GEM is focused on driving innovation, collaboration, and business growth, providing an essential space for participants to explore opportunities within the global travel market, with a specific emphasis on Europe.
What is the Global European Marketplace?
The GEM is designed to foster stronger business relationships across the travel and tourism landscape, with a special focus on the European region. It serves as a crucial event for stakeholders looking to enhance the competitive edge of European tourism in an increasingly globalized market.
The event hosts B2B meetings, exhibitions, and industry briefings that highlight the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. Participants can expect to engage in meaningful conversations, establish strategic partnerships, and explore new business opportunities.
Key Features of GEM 2024:
- Workshops and panels focusing on the changing face of tourism.
- B2B meetings with tourism suppliers, buyers, and decision-makers.
- Networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and idea exchange.
- Insights into emerging trends in sustainability, technology, and tourism services.
- Opportunities for suppliers and buyers to connect and build lasting business relationships.
Who Should Attend?
This event is geared toward a wide range of professionals in the travel and tourism industry, offering a unique space for impactful connections. The two groups of participants who stand to benefit most from attending GEM 2024 are buyers and European travel and tourism suppliers.
Buyers
For buyers, GEM 2024 provides an opportunity to source the best European travel products and destinations. Key participants include:
- Tour operators: Engaging with new European travel products and experiences.
- Wholesalers: Looking to expand their range of offerings by connecting with European suppliers.
- Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Sourcing new and innovative travel options for their platforms.
- Travel intermediaries: Serving as a bridge between suppliers and customers, identifying top-tier European services.
- Advisors and agents: Searching for the latest trends and options in European travel to recommend to their clients.
European Travel and Tourism Suppliers
On the supplier side, GEM 2024 offers a stage to showcase products and services to global buyers. Key participants include:
- Hotels and accommodation providers: Introducing their services to global contractors and product developers.
- Visitor attractions: Highlighting unique experiences to potential international buyers.
- Transport companies: Offering a range of transportation services for inbound tourism.
- Tourist boards and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs): Promoting European destinations to a global audience.
- Inbound tour operators, ground handlers, and Destination Management Companies (DMCs): Showcasing custom experiences and ground logistics.
- Ticketing services: Offering seamless travel experiences with new ticketing technologies.
- Cruise and rail excursion providers: Presenting curated travel packages.
- Cultural tourism providers (shows, restaurants, shops): Featuring immersive local experiences to international buyers.
By attending GEM 2024, these groups will benefit from face-to-face meetings, collaborative workshops, and the ability to build long-term relationships.
Event Schedule: A Detailed Breakdown
The Global European Marketplace 2024 will feature a packed schedule of activities spread over two days, ensuring participants can engage in a wide variety of sessions designed to foster meaningful connections and provide valuable insights into the tourism industry.
Thursday, October 31: Industry Briefing
The first day of the event kicks off with the GEM 2024 Industry Briefing, held at the Barbican Centre, Cinema 1, in the heart of London. This briefing will set the stage by exploring the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism sector, especially as the industry undergoes a period of rapid transformation.
Key Focus:
Tourism is evolving rapidly, with many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating an increasingly difficult business environment. This sector, which forms the backbone of European tourism, must balance its reliance on aviation with the growing demand for sustainable travel solutions. Meanwhile, long-haul tourism continues to thrive, placing further pressure on destinations to find innovative ways to decarbonize their operations.
The Industry Briefing will focus on how the European tourism industry can adapt to these pressures and what steps must be taken to ensure its long-term sustainability. The briefing will also emphasize the importance of cultural tourism, which adds value to both destinations and visitors alike.
