WTM London Brings Clean Water to Rural Kenya Through Just a Drop Partnership
A community of more than 1,000 people in rural Kenya now has access to clean, safe water thanks to donations made by attendees of World Travel Market (WTM) London in 2024. The funds supported the travel show’s long-term charity partner, Just a Drop, which continues to transform lives through sustainable water projects worldwide.
Last year, over £7,900 was raised through visitor contributions and exhibitor stand fees, with WTM London matching the total to reach nearly £16,000. The donation funded the construction of a sand dam in the Katethya community of Kitui County, providing clean water for around 1,400 residents who can now safely drink, cook, wash, and irrigate their crops.
Built across seasonal rivers, sand dams capture water during the rainy season while filtering it naturally through sand deposits. The clean water is then accessible through a hand pump and well beside the river. The Katethya dam is one of four constructed by Just a Drop in the area, helping to combat water scarcity and support community agriculture.
WTM London’s contributions have also made a difference in Nicaragua, where funds were used to upgrade Santa Isabela School in July 2024. The project delivered new hygienic toilets and handwashing facilities for the school’s 28 pupils and staff, replacing dilapidated latrines that had made sanitation difficult. Teachers, students, and the Parents Committee received training in hygiene and maintenance to ensure the facilities remain sustainable. Since completion, illness rates have fallen and school attendance has improved significantly.
WTM London has supported Just a Drop since 1998, when it became one of the charity’s Founding Partners. Over the years, the travel exhibition has raised £23,353, funding 19 water and sanitation projects in six countries and giving more than 12,000 people access to safe water.
Globally, RX, the parent company of WTM London and organizer of events such as Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE), has raised £238,986 for Just a Drop—supporting 33 projects in nine countries and reaching almost 44,000 people.
WTM London has extended its partnership with Just a Drop for another four years, reaffirming its long-term commitment to supporting the charity at this year’s event, which takes place from 4–6 November 2025.
Visitors can learn more and meet Just a Drop representatives at their interactive stand (S5-209), located next to the new WTM Trend Fest cultural stage at WTM London 2025.
