WTM Latin America returns to in-person
EW international reporter Oliver Thomas sits down with Simon Mayle , event director for World Travel Market Latin America , to discuss the upcoming exhibition
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( WTM ) Latin America , a B2B travel and tourism exhibition , is set to take place at the Expo Center Norte , São Paulo , Brazil , 5-7 April 2022 .
The show aims to present Brazil and Latin America as a major outbound source market for the global travel industry .
Simon Mayle , event director for WTM Latin America , tells EW : “ Governments and tourism boards are putting tourism back at the forefront of their strategies to bring back business . We have seen over the past couple of weeks the lifting of restrictions across the globe . I think the world is saying ‘ we ’ re receptive to receiving travellers and we ’ re moving back to business as usual .”
Who ’ s exhibiting ? Mayle highlights the three primary reasons why organisations should exhibit at WTM Latin America :
1 . Quality of spend of the Latin American traveller
2 . Joy of face-to-face business in Latin America
3 . The importance of trust and confidence in Latin American business relationships .
Disney , Miami to Portugal and even further beyond .”
There is expected to be an equal number of Latin American exhibitors as those from across the globe . Mayle believes that this gives the show a two-pronged angle :
“ Half of the exhibitors are coming from across the region , allowing visitors to discover all the countries of Latin America . The other half are exhibitors from right across the world who really want to attract the Brazilian and the Latin American traveller .
“ Latins are fantastic tourists who love to enjoy life , travel to the fullest , and relish every experience in all destinations ,” explains Mayle . “ The show is essentially the same as the WTM London , but with a Latin spirit and energy .”
What to look forward to ? The theme for the show is the
Above : Simon Mayle
‘ Magic is back .’ Mayle hopes that the exhibition will “ capture the magic of both travellers and Latin America .”
Content will focus around three primary topics : Diversity , Sustainability , and Travel technology .
As one of the most diverse countries in the world , Mayle thinks that Brazil will enable the trade fair to “ celebrate why we all love to travel ; to meet people of all different backgrounds .”
Mayle also emphasises the inherent connections between WTM and the issue of sustainability : “ Lots of tourism destinations are developing or underdeveloped locations that rely on tourism . Of course , post-pandemic they need that tourism spend more than ever . I believe WTM plays a huge role in moving people around the world , to the places that need it the most .”
Finally , there will be a fully dedicated content theatre providing the latest insights on the evergrowing travel technology sector .
Details What : WTM Latin America When : 5-7 April Venue : Expo Center Norte , São Paulo , Brazil How : www . wtm . com / latinamerica
This year , the exhibitor base will be predominantly made up of national tourism boards , hotels , cruise liners and any other type of travel experience provider .
“ This year we have a fantastic international representation , and you ’ ll find incredible products on the show floor ,” states Mayle . “ Whether it be from Brazil as a destination to
46 Issue 2 2022 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk