In the travel industry, the only constant is change. It’s a sector that thrives on novelty, with new trends, destinations, products and technologies constantly reshaping the landscape. For professionals in the field, keeping up with these developments isn’t just beneficial – it’s crucial. An important part of this is actively engaging with peers and thought leaders who are shaping said developments. To help you navigate this busy world, these curated conferences provide invaluable opportunities for education, networking and growth for those involved in the tour and activity business. Let’s take this journey together.
IAAPA Expo Europe
When: 25 – 28 September, 2023
Where: Vienna
Website: https://www.iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo-europe
All right, first stop: Vienna! Get ready to join the fun at IAAPA Expo Europe, which will light up the Austrian capital from September 25-28, 2023.
Why you should attend this conference
For anyone in the travel industry, IAAPA Expo Europe is the equivalent of the World Cup. This is where the latest and greatest trends in the industry come together under one roof. Whether you manage an amusement park or a zoo, this is the place to be.
What to expect
When you enter IAAPA Expo Europe, prepare to be amazed. With more than 600 exhibitors showcasing the hottest new offerings in the leisure industry, you’ll be among the first to see what’s trending. And that’s not all: the tradeshow also brings together a star-studded lineup of industry experts who will share knowledge and insights that could be game-changers for your business.
The icing on the cake? This is your chance to network with them. Think about it: exchanging ideas with industry leaders, forming partnerships, and building relationships that could take your company to the next level. That’s the magic of IAAPA Expo Europe.
TTG Travel Experience
When: 11 – 13 October, 2023
Where: Rimini
Website: https://en.ttgexpo.it/
Mark your calendars for the TTG Travel Experience, October 11-13, 2023, in the historic city of Rimini, Italy.
Why you should attend this conference
TTG offers a unique opportunity to meet with other tour and activity suppliers. It’s a chance to cultivate relationships and exchange ideas with key industry figures – something extremely beneficial in a sector built on networking and collaboration.
What to expect
TTG is a breeding ground for innovation, a place where emerging trends are showcased, and a hub where consumer insights are gathered. The event is divided into three distinct areas: Italy, The World and Global Village, each with a unique roster of exhibitors and a wealth of opportunities for tour and activity providers.
The Italy section serves as the main marketplace for Italian tourism worldwide, providing an opportunity to connect with Italy’s top tourism institutions. The World section is an international platform showcasing key global destinations and operators looking to expand their business collaborations. Finally, the Global Village focuses on the offerings of tour operators, transport companies and those involved in the provision of tourism products and services.
At the culmination of the TTG Travel Experience, you’re expected to walk away with potential partnerships, a deeper understanding of emerging trends and actionable consumer behaviors that can help steer the direction of your business.
WTM London
When: 6 – 8 November, 2023
Where: London
Website: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html
Next on our list of must-attend industry conferences is the WTM. Scheduled for November 6-8, 2023, the conference will take place in the lively city of London.
Why you should attend this conference
Over the years, WTM has grown to become an environment that brings together international leisure travel professionals, serving as a source of inspiration, a platform for education and a venue for business transactions.
What to expect
The conference offers a comprehensive gathering of organizations looking to do business in the B2B travel and tourism sector. From destinations to experiences, transport to accommodation and technology solutions, you will find it all at WTM London.
The event also attracts significant international press coverage. It’s the largest annual gathering of global media for the travel industry, and a great opportunity to learn about what’s new and inspiring in leisure travel.
Fitur 2024
When: 24 – 28 January, 2024
Where: Madrid
Website: https://www.ifema.es/en/fitur
Fast forward to the New Year and mark your calendars for Fitur 2024. Scheduled for January 24-28, 2024, this prestigious event will take place in the beautiful city of Madrid.
Why you should attend this conference
With its focus on both inbound and outbound markets in Latin America, Fitur is the first essential meeting of the year for global tourism professionals. It is a powerful platform for promoting brands, launching new products and understanding the latest industry trends.
What to expect
Fitur is a beacon of opportunity for its participants. The conference offers five intense days of networking and business opportunities, fostering countless connections, initiating projects and catalyzing agreements. Fitur attendees enjoy a high level of decision-making power, making it the ideal place to meet industry leaders and power players. In addition, more than 1,170 media representatives will be attending the event: this alone creates a tangible sense of anticipation and opens up a significant opportunity for widespread press coverage.
But that’s not all – Fitur is also a trendsetter. It addresses industry-wide, advanced topics such as big data, artificial intelligence, smart destinations and start-ups. Its “FiturNext Observatory” serves as a guide to identify future tourism trends and provide guidelines that will benefit both tourists and industry professionals.
Conclusion
We understand that the daily grind of running a business can often take precedence over everything else. However, investing time in attending travel conferences can be the catalyst for significant professional growth. Take advantage of these opportunities and don’t let the uncertainty of new experiences hold you back.
With all that said, it’s time to take action. Visit the websites for these events, familiarize yourself with the details, take advantage of the early bird discounts, and start strategizing. The future of our industry is bright, and these travel shows are your springboards to get there.
