I bet you heard the news. Prince William is to wed Kate Middleton. The happy couple announced their engagement today with a wedding being planned for next year.
Make not mistake. London will make the most of the wedding. I just saw a lovely representative from Visit London on BBC London news (so sorry I didn’t get her name) saying how from past experience they know that London’s tourism will receive a huge boost. (read their blog entry)
The organisation estimates that the economic benefit to London could be between £30m and £50m from domestic and international visitors to the capital.
Apparently, thirty years ago, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana brought an additional 600,000 visitors to the capital and with the popularity of Prince William and Kate this figure could increase significantly. (read the full Press Release)
Regardless of your politics, a wedding of this magnitude offers an amazing opportunity for the city’s tourism. Professionals from around the world will be able to see a real time campaign unfolding and take some valuable lessons.
Just a few thoughts on the Technology and Online Travel section of the World Travel Market 2010. Sofia tends to walk around with me at these sort of stands and introduce me as “the tech guy”. So, in time honoured “tech guy” tradition I wanted to just share a few of our observations.
Finally! A Technology & Online Travel section
It’s great to have a section dedicated to Technology and Online Travel. Sure, it was small but it’s still there.
It is also very interesting that new, upbeat and interesting companies are making a stand at World Travel Market. Interest was not exceptionally high but I’m hopeful. Some of the services on offer are still being analysed by hoteliers and tourism professionals. We’re going through some hard times so professionals tend to be extra careful.
We give you the excellent Mr. David Whitley (@mrdavidwhitley and on his blog Grumpy Traveller) answers Manolis’ question on what he would write if a hotel was not offering free wi-fi.
He says in a marvellous way two very simple things
Have a serious pricing policy
Know your guests
This is just a tiny segment from the excellent Travel Blogs Camp which took place on November 9. We are trully indebted to Darren Cronian (@travelrants and on his blog Travel Rants) for organising the event.
—– Read all our blog posts from World Travel Market 2010
Here’s the Greek Deputy Minister of Culture & Tourism, Giorgos Nikitiadis, giving his opening speech at the Greek stand.
This English version of his welcome is a bit perplexing as he seems to be giving undue attention to past strikes and disruptions in Greece. He also seems to be saying that one cannot find tourists who faced any problems due to the disruptions (though in that case the reason for the Ministry’s suggested policy of compensation is a bit confusing)
Nevertheless he rallies up admirably in the end with great optimism about the future and Greece’s new strategy for tourism.
—– Read all our blog posts from World Travel Market 2010
The first day of the World Travel Market was again this year by invitation only. This might sound a bit exclusive but in actual fact it gives an opportunity to trade visitors and exhibitors to do all the work that they won’t have time to do during the rest of the exhibition. Talk on an industry level, network with other traders, see what the competition has to offer.
Starting off
I started off early in the horrible London weather. It was pretty obvious from twitter as well (see the #wtm2010 and #wtm hashtags) that everyone was having a pretty hard time getting to ExCeL. Having said that there were signs everywhere – literally – and people were extremely helpful to visitors, especially those from abroad. I don’t look particularly local (it’s the Greek gene) so I got extra help all the way. (more…)
