World Travel Market took place this week at Excel,London Docklands.Although primarily targeted at the Travel industry,it’s still a fascinating day out for anyone and everyone.Just about every country in the world will have a trade stand promoting their own unique attraction as a tourist destination.Many of the stands are quite eye catching.The Kenyan stand this year was themed on a safari camp,with the actual tents that are used on many safaris providing the meeting and socialising areas.The Kenyan staff all looked extremely smart too in their game warden clothing.The Middle East countries all seemed to be in competition to outdo each other with the largest and most spectacular stands and displays!
Surprisingly enough,I felt that some of the great tourist destinations had scaled down dramatically this year.The U.S.A and Canadian stands were low key considering what both countries have to offer.Likewise Australia and New Zealand had actually combined into one stand,most surprising!
While there was obvious evidence of cost cutting from some Tourist Boards,there were others who were still pushing the boat out.The Canary Isles had combined as a region and were very high profile.So too was South Africa,though of course 2010 is a massive year for South Africa with the football World Cup taking place.
Sadly, I spent some time looking around the Visit Britain area.Scotland and Ireland had large and interesting stands.Practcally every region of England was represented,amid a couple of London double decker sightseeing buses,and actors in full costume from some of the London theatre shows currently running.Conspicuous by their absence however was the Wales Tourist Board!That’s right,the largest and most spectacular travel and tourism exhibition in the world,and Wales is not represented!
I was fortunate to gather lots and lots of guide books,maps,dvd’s and general info that will prove invaluable for our clients.
The WTM is always in November-if you get the chance to go next year,take it,it’s a fascinating experience!!