Engaged Receptives and Tour Operators at International Trade Shows
Bringing International Visitation to Greater Portland
National Trade Shows, Global Impact
As Greater Portland’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Visit Portland is always eager to showcase our vibrant region on the global stage. This year, we participated in two major international trade shows—Discover New England Summit (DNE) and International Pow Wow (IPW)—an unparalleled opportunity to highlight what makes Greater Portland an extraordinary destination.
Both events provided unique platforms to connect with key industry players, from receptive tour operators to international travel buyers, helping us to create new partnerships and amplify the region’s appeal as a must-visit location for international groups.
Destination North America (DNE)
New Hampshire | April 10-11, 2024
The 2024 Discover New England Summit included three days of networking opportunities, one on one appointments, insightful sessions by Brand USA, Expedia and other industry professionals. The summit provided a platform for tourism professionals to connect with industry leaders, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for promoting travel to New England. We had 38 appointments with qualified tour operators and receptive operators, 18 attended the subsequent Post Summit FAM to Maine.
We gained valuable insights into emerging trends, market dynamics, and consumer preferences, while also discovering unique attractions and experiences within the region. Through engaging workshops, interactive presentations, and productive discussions, participants forged new partnerships and strengthened existing relationships, laying the groundwork for future success in the dynamic and competitive tourism landscape.
International Pow Wow (IPW)
Los Angeles | May 3-8, 2024
In May, Visit Portland alongside Maine Office of Tourism attended the International Pow Wow Tradeshow in Los Angeles, California. Our team met with 42 qualified tour operators, receptives and other industry professionals to further market the Greater Portland Region. This tradeshow brings together travel professionals from around the world, including tour operators, travel agents, and media representatives. Attending the event allows CVB representatives to network with key players in the industry, forge new partnerships, and strengthen existing relationships.
IPW provides a platform for Visit Portland to showcase our region/destination to a global audience. By participating in the tradeshow, we can increase awareness of our destination, highlight the unique attractions, and attract international visitors. The event offers scheduled one-on-one appointments between buyers and sellers, providing us with the opportunity to pitch our destination directly to potential partners. These appointments often lead to new business opportunities, such as group bookings, tour packages, and collaborations with travel companies.
IPW features educational seminars and workshops on various topics related to the travel industry. Suppliers can attend these sessions to learn about industry trends, best practices, and innovative marketing strategies, helping them stay informed and competitive in the marketplace. Overall, attending the IPW tradeshow offers us a valuable opportunity to network, promote their destination, generate business leads, and stay informed about industry trends, making it a worthwhile investment for destination marketing organizations.
Want to promote your business to an international audience?
Our experiences at DNE and IPW underscored the importance of these trade shows in elevating the region’s profile on the global stage. These events provided us with platforms needed to network, share our story, and attract new visitors who are eager to experience everything Greater Portland has to offer.
If you’re interested in getting in front of receptive tour operators and international travel operators to promote your business , we invite you to connect with us at Visit Portland. Together, we can continue to put our region on the map as a top-tier destination, ensuring that travelers from around the world get to experience the unique charm and vibrant energy of our state.