It’s all go in the European area of World Travel Market (WTM), with tourist boards, operators and hotels vying for your attention.
PricewaterhouseCoopers anticipates that Turkey’s tourism sector will expand by 12% between 2010 and 2013, and the tourist board will be on hand at stand EM120 to talk through the new developments coming on line in response to this growth.
There will also be full details of what’s planned for Istanbul’s 2010 reign as European Capital of Culture.
The ‘Joanna Lumley effect’ has given Norway a boost, following her TV show In the Land of the Northern Lights. Visit Norway and partners are showcasing the highlights of the country at stand EM5020b.
WTM can be the chance for destinations to change opinions about them. Andorra Turisme (EM484) will be promoting itself as a family destination, rather than a stag party staple. Visit Finland will continue to push its summer lakeside cottage product alongside the more well known Lapland options at EM5020C.
It’s also the place for lesser-known destinations to make a splash. This year, Visit Serbia will hold a press conference at EM4060 at 2.30pm on Monday November 9, focusing on a new open skies policy that will pave the way for low-cost carriers and an influx of tourists.
At stand EM5050, Lithuania will be celebrating its 1,000th birthday and promoting its capital Vilnius, seaside spot the Curonian Spit, and its spa product.
Old favourites are getting involved too. Tenerife Tourism is launching a new agent training scheme from stand EM720, Cyprus Tourism Organisation will be accompanied by 48 partners on its stand at EM905 and the German National Tourist Board will be talking about its themes for next year at EM2010.
Italy will be highlighting some of its lesser-known delights, with an open day on Basilicata on Monday November 9 and on Abruzzo on Tuesday November 10 at its stand at EM340.
The Ibiza Tourist Board will launch its new 2010 strategy focusing on the luxury market at EM540 with drinks at noon on Monday November 9, and the Algarve will be celebrating new developments including its first six-star hotel, the Conrad Hilton, at EM215.