World Travel Market London 2026: Empowering First Timer’s Guide for Bloggers & Creators
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Planning on attending World Travel Market London (WTM) for the very first time from 3–5 November 2026? How exciting!
Two years ago, a fellow travel creator friend asked me, “Are you going to WTM this year?”. The embarrassing truth was that I had no idea what WTM even was… despite creating travel content for years.
In November 2024, I found myself at the world’s largest travel and tourism event, completely unprepared. I didn’t have any meetings lined up, only registered a few days before, and massively underestimated the importance of in-person networking.
The good news is that, although I showed up underprepared, I learned a ton.
To spare you from making the same mistakes, I’m sharing those lessons, covering everything from what to pack, how to plan your schedule, network effectively, and make the most of WTM’s events — so you can walk into World Travel Market London feeling confident and ready to make the most of it!
WTM London at a Glance
📅 Dates: 3-5 November 2026
📍 Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL
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Before World Travel Market London 2026: How to Prepare as a First-Timer
Plan Your Agenda in Advance
WTM is huge, with over 46,000 attendees from 180+ countries and thousands of exhibitors. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you don’t plan ahead.
Review the exhibitor list and highlight destinations, tourism boards, and PR agencies that align with your niche.
Don’t forget to schedule in the “fun” side of WTM, too. Beyond meetings, there are keynotes, panel discussions, press conferences, cultural performances, and food tastings (lifesaver if you want to skip the long queues at the pricey ExCel cafés!) happening throughout the day.
They are great opportunities to learn about emerging travel trends, discover new destinations, and connect with fellow attendees.
→ Tip: Print your schedule or download the WTM app so you can quickly glance at what’s next. Wi-Fi inside ExCel was pretty patchy last year!
Schedule Your Meetings Strategically
Once your registration is approved, you’ll gain access to WTM Connect Me: a networking tool where you can set up your profile, browse exhibitors, build your event agenda, and schedule meetings through the “Find People” tab.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the filters to target those interested in meeting influencers or media. It’s the most effective way to connect with the right people.
Plan your meetings strategically across the first two days and study the floor plan. ExCel London is massive, and running from one end to the other for back-to-back meetings is a rookie mistake I’ve made.
Here’s an example of how you might structure your days, based on last year’s floor plan (the new one might be different):
Day 1: Asia in the morning, Europe in the afternoon
Day 2: Africa & Middle East in the morning, Americas in the afternoon
Day 3: The final day tends to be much quieter and perfect for last-minute meetings or spontaneous booth visits.
By this point, many booths are already packing up, and you can sense that most people are running low on energy after two full days of networking and socialising.
Do Your Homework
Before your meetings, research each destination’s objectives, values, and plans for the upcoming season. Coming to your meeting prepared and tailoring your ideas to their focus shows initiative and makes your pitch memorable.
Pack Smart for WTM London
My first year, I didn’t bring enough snacks and by 2 p.m. I was a hangry mess standing in a 30-minute overpriced coffee queue (before I realised there was free coffee in the Media Centre…). Don’t be me.
Here’s my WTM Survival Kit for Bloggers & Creators:
- Your printed WTM badge (and don’t worry if you forget, there are printers on-site for emergencies!)
- Laptop & Phone
- Power bank (for multiple devices — an absolute must!)
- Notebook & pen (for jotting down quick meeting notes or brilliant pitch ideas)
- Business cards (I recommend Canva for design — it offers so many creative ways to make your card stand out. I thought a QR code would be enough, but traditional business cards are still invaluable at WTM!)
- Reusable water bottle
- Healthy snacks (currently loving Deliciously Ella oat bars, made with 100% natural ingredients!)
- Deodorant & lip balm
- Comfy shoes (you’ll walk miles each day)
- Umbrella (because, well…you’re in London)
- A genuine smile 🙂
→ Tip: If it’s not too cold (I actually found it pretty mild and manageable), skip the coat! I made the mistake of bringing one on the first day and ended up queuing for 30 minutes to collect it; then another 20 minutes for the Elizabeth Line, which made me miss my evening event. If you really need to bring one, try picking it up around 4 PM before everyone starts leaving.
Leverage #WTMLDN on Social Media
One of the few wins I had as a total newbie was jumping on the #WTMLDN hashtag on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads. I shared a post saying I’d be at WTM and, to my surprise, scored several last-minute meetings as a result.
Can you spot me in the WTM 2024 highlight reel below?
