When and where is Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2027?

The 2027 edition takes place from 28 to 31 January 2027 at Olympia London. (Source:

How much are tickets for the 2027 show?

Advance tickets are £12.00 for adults and free for children under 16. On-the-door tickets are £16.00 for adults and free for children under 16. A £1.50 transaction fee applies to each basket. (Source:

Are tickets valid for more than one day?

Tickets are valid for any one day of the show. (Source:

Can I buy tickets on the door?

Yes, tickets will be available on the door during show opening hours at £16.00 for adults and free for children under 16. (Source:

Are carer tickets available?

Carer tickets are available for visitors who need accompaniment. More details are available on the Plan Your Visit page. (Source:

Who organises the show?

The show is organised by Clarion Events Ltd. (Source:

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2027

Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2027 include Aqua-Firma Worldwide, Audley Logo, Authentic India Tours, Azamara Cruises and Bespoke India Travel.

Aqua-Firma Worldwide
Audley Logo
Authentic India Tours
Azamara Cruises
Bespoke India Travel

Event overview

Overview

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show returns to Olympia London from 28. January 2027. Described as the essential event for travel inspiration, it brings together 600 travel brands and 90+ tourist boards under one roof (https://www. destinationsshow.

com/london). Visitors can meet face-to-face with leading and independent specialist travel brands, get inspiration and advice from experts, hear from 100+ speakers, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and experience cultural performances (https://www. destinationsshow. com/london).

Whether travelling independently or on an escorted tour, the show offers a unique chance to tap into expert knowledge and tailor-make the perfect getaway (https://www. destinationsshow. com/london)

TL;DR

1Dates: 28-31 January 2027 (
2Venue: Olympia London (
3Scale: 600 travel brands and 90+ tourist boards (
4Features: 100+ speakers, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances (
5Positioning: The Essential Event for Travel Inspiration (

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Active, passionate and affluent travellers (

Average age 55-64 years (2025 survey data) (

86% fall within top 3 ACORN categories: Luxury Lifestyles, Established Affluence, Thriving Neighbourhoods (2025 survey data) (

Average planned holiday spend of £7,821 per person in the coming year (2025 data) (

93% definitely or likely to attend the next Destinations London (2025 survey data) (

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Tourist boards (

Tour operators (

Travel agents (

Airlines (

Hotel groups (

Specialist travel brands (

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Cruise

Escorted Tours

Solo Travel

Independent Travel

Small Ship Cruising

Expedition Cruises

River Cruises

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Olympia London

Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX London, United Kingdom

Entrances & gates

Grand Hall Entrance

Grand Hall

Located on Olympia Way, opposite Kensington (Olympia) station

National Hall Entrance

National Hall

Located on Hammersmith Road, 100m from Kensington Olympia Station

Facilities

Parking

On-site motorail car park with pre-booking required before 10pm the night before. Charges £40 per day for cars and £63 per day for large vans (as of November 2024). A £1.50 booking fee applies per order. 12 designated Blue Badge bays available on a first-come, first-served basis; pre-booking does not guarantee a disabled bay but ensures a space. All disabled parking is charged at the standard tariff. (

12 spaces · £40.00/day

Accessibility

Olympia London offers full wheelchair access with ramps, lifts, and step-free routes throughout. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge with a refundable security deposit; recommend booking in advance. Accessible toilets are available throughout the venue, all unisex, with modified cubicles in standard toilets. Baby changing facilities are located within the disabled toilets inside the exhibition hall at the rear of ground and gallery levels. Assistance dogs are welcome. The nearest step-free railway station is Kensington (Olympia); Hammersmith Station offers better accessibility for wheelchair users. (

Cloakroom

Cloakroom facilities are available at Olympia London. (

Luggage storage

Luggage storage is available at Olympia London. (

On-site shuttle

No dedicated on-site shuttle service is provided at Olympia London. However, a peak-time London Overground shuttle service operates between Clapham Junction, Kensington (Olympia), and Shepherd's Bush during weekday peak times, funded by Olympia's regeneration partners. This is a public transport service, not a venue-operated shuttle. (

Food options

Wolves of Tokyo, Bar Arriba, Lillie's, Arbour Food Hall, Idalia, Pepperbird

On-site dining

Parking: Pre-booking required before 10pm the night before; car park open 07:00 Mon-Sat, 08:00 Sun; cashless; pre-book online. Blue badge parking available for events in Grand Hall, National Hall, West Hall or ICC. ( and https://www.olympia.co.uk/getting-here)

