Once again, World Travel Market (WTM) was a very busy event but it was also very successful. It was great to be able to offer so many agents hospitality and learning experiences ? and for us to receive great feedback from the agents, which helps us work more effectively.
On the Philippines stand, local delicacies and drinks were served daily and there were great opportunities for agents to network with suppliers, particularly in the MICE sector. The MICE sector is growing in the Philippines with revenues on the increase and constantly improving infrastructure. Israel offered mouthwatering treats with cooking demonstrations, as well as wine-tasting. The travel technology centre proved very popular along with the caricaturist and more than 100 industry professionals on hand to network with agents.
India Tourism hosted nearly 200 guests. Rashmi Verma, secretary for tourism, made announcements about market share and position, e-visas and a 24/7 security helpline. Aashima Mehrotra, director of tourism, talked about the new website and app, as well as experiential and medical tourism. Visitors enjoyed traditional dances, henna, turban-tying, yoga, meditation and a Bollywood workshop.
Grenada held a daily prize draw to win a hamper of Grenadian goodies, and used WTM to promote the first new-build luxury property on Grand Anse beach for a generation, Silversands Grenada, which opens in December. Also in the Caribbean, Tobago exhibited for the first time as a stand-alone destination ? the new Tobago Tourism Agency launched a new brand and marketing strategy, and an online training programme.
Qatar showcased models of the FIFA 2022 stadiums designed by internationally-renowned architects as the next host nation for the World Cup. Shifting from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, it was great to see how Tunisia has successfully rebuilt its reputation as a safe destination with more than 100,000 British tourists so far this year. Their stand featured 80 hoteliers and local agents led by the Minister of Tourism. Also in North Africa, Egypt?s minister of tourism, Dr Rania AlMashat and Ahmed Youssef, chairman of the ETPB, announced a new flight incentive programme.
Representing destinations across Europe, multiple stands had much to offer agents at WTM. Gibraltar unveiled the 2019 opening of Gibraltar Vault, a warren of military tunnels inside the Rock of Gibraltar which has been converted into the world?s largest natural storage facility for investment-grade wines. Poland marked 100 years of Polish independence with a range of travel packages focusing on authentic travel experiences, slow tourism, gastro culture and Krak?w?s turn as the European Capital of Gastronomy Culture. Czech Republic observed 100th anniversary celebrations by sharing insights about 2019?s opportunities while enjoying Moravian wine.
At the French pavilion, Val?rie P?cresse, Paris Ilede-France Region?s president, and the Normandy Tourist Board hosted drinks for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. Catalonia and Slovenia also focused on history and culture ? Catalonia launched 2019 as the Year of Cultural Tourism by promoting six new cultural routes. Slovenia launched its new Year of Culture campaign, which encourages visitors to ancient castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites and lesser known regions to reduce the impact of crowded tourist hotspots.
Visit Sweden held a matchmaking event, alongside WTM, where agents could meet 15 Swedish suppliers for 20-minute meetings and enjoy a Swedish buffet lunch and interactive learning. And Visit Finland launched the new Moominvalley TV series. The Moomin characters appeared for photo opportunities.
It was another great WTM and we hope the agents were able to glean new insights into the destinations so they can be more effective every day
