Flanders has been confirmed as the Premier Partner at World Travel Market in London for 2013 and 2014.

This will ensure that Flanders will feature as a “guest region” at WTM for the next two years, at one of the most important tourism exhibitions in Europe.

Flemish minister for tourism, Geert Bourgeonis said: “I am delighted with the exclusive co-operation agreement which has just been signed by Tourism Flanders and the organisers of WTM, Reed Exhibitions.

“This provides an ideal position to present ‘2014-2018 the Great War Centenary’ to the attention of the travel industry.

“With this agreement we will also look forward to promoting a greater awareness of Flanders and Brussels as a tourism destination.”

More than 48,000 international tourism professionals visit WTM annually.

WTM 2011 facilitated a massive £1,653 million in business deals for travel and tourism exhibitors over the four days.

Furthermore, WTM is the most important trade fair in the world for English speaking markets and Commonwealth countries.

Each year, WTM focuses on one specific country or region to promote its “Premier Partnership”. 

Last year, Abu Dhabi had this opportunity.

“We are very proud to become the new Premier Partner at WTM for the next two editions.

“As Britain and the Commonwealth are the most important foreign target groups for the remembrance of The Great War Centenary, it is strategically very beneficial for Tourism Flanders to be able to deploy such a large promotional tool via this partnership, over the next couple of years at WTM,” Bourgeonis added.

Tourism Flanders will use its position as the Premier Partner primarily to bring “2014-2018, The Great War Centenary” to attention in its association with the international travel industry.

There will be a particular focus on the English speaking markets and the Commonwealth countries to promote this project.