The tourism industries in Greece, Egypt and Turkey could be getting back on track, according to the WTM Industry Report 2016 released today (Monday 7 November) at World Travel Market London.
More than 2,000 buyers and exhibitors were polled for the report, with half the global sample saying they are planning to have conversations with suppliers from Egypt, Greece or Turkey.
The three destinations’ tourism industries have been hit hard by a combination of political uncertainty and terrorist attacks over the past few years, prompting many travel companies to withdraw from or severely limit their presence.
However, this could be about to change, with 37% of the total sample looking to talk to Greek businesses, 29% looking to talk to Turkish suppliers and 17% heading toward the Egypt stands.
And it appears as if many buyers have already decided that they are willing to sign on the dotted line, with eight out of ten expecting to confirm deals. Eight out of ten buyers having talks with Turkish, Greek and Egyptian exhibitors plan on signing contracts (80%, 80% and 78% respectively).
Tunisia is another destination whose tourism industry has been hit, and its recovery is taking longer to materialise but there are early signs of a shift in sentiment. While only 8% of the sample are looking to talk to representatives, more than 70% of those are expecting to sign a deal.
World Travel Market, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “After a difficult couple of years, the signs are that Egypt, Greece and Turkey are back on the agenda, while Tunisia is starting to turn the corner.
“The WTM Industry Report talks to people who have the power to sign deals and the high proportion of potential buyers interested in having conversations with suppliers from these destinations is a great positive.”
WTM London is the event where the travel and tourism industry conducts its business deals. Buyers from the WTM Buyers’ Club have a combined purchasing responsibility of $22.6 billion (£15.8bn) and sign deals at the event worth $3.6 billion (£2.5bn). The annual gathering of 50,000 senior travel industry professionals takes place at ExCeL – London from Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 November 2016.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
