As a travel agency, we’re always on the lookout for fresh ideas, new destinations, and unique experiences that we can offer to our clients. This year’s World Travel Market London (WTM) 2024 provided just that, and so much more. From insightful panels to networking with industry professionals from all over the world, the event was a whirlwind of excitement, learning, and, of course, fun. And for our agency, it was a chance to get up close with the global travel community, explore new trends, and experience different cultures, all whilst indulging in the numerous photo opportunities with our beloved company mascot, Roamie Bear!
An International Affair
WTM London is known for bringing together travel professionals from all corners of the globe, and this year was no exception. Attendees, exhibitors, and speakers came from as far as South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, sharing their expertise, knowledge, and passion for the travel industry. It was fascinating to see such diversity of cultures under one roof, everything from traditional clothing to unique local delicacies were on display, offering us a true insight into the vibrant customs and travel experiences of different countries.
It was really special to engage in conversations with people from all of the different continents. One of the highlights was chatting with an exhibitor from Oman, who shared stories of their country’s rich history, music, and traditional crafts. We even got to try some of their traditional Omani Coffee! The event was a melting pot of global culture and it made us appreciate the wide range of travel experiences available to our clients.
Panels and Discussions: Insights from Industry Experts
One of the most valuable aspects of WTM is the wide array of panels and discussions led by industry leaders. As travel agents, we were keen to attend as many sessions as possible to stay ahead of the trends and better serve our clients. From sustainable tourism to the future of luxury travel technology, there was definitely something for everyone.
The “Sustainable Travel & Responsible Tourism” panel, in particular, was eye-opening. It shed light on how the industry is pivoting towards more eco-friendly practices and how we, as travel professionals, can encourage our clients to make conscious choices. It was inspiring to hear how companies are working to reduce their carbon footprint and promote responsible travel, and it gave us some great ideas for new tours and packages we could offer to clients who want to explore the world in a more eco-conscious way.
We also attended a session on the future of technology in travel, which explored how AI, virtual reality, and other cutting-edge tools are shaping the industry. This sparked some interesting conversations with fellow travel agents and exhibitors about how technology could enhance customer experiences, streamline booking processes, and even create new forms of travel, such as virtual tours or AI-driven travel planning.
Roamie Bear Steals the Show
No trip to WTM would be complete without a bit of fun, and Moohn Travel's company mascot, Roamie Bear, was there to add some playful energy to the event. Roamie Bear became the star of the conference, posing for countless photos with attendees, exhibitors, and even other mascots. He was definitely a crowd favourite.
It was a great opportunity for us to interact with fellow agents, show off our brand, and create some lighthearted moments amidst the busy schedule. Roamie even made an appearance in front of the colourful and vibrant Costa Rican pavilion. Our team had a blast taking pictures and creating memories that will last long after the conference.
Food, Drinks, and Giveaways: A Treat for the Senses
One of the unexpected highlights of the event was the fantastic selection of food and drinks available throughout the venue. From restaurants to gourmet coffee stations, there was always something to keep us fuelled during the long days of meetings and sessions. A standout was the array of international street food stalls dotted around the exhibition hall, there were offerings of Middle Eastern treats to Brazilian cocktails and there was wine and bear and juices. We enjoyed sampling snacks from around the world while chatting with exhibitors about the destinations they represented.
As for giveaways, we were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of freebies available at the event. From branded tote bags and notepads to destination brochures and travel gadgets, there was no shortage of swag. Our team are always expanding their knowledge and collected a variety of brochures from destinations such as WATO, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka and we’re super excited to explore these options for future client trips.
Some of the booths had exciting giveaways as well, including raffles for free stays at luxury resorts, trips to Brazil and discounts on tours. The competition for these prizes was fierce, but the excitement made for great networking opportunities and added an extra layer of fun to the event.
While the panels and exhibits were certainly informative, the real magic of WTM is the opportunity to connect with people. Whether it was a casual conversation over coffee or a deep dive into a specific destination with an exhibitor, we made valuable connections that will shape how we offer travel experiences in the future.
One of the most memorable interactions was with a travel expert from Japan, who shared her insight into the growing interest in wellness tourism. We learned about the many wellness resorts in Japan that focus on traditional practices like zen meditation, tea ceremonies, and hot spring baths.
The event really reinforced how travel can be a bridge to cultural understanding. We left WTM not only with new ideas for trips and products but also with a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our world.
A Bright Future for Travel
The World Travel Market London 2024 was an invaluable experience for our agency, providing us with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and a wealth of inspiration. We’re returning to the office with an even greater enthusiasm for our work, excited to bring new travel opportunities to our clients. From the latest industry trends to the insights shared by global experts, WTM gave us a deeper understanding of the future of travel and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
Roamie Bear may have stolen the spotlight, but the true takeaway from WTM was the sense of community and collaboration that defines the travel industry. We’re already looking forward to next year, where we’ll continue to learn, connect, and explore new ways to help our clients roam the world.
Happy Travels, From Moohn! x
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