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WTM LONDON 5-7th November 2024

 

Having committed to the joint largest stand of all sub-Saharan destinations (the same as South Africa and twice that of Kenya, Rwanda and Botswana), Tanzania is set to maximise the renewed trade interest in tourism to the destination.

 

And don't expect the 'same old boring stand design', because the organising team has listened to past-exhibitor and buyer feedback, and created an inspiring and vibrant stand design as a result.

 

Director General of the Tanzania Tourist Board, Epharim Mafuru stated, "WTM London has a global draw with USA, China, India, Eastern Europe and the Middle East well represented amongst buyers. This is also the year that UK buyers should return in force, as there's going to be plenty worth seeing!"

 

With 86% market distribution (the highest of any African destination), the UK is a highly mature market for Tanzania. So the importance of less established, as well as emerging markets, is key to their growth.

 

Tim Henshall, Head of Tourism Marketing challenges UK buyers to look further into Tanzania's product offering. "Whilst 86% already offer the The Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro, how many are taking advantage of the massive potential offered by far less visited parks like Ruaha, Nyerere, Katavi and Mahale?"

 

Henshall stated that the new approach sees a far more open and spacious stand for exhibitors, but he also predicts far more buyers than ever will be wanting to engage with Tanzanian products.

 

Hafsa Mbamba, CEO of Zanzibar Tourism Commission added "Our exhibitors will be highlighting newness and innovation, so take this great opportunity to engage with them"

Both the mainland and Zanzibar will be on stand S11-01S in the South Hall and closest to Prince Regent station.

See floor plan below.

WTM London

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DESIGN SUBMISSION

(August 2024)

 

This document shows the plans submitted to WTM's organisers on 8th August 2024, with TTB approval.

Studio of Possible made this submission, despite us having not officially appointing them , awaiting budget confirmation from TTB

UPDATE 1st September 2024

UK team (Adam & Tim) have advised TTB that they are no longer able to implement the project due to a lack of available time. This is accepted by DG and approved by HC.

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DESIGN & BUILD BRIEF (June 2024)

 

PROJECT
WTM London at ExCeL in London runs 5th-7th November 2024 and is held annually . It is one of the largest trade shows in the world and takes up both the North and South Halls at the venue.
 

Surprisingly it is not a key show for the UK market as UK buyers have increasingly migrated to "glossier" shows like Experience Africa and We Are Africa, with higher-end properties leading the way. From developing markets - including South America; Europe (Central and Eastern), India and the Far East, WTM continues to attract significant numbers of buyers, making attendance more than worthwhile.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Create a buzz around the Tanzania brand, show the vitality and vibrancy of tourism to both Tanzania and Zanzibar

  2. Re-invigorate Tour Operator excitement towards the destination (by creating theatre). Encourage a ground-swell of excitement around Tanzania, that extends well beyond the walls of ExCeL.

  3. Encourage existing sellers to discuss with their current suppliers how to increase visitor numbers and add locations (predominantly southern and western parks).

  4. Bring international buyers looking to meet Tanzanian suppliers together in a businesslike, but exciting environment.

  5. Deliver new business opportunities for all exhibitors
     

THE STAND

  •  Stand size : 207sqm with 4 open sides. (TH641G)

  • 44 exhibitors (In 2023, we had 50 exhibitors taking 4.64sqm each. Most buyers and exhibitors have expressed feeling cramped so each now has 5.25sqm, even though this is still below industry standard. We want impact and to project 'brand Tanzania' not have a "squashed in", unattractive sales area. The previously employed second tier is neither required** nor financially viable.

  • Differentiate between the two destinations on the stand in some obvious way(s).

  • Each "booth" containing an exhibitor needs to be individually branded and be easy to find.

  • Each booth to have power and the ability to store items (coat, bag, marketing materials etc)

  • **All media and VIP meetings will be held away from the stand, in an area I am organising in the galleries above the South Hall. We do need to provision for furniture (12 chairs; 3 tables). Branding will be done using goalpost size pop-ups which I will arrange.