Gate: Access to Grand Hall via Olympia Way; National Hall via Hammersmith Road. Strict parking restrictions around venue. ULEZ applies. ( and https://www.olympia.co.uk/space/the-national-hall)

Attend

Entry & tickets

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Thursday 28 January 2027:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Friday 29 January 2027:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday 30 January 2027:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday 31 January 2027:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Advance Online Adult Ticket
Advance rate booking online; includes complimentary entry to co-located events and travel theater talks
£11.00
On-The-Door Adult Ticket
Standard box office day ticket at London Olympia
£15.00
Children Under 12
Free entry when accompanied by a paying adult ticket holder

Who runs the show

Organisers

Clarion Events Limited

Organiser

Website

What's on

Programme

Speakers

Hazel McGuire

Chief Marketing Officer @ Intrepid Travel

Global travel, sustainability, brand leadership

Andrew Dickens

Presenter

Live cooking, travel interviewing, cultural performances

Sue Bryant

Cruise Expert @ The Times and Sunday Times

Cruising, rivers and oceans, expedition ships

Simon Calder

Travel Journalist @ The Independent

Travel commentary, consumer travel advice, top places to explore

Wendy Wu

Founder @ Wendy Wu Tours

Escorted tours, immersive travel, Asia specialists (2026 data)

Lyn Hughes

Founding Editor @ Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Travel writing, adventure travel, expedition cruising (2026 data)

Topic tracks

Meet the Experts TheatreThe Travel StageTaste the World StageBook SigningsWanderlust VisionsExperience the World

Co-located events

Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

Separate ticket

Awards

Wanderlust Visions Travel Photography and Videography Competition

Annual

The UK's longest-running travel photography and videography competition, open to both professionals and amateurs. The shortlist is showcased at Destinations with a public vote. 2027 categories include People, Wildlife, Culture, Landscape, and Abu Dhabi, alongside a videography category themed 'hidden travel surprises'. The overall winner receives £2,000 plus a £1,000 paid commission. (2027 edition)

PeopleWildlifeCultureLandscapeAbu DhabiVideography

source

Previous edition

Current edition

2027 · 600 exhibitors

The 2027 London edition will take place 28-31 January 2027 at Olympia London, featuring 600 travel brands and 90+ tourist boards. The Manchester edition runs 14-17 January 2027 at Manchester Central. Organisers have not yet published visitor count forecasts for 2027. Exhibitor count of 600 is the organiser-published figure for the show series

Forecast — not final

Visitors

50,000

Exhibitors

600

Growth over time

New this edition

1
Meet the Experts Theatre
A dedicated stage where travel experts introduce new destinations, new experiences and new ways to see the world. The 2027 programme includes sessions on Mongolia, Route 66, Algeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Bhutan, Eastern Turkey, the Galapagos Islands and more. (Source:
Source
2
The Travel Stage featuring Stanfords Travel Writers Festival
Explorers, broadcasters and travel journalists provide insight and inspiration. The 2027 edition features afternoon sessions from the Stanfords Travel Writers Festival, including talks from Simon Calder, Sue Bryant and other leading travel writers. (Source:
Source
3
Taste The World Stage
Live cooking demonstrations and samples of traditional cuisines and global flavours, with travel experts transporting visitors to destinations near and far. The 2027 programme includes a session on the gastronomy of Emilia Romagna in northern Italy with Kirker Holidays. (Source:
Source
4
Book Signings
Meet travel writers and high-profile personalities and get a dedicated copy of their books signed, as part of the Stanfords Travel Writers Festival. (Source:
Source
5
Wanderlust Visions
See the finalists for the Wanderlust Visions photography and videography competition in a dedicated gallery at the show. (Source:
Source
6
Experience the World
A vibrant line-up of cultural performances from around the world, popping up all over the show floor, allowing visitors to experience the world in one place. (Source:
Source

