New Co-Located Platform to Showcase AI, Data, Fintech and Sustainable Innovation at Europe’s Leading Travel Gathering
Recognising the growing influence of technology across every aspect of the travel and tourism ecosystem, WTM London 2026 has announced the launch of WTM Travel Tech, a dedicated co-located event designed to place travel technology and digital innovation at the forefront of the global tourism agenda.
The new initiative, scheduled to debut alongside WTM London in 2026, reflects the rapid expansion of the travel technology sector and increasing demand from exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals seeking solutions that can transform the way destinations, travel companies and tourism businesses operate.
According to event organisers, the launch comes in response to significant market demand. Travel technology participation at WTM London has grown by 55 per cent year-on-year, while more than half of all event attendees actively seek meetings with travel technology providers. The new platform aims to create a dedicated environment where innovators, technology suppliers, investors and travel decision-makers can connect, collaborate and explore the latest developments shaping the future of global travel.
Dedicated Space for Travel Innovation
WTM Travel Tech will occupy its own purpose-built exhibition hall with a dedicated entrance, creating a distinct identity within the broader WTM London event.
The platform will bring together technology leaders, startups, tourism organisations, investors and travel brands from around the world. Organisers expect participants to benefit from access to the wider WTM London audience, which attracts more than 46,000 travel trade professionals from over 180 countries and includes approximately 5,500 qualified buyers.
The dedicated format reflects the growing role of technology as a strategic enabler across travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and destination management.
As digital transformation accelerates throughout the sector, technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, automation, biometric identification and connected travel platforms are increasingly becoming essential tools for improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences and supporting sustainable growth.
Innovation Highway to Showcase Emerging Technologies
A central feature of WTM Travel Tech will be the Innovation Highway, an interactive exhibition area designed to highlight emerging technologies and breakthrough solutions transforming the travel landscape.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore innovations spanning:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Big Data and Analytics
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Smart Destination Technologies
- Travel Automation Platforms
- Customer Experience Solutions
- Sustainability Technologies
- Digital Identity and Security Systems
The Innovation Highway will also place a strong emphasis on green technology and sustainable tourism solutions, reflecting the industry’s increasing commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting the transition toward a lower-carbon future.
Organisers believe technology will play a critical role in helping destinations and businesses balance tourism growth with sustainability objectives, resource management and community wellbeing.
Future Stage to Focus on Industry Transformation
Complementing the exhibition will be a dedicated conference theatre known as the Future Stage, created exclusively for WTM Travel Tech content.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, case studies, executive interviews, fireside discussions and expert panels examining the most significant opportunities and challenges facing travel technology today.
The content agenda will focus on nine major themes:
- Digital Transformation
- Platforms and Integration
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Operations
- Data and Analytics
- Payments and Fintech
- Geopolitics
- Risk and Market Disruption
- Distribution and Retailing
- Investment and Innovation
The sessions are expected to provide practical insights, strategic guidance and real-world examples that can help travel businesses navigate a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Expert Advisory Team to Shape Content Strategy
To strengthen the quality and relevance of the conference programme, WTM has appointed a panel of industry advisers tasked with curating Future Stage content and ensuring discussions address the sector’s most pressing issues.
The advisory group includes:
- Dimitrios Buhalis
- Rita Varga
- Shaon Talukder
- Jane Thompson
- Paul Davies
According to organisers, the advisers are also contributing to a broader evolution of WTM’s conference programme by encouraging greater inclusivity, more diverse perspectives and a stronger focus on actionable business insights.
The speaker roster is currently being finalised, but organisers have indicated that senior executives and influential leaders from across the global travel technology ecosystem are expected to participate.
Previous editions of WTM have featured representatives from major industry players including Trip.com Group, easyJet, Sabre Corporation, Almosafer and Tourism Economics, highlighting the event’s growing influence as a platform for thought leadership and innovation.
Networking Remains Central to the Experience
While digital transformation remains the central theme of WTM Travel Tech, organisers emphasise that face-to-face engagement continues to be one of the industry’s most valuable assets.
Networking opportunities will therefore be embedded throughout the programme, creating opportunities for exhibitors, buyers, investors and technology providers to establish partnerships and explore business opportunities.
The agenda will also include dedicated social events, including a networking celebration at the end of the second day, designed to foster collaboration and informal knowledge exchange among participants.
Responding to a Rapidly Changing Market
Commenting on the launch, Chris Carter-Chapman, Exhibition Director for WTM London, said the creation of WTM Travel Tech reflects the growing importance of technology within the global travel industry.
He noted that organisers developed the concept after listening closely to exhibitors, buyers and visitors, creating a proposition that aligns with the changing needs of the market while building upon the event’s existing strengths.
The introduction of WTM Travel Tech also reflects broader industry trends. From artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to digital payments and sustainable tourism technologies, innovation is increasingly shaping how travel businesses operate, market their services and engage with travellers.
As tourism enters a new era of digital transformation, WTM Travel Tech is positioning itself as a key platform for exploring the technologies, partnerships and ideas that will define the future of global travel and tourism.
