With a focus on shaping the next generation of tourism investment, leading government and business leaders from the industry are expected to meet in London, as part of the annual Ministerial Meeting of the World Travel Market (WTM) London, which will take place on Tuesday 4 November.
The Meeting, held in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), will be moderated by Christian Fraser, BBC News’ Chief Presenter. This year’s event, the 19th in a row, will be hosted in the new Maritime Suite – George V Room 1, part of the recent expansion of the ExCeL London exhibition centre, and is expected to be the most dynamic to date.
Last year, more than 50 Tourism Ministers attended the Summit – a record number, representing a 12% increase on 2023. This growth reflects the overall growth in WTM London attendance, which in 2025 is expected to be the largest in the event’s 45-year history.
This year’s theme, “Reimagining Tourism Investment Models: Building Next-Generation Incentives”, focuses on shaping innovative investment models and new incentive tools for tourism. The discussion will examine ways to integrate new technologies to develop markets, link investment to national economic transformation strategies, and diversify investment for long-term resilience.
As the organizers point out, global tourism is at a pivotal point of transformation, and this year’s Summit aims to chart concrete steps towards a transition from traditional, service-centric investment models to more strategic and sustainable approaches.
Alongside the Ministerial Summit, the programme on Tuesday 4 November will include the Sustainability and Geoeconomics Summits, as well as the launch of the WTM Global Travel Report. The Technology and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion) Summits will follow the following day, while the final day of WTM London will culminate in the Marketing Summit, the ITT Future You Forum and the Closing Ceremony, with another unannounced special guest.
Chris Carter-Chapman, Director of WTM London, said:
“As the world’s most influential travel exhibition, we are proud to host the Ministerial Summit for another year. “WTM London plays a key role in shaping policy and discussing the key issues affecting global tourism. As the industry adapts to challenges such as conflict and climate change, but also to the opportunities offered by technology, it is important that we work together and harness tourism as a force for good.”
