Eat, drink and be merry – that’s the advice for delegates joining the fun during the Festival Programme at WTM London – the leading global event for the travel industry.
Exhibitors from as far afield as the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa will be hosting parties on the third day of WTM London, offering everyone at ExCeL the chance to socialise and experience the unique vibe of each destination.
Stand-holders taking part in the end-of-show parties will showcase their culture, music, hospitality and cuisine, offering delegates the opportunity to sample different food and drink from around the world.
The festivals take place on stands from 16.30 on the last day (November 8) of WTM London.
WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “We introduced the Festival Programme in 2014 to celebrate the 35th edition of WTM London, and they are now a popular annual fixture, as they proved to be such a hit with exhibitors and those attending.
“There are great photo opportunities among the stands, with dancers in bright national costumes, talented musicians and delicious dishes.
“The festivals are the ideal way to relax after a busy trade show, and network in a fun atmosphere.”
Taking part in the WTM London 2017 Festival Programme are:
Caribbean
Exhibitors from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation will be showcasing their region with rum and rum cake, while fundraising for the CTO’s Relief Fund. The CTO represents 30 diverse Caribbean destinations.
Stand CA135
Tokyo
The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official tourism organisation for Japan’s capital city. Visitors to the stand can sample traditional local food and drinks.
Stand AS840
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism promises to get the party started with local songs and dances. Its motto is ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ and the country boasts the biggest archipelago in the world, comprising more than 13,000 tropical islands, fringed with white sandy beaches.
Stand AS900
Ecuador
Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador invites delegates to join stand-holders for the ‘Diablada Pillareña’ dance. Party-goers can also sample the Ecuadorean tipple called ‘canelazo’ and local shrimp ceviche.
Stand CA260
Bulgaria
Visitors to the Bulgaria stand are invited to taste indigenous wines, cheese and dry-cured salami tasting, while watching traditional Bulgarian performers. The Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism will promote the various attractions of the Eastern European country, including city breaks, cultural and heritage tourism, ski holidays and seaside resorts.
Stand EU900
Ghana
The Ghana Tourism Authority will be joined by drummers and other musicians to celebrate the culture of this West African destination. Visitors to the stand can find out about Ghana’s World Heritage Sites, rich wildlife, sandy beaches and warm hospitality.
Stand AF450
Senegal
Another West African destination, Senegal, will be showing why it is known as the land of ‘teranga’, which means ‘hospitality’. The Senegalese Tourism Promotion Agency will also be joined by musicians playing live music on a ‘kora’ – a traditional stringed instrument.
Stand AF570
Brazil
Food, music and dance from the varied and vibrant Brazilian culture will be showcased by the Brazilian Tourist Board, Embratur. With 43 stand partners, there will be plenty of opportunities to see why the tourist board describes Brazil as ‘A place for amazing experiences’.
Stand LA200
Responsible Tourism
Delegates can celebrate World Responsible Tourism Day (WRTD) at the new Responsible Tourism Theatre in the Africa Section and meet the winners of the 2017 WTM Responsible Tourism Awards. It will be a chance to network with professionals who champion sustainable practices and ethical methods.
Stand AS580