Testimonials

After a great experience at our first Destinations Show in 2023, Travelzoo returned this year as sponsors of The Travel Stage. That extra opportunity provided us with an excellent level of brand exposure and was the perfect platform to showcase our brand. Footfall to the stand was abundant and high quality throughout. Being at Destinations meant we were able to meet and chat to both existing customers face to face, but also able to sign up lots of new Travelzoo members. We felt supported throughout and gained several pieces of press coverage via the show's PR team. We're looking forward to future shows!
James Clarke · General Manager · Travelzoo · 2025

I exhibited at both Destinations Manchester & London for the first time and given the cost involved, was nervous. However I'm so glad I took the gamble, I have such a strong pipeline of leads for the next 12 to 24 months, which I would never have got otherwise. I also feel I've been able to access clients I wouldn't otherwise be able to
Saadia Baber · Founder · Xperience Pakistan · 2025

We love exhibiting at Destinations year after year. It delivers an amazing attendance that keeps us busy throughout the event. The diversity of exhibitors, coupled with the amazing inspiration that can be found on the stages creates a perfect, vibrant environment to promote Malta to UK travellers
Louise Zammit · Visit Malta · 2025

Next edition outlook

2027

confirmed

The 2027 edition of Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show will return to Olympia London from 28-31 January 2027, with a sister edition at Manchester Central from 14-17 January 2027. The show will continue to bring together over 600 travel brands and 90+ tourist boards, with 100+ speakers across multiple stages. Organisers are targeting over 80,000 visitors across the London and Manchester events

Continued growth in cruise and rail exhibitor presence reflecting consumer demand for no-fly travel Expanded programme of expert-led sessions at the Meet the Experts Theatre and The Travel Stage Enhanced cultural performances and food experiences through the Experience the World and Taste The World stages New exhibitors expected across adventure, luxury and specialist travel segments

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show remains the UK's largest and longest-running consumer travel event, a position it has held for over a quarter of a century. In 2025, the London and Manchester editions attracted 80,000 active, passionate and affluent travellers. The 2026 London edition featured over 600 travel brands and 90+ tourist boards at Olympia London from 29 January to 1 February, with approximately 50,000 attendees over four days. Trade press describes it as the second most important event for the international tourism industry, surpassed only by the World Travel Market (WTM). The show is a pure B2C event, aimed at people planning holidays, dreaming of future trips, or looking for inspiration rather than trade deals, making it a unique platform for travel brands to connect directly with consumers. (

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The Destinations audience is notably affluent and highly engaged. 86% of visitors fall within the top 3 ACORN categories (Luxury Lifestyles, Established Affluence, Thriving Neighbourhoods), and the average visitor age is 55. Visitors plan an average holiday spend of £7,821 per person in the coming year, with total estimated visitor spend reaching £386 million. 87% of visitors are more likely to buy from travel brands they meet at Destinations, 79% are asked for holiday advice by family and friends, and 89% would recommend the brands they meet to friends and family. 93% of past attendees say they are definitely or likely to return to the next Destinations London. The crowd is described as eclectic and predominantly B2C, with the vast majority being members of the public rather than industry insiders. (

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors report strong lead generation and brand exposure at Destinations. Travelzoo, which returned as sponsors of The Travel Stage, reported abundant and high-quality footfall, successful sign-ups of new members, and several pieces of press coverage via the show's PR team. Xperience Pakistan's founder described a strong pipeline of leads for the next 12 to 24 months after exhibiting at both Manchester and London. Visit Malta praised the show's diversity of exhibitors and vibrant atmosphere as a perfect environment to promote to UK travellers. Newmarket Holidays highlighted the opportunity to meet both new and returning customers and showcase their latest 2026-28 escorted touring brochure. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel reported filling the Meet the Experts Theatre for their Algeria talk and engaging loyal travellers. The show generates bookings both onsite and afterwards, with many exhibitors offering exclusive show-only deals ranging from significant discounts to complimentary upgrades. (

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

United Kingdom / Europe

Why it matters

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2027 sits at the intersection of a resilient but rapidly evolving UK outbound travel market. The UK outbound travel industry is forecast to grow 15% by 2027 from 2019 levels, worth £49bn annually to the UK economy and supporting 720,000 jobs. With 56% of UK adults likely to holiday abroad and holidays remaining a protected form of household spending, the show offers exhibitors direct access to over 80,000 active, affluent travellers actively planning and booking journeys. The event's positioning as 'The Essential Event for Travel Inspiration' aligns with key market shifts: demand for luxury and experiential travel is growing, cruise and rail holidays are booming, and travellers increasingly seek expert guidance to navigate cost and geopolitical uncertainty. For exhibitors, the show provides a unique face-to-face channel to reach travellers with an average planned holiday spend of £7,821 per person, in a market where 87% of visitors are more likely to buy from brands they meet at the show. The 2027 edition, with 600 travel brands and 90+ tourist boards, reflects the scale and diversity of the UK consumer travel opportunity. (

