Fiona Jeffery, Managing Director of World Travel Market, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), has been appointed to the role of Chairman.

She will be concentrating on the event’s strategic development, as well as building and developing Just a Drop and WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day.

Jeffery continues to report to Richard Mortimore, Managing Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions

The day to day running of the global business event in London is to be undertaken by Craig Moyes, recently appointed Exhibition Director. He has spent 15 years in the exhibition industry, including experience in travel and tourism sectors.

In announcing the management changes, Richard Mortimore, Managing Director of RTE said: “Many congratulations to Fiona, who has been responsible for driving and developing the World Travel Market brand for 20 years. Her contribution to the evolvement and growth of the event has been exemplary.

“Craig Moyes appointment means that she will have more time to concentrate on key aspects of the business, including the development of partnerships. She will also continue her role as spokesperson for World Travel Market.”

Jeffery was instrumental in helping take these issues up the industry agenda. She has also increased the internationalism of World Travel Market and ensured its leading role as a major global business forum for the travel and tourism industry.

She founded Just a Drop on behalf of the international industry nine years ago, highlighting the importance of clean water, particularly for children under the age of five whose immune systems are unable to cope with dirty water.

The charity, of which she is Chairman, has raised nearly $1.6m and helped over 800,000 children and their families living mostly in remote areas in 24 countries.

Moyes says he is looking forward to the new challenges of World Travel Market. He added: “There is no other business event on earth like World Travel Market and I feel privileged and delighted to be involved”.

In 1993, Moyes and his business partner successfully launched China International Boat Show in Shanghai, managing the event until 1996.