World Travel Market Latin America, the tourism sector’s most international event on the American continent, will include a significant presence from Europe this year, in particular from popular tourism hotspot Turkey.
The third WTM which occurs simultaneously with the 43rd Commercial Braztoa Meeting, between 22 – 24 April, at the Expo Center Norte in São Paulo will once again see the European delegation be one of the largest at the event.
The official Turkish tourist board ‘The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’ and specialist tour operator Honest Tour Group which focuses on selling trips to Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East are both returning to WTM Latin America with increased stand space and presence.
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce also joins as a new exhibitor for 2015, as the chamber look forward to celebrating the city and showcasing the historic, cultural, artistic riches Istanbul has to offer.
In 2013 Istanbul saw almost a 12% increase in visitors compared to 2012 and the number of tourists visiting Istanbul has increased every year since 2008. This increase was also reflected in the overall tourism numbers to the whole of Turkey, which has seen 42 million tourists in 2014.
Mr İbrahim Çağlar, President of the Executive Board of The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, explains: “Istanbul Chamber of Commerce looks forward to participating in one of the world’s most prestigious and significant tourism fairs, World Travel Market Latin America, with a stand concept focused on the presentation of Istanbul. As Napoleon Bonaparte once said “If the world were a single state Istanbul would be its capital”. Therefore we believe that home to a combination of different religions, languages and cultures throughout its 8500 year old history so this major metropolis has to be introduced in the most magnificent way possible to the Latin American market, which is extremely important for us.
“Located opposite the Turkey stand at WTM Latin America, the unique Istanbul stand will display our city’s unique characteristics in the most prestigious and celebrated form possible, aiming to contribute to the Turkish companies operating in the field of tourism.”
“WTM Latin America will serve as the perfect platform to accomplish the Chambers vision.”
Other exhibitors from Turkey to join WTM Latin America include leading travel service provider Heysem Tourism & Travel and online booking wholesaler Vanilla Tours, located in the larger and more established Travel Tech Zone at the event.
Lawrence Reinisch, Exhibition Director for WTM Latin America said: “WTM Latin America is an event that promotes Latin America to the world and the world to Latin America, and it’s great to see Turkey coming on board with a larger and stronger presence for 2015 as well as welcoming three new exhibitors from the popular and growing destination.
“World Travel Market Latin America remains strong in its bid to be a business generator for exhibitors. This year more than $341 million was transacted in contracts signed during and after the event. With further growth predicted for 2015.
“I have no doubt that Turkey will be able to take advantage of all the great business opportunities that can be done over the three days and in the months following.”