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Resilient UK Outbound Travel Demand with Late-Booking Behaviour

UK consumers remain determined to travel despite cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and extreme summer temperatures. A Travel Weekly survey of 1,281 UK adults found 56% were likely to holiday abroad in 2026 — the second-highest figure on record. However, 38% have delayed booking due to cost and Middle East conflict, and 66% said they would travel outside peak season to reduce costs. Advantage Travel Partnership reported 142 million passengers through UK airports in H1 2026, one million more than the same period last year, despite EES implementation concerns. (

Source

Cruise and Rail Holidays Boom as Travellers Reject Airport Friction

UK travellers are increasingly swapping rushed airport dashes for slower, more meaningful journeys combining luxury cruises with iconic rail routes. Advantage Travel Partnership reported cruise revenue up 14% in 2026, with Brits seeking cooler destinations and no-fly holidays. Paramount Cruises found 68% of summer 2026 bookings were for cruises departing in 2027 or 2028, with demand strengthening as the summer progressed. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) implementation, despite fears of disruption, has not dampened demand. (

Source

AI Transforms Travel Discovery, Booking and Agency Operations

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how UK travellers research, plan and book holidays. ZentrumHub estimates AI agents could account for 5-8% of OTA hotel bookings by 2027. A Travel Leaders Network survey found all but one respondent expects to use AI in agency operations in 2027, with marketing and communications the leading application (86%). Phocuswright reports UK online travel penetration climbed to 88% in 2024 and is on track to hit 90% by 2027, with mobile booking expected to overtake desktop by 2026. (

Source

Premium and Experiential Travel Outperforms as Mainstream Travellers Cut Back

A clear divergence is emerging in the UK travel market: affluent travellers are trading up and booking premium experiences, while cost-conscious consumers reduce discretionary spending. ANTOR's February 2026 survey found 65% growth in luxury travel demand and 70% increased demand for local experiences. The T+L 2027 forecast highlights sustainability shifting from aspiration to measurable action, with no-fly cruises and rail-based itineraries gaining traction. (

Source

School Holiday Reform and Seasonal Demand Redistribution

The UK's traditional six-week summer holiday is under increasing pressure. Advantage Travel Partnership and UK Outbound Travel Group are calling on local councils to redistribute two weeks of the August break across October and February half-terms, citing the concentration of millions of families into the same travel window pushing up prices and straining infrastructure. Half of parents support a shorter summer holiday according to the National Parent 2026 survey. (Source:

Source

School Holiday Reform and Seasonal Demand Redistribution

Advantage Travel Partnership and UK Outbound Travel Group are calling on local councils to redistribute two weeks of the August summer holiday across October and February half-terms. This follows data showing 142 million passengers travelled through UK airports in H1 2026, one million more than the same period last year, despite EES implementation concerns. (Source:

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Advantage Travel Partnership Announces 2026 and 2027 Booking Trends

UK's largest network of independently owned travel businesses reports cruise revenue up 14%, Albania tipped as the destination to watch for 2027, and 142 million passengers through UK airports in H1 2026 — one million more than the same period last year. Tenerife, Mallorca and Costa Blanca are top short-haul destinations, while. New York, Orlando and Jamaica lead long-haul. (Source:

Read

Agents Hail Robust Lates Market and Rising Demand for Summer 2027

Travel agents report strong late-summer trading with 40% of recent bookings for departures within six weeks. Families who missed out on 2026 holidays are driving early summer 2027 sales. Advantage Travel Partnership reported sales up 9% week-on-week, with cruises performing particularly well. (Source:

Read

ABTA Research Shows UK Travellers Still Want Overseas Escapes Despite Costs

ABTA's June 2026 consumer sentiment research shows 64% of UK adults plan to travel abroad in the next 12 months. Holidays remain a protected form of spending, with consumers more likely to cut eating out, leisure activities and clothes before holidays. 34% plan to spend more on holidays. (Source:

