2020 was the most difficult year for the travel industry which suffered record losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not surprisingly most of the planned tourism events and conferences have been cancelled or postponed.
To get your business on the path to recovery you need to be proactive and come up with innovative approaches and ideas. Part of it includes consistently growing your industry knowledge and your network. And what’s a better way to achieve this than tourism industry events and trade shows?
Trade fairs and events are the best way to meet with other travel professionals and expand your knowledge of the latest trends and challenges facing the industry.
To make your life easier, we listed the top travel and tourism conferences to attend this year, sorted by date. Keep in mind that most of them are designed to be hosted in a virtual environment if necessary.
If you’re a small or middle-sized tour/activity operator, then these events are especially good for you since you will have the chance to attend keynote sessions and learn from leading industry experts.
Have a read through and plan things to look forward to. We encourage you to book your tickets on time because some of the fairs allow only a limited number of people due to the social distancing measures.
February
Skift Forum
17 February – 8 December 2021, Online forums and summits
Website: https://forum.skift.com/
The Skift Travel Show is among the top creative business events in the global travel industry happening worldide. Especially aimed at travel professionals, Skift forum speakers represent the leading industry innovators. Among them, the CEOs of Delta, Marriot, TripAdvisor, Hyatt, and many others.
Skift are providing essential industry and marketing insight concerning the key sectors of travel. The forum is attended by over 6000 people. It is a platform for a range of talks, panels, workshops, and entrepreneurs that will inspire your creative strategies.
In light of the latest Covid-19 measures, it will take place over series of virtual shows and forums all through the year of 2021.
Tickets are selling fast so secure your attendance here!
March
Arival Berlin
TBD March 2021, Berlin, Germany/Online
Website: https://arivalevent.com/berlin-2021/
The ultimate event aimed at all sellers and organizers of tours, activities, and attractions. A fantastic chance to meet other professionals from this sector. You will learn, network and find out effective ways of promoting your services locally and globally.
Arival Berlin is a conference you need to attend if you are planning to grow your business. It took place in March 2020, however, the date for 2021 is still to be determined due to the tightened restrictions in Germany.
For those of you that cannot wait, check out Arrival Berlin Online. There are some inspiring speakers, series and experiences throughout the whole year!
A glimpse into Arival Berlin.
ITB Berlin: The World’s Leading Travel Trade Show
9 – 12 March 2021, Berlin, Germany
Website: https://www.itb-berlin.com/ITBBerlin/
ITB Berlin has been named the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show for a reason. Providers from 180 countries use this leading B2B platform to present their latest products and services to the world. The show hosts over 180,000 visitors that enjoy events, exhibitions and exciting offers.
ITB Berlin is a unique opportunity to explore cultures, destinations and professional practices within a few days. It is the best business platform to visit if you are looking to network with specialists from all over the world. You will learn the latest travel industry trends, establish important business contacts, or even plan your next big trip.
Detailed information on ITB Berlin can be found at their website and about ITB Convention at www.itb-convention.com. Keep in mind that booking visitor tickets in advance will save you between €20 – €30 if you do so beforehand.
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IBT Global
ITB Global stands for the brand that keeps the world of the travel business and shows under one hat. Running from March until October, ITB is not solely limited to ITB Berlin. Their shows take place all over the globe to reveal the future travel and tourism trends to the industry.
Their conferences are taking place in 3 more destinations this year.
ITB India: 7 – 9 April 2021
Next ITB China: 7 – 8 May 2021
ITB Asia: 27 – 29 October 2021
Travel Technology Initiative
18 March 2021, Holiday Inn London – Kensington Forum, London, England
Website: https://www.tti.org/
Similar to Travel Technology Europe, the TTI conference is one of the leading events hosting the big travel tech names. You will meet some expert speakers that share useful advice on the innovative technological trends in the travel industry.
Visiting TTI is a great way to keep up to date with the latest developments and achieve transformation for growth. This year’s conference will be all about the latest digital technology and trends that may affect business profitability.
To become a member of TTI or visit their all-year-round conferences and forums, visit https://www.tti.org/membership/
Rendez-Vous en France Travel
March 2022, Online Workshop
Website: https://www.rendezvousenfrance.pro/
The Rendez-vous en France travel is the first French international trade show. Due to the current international health situation, its partners and organisers have decided to postpone it to March 2022.
