World Travel Market (WTM) 2011 has been voted UKinbound’s Industry Event of the Year at the association’s annual convention Gala Dinner for the second year in succession.

The awards, which took place at the association’s annual convention in Belfast

World Travel Market triumphed in the Event of the Year category.

WTM 2011 experienced a 5 percent rise in visitors to more than 28,000 visitors (28,183) compared to 26,908 that attended WTM 2010. The 2011 rise cemented the massive 10 percent increase in visitors WTM 2010 experienced compared to WTM 2009.

New exhibitors from the UK included tour operator Thomas Cook Sport, tourist attraction the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Visit Guernsey, Windermere Lake Cruises, and hotel operator Millennium&Copthorne Hotels.

The first day of World Travel Market 2011 was a resounding success with exhibitor invitations visitors up a massive 14 percent on WTM 2010.

Furthermore, 204 of the exhibitor invitees buyers and 457 exhibitors took part in the highly successful Speed Networking session, which took place for the first time before the exhibition opened to allow even more time for exhibitors and buyers from WTM Meridian Club to negotiate and conclude deals at WTM 2011.

World Travel Market Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “I am delighted WTM was voted UKinbound’s Event of the Year for the second year in a row.

“WTM 2011 was a great success with 183 new exhibitors and a 5 percent annual increase in the number of visitors, building firmly on the success of WTM 2010.

“Recognition from the UKinbound’s members – who are some of the event’s key exhibitors and visitors – demonstrates what a great event for the industry WTM 2011 was.”