Read

UK Travel Demand Shifts as Households Delay Overseas Trips

BTG UK analysis shows UK consumer card spending fell year-on-year while travel spending weakened and airline spending dropped sharply. Almost four out of five Britons surveyed by Visit England in April intended to take an overnight UK trip in the next 12 months, while overseas trip intentions declined. The anticipated 2027 introduction of visitor levies adds further cost pressure. (Source:

Read

UK Package Travel Regulations Reform Effective April 2027

Separately booked flights and hotels may be classified as a package under new UK travel regulations effective 6 April 2027. The reform removes the Linked Travel Arrangements framework and imposes stronger consumer protections, including a 14-day refund requirement for qualifying payments. Travel agencies will need to review booking processes and financial protection arrangements. (Source:

Read

UK & European Consumer and Trade Travel Show Circuit (2027)

January to November 2027

The 2027 travel show circuit features a mix of consumer-facing events that connect travel brands directly with holidaymakers and trade-only exhibitions that bring together industry professionals, buyers and suppliers. Destinations anchors the UK consumer circuit in January, followed by the Adventure Travel Show for specialist adventure travel, and the British Tourism & Travel Show for the domestic tourism trade. Globally, ITB Berlin, WTM London, and ILTM Cannes remain the flagship trade events for the international travel industry

January 2027

The Adventure Travel Show 2027Destinations: the Holiday & Travel Show Manchester 2027Destinations: the Holiday & Travel Show London 2027

The UK consumer travel show season. Destinations Manchester (14-17 Jan) leads into Destinations London (28-31 Jan), with the Adventure Travel Show (9-10 Jan) catering to adventure-focused travellers

March 2027

British Tourism & Travel Show 2027ITB Berlin 2027

UK domestic tourism trade show followed by the world's leading international travel trade fair

November 2027

WTM London 2027

The global travel trade's flagship end-of-year event

Event dates sourced from official event websites and organiser pages. Where official 2027 dates were not yet published, the most recently announced dates have been used. All schedules should be confirmed on official event websites before making travel plans

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

LHR

Heathrow Airport

Fastest public transport is the Piccadilly line to Barons Court (32 min, every 10 min), then a short walk or bus. A taxi takes about 21 minutes. Bus route N9 takes approximately 46-51 minutes. (

Approx. 21.9 km (13.6 mi) by road

to venue

21-45 minutes depending on traffic and mode

by car

LGW

Gatwick Airport

Take a Southern train to Clapham Junction (approx. 24 min), then change to the London Overground for Kensington (Olympia) (approx. 9-11 min). Trains run every 20 minutes. (

Approx. 44 km (27 mi) by road

to venue

50-60 minutes by car; 37-45 minutes by train

by car

LCY

London City Airport

Accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and London Underground, though requires multiple changes. Taxi is the most straightforward option. (Source:

Approx. 20 km (12.4 mi) by road

to venue

40-50 minutes by car

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

West Kensington / Kensington Olympia

USD 55–120 / night

Matheson Olympia Hotel (4-star boutique, from $55/night, 5-minute walk to Olympia Exhibition Centre and West Kensington Station), Point A Kensington Olympia (from £68/night, 0.0 km from city centre, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, 24/7 front desk), Holland Inn Hotel (from $86/night, 7-minute walk from Olympia Exhibition Centre and Kensington Olympia station), Nox Olympia (from $79/night, 188 m from Kensington Olympia station), Bob W London Olympia (3-star, from £74/night, 250 m from Olympia Exhibition Centre). (

Mid-range

Kensington High Street / Earls Court / Paddington

USD 120–250 / night

Hilton London Olympia (4-star, from £124/night, 200 m from Olympia Exhibition Centre, on-site parking £37/day, 405 rooms), Premier Inn London Kensington Olympia (3-star, from £92/night, 2.4 km to Hyde Park, free Wi-Fi, A/C, restaurant), Jubilee Hotel Kensington (3-star, from $145/night, 0.1 km from Kensington Olympia station), Mercure London Hyde Park (4-star boutique, Paddington, 15-20 min to Olympia via Circle/District line, Hypnos beds, rainfall showers, overlooks garden squares). (

