The world’s most influential travel and tourism event opens in London tomorrow. The event hosting global tourism participants holds from the 5th to 7th November at the ExCel London. It is the 44th edition in the series.

WTM London estimates that 82% of attendees are international visitors who are spending money on transport, accommodation, and entertainment during their time in the city. 40% of visitors are spending three days in London for the event, 33% are spending at least seven days in city and 9% of international visitors are staying in the capital for at least nine days.

Juliette Losardo, Exhibitor Director, WTM London, comments: “While the travel trade are busy curating that £2.2billion worth of travel and tourism deals during World Travel Market, we’re proud that WTM also has such a significant impact on our host city of London. The range of accommodation, world-class dining and wealth of attractions the city has to offer, are a real draw for our attendees, many of whom use WTM London as an opportunity to tag on leisure days and, in doing so, boost spend for the economy.”

On track to host the most exhibitors the show has ever seen, WTM London has reported a 7% growth in exhibitor numbers this year, with over 4,000 global tourism boards, hoteliers, transport services, technology brands, associations and experiences set to will take to the halls of Excel London for three days of business. It’s estimated that in excess of £2.2 billion worth of business deals will be signed this year at the event.

According to VisitBritain data, international delegates visiting the UK for a trade show on average spend £352 per day, which estimates a total visitor spend of £71,215,218. In a recent report from Deloitte, they suggested that for every £1,000 spent, a further £1,800 is generated in direct tourism gross value, totalling an impressive £200m injection from WTM London into the economy.

The Sierra Leone Tourist Board is taking a stand at the travel event which will afford it the opportunity too market the tourism potentials of the country. It would market and promote Sierra Leone as a friendly destination for adventurous travellers eager to explore new destinations. The Sierra Leone National Tourist Board on WTM website stated that its eagerness to meet with travel trade and media to discuss destination developments for 2024.

Visit Sierra Leone Limited (VSL) would also be exhibiting under the auspices of the SLTB. Registered in 2008, VSL offers complete suite of travel services including packaged tours, MICE, flights, hotel reservation, airport transfers, visas, vehicle hire. It provides professional means of visiting and staying in Sierra Leone, be it for business or pleasure.