Building on 46,500 visitors and 40,000 confirmed deals, WTM London 2026 introduces eight-language smart headsets, 30 minutes of priority buyer entry, and a massive South Hall regional showcase
Under the defining theme Resilience, Rebound & Reinvention: The Next Era of Global Travel, World Travel Market (WTM) London is set to open its doors with strategic layout enhancements, fresh content stages, and an expanded Middle East and Africa presence commanding nearly half of the South Hall.
From the launch of the dedicated WTM Travel Tech hub and AI-driven translation on the Future Stage, to high-profile debuts including Saudi Arabia’s Amaala and Abu Dhabi-based Story Hospitality, the event reinforces its position as the premier marketplace for international deal-making. Buyers’ Club members will also benefit from 30 minutes of priority early access, while Day 1 will deliver essential market intelligence through the WTM Global Travel Report 2026.
The event will take place from November 3-5, 2026, at ExCeL London, bringing together the global travel and tourism industry.
In an interview with TTN, RX Exhibition Director Chris Carter-Chapman breaks down the essential structural updates, regional milestones, and key opportunities awaiting delegates this year.
Are there any new features, content stages or themed sections planned for WTM this year?
We have launched WTM Travel Tech because more than half of our visitors tell us they’re actively seeking meetups with travel technology companies. This show-within-a-show will feature an expanded range of exhibitors from this sector.
For Travel Tech sessions on the Future Stage, we’re pleased to be offering real-time translation headsets in conjunction with our 2026 technology partner Vox Technologies. Eight languages will be offered as standard via the AI-powered smart transmitters, with others available on request.
The Wanderlust Headliner Stage is also new. Hosted and curated by WTM’s official consumer media partner Wanderlust Travel Media, it will bring a more outward facing perspective to the conference programme.
Any changes planned to the structure or placement of the Middle East & Africa exhibition halls to improve buyer flow and visibility?
This year the Middle East and Africa exhibition spaces will fill almost half of the South Hall spanning S6 to S11. Africa will be adjacent to the Experience Hub, which will draw people for peer-to-peer networking sessions.
The mezzanine area of the South Hall will now be home to the expanded Travel Tech Hall and the Future Stage.
Could you give us the lowdown on exhibitors (both new for this year and repeat) from the Middle East region?
New exhibitors from the Middle East this year include Amaala (S8-320) Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism mega-project on the Red Sea coast, and Abu Dhabi-based international property management company Story Hospitality (S13-338).
Your readers may also be interested in the debuts of Brunei Tourism (N9-610) and Turkey's AJet Airlines (N4-520), which has several routes to the Middle East.
Among stands from returning exhibitors are the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (S11-200); Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (S10-210); Jordan Tourism Board (S11-310); Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (S8-200); Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (S10-510); and Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (S10-200).
These stands will also host multiple DMCs, hotels, tour companies and attractions from the region.
In addition, Visit Qatar will have an immediately visible presence at the show as sponsor of this year’s visitor lanyards.
What’s new at WTM London Buyers' Club this year?
This year, buyers have early access to the show from 9am, half an hour earlier than previously. Besides regular visitors’ benefits, they have access to the Buyers’ Lounge and to the WTM Connect Me networking app, our handy tool for pre-scheduling meetings.
What are the challenges and opportunities of putting together and operating a travel expo in these trying times? Are people just as keen to do business as they were last year?
Undoubtedly it has been a tough year for many, with global conflict affecting fuel prices and consumer spending and causing shifts in geographical travel patterns, which I know has had a particular impact on the Middle East. The return of wildfires to Europe and the appalling flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet have also concentrated minds on sustainability.
WTM London has always been where the most influential voices in travel and tourism come together and we find in trying times people still want to meet, share experience and find a way through.
We make a point of addressing challenges in our conference agenda, in fact the theme of this year’s show is ‘Resilience, Rebound & Reinvention: the next era of global travel’. You’ll see many pertinent sessions, including the World Travel & Tourism Council presenting ‘The Future of Travel and Tourism in Turbulent Times’.
What data/insights can you share in the lead up to the show?
In terms of WTM London itself, last year’s show was our biggest yet with a total attendance of 46,500. We welcomed 5,500 high quality buyers (up 8% year on year), while confirmed business meetings surged 16% to more than 40,000. We’re keeping that momentum going for 2026.
On an industry level, we’ll be launching our full WTM Global Travel Report 2026, produced in conjunction with Tourism Economics, on the first day of the show. This is an excellent way to gain insight into current consumer travel behaviour, such as shifts in travel patterns and spending. Last year, increased lengths of stay and a boom in city and event-led tourism were among points of interest. In the lead up to the show, look out for our previews of key themes identified in the report.
WTM London expands AI, tech use
WTM London is expanding its use of AI and event technology this year to enhance visitor and exhibitor experiences, support business opportunities and streamline the show’s operations.
Speaking exclusively to TTN, Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director at WTM London, said the event is “proud to be a Smart Event”, with technology being used both to improve the experience and reduce reliance on printed materials.
A key new feature this year is the use of AI to augment conference sessions. Through a partnership with event tech company Rozie Synopsis, attendees will be able to receive transcripts, summaries and key takeaways from sessions on their mobile devices in real time. The content will also be available later through a searchable content hub.
WTM London is also introducing AI-powered real-time translation headsets in partnership with Vox Technologies.
The headsets use smart transmitters to provide simultaneous commentary and operate offline, meaning users do not need an app or smartphone. The headsets will be available at the Future Stage, which will host WTM London’s Travel Tech conference sessions.
French, Spanish, Arabic and Mandarin have been confirmed among the languages available, reflecting the event’s international audience.
Another new feature is a function powered by sli.do that will allow conference attendees to submit questions through the WTM London app.
The app also provides an interactive show map, alongside real-time updates and notifications.