Premium

Olympia Estate / Kensington

USD 250–600 / night

Hyatt Regency London Olympia (upper-upscale, 204 rooms, directly linked to Olympia event halls via covered glass corridor, three meeting rooms, Pillar Hall dining, bar, conservatory, garden café; room rates from AU$642-695/night approx. $420 to 460 USD). citizenM London Olympia (146 rooms, contemporary design with preserved heritage features, opening summer 2026). (

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

London Overground / National Rail

Estimated costOyster/contactless fare (Zone 2), approximately £2.80-£3.40 per journey; daily cap approximately £8.90 for Zones 1

Best forKensington (Olympia) station is directly beside the venue (1-minute walk). Served by the London Overground Mildmay line (frequent trains between Stratford and Clapham Junction) and Southern Rail (services between Kensington Olympia and Watford Junction). Peak-time services were increased from 18 May 2026 under a five-year TfL agreement, adding 16 extra peak-time services per day between Clapham Junction and Shepherd's Bush, boosting passenger capacity by almost 20% in the morning peak and 33% in the afternoon peak

This is the most convenient option, with the station directly adjacent to the venue. Visitors can plan journeys and check live status via the TfL website or app. (

London Underground (Tube)

Estimated costOyster/contactless fare, approximately £2.80-£5.60 per journey depending on zones; daily cap applies

Best forSeveral Tube lines serve the area: District line (weekend service to Kensington (Olympia); weekday service via West Brompton for a 2-minute Overground journey), Piccadilly line (Barons Court station is a 9-minute walk), Central line (Shepherd's Bush station for a 2-minute Overground train), Circle line (High Street Kensington station is a 4-minute bus ride or 12-minute walk), and Hammersmith & City line (Hammersmith station is a 5-minute bus ride or 15-minute walk)

The venue has access to five Tube lines within a 15-minute walk. Note that the eastbound platform at Barons Court is closed for maintenance from 19 January until early June 2026; visitors travelling via the Piccadilly line are advised to use Hammersmith. Always check the TfL status page for the latest service updates. (

Bus

Estimated costOyster/contactless fare, £1.75 per journey (Hopper fare allows unlimited bus changes within one hour)

Best forSeveral bus routes stop within a short walk of the venue: 9 (Aldwych – Hammersmith), 23 (Westbourne Park – Hammersmith), 27 (Chalk Farm – Turnham Green), 28 (Kensal Rise – Wandsworth), 49 (White City – Clapham Junction), and 391 (Fulham – Richmond). Night services N9, N23, N27, and N28 also stop nearby. Additional routes serving the area include 306 and C1

All routes stop within easy walking distance of the venue entrances. Buses provide a good alternative when Tube lines are disrupted. (

Taxi / Ride-hail

Estimated costVaries by distance and demand. Example: Heathrow to Olympia approximately £35; Paddington to Olympia approximately £12

Best forBlack cabs and ride-hail services (Uber, Bolt, Free Now) operate throughout London. There is a taxi rank on Hammersmith Road (Olympia) and another on Russell Road (London Olympia Hilton)

Ride-hail apps are widely used. During peak event times, demand can be high and surge pricing may apply. The dedicated taxi ranks provide a reliable alternative. (

Parking (pre-booked)

Estimated cost£40 per day for cars; £63 per day for large vans; plus £1.50 booking fee

Best forOn-site parking at Olympia London requires pre-booking online before 10pm the night before. The venue charges £40 per day for cars and £63 per day for large vans (as of November 2024), plus a £1.50 booking fee. Only 12 designated Blue Badge bays are available, on a first-come, first-served basis; pre-booking is required for Blue Badge holders attending events in The Grand Hall, The National Hall, West Hall or the ICC

Strict parking restrictions apply on surrounding streets. The venue falls within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ); check whether your vehicle is subject to the ULEZ charge before travelling. Pre-booking is strongly advised as it is cheaper than turning up on the day. (

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor Visa (Business Visitor route)	Nationals of countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This includes many nationalities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and parts of the Americas. The visa covers business activities such as attending conferences, meetings, trade fairs (to promote business only, not sell directly to the public), negotiating and signing deals, and site visits	$170.00	Typically around 3 weeks
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)	Nationals of 85 countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and all EU/EEA member states. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Those who hold a valid UK visa or other form of UK immigration permission are also exempt	$25.00	Most decisions within 3 working days