Agenda:
- 13:30-14:00: Registration & Welcome Refreshments
- 14:00-14:10: ETOA Update by Jennifer Tombaugh, President of Tauck and ETOA
- 14:10-14:30: State of the Sector with Tom Jenkins, CEO of ETOA
- 14:30-14:50: Business Environment & Policy with Tim Fairhurst, Director General of ETOA
- 14:50-15:30: Trends and Prospects from the ETOA Insight Hub with Rachel Read, Director of Insight & Business Improvement, and David Edwards, ETOA’s Tourism Stats Expert
- 15:30-15:50: Break
- 15:50-17:00: Innovation and Adaptation in Business and Destinations
Keynote Speaker:
Gergana Nikolova, CEO of BehaviorSMART, will deliver the keynote address, offering unique insights into how businesses and destinations can leverage behavioral economics to create better travel experiences.
Panel Discussion:
Moderated by Tim Fairhurst, the panel will include industry experts discussing solutions to the challenges facing the tourism sector today, focusing on innovation and adaptation.
Friday, November 1: B2B Marketplace
The second day of GEM 2024 will be held at the InterContinental London – The O2 and is dedicated to B2B meetings and networking opportunities. This is where the real business gets done, as participants will engage in back-to-back meetings with key players in the European tourism industry.
Agenda:
- 08:00-08:50: Registration & Welcome Refreshments
- 08:50-09:00: Welcome Address
- 09:00-17:30: B2B Meetings & Open Appointments
- 17:30-20:00: Social Reception hosted by Guinness, providing a relaxed environment for further networking.
This day offers unparalleled opportunities for buyers and suppliers to connect directly, discuss potential collaborations, and secure partnerships. The marketplace will be open throughout the day for pre-scheduled meetings and impromptu appointments, ensuring participants can maximize their time.
B2B Events for 2025: Dates and Formats
Here is a list of the key B2B events scheduled for 2025, including their dates, locations, and formats.
- Britain & Ireland Marketplace: January 24, 2025, London – In-Person
- The Nordic Marketplace: February 17-18, 2025, Copenhagen – In-Person
- European Travel Marketplace | North America: February 27, 2025 – Online
- Destinations Exchange Europe: June 2-3, 2025, London – In-Person
- China European Marketplace: May 23 & 26, 2025, Beijing & Shanghai – In-Person
- Adventure Europe: To Be Confirmed – Details TBC
- The Global European Marketplace: October 30-31, 2025, London – In-Person
- European Travel Marketplace | Asia Pacific: November 25, 2025 – Online
These events provide invaluable opportunities for professionals in the travel and tourism industry to network, exchange insights, and establish business connections in both in-person and virtual formats.
Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip to London
For those attending GEM 2024, it’s essential to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you navigate London and enjoy your stay during the event.
Getting to London
London is one of the world’s most accessible cities, with five major airports, including Heathrow (the busiest in the UK), Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport. If you are traveling from another part of Europe or further afield, the most likely entry points will be Heathrow or Gatwick.
- Heathrow Airport (LHR): The main gateway to London for long-haul international flights. It is located about 24 km west of Central London and is well connected via the Heathrow Express, a 15-minute direct train service to Paddington Station.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW): Situated 45 km south of London, Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the UK. The Gatwick Express offers a quick 30-minute connection to Victoria Station in Central London.
- London City Airport (LCY): This airport is ideal for business travelers, located only 10 km from the financial district and easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Once you’ve arrived in London, the city’s excellent public transport system, including the Tube, buses, and taxis, will help you get around.
Accommodation
Given the importance of GEM 2024, many participants will want to stay near the venue at the InterContinental London – The O2. However, there are plenty of options for all budgets and preferences throughout the city. Some popular neighborhoods to consider include:
- Greenwich: Close to the O2 and home to plenty of mid-range and luxury hotels. It offers convenient access to the GEM 2024 venue.
- Westminster: Located near major tourist attractions like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster has a range of hotels from boutique stays to luxury accommodations.
- The City of London: For business travelers, this area offers proximity to the Barbican Centre, where the Industry Briefing will take place, as well as a range of high-end hotels.
Exploring London
When you’re not attending sessions or networking at GEM 2024, London offers a vast array of sights and experiences to enjoy.
- Historical Landmarks: Visit iconic sites like The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Cultural Attractions: Explore world-class museums such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
- Theatre District: Catch a show in London’s famous