The World Travel Market (WTM) London is back from 5-7 November 2024, offering a crucial platform for tourism professionals worldwide. African tourism professionals, in particular, can leverage this event to promote their destinations, network with key industry players, and stay updated on the latest trends. To get the most out of WTM, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly, engage actively during the event, and follow up effectively afterward. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a productive and successful experience at WTM London 2024.
Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
1. Define Clear Objectives
Before attending, set well-defined goals. Whether you aim to attract new clients, secure partnerships, or raise brand awareness for African destinations, these objectives will guide your strategy. Key questions to consider:
- Are you targeting potential business partners from Europe or beyond?
- Are you showcasing unique African tourism offerings like safaris, cultural tourism, or eco-tourism?
- Are you focusing on promoting sustainable tourism or luxury travel?
2. Research Attendees
Utilize the event’s online platform to research potential contacts and exhibitors. Focus on:
- National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and regional tourism boards.
- Tour operators and travel agents specializing in African tourism.
- Journalists, bloggers, and influencers with a focus on Africa.
- Partners in sectors like adventure travel, eco-tourism, or luxury travel.
This research will help you prioritize the key individuals and organizations you should connect with during the event.
3. Schedule Meetings in Advance
Use WTM’s meeting booking system to arrange appointments with important contacts ahead of time. Secure meetings with key collaborators or potential partners before the event to avoid the rush of last-minute networking.
4. Plan Attendance at Educational Sessions
Review the agenda to identify seminars, workshops, and panels relevant to your goals. For African tourism professionals, sessions on sustainable tourism, digital marketing, and global tourism trends could provide valuable insights to strengthen your strategy.
Active Participation: Maximizing Your Time at WTM
- Be Equipped for Networking
- Bring plenty of business cards: Ensure you have ample networking and contact-sharing business cards.
- Prepare an elevator pitch: Summarize your business, highlighting why African tourism stands out. Tailor your message to emphasize your unique offerings, whether safaris, cultural experiences, or eco-friendly tourism.
- Engage in conversations: Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to others. Ask open-ended questions to learn more about their businesses and share relevant information about yours.
- Explore Exhibition Booths
Make time to visit the exhibition booths, particularly those promoting destinations similar to yours. Observing how others market their products will help you gather ideas to enhance your strategies and differentiate your offerings.
- Leverage Networking Events
WTM hosts social events and networking sessions that provide informal settings for forging relationships. These gatherings offer opportunities to explore collaborations, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional ties. Attend as many of these events as possible, especially those focused on African tourism.
- Engage in Educational Sessions
Take part in the educational workshops and keynotes that align with your interests. Topics like sustainability, digital marketing strategies, and future tourism trends will keep you ahead of industry changes and help you innovate your approach to tourism marketing.
Post-Event: Building Long-Term Relationships
- Follow Up on Connections
After WTM, reach out to the contacts you’ve made. Send personalized follow-up emails or LinkedIn messages to continue the conversation and explore collaboration opportunities. Make sure to follow up with:
- Potential partners: Discuss possible business collaborations.
- New clients: Provide more detailed information about your offerings.
- Media contacts: Offer additional resources or pitch stories to keep African tourism in the spotlight.
- Leverage Social Media for Continued Engagement
Stay engaged with your new contacts on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Share updates about your business, post about your WTM experience, and continue building relationships online. Follow WTM London 2024 hashtags to stay informed about trending topics and upcoming opportunities.
- Evaluate Your Experience
Once the event is over, review your overall performance. Assess whether you met your initial goals, and which sessions or networking opportunities yielded the most value. Use this information to improve your strategy for future events.
Key Tips for African Tourism Professionals at WTM London 2024
- Promote Africa’s Unique Selling Points: Whether it’s safaris, cultural heritage, or eco-tourism, Africa offers distinctive travel experiences. Highlight the natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and diverse tourism products your region has to offer.
- Emphasize Sustainability: Given the growing global focus on responsible travel, promoting your sustainable tourism initiatives can help attract a wide audience. Whether through wildlife conservation or community-based tourism, showcasing Africa’s commitment to responsible tourism will resonate with environmentally conscious travelers.
- Forge Strategic Partnerships: Seek collaborations with tech platforms, marketing agencies, and tourism boards to expand your reach. Strategic partnerships can open doors to new markets in Europe, North America, and beyond.
Experience WTM 2024 and Enjoy London!
As you network and learn, don’t forget to take in the sights of London. Explore its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture to unwind after the event. Embrace the opportunities WTM London 2024 offers and enjoy the journey!
Let us know if you would like to meet the Cada Digital team at WTM London. Email us at info@cadadigital.co.uk
Photo credit: WTM London
