WTM London – the leading global event for the travel industry – is venturing into the destination weddings arena, with a brand new dedicated event aimed at helping travel professionals get the most out of this lucrative sector.

Organisers have found the ‘perfect match’ in a panel of experts from the fields of wedding planning, photography, hotels and tour operations to take part in the WedGlobal wedding seminar on Monday, November 6.

They will discuss innovative concepts in the destination wedding industry, including what's trending and best implementation techniques. There’ll also be a forecast of destination romance trends for the next decade.

According to intelligence research company IBISWorld, the global wedding market is now a $300-billion industry, while UK wedding website Hitched.co.uk says the UK industry is worth £10 billion ($13.1 billion).

After the seminar, details will be announced of a major competition where one lucky couple can win an all-expenses-paid wedding in Sri Lanka – including taking 50 guests.

The session, which takes place on November 6, from 15:30-17:45 in South Gallery Rooms 7 & 8, will be moderated by Susan Barone, founder and director of travel companies Luxury Weddings Worldwide and InStyle Vacations.

An expert in the field, Barone is also director of Destination Wedding Magazine, which she helped set up after recognising the potential of the industry.

She will be joined on the panel by international wedding photographer Jules Bower and wedding planner Bruce Russell, whose company By Bruce Russell designs world-class weddings and events – from multi-day destination celebrations to more intimate occasions in some of the UK’s most impressive locations and private homes. His company has just expanded internationally, with a team based in Marrakesh.

Dileep Mudadeniva, vice president brand marketing at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Salah Bushehri, designer and managing director of Chandal Group Events Management, in Bahrain, will share their trade knowledge to complete the line-up.

Following the panel discussion there will be a Networking Reception – Sponsored by Cinnamon Island Weddings – a new competition being launched at the reception where one lucky couple can win all-expenses-paid wedding in Sri Lanka.

What’s more, Cinnamon Island Weddings created by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka & Maldives, will extend its hospitality to 50 guests of the winning couple.

The all-expenses paid competition to Sri Lanka covers return airfares, full board accommodation, internal transfers, the complete wedding reception with attire, jewellery, a curated wedding menu and photography by David Stanbury.
 
Mr England 2017/2018, Jack Eyers, and Miss England runner-up, Rachel Pitman, will take part in the launch along with wedding photographer David Stanbury.

Full details will be revealed at the event.

WTM London, Conference & Seminar Manager Charlotte Alderslade, said: “WTM London invites everyone to our ‘big day’.
 
“This seminar ‘vows’ to reveal how professionals can build and grow their romance brand internationally and is a must-attend for ministers and directors of tourism, product developers both hoteliers and destinations, travel media and agents interested in learning about strategic concepts and solutions that will bring about a breakthrough in the wedding industry.” - TradeArabia News Service