World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, is offering free travel to visitors attending this year’s event.

WTM is giving away 5,000 off-peak London Travelcards for the Thursday of the event (November 12).

The free London Travelcards are available to the travel industry’s senior buyers, who are all members of WTM’s Meridian Club.

The Travelcards offer Meridian Club members free travel on London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, and London train services after 9:30 am on Thursday, November 12.

Meridian Club members can collect a free Thursday Travelcard at WTM on Tuesday, November 10 and Wednesday, November 11 on a first-come, first-served basis.

World Travel Market exhibition director Craig Moyes said: “One of World Travel Market’s key objectives is to facilitate industry negotiation and deals between exhibitors and Meridian Club members.

“In 2008, several billion pounds of business was agreed following negotiations at World Travel Market. By offering senior travel industry buyers free travel to WTM, we are rewarding them for their support and helping to further facilitate business in the sector.”

Free London Travelcards is one of a number of new initiatives for the revamped Meridian Club, which includes a new logo for the club.

Senior industry buyers will also be treated to an inspirational speech by Amir Latif, founder of tour operator for the blind, The Traveleyes Team.

Latif lost his sight in his 20s due to the eye condition Reninitis Pigmentosa, however, he did not let it stop him becoming a TV personality and entrepreneur, appearing on the BBC2 series “Without Boundaries” and achieving the Chambers of Commerce International award of Young Business Entrepreneur of the World.

Complimentary shoe shining and reflexology services will be on offer in the Meridian Club Lounge alongside free newspapers, refreshments, and Internet access.

Further benefits include a Welcome Pack (worth £26) and invitations to social events such as the M-Bar to aid exhibitor networking.

Meridian Club members are also invited to the World Travel Market 30th Birthday Party on Wednesday, November 11.