World Travel Market is looking to hit record figures this year. Latest research shows that its 25th anniversary event will be the biggest ever. Organisers of the world�s largest business to business forum for the travel and tourism industry expect the size of the exhibition to grow by more than four per cent to nearly 39,500 square metres. More than 5,000 exhibitors from over 190 countries will be exhibiting. WTM takes place between Monday 8-Thursday 11 November at London�s ExCeL. There has also been feedback from international exhibitors who are reporting a significant boost in business. �There is a real sense of optimism among exhibitors this year�, said Group Exhibition Director, Fiona Jeffery, �and although it is difficult to forecast exactly how much larger it will be, there is a definite increase in confidence after three difficult years for the industry. �SARS, conflict and economic problems had all taken their toil but the signs of a much better future were apparent even as far back as the end of last year. �We are talking and meeting exhibitors daily in the final run-up to November and it is great to hear some good news about how much better many destinations and resorts are doing. This has boosted a huge interest from both visitors and possible exhibitors from all regions and sectors. �We are therefore cautiously forecasting a record event to coincide with our silver anniversary. World Travel Market has always mirrored the ups and downs of the industry and I am delighted that the signs are there for a fantastic year at this landmark moment in our history.� Ms. Jeffery continued: �The strength of the euro is determining business success, while the positive signs from the economies of the mature markets and some rebound from long-haul markets is seeing an increase in visitors to the majority of the European destinations. During the first six months of the year European markets has been on the upward swing. Spain�s ended the year to May with a 3.8% increase over the same period last year and Germany is showing a 10% increase in arrivals for the first quarter of 2004 and 3% in tourism receipts until April. France�s overnight stays in hotels and similar establishments during the first five months grew by 1.4% over last year's decrease of 7% in the same period. The upsurge in Europe is also matched in the UK. VisitBritain�s reports that 12.5 million visitors travelled to the UK in the first half of this year, a rise of 13 per cent on last year and the �best-ever� January to June period. Even the United States is showing a small increase in inbound traffic and long haul travel generally appears to be on target to get back to pre-9/11 levels. The change in the industry�s fortunes is thought to be behind the rush of new �names� planning on exhibiting for the first time on their own stands. � For example, the Central Asia republic of Uzbekistan is to exhibit at World Travel Market, following a decision by the government to put the destination firmly on the tourist map�, said Ms. Jeffery. "I understand that the problem is that many people are unfamiliar with the country, even though all their cities are full of historical sights. � Uzbekistan Airways flies from London and Birmingham to the capital Tashkent and the republic is featured in a handful of specialist travel brochures in the UK, but it has failed in the past to attract much interest until now, partly because of the difficulty of raveling around the destination that was once firmly in the grip of the USSR. In addition to Uzbekistan, three other African countries are exhibiting for the first time � Lesotho, Mali and Gabon. In total, there are more than 70 new exhibitors including: Abu Dhabi Emirate and Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development from the United Arab Emirates; Quatar Airways; South Africa�s Cape Info SA, Mali, Knysna Tourism, Islands in Africa; Italy�s Domina Hotels & Resorts; Georgia State Department of Tourism; Sunswept Resorts and Impact Disk from the UK; Spain�s Turismo Andaluz, Lopesan Hotels & Resorts and Pandaw Cruises; Global Discovery from the Netherlands; Hotel Baia from Turkey; Masafiri Travels from Tanzania; Instituto de Hospitalidade, Brazil and Paliz Tours from Iran.

-ends- For further media information telephone Jane Larcombe on +44(0)1892 785071 or email jane@janelarcombecommunications.com The Greek National Tourism Organisation is World Travel Market's major brand partner for 2004. WORLD TRAVEL MARKET PICTURE LIBRARY � High resolution World Travel Market pictures can be accessed speedily and efficiently via the online World Travel Market Picture Library. � Log on to www.wtmlondon.com � Click on Press & PR on left hand side of screen and then click to enter library. When prompted, please key in your name and company for our records. � You will find a wide selection of logos, general views and specific pictures with captions, depicting aspects of the event. These will be regularly updated. � Click on the thumbnail of your choice to see a larger version of the picture � Click on the download button in the left margin � Save as a jpg. file � Open the file after saving to your system. NOTES TO EDITORS 1. Reed Travel Exhibitions is part of Reed Exhibitions Ltd. who organise over 430 events in 32 countries, serving 49 different industries in 13 key sectors, attracting over 90,000 exhibiting companies and more than 4 million visitors every year. 2. As a member of the Reed Elsevier plc group, the world-leading business and information provider, Reed Exhibitions is unique in offering integrated market access programmes covering exhibitions, trade publications, direct marketing and the Internet. Reed Elsevier�s business titles are closely linked with Reed�s exhibition activities across both geographic and industrial markets. It also has a growing portfolio of electronic publishing and information services, including LEXIS-NEXIS, the world�s leading provider of on-line information services and management tools. 3. Reed Travel Exhibitions organise 13 events worldwide, including World Travel Market, Arabian Travel Market, C.I.S. Travel Market, EIBTM, British Travel Trade Fair, Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), International Golf Travel Market, Top Resa, Mediterranean Travel Fair, ICCA Exhibition, in association with the ICCA Congress, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), La Cumbre and Latin American & Caribbean Incentive & Meetings Exhibition (LACIME). 4. For further press information, please visit the Reed Travel Exhibitions� website on www.reedtravelexhibitions.com