  • Storage : we should provide exhibitors with a place to store a coat, bag and brochures etc. lockable if possible. Underneath their booth seating?

  • Storage : there should be a place (not necessarily a room) where the tourist board can store items. Additionally the upstairs room will be capable of storing items.

  • The vast majority of the stand should be individual selling space, with just a small reception. 

  • Three sides of the stand will be open, the long back wall will not (NB, later change)

  • Each exhibitor will need space to seat 3 people.

  • We should also consider off-stand activities - theatre, recruitment, directional etc

  • We should factor in annual storage for a stand to last 3 years at WTM, which could also be utilised in a modular way at other shows such as ITB Berlin, ATM in Dubai etc. Year One's budget can be spent on developing a modular set of materials, whilst Year 2 and 3's budgets can be used for updates and refreshes, as well as build.

DIFFERENTIATION OF DMCs

  • A potential buyer is often faced with an entire floor of DMC options with little or no way of differentiating between them.

  • We feel it essential that we aid that selection in a format to be discussed.

  • DMCs themselves also need to segment and differentiate via USPs and specialisations. 

CAMPAIGN THEME 

Tanzania currently uses a strapline - “Tanzania. Unforgettable”. I am proposing the use of a campaign platform, “Live out your wildest dreams”, as shown in the attached visual. 

 

PROPOSITION & HERO PRODUCTS

Tanzania offers an unrivalled safari experience, with parks such as The Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire recognised as being premier destinations. Kitavi, Nyerere, Mahale, Ruaha and Mikumi also being outstanding wildlife areas. These should provide the thrust of our message.

 

Tanzania has the highest lion, leopard and wild dog populations in the world, along with being 2nd in terms of elephant numbers (with populations on the rise). The overall safari experience is authentic, dynamic, diverse and rewarding.

 

Tanzania is home to the Great Migration, sharing this experience for 2 months of the year with the Masai Mara across the river with Kenya. For the remaining 10 months, the 2 million “participants” circle across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro regions, chasing the rains.

 

Tanzania is also home to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, which provides not only provides unique  opportunities to hike or climb, but also provides a stunning backdrop to photographs.

 

Zanzibar - a collection of islands in an archipelago not just one island, is the perfect rest and relaxation destination with soft white sand and turquoise waters. There is a strong Arabic influence here, with a heritage from the spice and (sadly slave) trades. Stone Town - a UNESCO world heritage site is a living, working and thriving museum. There are countless other heritage sites and the opportunity to meet with fascinating locals.

 

IMAGERY

At this stage don’t worry too much about images, as these will may change. If you wish to use any TTB images at this stage just use screen grabs or access via page source from the website.

 

POWER SUPPLY

Your costs are to include all electricity sockets and power, as well as internet access.

FLOORPLAN
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TTB staff roles

TTB staff on hand at the event, will be given specific roles on the stand.  For example, knowing exhibitor locations on the stand; taking visitors to specific booths; offering contact details; VIP diary management; providing guidance for DMC selection etc.​

 

Role of the High Commission
Space : Booking the space and providing the design/build.

Media : Encourage travel writers and journalists to visit the stand, potentially to meet with dignatories for interviews, but not media advertising salespeople (who I will meet with).

 

Appointments : It is not our role to create appointments for exhibitors, especially as 90% of buyers will not be from our market (UK), but we will look to assist buyers on how to engage with the right exhibitors.​

Maximising the event for exhibitors

I plan to produce training videos for would-be exhibitors providing :

  1. Differentiation and branding advice

  2. Making use of databases to gain appointments

  3. Which part of the stand do you want to be in? Faster paced exterior or slower paced interior?

  4. What materials should you be bringing to the event

  5. What should be in your presentation?

  6. How should you conduct yourself on the stand? (Dress, activities, phone-use etc)

  7. Networking opportunities and how to use them.

  8. Buying signals and follow-ups.

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WTM Exhibitor recruitment video, July 2024

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