Worldwide destination bodies, operators and suppliers gathered at the event at ExCel London from November 1-3, 2021.
The event featured worldwide zones updating attendees on the latest news, updates and offerings.
Key focuses includes 2022 strategies, Covid-19 recovery and the path to a sustainable tourism landscape.
AlUla is kickstarting its 2022 plans and campaigns, with head of global markets Tyler Gosnell commenting: "For 2022, we're looking at pushing the destination pillars to the forefront of the AlUla experience. We're really trying to craft a unique identity for AlUla." Read our full interview with Tyler Gosnell here.
Saudi Arabia is another Middle Eastern hotspot hoping to gather momentum next year. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, explained: ?The pandemic brought into sharp relief the global importance of the tourism sector and the imperative for international collaboration at every level to drive the redesign of tourism for the future." Read the minister's full thoughts on appearing at WTM 2021 here.
Khadija Turki, director for tourism development at Ajman Tourism Development Department, contributed: "We want to focus on culture and our heritage offerings. In our promotions, we want to keep this narrative going so that visitors to get to know this special side of our region." Hear more about Ajman's future promotion campaigns here.
Qatar elaborated on its new 'Experience a World Beyond' campaign, as well as kickstarting the countdown to the World Cup. Read more here.
Moving across to Europe, Calvia spotlighted their recovery journey from Covid-19. Xavier Pascuet, the director of Calvia Tourist Board, explained: "Wefelt the effects of Covid-19- not just from a tourist standpoint, but from a supply, demand, and community level. As we begin to emerge, everyone wants to travel." Hear more about the destination's future here.
Mallorca's Minister of Tourism echoed the statement, explaining: "We're working hard to host a fully open season next year. We can guarantee good rates to entice visitors, and we're hoping to start earlier than ever. We've got a very good product beyond the beaches and summer." Andreu Serra went in-depth on the destination's strategy here.
Over in the Caribbean, Jamaica's is continuing to work with travel agents, offering training, incentives, and FAM trips in 2022. The tourism board is also preparing for its 60th anniversary of independence next year, and is set to host new tourism attractions in celebration. Hear from JTB's director of tourism, Donovan White, here.
Venturing to India, the managing director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shuklar, explained: "Madhya Pradesh Tourism is uniquely positioned to welcome international travellers back in the post-Covid scenario with various new initiatives." Find out more about those initiatives here.
Hear more from Turin, Tunisia, Ibiza and more with Travel Bulletin's coverage from the event.