→ Tip: Start engaging with the hashtag weeks before WTM. Comment on exhibitor posts, connect with PRs, and let people know you’ll be there. By the time you walk into ExCel, you’ll already feel like you “know” people.
During World Travel Market London 2026: How to Maximise Your Time
Treat WTM Like a Travel Adventure
Even if your schedule isn’t packed, don’t panic. Wander the stalls, chat casually with exhibitors, and enjoy the cultural showcases.
At WTM, you really can truly “travel” the entire world in just three days: from traditional dance and music performances, to immersive VR experiences (last year, I virtually climbed Mount Kinabalu in Borneo after missing it during our Southeast Asia career break!), to food and drink tastings.
Find the Right Contact & Perfect Your Pitch
If you approach a stand without an appointment, ask to speak with the PR representative. They’re typically the ones handling creator collaborations, and you’ll rarely find them stationed at the booth.
Have your 30-second elevator pitch ready: who you are, what you do, and what excites you about a destination.
To make it memorable, add a personal or quirky story if you can. For example, I like to share the one about my boyfriend walking into a tourism office in Greece and cheerfully shouting “Calamari!” — genuinely believing he was saying good morning (“kalimera”). It’s lighthearted, human, and the kind of story people actually remember.
Oh, and don’t forget to collect their contact info and business cards. I know it sounds obvious, but trust me, it all happens so fast!
Take Notes & Ask the Right Questions
Bring a notebook or use a notes app to write down key points right after each meeting. I skipped doing this at first and couldn’t remember half of what was said (you meet so many people over these three days, and it’s hard to keep track!).
Ask questions like:
- How do you usually work with bloggers and creators?
- Do you have upcoming campaigns or budgets allocated?
- What destinations/values are you promoting next year?
→ Tip: Listen just as much, if not more, than you talk. The more you understand their goals for the upcoming year, the better you can position yourself as the solution.
Have your website, Instagram, and media kit ready to share, along with a few blog post examples such as a hotel review, itinerary, or round-up from a previous press trip.
Don’t Miss Happy Hours & Networking Lunches
Some of my best connections have come from happy hours, when everyone’s relaxed, sharing food and drinks.
It’s also the perfect setting to finally meet long-time “Instagram” friends in real life!
Make sure to check the official agenda closer to November and sign up for the inaugural WTM Influencers’ Lunch in the Media Centre on the final day.
This is a must for travel bloggers and creators looking to network and make meaningful connections.
After World Travel Market London 2026: Turning Connections into Partnerships
Treat Yourself to Some Rest
Don’t underestimate how exhausting WTM can be, especially if you’re attending all three days, hopping between networking events, and enjoying happy hours. You’ll be completely drained from all the socialising (in the best way, because it’s super exciting!).
Make sure to get enough rest, catch up on some sleep, or indulge in a quintessential London Afternoon Tea before you head home — you deserve it!
Follow Up at the Right Time
The real magic happens after WTM. My biggest mistake? Following up too soon — or not at all.
Everyone’s exhausted post-WTM: travelling back home, battling jetlag, and very likely drowning in emails.
From my experience, about a week post-event hits the sweet spot for follow-ups. It gives people enough time to settle back in, but not so long that they forget your meeting (and it gives you a chance to fine-tune your pitch emails!).
Send Your Media Kit and Tailored Pitches
Don’t just send a generic “it was nice meeting you” email. Instead, reference something specific from your conversation so they remember you right away.
Attach your media kit with testimonials and examples of past successful partnerships, and include one or two campaign ideas that align with their goals.
Keep in mind that everyone meets hundreds and sometimes even thousands of people during those three days, so a personal, tailored follow-up is what makes you stand out from the crowd.
Stay Connected Beyond WTM
Add your new contacts on LinkedIn, engage with their social media posts, and nurture those relationships. Some collaborations take months (or even years) to come through.
FAQ: World Travel Market London 2026
Final Thoughts on Attending WTM for the First Time
I hope this guide leaves you feeling confident and ready for your first visit to World Travel Market London 2026, whether you’re a travel blogger, content creator, or influencer — or all three!
It’s such an exciting opportunity to grow your network, make new industry friends, and build partnerships that can shape your future travels.
Go in with an open mind and a curious spirit, just like you would when you travel. You might not land a press trip instantly, but the seeds you plant at WTM can turn into successful collaborations in the future.
So pack your comfiest shoes, polish your pitch, and I’ll see you at ExCel London this November!
Heading to World Travel Market London 2026 this November? Whether you’re a fellow creator, a tourism board, or a PR agency, I can’t wait to connect! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know which “country” I should come find you in.
