these sessions increased 19 per cent from 2024.
The gathering included tourism ministers from 50 countries, in association with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Discussions addressed investment and education in tourism. Over 100,000 total visitors passed through the venue during the event.
ExCeL London underwent a 25 per cent expansion for 2025, adding 25,000 square metres. The site now accommodates larger pavilions for regions such as the Middle East and Latin America. A new live TV channel, WTM TV, broadcast sessions and interviews to online audiences. The channel reached 500,000 viewers during the event.
Ireland’s Tourism Ireland maintained a 200 square metre stand, promoting sites in Dublin and the Wild Atlantic Way. The stand hosted 500 meetings and secured €10m in contracts.
Sustainability formed a focus, with sessions on carbon reduction in aviation. The sector contributes €1.2 trillion to the global economy. Travel volumes reached 95 per cent of pre-2019 levels in 2025. International arrivals totalled 1.2 billion in the first nine months of the year.
Networking events included receptions at the summit and a closing gala. The gala hosted 2,000 delegates at a cost of €150 per ticket. Organisers collected €1 million in sponsorship from banks and airlines.
WTM London operates under RX Global. The event generates €100 million in economic impact for the city each year. Planning for the 2026 edition starts in December, with dates set for 3 to 5 November. Registration opens in March.
The show connects 70pc of global travel buyers with suppliers. Past editions secured €150 billion in deals since 1980. This year’s figures mark the highest since the event began.
Chris Carter-Chapman shared “WTM London 2025 has set a new benchmark for the global travel industry. With a record 46,500 attendees, 8pc rise in qualified buyers, and over 40,000 pre-scheduled meetings generating £2.2bn in business deals, this year’s event has truly showcased the power of connection.”
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