Your Complete Guide to WTM London 2025: World Travel Market at ExCeL

Welcome to one of the most important events in the travel industry. Every November, thousands of travel professionals gather for WTM London, the world’s leading travel trade show. Held at ExCeL London, this three-day event shapes the future of global tourism.

Whether you’re attending World Travel Market for the first time or you’re a seasoned WTM exhibitor, this guide will help you make the most of your time at ExCeL.

When and Where is WTM November 2025?

Dates: WTM London takes place 4-6 November 2025

Location: ExCeL London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL

Opening Hours:

  • 4 and 5 November: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • 6 November: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (typically a quieter day)

World Travel Market ExCeL is the venue that hosts this annual gathering of the global travel trade.

Getting Registered for WTM

Your first step is registration. Head to the official WTM London website and complete your details.

Is WTM London free to attend?

Yes, but only if you register early. Free tickets are available for a limited time through the early bird registration period. After this deadline passes, ticket prices increase in phases as the event approaches. There is no over-the-counter registration at ExCeL, so you must book online in advance.

Key registration points:

  • Register during the early bird period to get free entry to World Travel Market
  • Each attendee needs a unique email address to receive their badge
  • Prices increase significantly after free registration closes
  • No walk-up registration is available at the venue

Tourwriter customers: If you’re a Tourwriter customer or prospective user, contact our team about helping you secure free badges for WTM London 2025.

If you are in London for the event and need somewhere to work, Tourwriter would love to host you! We have a lovely office on the strand, with free-flowing barista coffee and state-of-the-art working spaces.

The Secret to WTM Travel Success: Pre-Booking Meetings

Here’s what separates those who get real value from those who just wander the halls at World Travel Market WTM: pre-booked meetings.

Last year’s WTM saw over 34,000 scheduled meetings, and WTM London 2025 is expected to be even bigger. The Connect Me portal is your tool for making this happen at ExCeL WTM.

How the WTM Connect Portal works:

After WTM registration, you’ll receive login credentials for the Connect Me platform. This is where the magic happens:

  1. Complete your profile thoroughly for the World Travel Market
  2. Search for relevant contacts using filters for region, product, or service
  3. Send meeting requests early (slots fill up fast at WTM November)
  4. Build your WTM schedule and sync it to your phone
  5. Show up on time at ExCeL and follow up afterwards

Pro tips for WTM travel planning:

  • Start requesting meetings as soon as you get WTM access
  • Use a laptop, not just your phone, for easier navigation of the World Travel Market portal
  • Check your spam folder for WTM invitations
  • Book in a meeting with Tourwriter
  • Keep some flexible time between meetings at ExCeL WTM for unexpected opportunities + to for coffee and lunch!

Some users report the portal can be clunky, with occasional login delays or confusing filters. The key is to start your WTM planning early and be persistent.

Getting to ExCeL for WTM London

ExCeL London sits in East London’s Royal Victoria Dock area. Your best transport options for reaching World Travel Market:

  • Elizabeth Line to Custom House station (connects directly to ExCeL WTM)
  • DLR to Custom House or Prince Regent
  • Bus and river services also available

Full travel directions are available on the ExCeL London website.

If you’re driving to WTM, book parking in advance. Traffic builds quickly during World Travel Market November, so give yourself extra time to reach ExCeL.

Where to Stay During WTM London

Accommodation near ExCeL: Book a hotel within walking distance of the World Travel Market venue if possible. You’ll save time and energy during the three days of WTM. Check the WTM London website for special accommodation rates.

Food during WTM: Start your day well-fueled. ExCeL has food options during the World Travel Market, but nearby Docklands offers plenty of restaurants for evening networking. Keep healthy snacks on hand to maintain your energy throughout long WTM days. If you really want to treat yourself, grab the tube down to Roe in Woodbridge Wharf for a Royale with Cheese and check out this newly developed area of London, complete with green spaces and a swimming pool in the Thames.

WTM London 2025 Theme: Reimagining Travel in a Changing World

The World Travel Market 2025 theme reflects the industry’s current challenges and opportunities. Key conference tracks at WTM include:

  • Sustainability in tourism
  • Travel technology innovations
  • Marketing and brand storytelling
  • Global policy and economics

Align your WTM meetings and session choices with these WorldTravelMarket themes to have more meaningful conversations at ExCeL.

Networking Beyond the Show Floor

WTM week offers valuable networking opportunities and time for connection and reflection. Tourwriter are hosting a wine tasting on stand with Saint Clair wines, and The Adventure Connection are hosting the WTM 2025 Annual Networking Drinks at TOCA Social, The O2. These industry gatherings let you connect with travel professionals in a more relaxed setting, away from the busy ExCeL floor. Many deals and partnerships start over drinks rather than in formal meetings.

Making the Most of Your WTM Market Experience

Before WTM London:

  • Set clear goals for World Travel Market (e.g., “meet five potential partners” or “identify new technology solutions”)
  • Study the ExCeL floor plan
  • Research who you want to meet at World Travel Market WTM
  • If you are a luxury tour operator or DMC researching technology solutions, book a meeting with Tourwriter

During the WTM event:

After WTM November:

  • Follow up within 48 hours with your World Travel Market contacts
  • Connect on LinkedIn with specific references to your WTM conversation
  • Review your notes and plan next steps from the World Travel Market

Practical Essentials for WTM Travel

Weather in WTM November: London averages 8-13°C in November. Bring layers and waterproof outerwear for your trip to ExCeL.

Accessibility at World Travel Market: ExCeL offers step-free access, assistance points, accessible facilities, and hearing loops in main theatres during WTM.

Entry to WTM London: You must book your badge in advance. There’s no on-the-door admission to World Travel Market ExCeL.

Why WTM Matters: Growth Since WTM London 2022

The World Travel Market has grown significantly since WTM London 2022 and earlier editions. From a small gathering, WTM has become a global powerhouse representing over 180 countries. Understanding how the World Travel Market has evolved from WTM London 2022 to today helps you appreciate the scale of this November event and prepare accordingly.

WTM November attracts the global travel trade because it’s where deals get made, trends emerge, and relationships form that shape the travel industry for the year ahead.

Your WTM Action Plan

Success at WTM London comes down to preparation and follow-through:

  1. Register for World Travel Market now
  2. Log into the ExCeL WTM Connect Me portal immediately
  3. Start booking WTM meetings
  4. Plan your travel to ExCeL and accommodation
  5. Set clear objectives for World Travel Market
  6. Show up with energy and purpose at WTM November
  7. Follow up diligently after the World Travel Market

This isn’t just another trade show. WTM is where the global travel industry comes together. World Travel Market ExCeL is where your business can transform. Make your WTM travel count.

Whether you’re preparing for your first World Travel Market or building on experience from WTM London 2022, proper planning is key. Use the Connect Me portal, book your meetings early, and arrive at ExCeL ready to engage with the WorldTravelMarket community.

Ready to maximise your WTM experience?

We will see you there! 

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