World Travel Market London 2016, the leading global event for the travel industry, is again hosting spa specialists in its Wellness Lounge, with 25 partners showcasing their product and – for the first time – a dedicated Wellness Speed Networking session.
Following a successful introduction last year, the WTM Wellness Lounge will be open throughout the day on Wednesday, 9 November, EM3050, to maximise connection opportunities between wellness exhibitors and buyers who can talk business in the comfort of a dedicated area.
Among those looking to facilitate business deals in the dedicated lounge area is Visit Guernsey, which is launching a campaign at WTM London to promote the destination as a wellness hotspot – perfect for those who want to rejuvenate and enjoy salty air, sunny walks, quiet tranquil spots, pampering, meditation and yoga retreats.
Other wellbeing specialists that can be found in the lounge include the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), which represents more than 30 towns in Europe and World Travel Award 2016 winner Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, Greece’s leading spa resort.
Santani, a new wellness hotel that opened this year, will also have a pod in the WTM Wellness Lounge, as will Leukerbad Clinin Switzerland, one of the world’s most renowned providers of preventative medicine and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
New for this year, WTM London is adding a dedicated Wellness Speed Networking session within the lounge, linking up Wellness Lounge partners with more than 40 high-calibre buyers.
The WTM Wellness Speed Networking will take place on Wednesday, 9 November, 10:00-11:00 in the WTM Wellness Lounge – EM3050.
Later, there’s a chance for leaders in the sector to be recognised at the 2016 Wellness Travel Awards, hosted by Spafinder Wellness, Inc – the only awards programme dedicated to honouring spas, resorts, hotels and retreats.
The Wellness Travel Awards take place on Wednesday, 9 November, 17:00-18:00, in the WTM Wellness Lounge – EM3050.
Wednesday’s Wellness Lounge is part of a two-day focus on wellness tourism at WTM London this year. On Tuesday, 8 November, there is a full range of seminars dedicated to the sector taking place in the WTM Inspire Theatre – EU475.
World Travel Market London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said: “Although once a niche market, spas and well-being centres are becoming central to mainstream travel products and the WTM Wellness Lounge highlights the growing representation and importance of wellness tourism at WTM London.
“The WTM Wellness showcase offers suppliers an exclusive platform to meet new contacts and conduct business in the comfort of the dedicated lounge.
“Our speed networking sessions have worked really well in other market sectors and the WTM Wellness Speed Networking session is the perfect opportunity for domestic and international travel buyers to visit exhibitors in a series of mini-meetings.
“Combined with the 2016 Wellness Travel Awards and our dedicated wellness seminar programme, it’s an all-spa extravaganza at WTM London 2016.”
WTM London is the event where the travel and tourism industry conducts its business deals, with more than £2.5 billion in deals poised to be agreed at WTM London 2016. This year, the event will be revamped as a three-day event from Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 November, with opening hours extended from 10am – 7pm for all three days.