The event takes place in Nantes and the Atlantic Loire Valley region and is aimed at all French-based tour and travel business professionals. Attendants can meet exciting new contacts and suppliers face to face while exploring some great possibilities for developing and promoting their products.
There is a limit of 900 visitors so make sure to check their website for upates on the event date and book on time.
April
ICFTDM 2021: 15th International Conference on Food, Tourism and Destination Marketing
8 – 9 April 2021, Rome, Italy
Website: https://waset.org/food-tourism-and-destination-management-conference-in-april-2021-in-rome
This conference is bringing together a range of diverse scholarly events. It is showcasing the valuable works of students, academics and industry researchers.
Mainly focusing on industry insight, data and ideas, the conference is aimed at those looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of a range of professional practices.
Part of the conference will be a number of presentations on innovative marketing approaches in the fields of food, travel, and tourism. The exact program and continuation haven’t been confirmed yet, as the organizers are still accepting proposals and work by interested speakers and participants.
Check their special journal issue on Food, Tourism and Destination Marketing
May
International Luxury Travel Market Arabia
17 – 18 May 2021, Dubai, UAE
Website: https://www.iltm.com/
Also Cannes, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Mexico
The ILTM Arabia conferences are particularly aimed at buyers and investors looking to attract Middle East travelers to their destinations. Their exclusive events showcase a selection of the ultimate luxury travel brands. You will get the chance to see their creative approaches to success and brand development.
ILTM are recognizing the importance of face-to-face communication in the region. That’s why they provide the perfect platform for meeting new clients, generating leads and establishing relationships with unique brands.
Submit a buyer or exhibitor inquiry, contact their dedicated team.
The Advantage Conference
21 – 24 May 2021, Madeira, Portugal
Website: https://advantageconference.co.uk/
The Advantage Conference goes far beyond the usual boring agenda. It is offering an exceptional selection of unique experiences to its visitors. A great opportunity for anyone from a travel consultant to escape room owners to learn the latest sector needs and creative solutions while having an amazing time.
Despite its educational character, the conference also offers a variety of exciting leisure and entertainment activities. The agenda includes excursions, welcome parties, dinners, networking sessions, morning golf tournaments, along with the valuable conference sessions.
The Advantage Conference will challenge and inspire by showcasing some evocative speakers, as well as hosting networking events where you can share experiences and establish useful business relations.
For everyone interested, registration is now open at https://advantageconference.co.uk/pricing/
June
B Travel Trade Show
11 – 13 June 2021, Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://www.b-travel.com/en/
B Travel Trade Show Barcelona is definitely one of the must-visits this year. A place where everyone can establish contacts with other professionals. You will gain useful business insight by visiting the series of debates on the latest issues in tourism.
B Travel Trade Show is a platform for world-class products and ideas, visited by thousands of people each year. Travel professionals from a number of different sectors are there to socialize and share their experiences and solutions. The majority of them represent the below:
- Official Tourism Bodies
- Accommodation Offering
- Travel Agencies and Wholesalers
- Transport Companies
- Cultural Tourism – Leisure
- Industrial Tourism
- Travel Complements
- Press
- Formation and Tourist Services
- Nautical Tourism
- Camping and Caravaning
- Active Tourism
- Online Tourism
- Gastronomy
- Gay Tourism and LGTB friendly
- Porta del Desert
- Mad Travellers
- Cruises
- Sports Tourism
- Sustainable Tourism
- Wine Tourism
- Technology / Apps
Last but not least, at B Travel you will enjoy some exciting activities inspired by different cultures. Like B-Delicious where you are able to discover the world through its dishes, wines, and flavors for just 1€.
B Travel is a platform to over 200 exhibitors – check the full list. With 35,941 visitors in 2019, you should definitely register your interest in advance!
Travel Technology Europe
22 – 23 June 2021, ExCeL, London, England
Website: https://www.traveltechnologyeurope.com/
The 18th edition of TTE will be one of the top global in-person and virtual exhibitions to visit this year. The event which usually takes place on three continents will now bring them together by mixing virtual and face-to-face meetings, content and networking.
This is a short, two-day conference with over many attendees among which online travel agents, tour operators, hotels, airlines, destination management companies, and others. You will meet industry leaders and learn new ways of improving what you do.
