What I Learned at World Travel Market 2025 (And Why It Matters When You Book With Me)

Yesterday I was at World Travel Market at ExCeL — basically the biggest annual get-together in the travel industry. A full day of conversations, updates, learning, walking (so much walking), and connecting with the people behind the hotels, resorts and experiences I recommend.

Events like this are crucial for how I work.

Travel isn’t static — hotels change owners, menus change, service standards shift, destinations evolve, trends move. And you can’t always see that from a website or a glossy brochure.

So my day looked like this:

Meeting hotel and resort partners to understand what’s genuinely improved, and what hasn’t.

Speaking with tourism boards about what’s new, what’s overrated, and what’s worth getting excited about.

Strengthening relationships with the suppliers I already trust (the ones who make magic happen when we need it).

Finding new options that fit the way my clients actually want to travel now — slower, calmer, more intentional, more meaningful.

These relationships are the difference between:

“Here’s a link — good luck” and “I know exactly who to call to make sure you get the room with the quiet side balcony, early check-in and the restaurant that won’t mess up your dietary needs.”

This is where my value sits. Not just in knowing where to go — but in knowing the right people to make it smooth.

It’s professional development, yes. But it’s also your holiday experience, made better.

When I plan a trip for you, I’m not guessing. I’ve spoken to the humans behind it — and they know me too.

That’s what days like this are for.