The World Travel Market (WTM) in London was inaugurated by Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, honouring Greece at this prestigious international tourism exhibition. The event featured 81 Greek co-exhibitors under the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), showcasing Greece’s robust tourism sector. A significant outcome was the memorandum of cooperation signed with easyJet, aiming to foster sustainable tourism development over the next three years. Kefalogianni engaged in various media interviews during WTM, highlighting Greece’s tourism success in 2023 and projecting 2024 to be even better. She emphasized a focus on quality tourism and balancing visitor distribution across regions. Following the WTM, she inaugurated the 2024 OPAP Marathon Expo, celebrating its global recognition and the innovative technologies presented therein.

The World Travel Market (WTM) serves as a critical platform for countries to showcase tourism offerings and develop international relationships. Greece’s participation, this year marked by being the honoured country, underscores its commitment to boost tourism through strategic partnerships. Such exhibitions allow for networking among travel operators and promote Greece’s diverse attractions, contributing significantly to its economy.

Greece’s participation in WTM 2023 highlights its longstanding commitment to enhancing tourism through strong partnerships and innovative strategies. With a focus on sustainable practices and quality experiences, Greece is poised to continue its growth trajectory in the tourism sector, building on a record year and forecasting further successes for the future.

Original Source: www.ekathimerini.com

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World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 commenced on November 5 at ExCeL London, featuring a record turnout with over 4,000 exhibitors from 184 nations, making it the largest edition to date. Greece’s Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and WTM Director Juliette Losardo officially opened the event, with the Greek National Tourism Organization as the premier partner showcasing their cultural offerings. The event highlights the economic significance of the travel sector, with £2.2 billion in deals struck last year.

The World Travel Market is a prominent global event dedicated to the travel industry, gathering professionals, exhibitors, and speakers to discuss trends, innovations, and economic impacts of travel and tourism. This year’s event focuses on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) while showcasing advancements in accessibility within tourism, particularly through Greece’s efforts to improve offerings for disabled visitors. Technology challenges in creating frictionless travel experiences are also a significant topic during the expo.

WTM London 2024 emphasises the travel sector’s growth and commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on accessibility and technology improvements. The event not only serves as a platform for international cooperation in travel and tourism but also encourages social responsibility within the industry, highlighting significant initiatives such as India’s e-visa and the Maldives’ sustainability efforts.

Original Source: news.gtp.gr

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Cyprus is prominently featured at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London this week, represented by 55 co-exhibitors at the ExCel exhibition centre. The delegation, led by Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis, aims to promote the nation’s varied tourism offerings, including collaborations with regional associations, hotels, and travel agencies. The event will run until Thursday, with strategic meetings planned with UK airlines and tour operators, alongside participation in a panel on AI in travel. To emphasise Cyprus’ culinary heritage, there will be live cooking and cocktail-making demonstrations. British tourists are significant for Cyprus, with arrivals from the UK reaching 1,129 million in the first nine months of the year, marking a 5 per cent increase from the previous year.

Cyprus continues to strengthen its tourism presence in the UK market, recognising British visitors as a vital component of its tourism sector. The World Travel Market serves as an ideal platform for the Cypriot delegation to showcase local attractions, establish connections, and enhance outreach to potential tourists and travel partners. The emphasis on culinary experiences also posits Cyprus as not just a travel destination but a cultural experience.

The participation of Cyprus at the WTM exemplifies the nation’s commitment to boosting its tourism profile in the UK, highlighted by strategic engagements and cultural showcases. With promising visitor numbers from the UK, Cyprus is poised to further attract British tourists by promoting its diverse offerings and unique culinary heritage.

Original Source: cyprus-mail.com

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The World Travel Market (WTM) has commenced in London, showcasing several exhibits, including that of the Balearic Islands. Julia Simpson, a notable figure and former Bulletin employee, was among the first to visit the Balearic exhibition. Her impressive career includes roles as a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chief of Staff at the International Airlines Group, which operates British Airways and Iberia. Currently, she serves as the President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, highlighting the evolving landscape of the travel industry.

The World Travel Market in London is a key event for the global travel and tourism sector, offering a platform for industry professionals to network, discuss trends, and showcase their offerings. Julia Simpson’s extensive background in politics and aviation leadership showcases the merging of these industries as they adapt to post-pandemic recovery and changing consumer expectations. The current disruptions in travel, exemplified by severe weather events, further underline the challenges faced by the industry.

Julia Simpson’s journey from the Bulletin to becoming a leading figure in global tourism exemplifies the dynamic nature of career paths within the travel industry. The ongoing challenges, particularly in places like Mallorca due to severe weather, emphasize the industry’s need for resilience and adaptability in the face of both environmental and logistical hurdles. As the WTM unfolds, it will likely address these ongoing issues while highlighting innovation in travel.

Original Source: www.majorcadailybulletin.com

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Greece will play a pivotal role at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, held from November 5 to 7 at ExCeL London. As the premier partner, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) will showcase Greece’s rich cultural experiences and tourism opportunities to a broad global audience. GNTO Director for the UK and Ireland, Eleni Skarveli, highlighted the impressive growth of UK tourist arrivals, projecting a continued focus on sustainable tourism practices and innovative experiences. At WTM, Greece will present a 900-square-metre stand and feature six tourism startups under the CapsuleT Travel & Hospitality Accelerator initiative, promoting Greek innovations in travel. The exhibition aims to bolster partnerships and attract more visitors all year round.

The World Travel Market (WTM) is a preeminent platform for the travel industry, providing countries a chance to highlight their tourism offerings. In 2024, Greece’s participation as the premier partner positions it to gain substantial visibility amidst the international travel community. Emphasis on sustainable tourism and innovative experiences is critical as the country seeks to further establish itself as a top destination for global travellers, especially from the UK market, which is experiencing a notable increase in arrivals.

In summary, Greece’s strong presence at WTM London 2024, as the premium partner, aims to enhance its global tourism profile. With a focus on sustainable development and showcasing Greek startups, the country is not only attracting millions of British visitors but also preparing for continued growth in the tourism sector.

Original Source: news.gtp.gr

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