Q & A with Javier Perez Palencia, Director of WTE

With a focus on excellence and innovation, the World Travel Expo (WTE) has secured a prominent place in the travel and tourism industry. As the Director of this prestigious organization, Javier Perez Palencia shares his insights into the significance of the Excelencias Award for the company and his outlook on the future of the expo.

Recognized for its international reach and its ability to bring together key industry players, WTE stands out for its comprehensive educational program and its platform for generating business opportunities.

In anticipation of the upcoming edition in Miami in October 2024, Palencia reveals exciting updates, including the participation of key industry associations and a significant increase in the number of confirmed exhibitors, promising to make this event an unprecedented success.

With its growing recognition in the industry, WTE is positioned as a key driver for tourism development, promoting global collaboration and anticipating emerging trends that will shape the future of the sector.

What did receiving the Excelencias Award mean for the company?

The Excelencias Award was a great recognition for the organization, particularly for me as part of the team. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence that characterize WTE's work. This kind of recognition strengthens our position in the market, boosts the confidence of our clients and participants, and motivates us to continue growing.

Personally, receiving this award is a source of pride and satisfaction. It demonstrates that our work does not go unnoticed and that we are making a significant contribution to the expo's success. The entire team is inspired to continue striving for new achievements and surpassing expectations in the future.

What sets WTE apart?

WTE Miami, sponsored by the Miami International Airport and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), stands out as one of the most relevant international events for professionals in the travel and tourism industry, with a vast majority of buyers from the United States.

Several characteristics stand out, including its broad international focus. WTE attracts a wide array of attendees, including representatives from destinations, numerous airlines, travel companies, media outlets, and other key industry stakeholders. This makes it a hub for exchanging ideas, networking, and closing business deals.

Additionally, WTE offers a comprehensive educational program that includes conferences, panel discussions, and seminars on topics relevant to the tourism industry.

To generate business opportunities and increase brand visibility in the market, WTE provides a platform for showcasing products and services in advance and for networking with potential clients and scheduling business appointments.

What are the main trends in tourism that WTE has observed?

Tourism is a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of travelers.

Among some emerging trends, more travelers are seeking travel options that minimize their environmental impact, look for authentic, exciting, or nature-based experiences; without forgetting that gastronomy is important in the experience of many travelers.

Technology plays an important role in all these trends, allowing travelers to personalize their trips according to their unique interests and preferences, offering new opportunities for travelers, tourism companies, and destinations worldwide.

How has hosting this event favored the marketing of Miami as a destination?

Through the GMCVB, like any major event held in Miami, it significantly boosts Miami's marketing, and being an event in the tourism sector does so even more positively, although it is not WTE's main objective. For this and above all, behind Miami's success as a destination lies the fabulous work of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, which has been and continues to be the driving force, along with the connectivity and infrastructure of the Miami International Airport, in positioning Miami as one of the leading business and tourism destinations worldwide.

In October 2024, the new edition of WTE will take place. What new features will this edition of WTE have, and what confirmation figures do you have so far?

As for the novelties, among others that will be revealed, the participation of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents, the NTA, National Tour Association, and Event Planners, addressing the demand of the MICE segment, is presented, greatly enhancing business opportunities for international destinations and companies. This leads to almost doubling the number of buyers, exceeding 3,000.

Regarding the participation of exhibitors, we couldn't be more satisfied. Months ahead of the event, we are currently surpassing the number of exhibitors who participated in the previous edition, representing Africa, America, Asia, and Europe.