WTM London has confirmed that it will no longer offer free tickets to the 2026 event for those who register early.
In previous years, agents who registered early were offered free entry, but this year it is offering tickets for £49, which it says is an early-bird discount on the full price.
The fee will gradually increase towards the on-the-day price of £99.
However, the show’s organiser is working with Travel Gossip and another travel trade publisher to make a number of complimentary tickets available to agents, with further details due to be announced this summer.
WTM London Event Director Chris Carter-Chapman said it had decided to drop the early-bird free registration to ‘continue investing in the event and to enhance the experience for everyone who attends’.
“The move also brings WTM London in line with other major international industry events, while allowing us to offer additional value to attendees,” added Chris.
“Ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the full WTM Trends Report, including the in-depth insights and analysis. For the first time, this is only available to registered ticket holders.
“They will also benefit from an expanded content programme, including the new WTM Wanderlust Headliner Stage, which will bring expert knowledge, practical case studies, and high-profile speakers to the show. Confirmed contributors include Virgin, British Airways, easyJet and Sir Michael Palin.”
He said travel buyers with ‘a verified purchasing responsibility’ will continue to attend free of charge and complimentary access will also remain available for media and tourism ministers from around the world.
“In recognition of the WTM community that has developed over our 46-year history, we have made tickets available at an early-bird rate of £49, representing a 50% discount, until 15 July,” added Chris.
“After this date, prices will gradually increase towards the onsite rate of £99. We would encourage members of the WTM community to register early in order to secure the best available rate.”
Several agents told Travel Gossip they were surprised when they tried to register and were told they were no longer eligible for free entry, and some said it had put them off attending.
Travel Counsellor Gill Nicholls said: “It’s not a nominal fee either, £49 is a lot, especially when you have to add travel costs on top. It’s definitely put me off going.
“I specifically wanted to go this year to meet with a hotelier from Sri Lanka that I book clients to, but I’ll contact and arrange to meet at another venue while he’s here. It’s definitely useful to meet specific suppliers.”
Holiday Inspirations Director Neil Basnett said he wouldn’t even pay ‘a nominal £4.90’ to attend. “I will definitely not be going if I have to pay anything at all. In all the years that I have been going (since 1990), I have never paid. It’s a disgrace,” he added.
“If it was still free, I would go for a couple of days. It is where I meet up with my existing DMCs (Destination Management Companies) and where I meet up with new ones.”
One Scotland-based agent pointed out that adding an entry fee could make the cost of attending the event prohibitive for those who have the expense of travelling to London.
Another agent who did not wish to be named said: “Crikey, that’s a lot of money for a few pens, business cards and tote bags!
“Seriously, though, it used to be such a good and interesting day out but I don’t think that we should have to pay anything.”
However, a couple of agents said they had received free tickets in the past from suppliers and hoped to do so again.
