Global travel leaders unite in London to shape the future of tourism through innovation, sustainability and technology

Posted on November 1, 2025

The global tourism community is gearing up for one of the most impactful gatherings of the year as the World Travel Market (WTM) opens its doors from 4-6 November at ExCeL London. This prestigious event will bring together approximately 4,150 exhibitors from every continent and more than 46,000 professionals representing the entire travel ecosystem – from destination councils and tour operators to travel technology innovators and global investors.

WTM 2025 is one of the “Big Three” international travel fairs, alongside FITUR and ITB, serving as a cornerstone for cooperation, innovation and strategic development in the tourism and hospitality industries. Over the course of three days, the event will host more than 100 dynamic sessions, including 79 conferences, all focused on important global topics such as sustainability, technological innovation, diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI), and the growing influence of geoeconomics on travel trends.

A global stage for innovation and leadership

This year’s edition highlights travel technology as a key driver of the industry’s evolution. More than 115 travel technology companies are set to present their latest products, services and digital solutions designed to reshape how people experience and book travel. Panel discussions and expert discussions will delve into business model transformation, AI integration and the future of digital tourism.

Among the most awaited sessions “Meet the Founders: Inside the Journey to Building, Funding, and Scaling Innovation in Travel” Which will bring together pioneers who have turned wise ideas into successful global platforms. Their insights will highlight the financing, scaling and innovation challenges startups face as they navigate the increasingly competitive travel market.

Another highlight of the event is the conference titled “Artificial Intelligence is the enemy of travel” Industry experts will examine the risks of AI automation in travel, exploring where technology enhances efficiency and where human insight remains irreplaceable. The discussion will focus on the delicate balance between technological advancement and authenticity that travelers seek in their experiences.

Exploring geopolitical shifts and tourism

Reflecting the complex global landscape, World Travel Expo 2025 will also include discussions on geopolitics and its impact on travel flows. session “The New Forces of Travel: How Global Geopolitical Shifts Are Reshaping Tourism Flows and Demand” It will explore how emerging markets, evolving trade alliances and changes in international policies are shaping global tourism patterns. As global travelers increasingly prioritize meaningful, authentic and value-based experiences, industry leaders will examine how destinations can adapt to meet these expectations while leveraging technology to enhance engagement and personalization.

Highlighting the creativity economy

In addition to technology and politics, World Travel Expo 2025 will highlight the rise of the travel creator economy – an expanding sector that continues to redefine marketing, storytelling and consumer engagement in tourism. Painting “Content Business: Harnessing the $250B+ Travel Creator Economy in 2026” It will explore how digital innovators have become pivotal in influencing travel decisions. The discussion will highlight the growing trend of brands shifting from one-off influencer collaborations to long-term partnerships that provide measurable value, brand trust and community connection.

As content creation becomes an integral part of destination marketing and product discovery, this session will emphasize the symbiotic relationship between creators, travel brands and consumers in shaping the next era of global tourism.

Center for global cooperation

More than just an exhibition, WTM 2025 serves as a powerful meeting point for global tourism professionals to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and identify innovations shaping the future of the industry. With the participation of travel technology companies, hospitality leaders, airlines, national tourism boards and destination management companies, the event reinforces London’s position as a center for international cooperation and business opportunities.

From sustainability to digital transformation, the global travel market continues to lead the conversation on how travel can evolve responsibly and intelligently in an era of changing consumer expectations and geopolitical complexity. As the global travel industry gathers in London, World Travel Expo 2025 stands as a testament to the power of connectivity, creativity and forward-thinking in building a more resilient and inclusive global tourism landscape.

Technology-based travel in the global travel market

After launching the new luxury travel chapter, GoNexus Group will have two pavilions in the global travel market: one in the S7 area and the other for the NexusCube market, the company’s market, in the S4 area. “The World Travel Market is the perfect stage to connect with our global partners and share our vision for the future of travel.” – States Ruben Gutierrez, President, GoNexus Group. “With our technology, we continue to enable destination management companies (DMCs) around the world to seamlessly connect with global travel partners, creating a more integrated and dynamic ecosystem. We remain committed to changing the way the world travels through innovation, collaboration and service excellence.”

For Daryl Lee, this year’s edition will be his first stock market run as CEO of Dida Holdings Group. More than 50 delegates will represent the company at the travel fair and its booth in the S4 area will highlight the next stage of Dida’s evolution as an AI-first travel technology group. “The Global Travel Market provides an ideal opportunity to connect with our partners and discuss innovation and technology. It will also allow us to explore how we can continue to shape the future of global travel distribution together.” – He explains to me.

Atcore, Orchestra, Tigerbay, Traffics, Travel Compositor, Travel Connection Technology, Travelgate, Travelsoft Services, Eventiz and Travolution will be present at the booth of Travelsoft, its holding company, in area S3. “The Global Travel Market is a prime opportunity to exchange ideas on industry trends, explore new business opportunities, and demonstrate how our latest innovations, like the Travel Compositor suite engine, are transforming travel technology,” he says. Christian SabbaghFounder and CEO of Travelsoft and Orchestra. “This event reflects Travelsoft’s commitment to uniting technology, content and community to empower travel professionals around the world.”

For Robert Goldsmith, COO of InterLnkd, winner of the WTM Start-up Pitch Battle competition in 2023, “This event is a great opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and identify new industry trends in travel technology.” Goldsmith looks forward to learning more about how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) are finding new ways to reach new customers, as well as innovative new ancillary products and services.

“The global travel market is the ideal place to identify new movers to try to launch new initiatives in the travel sector” – comments Matthias Ohlhagen, Commercial Director at Trava. “I also find that exploring the situations of our suppliers, customers and competitors can be very exciting. Of course, connecting with old colleagues and industry friends is a great bonus!”