Bigger and better WTM 2007 breaks all records
World Travel Market 2007 was the largest event ever staged with record results, un-audited figures reveal.
Total numbers of delegates rose 3% to 48,687, Meridian Club buyers increased by more than 12% to nearly 13,000 and international participants went up by 9.5%. Visitor numbers increased to 23,802, a hike of 5.6%.
The draw of the important, high profile UNWTO Ministers Summit on Tourism and Climate Change, hosted by World Travel Market on the second day of the event, was evident. As a total of 124 Tourism Ministers, an increase of nearly 41% compared to 2006, ratified a Declaration.
Results reflect growing evidence that more exhibitors are conducting business with other exhibitors during the four days, with a further rise in the number of exhibiting personnel, now up more than 2% to 20,461. This followed the introduction of the advanced Super PEP or Personal Event Planner, making it even easier for exhibitors to do business with one another.
“This was a phenomenal result, not only for World Travel Market, but also for the thousands of exhibitors and visitors whose primary focus was to expand their businesses, identify new markets and network with middle and senior management from virtually every country in the world”, said Fiona Jeffery, chairman of World Travel Market.
“We had strengthened the event by a programme of heavyweight strategic content that proved a considerable attraction to all delegates. World Travel Market is first for international business but is also helping to shape and drive the industry agenda.
“Our figures are always audited and these statistics have not yet been officially recognised. But we are confident that they mirror an accurate assessment of four days of non-stop business, debate and education.”