WTM: 6 states in seven hours

October 28, 2004, 14:00


Image: PCL

It’s a well-known fact that journalists are like
crocodiles, snakes and certain other reptiles. They can last for
days without eating properly, but when the opportunity arises, they
will go into a feeding frenzy until the food runs out
completely.

Nowhere can this behaviour be observed more clearly than at World
Travel Market, where trays of canapés are hoovered up by
salivating journalists looking forward to their first decent feed
in weeks.

The prospect of some exotic food and drink makes WTM a bit more
fun, so while you’re making your way around the US pavilion,
use our guide and get to the party before all the usual suspects.
And save us a vol-au-vent while you’re at it.

North Carolina

12pm: in view of its host status for next
year’s US Open golf tournament, North Carolina will have a
golf themed stand, complete with putting range and golf simulator.
All delegates can stop by and enter the competition to win a trip
to the Open, which takes place at the prestigious Pinehurst resort
next June.

Travel agents will be able to sign up for the new North Carolina
training programme, which is being unveiled at the show for the
first time. Training starts early next year.

The eastern seaboard state, still relatively undiscovered in the
UK, will also be showcasing its most famous export – Krispy
Kreme doughnuts. Name checked in Sex and the City and only
available in the UK at Harrods and a couple of other specialist
retailers, these tasty treats are notoriously addictive and about
the coolest way to ingest a few hundred calories at a time. Consume
with caution.

Florida
1pm: while playing down any reference to
hurricanes, the Sunshine State will be playing up its Native
American heritage, with a special guest from the Florida Seminole
Indian tribe on the stand for the duration of WTM.

There’s also a mega giveaway running throughout the show,
with a $300 shopping spree at the Florida Mall up for grabs, plus
entry for two at the seven parks of the Florida Attractions
Collection. The competition is open to everyone, and will be drawn
on Thursday.

Arizona
2pm: after a few years of sidelining the
big hole in the ground, Arizona Tourism will be “reclaiming” the
Grand Canyon from upstarts like Las Vegas, where scenic helicopter
flights over this World Heritage site are big business.

“We’ve spent the past few years promoting spa product and
golf. Now we think the consumer has got the message, we’re
focusing on the Canyon again,” said a spokesman.

The promotion involves hitting the road in the UK next April
with a special IMAX feature film on the Canyon, which will be shown
in schools, to consumers and to the trade at IMAX theatres in
Glasgow, Bradford, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and London.
Arizona Tourism expects to showcase the state to up to 8,000 people
at the screenings. As a taster of what’s to come, there will
be a movie-themed reception on the Tuesday afternoon of WTM, with
drinks, popcorn and a DVD of the IMAX presentation.

Pennsylvania
4pm: dedicated followers of fashion
should head over to the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
on the Pennsylvania stand from 4pm on the Monday. The city is
promoting its new discount tax-free shopping programme with a
reception on the stand, and may be cracking open a few locally
brewed Rolling Rock beers whilst you’re there. Pennsylvania
will be promoting scenic driving tours throughout the state.

New York
5pm: two New York icons reopened to
visitors this year – the Statue of Liberty and the Museum of
Modern Art, or MoMA. Add to this the massive new Time Warner
building at the corner of Central Park – home to a luxurious
mall and a Mandarin Oriental hotel – and it’s clear the
New Yorkers have something to celebrate. Join them, and those from
New York State, for a glass of wine at the stand on Wednesday from
4pm.

Hawaii
6pm: the Hawaiians will launch their
agent training programme at the show, which rolls out next spring.
Find out what the islands have to offer, and try to time your visit
around the late afternoon – the wine will be open daily from
5pm.