The World Travel Market London (WTM London) international travel trade show, one of the most prestigious and recognized events of Europe’s travel industry, celebrated its 40th edition. 14 sub-exhibitors presented their offer as part of the Polish national stand. The three-day event took place on 4-6 November.

The opening of the national stand involved Anna Krupka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, and Robert Andrzejczyk, President of Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna - POT). This year delegates of 12 regions, cities and tour operators showcased their offer on an area of more than 200 m2. Once again the London event involved representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, who encouraged British travelers to spend their holidays in the Polish countryside, and medical industry entrepreneurs, who focused on the portfolio of Polish health resorts and spas.

“As in previous year, the Polish presence at WTM was dominated by the leitmotifs of city and leisure tourism. In this way, we intended to inspire the younger generation of British tourists who seek unexplored destinations, particularly in the context of short-term trips. Getaways of this sort are hugely popular in the British market and constitute a trend that we would like to take advantage of. In this way, we wish to put the spotlight on cities that so far remained somewhat under the radar among U.K. residents, but which nevertheless have a lot to offer tourists. I have in mind here, i.a. Łódź, Poznań, Sopot, Wrocław and Warsaw, which continues to be recognised as a destination centred on business rather than tourism”, explained Robert Andrzejczyk, President of Polish Tourism Organisation.

This year cuisine is at the forefront of many operations conducted by Polish Tourism Organisation both at home and abroad. Consequently, it was an essential feature of the London-set promotion of our country as a destination guaranteeing a varied top-shelf food experience. POT invited visitors to sample regional cuisine based on local products and centuries-old recipes. It also placed emphasis on the 2019 European Capital of Gastronomic Culture title presented to Kraków by the European Gastronomic Academy.

On day two of the trade show, POT staged a Grand Lottery whose list of awards included 40 exceptional prizes funded by sub-exhibitors as a way of recognizing the 40th anniversary of WTM London. This was the largest lottery staged so far by POT at any industry event in the U.K. Winners received, i.a. weekend stays in Poland, airline tickets and Polish regional specialties.

The World Travel Market London (WTM London) international travel trade show is each year attended by about 51,000 participants. Every edition results in signing of business contracts worth more than 3 billion GBP.