World Travel Market 2013 will generate £453m of business for exhibitors in its Global Village region, reveals independent research.

The Global Village covers travel and tourism businesses with a global presence, such as major hotel chains, industry organisations, educational institutions and car hire companies.

Independent analysis by Fusion Communications of the WTM 2013 Global Village region reveals £453m of contracts will be generated, either through deals signed at the event with WTM Buyers’ Club members or from further negotiations which will conclude before the start of WTM 2014.

The 2013 business generated figure of £453m represents a double-digit percentage increase on 2012’s return of £410m.

New exhibitors in the Global Village for 2013 included UK-based city card specialist Groundline Enterprises and Canadian poolside security device manufacturer Pool Safe Inc.

Global Village exhibitors were strongly represented at the WTM Speed Networking events on the Monday and Thursday of WTM 2013.

On the Monday exhibitors took advantage of the chance to meet contacts briefly before the event opened and arrange a more detailed discussion later.

While on the Thursday exhibitors were able to tie up those last minute deals and meet buyers they hadn’t spoken to over the first three days of WTM.

Overall WTM 2013 will generate £2.2bn of business for all exhibitors before WTM 2014 opens on November 3.

The 2014 Global Village region has also signed several new exhibitors in January, including Maltese accommodation agency Busyrooms and international B2B group specialist G2 Travel.

Returning to the Global Village with increased stand space are Travco and Special Tours.