World Travel Market 2012 experienced an overall accumulative three per cent increase in visitors, with each of the four days attracting more visitors than in 2011.

Overall WTM 2012 attracted almost 29,000 travel trade visitors, reveal unaudited figures.

The first day of WTM 2012, on November 5th, was a resounding success with exhibitor invitation visitors up five per cent on last year’s event.

The Monday of WTM is an exhibitor Invite-only day with the aim of allowing exhibitors to hold discussions and negotiations with those buyers that they want to conduct business with.

The Monday morning Speed Networking session was a great success with a record number of both exhibitors (498) and WTM Meridian Club buyers (210) discussing business deals before the exhibition floor opened.

The second day experienced a one per cent increase on the second day of last year’s event.

Tuesday is the busiest day of WTM as it is the first day the event is open to the whole industry following on from the exhibitor-invite only policy on the Monday. 

Wednesday November 7th saw a massive nine per cent visitor increase, compared to the equivalent day the previous year.

The final day of WTM saw a one per cent increase compared to the same day at WTM 2011, with Thursday Speed Networking – introduced this year to facilitate post-WTM business deals - attracting 372 exhibitors and 100 senior buyers form the WTM Meridian Club.

Reed Travel Exhibitions director World Travel Market, Simon Press, said: “I am delighted with WTM’s unaudited visitor figures.

“Every single day experienced an increase in visitors, which demonstrates how WTM delivers for its exhibitors.

“WTM 2011 facilitated an impressive £1,653 million in industry deals.

“I am confident that the increased visitor numbers alongside the success of the Speed Networking events will see WTM 2012 responsible for almost £2,000 million in travel deals.”