Many nationalities can visit the UK for business purposes without a visa for up to 6 months, but they must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and all EU/EEA member states. British and Irish citizens do not need a visa or ETA. Some nationalities may be able to visit without a visa or an ETA entirely. Visitors should check their specific nationality requirements on the official UK government visa checker before booking travel. (

The UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary admission of goods for trade fairs, exhibitions, professional equipment, and commercial samples. The ATA Carnet allows duty-free and tax-free temporary import and export of goods for up to one year. For goods shipped as freight through an inventory-linked port or airport (such as Heathrow or Gatwick), an Import and export Customs clearance request (C21i) form may also be required. For hand-carried goods or goods driven in a personal vehicle between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a full carnet is not always necessary; the National Carnet Unit accepts temporary admission declarations using form C108 or the Duplicate List procedure. The Carnet holder may authorise someone else (employee, agent, or haulier) to travel with or present the goods, provided a signed Letter of Authorisation is carried alongside the Carnet. A digital ATA Carnet (eATA Carnet) is also available in the UK. (

Official visa page

Weather

January in London is cold, grey, and damp. Average high temperatures reach 8-9°C (46-48°F) with lows around 3-5°C (37-41°F). Expect around 11 days of precipitation during the month, though rain typically falls as light drizzle or short showers rather than prolonged downpours. Daylight is limited, with sunset around 4:00 to 4:45 PM. Heavy snowfall is uncommon but freezing fog is possible. Wind chill can make temperatures feel significantly colder. (

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Olympia London is exceptionally well-connected for a major exhibition venue. Kensington (Olympia) station is directly adjacent to the venue (1-minute walk), served by the London Overground (Mildmay line) and National Rail (Southern). The District line operates a limited service to Kensington (Olympia) on weekends and during events, connecting via Earl's Court. Alternative Underground stations include West Kensington (District line, 10-min walk), Barons Court (Piccadilly line, 9-min walk), Hammersmith (Piccadilly, District, Circle & H&C lines, 14-min walk), and Shepherd's Bush (Central line, 15-min walk). Bus routes 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, and 391 stop within easy walking distance, plus night services N9, N23, N27, and N28. The venue is approximately 21.9 km from Heathrow and 44 km from Gatwick. (

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

UK Contactless and Cashless Culture

The UK is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Contactless payment cards and mobile wallets (Google Pay, Apple Pay) are widely accepted, with contactless transactions limited to £100 without a PIN. Many shops, cafes, and transport services are entirely cash-free. International visitors should carry a contactless card, though be aware that non-UK cards may incur overseas transaction fees. (Source:

Tipping and Service Charges

Tipping in London is generally discretionary. Many restaurants include a 12.5% optional service charge on the bill. If not included, leaving 10-15% for good service is customary. Tipping is not expected in pubs for drinks, though rounding up is appreciated. Taxi drivers typically receive a 10% tip. (Source:

British Holiday Booking Behaviour

UK travellers are increasingly booking holidays later, with 38% delaying due to cost and geopolitical uncertainty. Trade shows like Destinations serve as a critical touchpoint for capturing bookings closer to travel dates. Holidays remain a protected form of household spending, with 34% of UK adults planning to spend more on holidays in the coming year. (Source:

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: London Heathrow (LHR)

January and February offer some of the most competitive fares of the year for flights into London. Book in advance for the best prices. Heathrow is the primary international gateway, located approximately 21.9 km from Olympia London with direct Piccadilly line access

Visa

Entry requirements for Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2027 depend on nationality. Most visitors from visa-free countries need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK, which covers business activities such as attending conferences and trade fairs. Nationals of countries without visa-free agreements must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa in advance. All visitors must have a passport valid for the whole of their stay in the UK. (

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: ETA: most decisions within 3 working days. Standard Visitor Visa: typically around 3 weeks

UK business visitors are permitted to attend trade fairs to promote their business but cannot sell directly to the public. They may attend meetings, conferences, and seminars; negotiate and sign deals; give one-off talks (if not for profit or a commercial event); and carry out site visits. Paid or unpaid work for a UK company is not permitted under the Standard Visitor route unless it qualifies as a permitted paid engagement. Visitors should carry documentation proving their purpose of visit, accommodation arrangements, and ability to support themselves. (

