WTM London 2025 Delivers Record Growth

WTM London 2025 has concluded on a high note, marking one of the strongest performances in the event’s history and underlining its status as the most influential meeting place for the global travel and tourism industry. The show recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in pre-qualified buyers, welcoming 5,500 carefully vetted decision-makers from leading travel organisations around the world.

Taking place at ExCeL London from 4–6 November 2025, this year’s edition was the largest WTM London ever staged. The exhibition footprint expanded by 25%, exhibitor participation rose by 5%, and representatives from 182 countries were in attendance. Particularly notable was the continued expansion of the Travel Tech sector, which grew by more than 55%, reflecting the accelerating role of technology in shaping the future of travel. Overall attendance reached 46,500, highlighting the event’s growing global reach and commercial significance.

Business impact at unprecedented levels

WTM London 2025 also achieved record-breaking business engagement. More than 40,000 pre-scheduled meetings took place during the three days — a 30% increase compared with the previous year. These meetings are expected to generate over £2.2 billion in business deals, demonstrating the tangible economic value delivered by the event.

This surge in high-quality meetings and qualified buyers confirms WTM London’s role as a powerful catalyst for partnerships, investment and long-term growth across the travel ecosystem.

Travel growth outpacing the global economy

Insights shared during the event reinforced the sector’s positive outlook. The newly released WTM Global Travel Report forecast that travel and tourism will grow faster than the global economy, with its total contribution to GDP projected to exceed US$16 trillion by 2035.

These findings were echoed at the 19th WTM Ministers’ Summit, held in association with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Tourism ministers and industry leaders from around the world stressed that sustained investment and education are essential to unlocking tourism’s full potential. Countries including the Philippines, Kenya, Ecuador and Lebanon highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, tax incentives, special economic zones and airport infrastructure development in enabling sustainable growth.

At the same time, the sector’s skills gap emerged as a pressing concern. Ministers called for modernised education and training programmes that align more closely with industry needs, strengthen digital skills and position tourism as an attractive, long-term career path.

WTM TrendFest debuts with strong impact

A major highlight of WTM London 2025 was the launch of WTM TrendFest, a vibrant new space dedicated to innovation, experiences and emerging trends. The experiential travel zone attracted strong footfall and hosted the opening WTM Networking Party, alongside live culinary showcases and cultural performances from around the world.

Interest from exhibitors was equally strong, with experience-focused providers increasing by 31% compared with 2024. This growth reflects rising demand for immersive, experience-led travel products and confirms TrendFest as a valuable new platform for the industry.

A memorable finale

The event closed with a standout fireside conversation featuring Oscar-nominated actor Richard E Grant and Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK’s newly appointed Minister of State for Trade Policy. The discussion blended reflections on the value of travel with personal anecdotes from Grant’s career, including stories from filming in historic UK locations and travels abroad, providing an entertaining and fitting conclusion to a landmark edition.

Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director of WTM London, summed up the success of the show:“WTM London 2025 has set a new benchmark for the global travel industry. With record attendance, an 8% rise in qualified buyers and more than £2.2 billion in business generated, this year truly demonstrated the power of meaningful connection. The launch of WTM TrendFest added a new dimension, showcasing the experiences and innovations shaping the future of travel. We look forward to welcoming the industry back from 3–5 November 2026 to connect, innovate and grow once again.”

WTM London 2026 will take place from 3–5 November 2026, continuing its mission to bring the global travel community together at scale.