Travel Technology Europe has reported a record-breaking year with initial figures showing a 7% increase in visitor numbers: 6,392 attendees compared to 5,900 in 2016.

Taking place at Olympia London last week, the 2017 Travel Technology Europe was the biggest in the show’s 14-year history – a sell out with 140 exhibitors (including 54 new suppliers), an increase of 43% on 2016. Most exhibitors have already rebooked their stands for 2018, which is slated for 21-22 February at the same venue.

2017 exhibitors included Sabre, Atcore and Tigerbay, Vibe Software, Comtec, Dolphin Dynamics, Trivago, Digital Trip, Infor, Email Center, DCS Plus, Wex, Codegen, Purple Vision, Paxport (Multicom), RMS The Hospitality Cloud, JFA Systems, SDL, Sitecore, Open Destinations, PCI Booking, OTA insight, Guestline, Cornerstone and Celligra.

Organisers invested significantly in this year’s event, introducing a new VIP programme, which saw 140 VIP’s attend, series of packed-out Tech Huddles, mobile app and Poken networking technology.

They also doubled the size of the Launchpad, which supports innovative start-ups: 15 companies exhibited compared to eight last year and the second Travel Technology Disrupt Award was won by Flyto, the new service that allows travellers to pay for flights in easy, fixed monthly instalments rather than upfront in one go.

The conference sessions were busy throughout, with keynotes delivered by Google Cloud, easyJet, WayBlazer, Contiki, Decode, Button and Hotels.com.

“Travel Technology Europe has proven once again that is the leading technology show for the travel and hospitality markets in Europe,” commented portfolio director David Chapple.

“The show sold out weeks ago and we were delighted to see so many innovative suppliers with truly creative solutions at this year’s event.

To achieve a visitor increase of 7% after similar growth last year is phenomenal. It’s both indicative of the growing and increasingly influential tech hubs we have in the UK, and testament to the quality of buyers who attend, the incredible content in our conference sessions and the sheer amount of business that takes place in just two days.

“The impact – current and potential – that technology has on the travel industry for travellers, sellers and buyers – is beyond exciting and we can’t wait to see Travel Technology Europe continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of this industry.”

Travel Technology Europe, held annually in London for 14 years, is Europe’s largest specialised exhibition and conference bringing together 5,900 travel technology professionals. This long established and reputable event connects travel technology buyers and managers with the suppliers, knowledge and contacts to help innovate for the future of travel.

It is the largest travel technology event in Europe, allowing travel technology buyers and managers to evaluate thousands of products and services from over 130 global travel brands and innovative start-up companies across the travel technology sector.

Running alongside the exhibition is Europe’s largest conference programme designed to meet knowledge requirements of beginners through to experienced travel buyers. Independently produced and supported by more than 120 expert speakers, the 50 topical sessions cover the full spectrum of travel technology facilitating peer-to-peer learning and debate to enable companies to drive the industry forward.

Travel Technology Europe provides the opportunity to meet with 5,900 professionals from across the European travel and technology community. From peer-to-peer and supplier networking sessions to informal social events, the event allows attendees to build new relationships and to share knowledge and best practice.