“The WTM houses 5 000 exhibitors from 186 countries and is one of the largest tourism trade platforms in the world.

“WTM annually facilitates some R38 billion in industry deals. About 50 000 product owners, tour operators and travel agencies, airlines, technology providers, government ministers, global industry leaders and international travel media are expected to attend the event between Monday and Thursday this week,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement.

WTM creates opportunities for the international travel and tourism trade to negotiate business deals, discuss issues that affect the sector and expand networks.

The South African delegation includes representatives of government, South African Tourism (SAT), provincial and local government tourism marketing authorities, and a range of tourism and travel product owners and travel service providers.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/minister-hanekom-leads-tourism-delegation-london