Organisers of WTM London and Travel Forward have unveiled details of robust safety measures for the face-to-face shows at ExCeL London.
This year, the shows will be hybrid with the physical events taking place on 1-3 November, followed by the virtual shows on 8-9 November.
The live events will be one of the first face-to-face gatherings for the international travel and tourism sector since restrictions eased and the WTM & TF teams are drawing upon its global experience and expertise to deliver a secure environment in which to conduct business.
Simon Press, WTM London and Travel Forward’s Exhibition Director, said:
“We are eager to welcome visitors back to ExCeL as it is time for industry professionals to reunite to do business in person as the sector recovers.
“The new guidance for our industry, All Secure Guidelines 2.0, has been prepared by AEO, AEV & ESSA in line with guidance published by DCMS/Government. Our Team in London, and colleagues around the world have been working hard to develop our Stay Safe Guidelines in line with this.
“We will implement increased hygiene measures and medical safeguarding, while creating an environment for business to thrive again.
“The health and safety of visitors, exhibitors and staff will be our utmost priority and we will continue to issue updates to reassure delegates as we approach the show.”
Attendees will need to demonstrate their COVID-19 status by one of the following:
- Proof of vaccination
- Proof of negative test
- Proof of natural immunity
Visitors must not travel to ExCel, if they feel unwell.
Admission will only be for those who register in advance and visitors are encouraged to use WTM & TF’s planning tools before they arrive.
Delegates can show their badge for contactless scanning, either on a smartphone or printout – and there will be no badge holders or lanyards.
WTM London will be a ‘mask-friendly’ event as delegates are strongly recommended to wear face masks, especially in enclosed or crowded spaces. Those using public transport will be required to wear a face mask on the Transport for London network.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout the venue and elbow bumps are suggested as an alternative to handshakes or hugs.
The Excel Cleaning team have been trained to deliver new cleaning procedures before, during and after the event, including regular cleaning of all touch points.
Catering facilities will open in line with the latest government guidance and cashless payments are encouraged.
Exhibitors are reviewing stand designs to avoid enclosed meeting areas and create more open, ventilated space.
Press concluded:
“All attendees will verify their COVID status, by showing they have been double-jabbed, or have a negative test, or proof of natural immunity, so delegates can conduct business with confidence.
“Exhibiting at WTM London may look a little different this year, but it will continue to be the place where ideas are generated and new connections are made.
“We urge visitors to prepare in advance to ensure everyone knows about the new practices and follows the science-based guidelines to safeguard ourselves and others.
“The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming, but together we can overcome the challenges, bring our industry back together and see businesses growing again”.
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- ENDS
World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events, online portals and virtual platforms across four continents, generating more than $7.5 billion of industry deals. The events are:
London Travel Week, brought to you by WTM London, is the one-stop-shop for event hosts and visitors to be able to shape the next 12 months of travel together. The festival of events supports the global travel and tourism industry through capturing invaluable news and enhancing industry connections. Next event: Friday 29 October – Friday 5 November 2021
https://londontravelweek.wtm.com/
WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. Around 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating over £3.71 billion in travel industry contracts.
Next live event: Monday 1 November to 3 November 2021 at ExCel London
Next WTM Virtual: Monday 8 November to 9 November 2021 – Virtual
Travel Forward London is the leading travel technology event, co-located with WTM London. Travel Forward is renowned for showcasing the next-generation technologies for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Over 19,000 travel officials and 150+ innovative solution providers attend for 3 days of cutting-edge insights, open debate and unrivalled networking opportunities. The combination of a 2-day conference, interactive exhibition and start-up showcase makes Travel Forward truly unique.
Next live event: Monday 1 November to 3 November 2021 at ExCel London
Next Travel Forward Virtual: Monday 8 November to 9 November 2021 – Virtual
WTM Virtual, is the WTM Portfolio virtual platform, created to offer global delegates the chance to arrange one-to-one virtual meetings, to do business, attend conference sessions and roundtables, take part in speed networking and more. WTM Virtual embrace the global leading travel shows in one platform.
WTM Latin America attracts around 19,000 participants – 11,586 unique. The trade show, which takes place in São Paulo, has a worldwide audience that meets to establish the direction of the travel industry. The event is recognised for attracting a high level of professionals from the segment, including buyers and travel agents. It also offers programmes with qualified content and plenty of opportunities for networking and generating business that is relevant to the travel industry. Next event: Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 April 2022 – Expo Center Norte, São Paulo http://latinamerica.wtm.com/
WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. More than 6,000 travel industry professionals attend Africa’s leading inbound and outbound travel and tourism market. WTM Africa delivers a proven mix of hosted buyers, media, pre-scheduled appointments, on-site networking, evening functions and invited travel trade visitors.
Next event: Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 April 2022 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 29th year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2021 showcased over 1,300 exhibiting companies from 62 countries across nine halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, with visitors from more than 140 countries over the four days. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #IdeasArriveHere
Next in-person event: Sunday 8 to Wednesday 11 May 2022, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html
Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2022. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes ATM Virtual, ILTM Arabia, Arival Dubai, Influencers’ events and activations, as well as Travel Forward. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, ATM Speed Networking Events as well as a series of country summits.
https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html
WTM Global Hub, is the new WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/
About RX
RX (Reed Exhibitions) is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors.
RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 33,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalisation is approximately £36.6bn, €42.4bn, $51.5bn.*
*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors