Reflections on a successful World Travel Market
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dhewitt@abta.co.uk Thu, 11/06/2025 - 15:41
As another busy World Travel Market comes to a close, I’m filled with optimism for the future of our industry.
WTM is a time to connect with other travel professionals and to see what’s new in the world of tourism. The energy across the halls was unmistakable: purposeful meetings, fresh partnerships, and thought-provoking discussions that reflected both the challenges and the many opportunities ahead.
I had meetings with tourism politicians and officials from around the world, including with the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism. At our meeting I was very honoured to be awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic – testimony to the very strong relationship that exists between the Spanish ministry and ABTA, built over many years, to further the interests of members, customers and the Spanish tourism industry.
It was also great to welcome many members and Partners to the ABTA Lounge this year. We hosted a range of sessions across the three days highlighting our 75th anniversary, exclusive insights from our Holiday Habits report, developments on EES, becoming an ABTA member and developing talent for travel. I hope that those who joined us in the lounge came away feeling informed and inspired.
WTM is a reminder of the strong community we have in the travel industry. This is important, especially when responding to events such as Hurricane Melissa. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the devastation. As recovery efforts continue, our members have been working hard to support customers affected by the hurricane. The work of the ABTA destinations team is vital, and this recent crisis shows the importance and value of our crisis response service for members.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive
Continue reading...
Full Page image
dhewitt@abta.co.uk Thu, 11/06/2025 - 15:41
As another busy World Travel Market comes to a close, I’m filled with optimism for the future of our industry.
WTM is a time to connect with other travel professionals and to see what’s new in the world of tourism. The energy across the halls was unmistakable: purposeful meetings, fresh partnerships, and thought-provoking discussions that reflected both the challenges and the many opportunities ahead.
I had meetings with tourism politicians and officials from around the world, including with the Spanish Secretary of State for Tourism. At our meeting I was very honoured to be awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic – testimony to the very strong relationship that exists between the Spanish ministry and ABTA, built over many years, to further the interests of members, customers and the Spanish tourism industry.
It was also great to welcome many members and Partners to the ABTA Lounge this year. We hosted a range of sessions across the three days highlighting our 75th anniversary, exclusive insights from our Holiday Habits report, developments on EES, becoming an ABTA member and developing talent for travel. I hope that those who joined us in the lounge came away feeling informed and inspired.
WTM is a reminder of the strong community we have in the travel industry. This is important, especially when responding to events such as Hurricane Melissa. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the devastation. As recovery efforts continue, our members have been working hard to support customers affected by the hurricane. The work of the ABTA destinations team is vital, and this recent crisis shows the importance and value of our crisis response service for members.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive
Continue reading...
