A number of 35 professional organizations and business operators, including members of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), participated, between November 5-7, in the World Travel Market (WTM), in London, a worldwide event for professionals, now in its 44th edition.
According to a press release from ANAT, Romania's stand in London, organized by the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, was a success. The representatives of Romania had the opportunity to meet with operators from 184 countries, from all continents. Our country participated with a stand in all 44 editions of WTM.
"Romania's stand was perfectly integrated into the vibrant landscape of the European hall, and its functionality improved considerably. The Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT) intensified the promotion of Romania as a tourist destination in the United Kingdom by participating in the World Travel Market and through a campaign outdoor run on buses in four of the most important cities. The campaign is taking place between November 4 and December 4 on double-decker buses in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool and includes 150 buses in Greater London, with an estimated reach of 51.1 % of London's population and over 16 million impressions. A further 50 buses cross Central London, generating around 5.6 million views. In Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, the campaign runs on 50 regional buses, with a reach rate of 4.41% at the national level", the press release reads.
According to the cited source, the United Kingdom is one of the main source markets for Romanian tourism. According to estimates, the British will make over 97 million international trips this year, with expenses of 90.46 billion dollars.
"British interest in Romania has grown steadily in recent years, with a spectacular increase of 280% in 2022 compared to 2021 and 26.5% in 2023. British tourists are attracted by the diversity of natural landscapes, cultural tourism and the city-break offer, as well as optimized aerial connectivity", ANAT representatives emphasize.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, in the first 9 months of 2024, 101,135 tourists from Great Britain visited Romania, ranking 5th among the countries issuing tourists, after Germany, Italy, Israel and the USA.
"The Romanian stand presented itself well, even a little more than well, being balanced, elegant and airy. It was at the level of the other stands in the European area. We had popular dances, as well as a destination presentation. Compared to what we are used to with high-speed Internet services in Romania, the connection was lower in London. The presentation films, mobile applications and websites were difficult to access. In a digital world, this handicap has to be solved. Tens of thousands of visitors per day were perfectly managed, with signposting, barrier systems and speakerphone guidance available, and the staff were extremely helpful, communicative, friendly and optimistic. There is also a campaign with buses inscribed with the Romanian logo, which represents an extra step for promotion. Tour operators, DMCs (Destination Management Companies) and incoming agents were present at the stand of OMDs from Sibiu, Prahova, Oradea, the Romanian coast or Maramures. (...) On the other hand, Romania needs much more promotional materials, online and offline, and a much more consistent multi-annual budget to attract 10 million foreign tourists", said Adrian Voican, vice-president of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), quoted in the press release.
At the London fair, over 4,000 tourism professionals, including agencies, tour operators, hotels, carriers and technology providers, exhibited their tourism products and solutions. The number of visitors increased by 7% compared to last year, to 40,000. It is estimated that more than 2.4 billion euros worth of contracts were concluded during this event, bringing the London economy 200 million pounds in one week. The participants spent 71 million pounds on accommodation, transport and meals, generating significant indirect income, according to a Deloitte report, the release informs.
Comentează