Travel is now truly global. International airline competition drove
the technological developments that culminated in the global
distribution system; business traveller demand spurred partnership
deals between differing travel suppliers; the GDS in turn became an
enabling mechanism not only for inter-airline alliances, but for
alliances of travel industry groupings of all kinds. And now the use
of the internet and on-line bookings is driving global distribution
even further.
Travel exhibitions have, of necessity, followed suit. Exhibitor lists are
strewn with multinational travel corporations and alliances. Their
presence encourages other global players not directly involved in
travel, such as computer software specialists, financial institutions,
regulatory and single-issue lobby groups, the media and many
more.
The character of the exhibitor has changed in other ways too.
Public demand, primarily in the developed world, for greater fiscal
accountability, had placed unprecedented pressure on the budgets
of governmental organisations.
In the case of many exhibitions,
this has manifested itself in a growth of umbrella exhibitors or
shared stands. Major European and US involvement is now
increasingly dependent on the input of sub-national organisations
or local and regional tourist boards banded together with smaller
private-sector enterprise under one collective banner.
BUSINESSLIKE APPROACH
Greater demand of a visible return on investment has also changed
the nature of the exhibit. A glamorously staffed, eye-catching
stand offering over-generous amounts of hospitality is no longer
the norm. Exhibitor presence is now seen to be not only a meet
and greet opportunity, but also an increasingly imperatively sign,
seal and deliver opportunity.
For details on all ITTFA member shows and media partners, visit
www.ittfa.org
For further information please contact:
Wendy Walker/Sara Armitage Evans
ITTFA Secretariat
PO Box 585
Richmond, Surrey, UK
TW9 1YQ