The fall conference season is upon us. It's traditionally one of the busiest times of year in the tourism business. Travel Trade Associations from around the world bring together suppliers, agents, tour operators and other industry pros at much-anticipated travel trade events.
I'm looking forward to the ASTA Travel Retailing and Destination Expo (THETRADESHOW) next week in my home town of Los Angeles. I've planned meetings with everyone from presidents of major cruise franchises to purveyors of the latest travel-related mobile apps. ASTA brings together agents of all different specialties and backgrounds, and I hope to reconnect with some old friends.
Next, it's off to Mexico City for the International Tourism Fair of the Americas. Few areas of the world are making as dynamic a push to expand their tourism offerings as Latin America. The show promises some exciting announcements about new tourism initiatives for the region. (I'll be blogging more extensively about them next month.)
In October, I'll head into some decidedly cooler climes. I'm off to Lucerne, Switzerland to attend the 9th Adventure Travel World Summit at the invitation of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). The association earned high marks from with its 2011 Summit in Chiapas, Mexico. And, they've already announced Namibia as the locale for the 2013 event. I'm eager to participate in this highly-anticipated gathering showcasing one of tourism's hottest segments.
Connecting with colleagues at industry events is an important part of any profession. It's especially crucial in the tourism arena. We're in the business of selling experiences, and those experiences begin with our own relationships.
There's no substitute for face-to-face meetings to establish new and vital connections. This fall's trade show events are a great time to assess the year that's winding down. And, more importantly, they provide a preview of trends, projections and big announcements shaping the world of tourism in the year to come.
Are you planning to attend any of the shows above or any other trade shows this fall? If so, I'd love to hear from you.
Comments