IPW 2023 on track to return to pre-pandemic levels
The number of international buyers and media attending U.S. Travel’s IPW in San Antonio (May 20-24) has returned to pre-pandemic levels – with several notable markets surpassing 2019 counts – a prime opportunity to boost the critically important U.S. inbound travel market.
“Given the incredible early interest and confirmed registrations from our key global inbound buyers and media, IPW will be the main arena for building back international travel to the United States,” said Malcolm Smith, IPW general manager and U.S. Travel Association senior vice president of business development. “This can’t-miss event, coming to first-time host city San Antonio, unites the global travel industry under one roof to conduct business face to face – a key opportunity to ensure travelers from around the world choose the U.S. when planning their trips.”
Canada and Mexico buyer registrations are presently 34pc above 2019 levels, while Brazil and South America overall are 33pc and 19pc above 2019 levels, respectively. Australia is trending 17pc above 2019 levels.
Registrations from Asian markets are also showing strength. While these have been slower to reopen to travel and tourism, already there are nearly 200 confirmed Asian delegates attending IPW this year, including Chinese buyers – an 80% increase over last year.
More than 500 domestic and international media are registered to attend.
Regain the competitive edge in critical markets
U.S. exhibitors may still add up to four partners per booth to meet this year’s strong demand. “We encourage exhibitors to be well resourced to maximize business productivity on the show floor,” Smith added.
U.S. Travel’s IPW show format creates a number of opportunities for delegates to participate in educational seminars and networking events, exclusive to IPW. The educational series, IPW Focus, boasts a robust schedule of thought-provoking topics from technology and innovation to research and insights, presented by thought leaders and innovators from around the industry and beyond.
“IPW’s new format is unique in that it allows delegates to create the experience that works best for their objectives,” said Smith. “These opportunities add deep value to an already action-packed show.”
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