IPW 2021 DREW THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM BUSINESS TO THE U.S

By: Sorin Dutoiu

IPW, travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the United States, has returned with the first post-pandemic edition. The event was held in Las Vegas and attended by more than 2600 professionals from travel industries.

Following the cancelled 2020 edition due to COVID-19 pandemic, IPW, travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the United States, has returned with a new impressive event held in Las Vegas. More than 2,600 attendees from 52 countries gathered in the entertainment capital of the world, for the 52nd annual IPW.

With health and safety practices at the forefront, IPW gathered representatives of U.S. destinations, hotels, attractions, sports teams, cruise lines, airlines and transportation companies, together with international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world. They all met under one roof—the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center—for three days of business appointments that will draw future travel and tourism business to the U.S. and facilitate an industrywide recovery.

The delegation included more than 300 accredited members of the media. Reporters covered the event itself, and also met with travel business and destination leaders at the Media Marketplace.

IPW, the first international, large-scale travel meeting to convene live in the United States since the start of the pandemic, took place as the Biden administration announced it would reopen the country to international air travel for vaccinated travelers worldwide.

“The November reopening of international air travel to vaccinated travelers is a critical turning point in our industry’s recovery—and the announcement couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, on the opening day of IPW,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “IPW is not only reuniting the world, it’s a stage for rebuilding relationships and conducting business that will lead to the full return of inbound travel.”

In 2021, IPW included significant new elements that added value for attendees and enhanced the experience overall. New this year was IPW Focus, an educational programwhich provided programming across an array of topics, from technology and innovation to research and insights, presented by thought leaders and innovators. IPW also coordinated with the trade show company Connect Travel to co-locate several events around this year’s event.