Brace yourselves, travel titans—WTM London 2025 is preparing to roll out the red carpet for what’s shaping up to be the most ambitious, sprawling, and influential edition in the event’s 45-year history. And the numbers? They don’t lie. Powered by ExCeL London’s ongoing mega-expansion, this year’s show promises more floor space, more content, more face-to-face deals—and more ministers, too.
Taking place from Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 November, WTM London 2025 is already pacing well ahead of 2024, which itself notched up a formidable 11% increase in qualified buyers and over 34,000 pre-scheduled meetings. As event director Chris Carter-Chapman put it, rather like a pilot announcing clear skies and tailwinds ahead, “all indicators suggest WTM London 2025 will be a landmark edition.”
ExCeL’s Expansion: Making Room for the World
The heartbeat of this growth story lies in the gleaming halls of ExCeL London, which in 2024 unveiled its Capital Hall and a new auditorium level, effectively supercharging its hosting capabilities. For 2025, another 25,000 square metres will be added—equivalent to around five rugby pitches—giving WTM the elbow room it needs to showcase the ever-expanding universe of global travel.
That’s a 25% expansion in space. Or as Chris Carter-Chapman so eloquently put it: “We’re unlocking unprecedented opportunities for exhibitors, content, and visitor experiences at a scale never seen before.”
Welcome to WTM Trend Fest
WTM London has always had its finger on the industry’s pulse, but in 2025 it’s hitting a cultural nerve too. The new “WTM Trend Fest” will debut as a curated cultural hub spotlighting immersive global experiences.
Think pop culture spectacles, wellness sanctuaries, gastronomic showdowns, adrenaline-fuelled adventure showcases and sports-inspired activations—all played out across a dedicated stage of live performances, daily showcases, and sponsorship opportunities.
“It’s not just about where you go anymore,” said one organiser. “It’s about how it makes you feel, who you meet, and what you take home—besides the jet lag.”
WTM TV: Now Streaming Centre Stage
If that weren’t enough to whet the industry’s appetite, 2025 will also see the launch of WTM TV, a brand-new live channel broadcasting direct from the show floor. Designed to educate, engage and connect audiences, WTM TV is not merely a curtain-raiser—it’s a headline act.
With guaranteed visibility across the venue and a strong online presence, exhibitors will now have a platform that’s as dynamic as the industry they represent. It’s a bold play—and a savvy one—that acknowledges the importance of hybrid engagement in a post-pandemic world.
A Gathering of Global Voices
Last year’s WTM saw a record 50+ tourism ministers descend on London—no small feat in a world grappling with geopolitical uncertainty and logistical complexities. The 2025 Ministers’ Summit, held in partnership with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), is tipped to top that.
Insiders suggest that this may be the most policy-driven and solution-focused summit to date. And frankly, if the future of tourism is going to be written somewhere, it may as well be penned in London.
The Man at the Helm: Chris Carter-Chapman
A new face with big plans, Event Director Chris Carter-Chapman is steering the ship with a steady hand and no shortage of ambition. Formerly of Informa Markets and well-versed in curating trade spectacles, Chris has a clear-eyed vision for what WTM London should be: a global beacon of innovation, influence, and inclusion.
“Our partnership with ExCeL London is central to WTM’s ability to grow and innovate,” Chris said. “Together, we’re creating a dynamic platform that reinforces the Capital’s status as the epicentre of global travel and tourism dialogue.”
There’s that word again: epicentre. And rightly so.
Conference Content: Crafted by the Best in the Biz
In true WTM style, the 2025 Conference Programme will be curated by a powerhouse advisory panel—industry heavyweights whose resumes read like a who’s who of travel thought leadership. They include:
- Uwern Jong, Experientialist-in-Chief at OutThere
- Mark Frary, author, journalist, and travel consultant
- Matthew Gardiner, Director of Travel Massive and SVP at FINN Partners
- Tina Charisma, founder of The Charisma Campaign
- Tina O’Dwyer, CEO of The Tourism Space
- Timothy O’Neil-Dunne, President at T2Impact LLC
The full programme will be announced later in June, with ticketing set to open shortly after. In the meantime, interested parties can register their interest at WTM London Registration.
Looking Back to Look Forward
For an event that first threw open its doors in 1980, WTM London’s continued growth is both a testament to its roots and a nod to its future. It hasn’t simply survived the test of time—it’s rewritten the playbook.
WTM London 2025 will be more than just a travel event. It’ll be the moment the world’s travel leaders look each other in the eye and ask, “Right then—what’s next?”
One thing’s certain: the answer will be found somewhere between the bold new corridors of ExCeL and the ever-expanding ambition of the WTM team.
By Susan Ng
