MORE than 140 of Spain’s leading travel suppliers and specialists will exhibit at STEPS 2006, being held at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Greycoat Street, London, on March 29 and 30.
The annual trade fair, now in its sixth year, is the largest showcasing event for the Spanish tourism industry.
Market issues such as low-cost flights, residential tourism, dynamic packaging and inclusive holidays will be tackled in a face-to-face session on March 29 at 10am. Taking part will be TUI UK planning and trading director David Burling and Spanish Tourist Office London director Ignacio Vasallo, talking with Michael East, managing director of Eastcastle Management Group.
At 2.30pm Vasallo and East will be joined by Iberostar executive deputy chairman/ group managing director, Miguel Fluxa, to discuss the future of Spanish tourism sector and its current market positioning.
Four of the UK’s leading distributors will discuss challenges to the industry in ‘The UK Outbound Market – Changing Distribution’ at 10am on March 30.
Kirker Holidays managing director John MacNeill, Advantage Travel Centres managing director John McEwan and Thomas Cook director of e-commerce Carol Dray join moderator Richard Siddle, editor of Travel Weekly.
Seminars on subjects ranging from languauge holidays and golf to crisis management will run across the two days and there will be dedicated areas for golf, sport, culture, short breaks, meetings and incentives, and sun and sea destinations.
For full information and to register, visit STEPS2006.com.
| What’s in it for you? |
“STEPS is a very good initiative for Spain specialists. It’s a chance to talk on a one-to-one basis with a supplier or a provider and learn about new products, ideas, and destinations. All the people I want to meet will be there. And best of all, it’s just around the corner from my office.” Tony Maniscalco, sales and marketing manager, Mundi Color |
“We intend to show the modern side of Thomson at STEPS this year. David Burling, director of planning and trading, will be interviewed by Michael East on the stage about Spain and current trends and how TUI will adapt to them. Last year’s presentations painted a pretty dreary picture of traditional tour operators – we were shown as inflexible and slow to change. We would like to counter this and show how Thomson has kept up with current trends.” David Harper, overseas director, Thomson |
“It’s a well-timed event because it’s after the rush of the January and February sales, so you have a good idea of what the summer is going to look like. This year it’s going to be particularly good as it’s promoting the new generation of online travel companies. I’ve also been asked to be part of a panel and talk about my recent success in the Shine Awards, where I was named Business Woman of the Year. I know my Spanish colleagues will want to hear all about that.” Patricia Rossello-Palmer, managing director, Medinland |
“We have a significant programme operating in Spain, and STEPS offers the perfect opportunity for our UK-based staff to meet suppliers and discuss future product ideas. As well as being a fantastic face-to face networking opportunity, it gives us the chance to look at new resorts, make contacts with new suppliers and see what the Spanish tourist boards are planning for the future.” Peter Gue, product manager mainland Spain, First Choice |