The long list of previous visitors include:
- Booking.com
- British Airways
- Eurostar
- Jet2.com
- Lufthansa Group
- National Express
- PwC
- Skyscanner
- Tripadvisor
- TUI
- Virgin Holidays
Register your interest to exhibit or attend here.
September
IAAPA Expo
28 – 30 September 2021, Barcelona, Spain
Website: https://www.iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo-europe/exhibit-iaapa-expo-europe-2021-barcelona
IAAPA Expo is the Premier Global Attractions Industry event. It is happening in various locations worldwide. This year’s European edition is taking place in Barcelona.
Industry professionals from around the world are visiting the event to learn about the next big thing in the attractions industry. A unique opportunity for all of them to meet and get inspired for creating innovations.
The IAAPA Expo goes beyond the limits of an exhibition – it is a proper theme park experience with record attendance every year. In addition to all attractions, the show is displaying a number of exciting new facilities for the water park industry.
Everything you need to know about IAAPA’s global Expos could be found on their website.
October
IFT Top Resa
5 – 8 October 2021, Paris, France
Website: https://www.iftm.fr/en-gb.html
IFTM Top Resa is a multi-segment trade show for the travel and tourism industries. As an exhibitor, you will have the amazing opportunity to boost your brand image and sales.
For those of you that are only interested to visit, there will be exciting conference sessions and events. By attending, you will learn about the latest market trends and meet new suppliers.
The key figures of last year’s edition were pretty impressive – 34,000 visitors, 1,700 brands and 150 conference sessions.
See the best of IFTM 2019
The Travel Convention
5 October 2021, Marrakesh, Morocco
Website: https://www.thetravelconvention.com/the-travel-convention-2021
The Travel Convention 2021 is a flagship event for the travel industry. It offers a range of promotional opportunities, business programs, tours, and excursions. The convention will be visited by hundreds of senior professionals looking to share experiences and learn tips for success while enjoying an exotic destination.
The 2021 convention will take place in Marrakesh, Morocco and will be attended by professionals with different backgrounds. From managing directors, CEOs, marketing specialists, to tour operators, hotel managers, and airline representatives, everyone is welcome to register and visit the Travel Convention.
GBTA Conference 2021
13 – 15 October 2021, Wiesbaden, Germany
Website: https://convention.gbta.org/
The European edition of the GBTA Conference is taking place in Wiesbaden this year. It is one of the top 2021 travel conferences for B2B exposure, named the world’s largest business travel conference. It will help you learn about the latest trends in tourism, and make valuable new connections.
At the GBTA Conference, you will meet over 400 exhibiting companies to find sustainable solutions for your business. You will also get the chance to get your brand seen and evaluated by expert professionals from within the field. Hurry up and submit an educational session proposal here.
November
WTM London
1 – 3 November 2021, ExCel, London, England
Website: https://london.wtm.com/
WTM London is a conference introducing 5000 of the biggest destinations and brands in the world. It is the modern hub of travel ideas and insight that also shares industry forecasts and research data.
The conference will be an inspiring experience for business owners and professionals looking for new ideas. Top motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, and leading figures from a variety of sectors will be there to meet with visitors and share their experiences.
For those of you interested to exhibit, register your interest via their inquiry form.
PATA Destination Marketing Forum
26 November 2021, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia)
Website: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/events/details/pata-destination-marketing-forum-2021/
PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2021 is one of Asia Pacific’s top educational and networking events in the field of travel and tourism.
It will gather professionals and specialists to collaborate and share their industry knowledge. The aim of this conference is to inspire new approaches to marketing less popular destinations in the region.
This video will give you a glimpse into the conference format and agenda.
Conclusion
Visiting any of the conferences and events featured on our list will be a valuable experience for you as a professional or a business owner. You will not only add to your skillset but also, gain useful insight where you need it the most.
The conferences are giving you the chance to share and discuss ideas, as well as present your products and services if you decide to attend as an exhibitor. You will have the unique opportunity to see and learn some amazing travel industry innovations and practices that can help you do better in your own field.
We highly recommend booking your ticket in advance as some of them sell really quickly and you might have to wait until next year. Also, rest assured – organisers and exhibitors are prepared to adapt most conferences to virtual events should this be necessary. With this in mind, they have also updated the cancellation policies to provide you with the freedom and assurances needed during the pandemic.
