Top ten travel and tourism trade shows for attractions in 2024

The exhibition season is about to start again and we don’t want you to be caught completely off guard and miss out on the most important travel and tourism trade shows happening throughout the year.

How often do you get the opportunity to sit in the same room as your clients, prospects,  competitors and industry experts? If you are an operator of attractions, tours or activities, you should make it a point to attend several events and trade shows as they provide you with the most relevant updates, resources and information within the travel industry. Moreover, travel fairs offer incredible opportunities to network and seek advice to adapt to an ever changing market.

But let’s cut to the chase: here’s a list of top ten travel trade shows and exhibitions not to be missed in 2024.

Biggest travel and tourism trade shows

From immersive cultural experiences to cutting-edge innovations, these events promise to be a treasure trove for industry enthusiasts. Mark your calendars!

FITUR

When: 24 – 28 January, 2024
Where: Madrid
Website: https://www.ifema.es/en/fitur

What’s in store for you

The 44th edition of Fitur 2024, the International Tourism Fair in Madrid, will be attended by more than 8,000 exhibition companies from more than 130 countries. The tourism offer will be rich and presented in an innovative way, as an interactive live exhibition tour will give visitors the opportunity to access unique content in real time. Cherry on top: Ecuador is the fair’s Partner Country this year.

BTL

When: 28 February – 3 March, 2024
Where: Lisbon
Website: https://btl.fil.pt/

What’s in store for you

BTL is one of the best international tourism fairs to attend in the world. The five-day event brings together dozens of professionals in the tourism industry, including tour operators and state government tourism departments. Be prepared to network, debate on different topics and engage in many different activities.

Arival 360

When: 2 – 4 March, 2024
Where: Berlin
Website: https://arival.travel/event/2024-berlin/

What’s in store for you

Arival is Europe’s go-to travel exhibition of the year for the In-Destination European Experiences industry. The event brings the very latest in new challenges, forecasts, strategies and best practices for tours, activities and attractions. If you are interested in discovering innovative solutions and connecting with industry experts, then this is your chance to do so.

ITB Berlin

When: 5 – 7 March, 2024
Where: Berlin
Website: https://www.itb.com/en/ 

What’s in store for you

With the motto “Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together”, ITB Berlin positions itself as one of the largest travel industry conferences in the world. 24,000 attendees are expected to be there as the event will cover a total of 17 thematic tracks. Expert speakers will hold sessions about international trends, travel technology, marketing and sales strategy, sustainable tourism, and much more. Are you in desperate need for some expert guidance on crucial topics for your business? You will definitely have the opportunity to meet and debate with leading personalities in the industry at the ITB.

B-Travel

When: 15 – 17 March, 2024
Where: Barcelona
Website: https://www.b-travel.com/en/ 

What’s in store for you

B-Travel is Spain’s largest fair and ultimate destination for travel enthusiasts and industry professionals. The event attracts a diverse range of exhibitors, including tour operators, tourism boards and travel agencies. Conferences and seminars will shed light on the latest advances in the industry, and you will also get the chance to get access to new products and services. 

Travel Tech Show

When: 19 – 21 June, 2024
Where: London 
Website: https://traveltech-show.com/ 

What’s in store for you

Are you looking for tips and tricks to stay ahead of the curve in the travel and tourism industry? Then you cannot miss this event. The Travel Tech Show is one of the most prominent travel trade shows in Europe, which brings together people, countries and experiences from all over the world. The focus on travel technology and travel’s latest innovations is their trump card. Attend inspiring sessions, discover new technologies and build relationships with like-minded colleagues and professionals.

IFTM Top Resa

When: 17 -19 September, 2024
Where: Paris
Website: https://www.iftm.fr/en-gb.html 

What’s in store for you

IFTM Paris is the biggest international tourism trade show in France, targeting tourism industry professionals from around the world. This year more than 50,000 attendees and around 3,000 exhibiting companies from over 100 countries are expected to participate in the event. The main objective of the event is to foster networking, business deals and market insights. Along with the exhibition area, IFTM features workshops, seminars, conferences, and many interesting events. If you are interested in promoting your tourism offering, then you should definitely participate.

IAAPA Expo Europe

When: 23 – 26 September, 2024
Where: Amsterdam
Website:  https://www.iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo-europe 

What’s in store for you

IAAPA Expo Europe is the one-stop leisure industry’s premier event in Europe. Every year the trade show attracts thousands of visitors and industry professionals within the attractions community. Amusement and theme parks, water parks, museums, zoos and aquariums are only a few of the sectors represented at the fair. Fun, expertise and endless opportunities are awaiting for you at the IAAPA. Discover the future of the attractions world in terms of latest tech, booking platforms and other cutting-edge solutions. Meet the experts, ask questions and get powerful insights. 

TTG Travel Experience

When: 9 – 11 October, 2024
Where: Rimini
Website: https://en.ttgexpo.it/ 

What’s in store for you

If you are planning a vacation to the Land of “La Dolce Vita” this year, then chances are you won’t want to miss the TTG Travel Experience, Italy’s key B2B tourism trade show.

The three-day event is designed to be a hub of ideas and inspiration for tourism operators worldwide, and it offers valuable input and insights on consumer behavior, new trends and innovations, and emerging solutions. Intensive sessions and workshops from industry experts will transform your way of doing business.

WTM London

When: 5 – 7 November, 2024
Where: London
Website: https://www.wtm.com/london/en-gb.html 

What’s in store for you

For 42 years WTM has been the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, which gathers together professionals and teams from around the globe. Their motto says, “Travel has the power to change the world. And you have the power to change travel”, so if you are looking for successful strategies to fully utilize your potential, then this is the place for you. Digital tools, leading events and inspiring content will lead the way during the conference.

Conclusions

Attending as many travel and tourism trade shows as possible is your key to unlocking a world of opportunities. From industry best practices, professional counsel and guidance, and strategic partnerships, events such these offer a huge platform for learning and experimenting, and will therefore be your pathway to success in 2024 and beyond. Pack your bags and leave for your first destination!