World Travel Market 2001

How will the tragic events in the US affect the WTM 2001 ?

The second largest travel show in the world, the World Travel Market is set to take place in 2001, from November 12 - 15 at Earls Court in London, England. A travel show which is regarded by many within the industry, as an 'absolute must' to attend, attracts thousands of exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.

Now in its 22nd year the World Travel Market which is organised by the highly respected Reed Travel Exhibitions attracted in the year 2000 more than 5,000 exhibitors from some 177 countries. In total there were 48,418 industry participants of which 26,626 were trade visitors, 19,343 exhibiting personnel and 2,449 International press. Reed calculated that the average total value of business conducted per exhibitor is estimated to be over 265,000 Pounds Sterling.

With such strong support and figures it comes as little surprise that the WTM is one of the first travel shows and exhibitions to be confirmed by industry players around the world.

Daily now we read the bad news that circulates with regards to job losses, airline cutbacks, hotel cancellations and other difficult situations that the industry as a whole must face. The industry though has been faced with many challenges over the years and has come through stronger and wiser than before, and while there is still enormous concern of future actions as yet untaken, business must go on.

Mr. Tom Nutley, Managing Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, "As regards my opinion on whether an exhibitor or visitor should consider cancelling, I would ask "why"? If it was for safety reasons, then I could say quite clearly that if I believed there was a major danger to the event I would not consider going ahead and placing the industry, my staff or myself in a situation of high risk."

Mr. Nutley continues, "Despite the tragic events of last week we must all move on and surely a disruption of business and normal life is exactly what the terrorists were and are trying to achieve."

It is with this thought in mind that we say the the 2001 World Travel Market falls at an ideal time for us all to be able to meet up conduct business, established and new, but also consolidate views on how best to move forward. As Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director, World Travel Market replies to one of the questions below, "It is absolutely vital for us all to make sure we meet in London between the 12th and 15th November this year to talk eyeball-to-eyeball about how we are going to address and resolve the issues that face us".

The recent tragic events in the US though have raised many concerns and while it is still early and very fresh in our minds, we felt it important to ask the WTM to answer your questions as to what impact these events may have on the World Travel Market 2001.

We put the following questions to Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director, World Travel Market re this situation (we must point out that all replies and comments above and below are valid as of 19 September 2001) :

1. Will WTM be going ahead as planned ?

Firstly can I say that in keeping with I am sure the whole of Asia, my team and I have been horrified and shocked by the tragic events of these past weeks.

But YES most definitely World Travel Market will be going ahead. We owe it to the international travel and tourism industry to be there for them, not only during the good times, but also when the going gets tough.

World Travel Market has always played a vital role in the shaping of the industry, now and in the future. It is therefore even more important that the industry comes together in November as one unified voice to the world that demonstrates our determination to overcome the issues and challenges that lie ahead.

2. Has WTM received cancellations from buyers and exhibitors ?

At this moment we have received no definite cancellations, although a number of exhibitors have been seeking advice and assistance from our team. We are working flat out to help everyone in what ever way is needed.

3. If none have cancelled, do you expect any and from where ?

It really is too early to say at the moment. From our conversations with exhibitors, the general mood would be whilst cautious and concerned, business needs to go on as usual. This is a time for cool heads and warm hearts and we are all thinking and working through the issues and making considered decisions. This is not the time for knee jerk reactions.

4. Will there be additional security measures at WTM ?

Yes there will be, but for obvious reasons I would prefer not to go into what they are. Discussions are taking place with all the appropriate authorities.

5. What would you say to an exhibitor, buyer or visitor who is now considering cancelling his or her participation at WTM 2001 ?

World Travel Market is part of the very fabric of the industry. It’s where we conduct business, network, learn about new trends and developments and more significantly, in a small way, we help to build the foundations for global peace and understanding.

It is absolutely vital for us all to make sure we meet in London between the 12th and 15th November this year to talk eyeball-to-eyeball about how we are going to address and resolve the issues that face us.

It will be a means of demonstrating to the world that we have confidence and determination to protect this great and important industry and the people it serves. A chance to unite. I sincerely hope that everyone who helps to mould and shape this industry worldwide will join us.

Fiona Jeffery talks a little more about the philosophy behind World Travel Market

Domestically and throughout the world, for that matter, millions of people rely on the industry for their livelihood. It is an industry that is a way of life, an economic earner and a passion. And one with so much worth and value that we must do everything within our power to maintain.

World Travel Market has no favourites. We are for everybody. >From a one-man band to a multinational operator. We reach all parts of the world and touch people of all colour and creed. Their needs are our needs; their challenges and concerns are ours too.

We are now reviewing all our plans for World Travel Market 2001 to ensure that it is relevant, focused, business-oriented, useful and practical for this exceptional time within the international industry.

That has always been our mission – and no more so than now.

END

If you have any thoughts or comments you would like to make on the above subject please email us : editor@asiatraveltips.com