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Kensington Olympia (closest to venue, 1-10 min walk) · West Kensington (5-10 min walk to venue) · Earls Court (10-15 min walk or short bus ride) · Paddington (15-20 min by Circle/District line) · Hammersmith (14 min walk to venue)

Budget (2-3 star)

$55-120 per night

Mid-range (3-4 star)

$120-250 per night

Premium (4-5 star)

$250-600 per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: From Heathrow (LHR): Piccadilly line to Barons Court (32 min), then 9-min walk or short bus; taxi approximately 21 minutes. From Gatwick (LGW): Southern train to Clapham Junction (24 min), then London Overground to Kensington (Olympia) (9 min); trains every 20 minutes. From London City (LCY): DLR and Underground with multiple changes, or taxi (40-50 min). (

Hotel → venue: Kensington Olympia station is directly beside the venue (1-min walk). Hilton London Olympia is a 3-minute walk. Most Kensington-area hotels are within 5-15 minutes on foot. Paddington-area hotels are 15-20 minutes via Circle or District line to High Street Kensington or Kensington (Olympia). (

Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, and Free Now operate throughout London. A typical Uber from Heathrow to Olympia costs approximately £35-50 depending on demand and traffic. From Paddington to Olympia takes approximately 12 minutes by taxi. (

Public transit: Kensington (Olympia) station (London Overground Mildmay line and National Rail Southern) is directly beside the venue. District line operates limited service on event days via Earl's Court. Alternative stations: West Kensington (District, 10 min walk), Barons Court (Piccadilly, 9 min walk), Hammersmith (Piccadilly/District/Circle/H&C, 14 min walk), Shepherd's Bush (Central, 15 min walk). Bus routes 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 391 and night services N9, N23, N27, N28 stop nearby. Oyster/contactless fares apply; daily cap approximately £8.90 for Zones 1. (

Parking: Pre-book parking online before 10pm the night before. Olympia charges £40 per day for cars and £63 per day for large vans (as of November 2024), plus a £1.50 booking fee. 12 Blue Badge bays available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hotels with on-site parking include Hilton London Olympia (£37/day, no reservation possible) and Hyatt Regency London Olympia. (

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: January

Temperature: 3-9°C (37-48°F)

Seasonality: Approximately 11 days of precipitation during January. Rain typically arrives as light drizzle or short showers rather than prolonged downpours. Snow is possible but uncommon. Freezing fog can occur. Wind chill can make temperatures feel colder

Packing: Pack a warm, water-resistant coat as the most important item. Bring layers including sweaters and long pants. Comfortable waterproof walking shoes are essential. A compact umbrella is recommended. Daylight is limited (sunset around 4:00 to 4:45 PM), so plan outdoor activities accordingly

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

09:30Arrive at Olympia London via Kensington (Olympia) station
10:00Explore the Grand Hall and meet travel brands
12:00Attend a talk at the Travel Stage
13:00Lunch at venue catering outlets
14:00Visit the National Hall and specialist pavilions
16:00Enjoy cultural performances

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Thursday (Opening Day)

Opening day typically offers the freshest exhibitor energy and first access to show offers before weekend crowds. The show runs 28-31 January 2027, with Thursday 28 January as the first day. (

Book advance tickets online (London: £12 adult, free under; Manchester: free entry) — Advance tickets for London 2027 are expected to be released closer to the show; sign up to the Destinations e-newsletter for updates. Manchester show has free entry. (Guidance, not official deadline.)

Book accommodation near Olympia London — Hotels in Kensington Olympia, West Kensington, and Earls Court fill quickly during the show. Hilton London Olympia and Premier Inn London Kensington Olympia are the closest options. (Guidance.)

Plan your travel route to Olympia London — Kensington (Olympia) station is directly beside the venue. Check TfL status before travelling. If driving, pre-book parking online before 10pm the night before. (Guidance.)

Download the show guide and plan your must-see stands and talks — The 2027 show will feature 600 travel brands, 90+ tourist boards, and 100+ speakers across multiple stages. Prioritise your interests to make the most of your visit. (Guidance.)

Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly — Late January in London is cold and damp. Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat, and comfortable walking shoes. (Guidance.)

Confirm your travel plans and pre-book parking if driving — Parking must be pre-booked by 10pm the night before. Olympia charges £40 per day for cars and £63 per day for large vans. (Guidance.)

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day