US inbound travel trade show IPW 2020 has fallen victim to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The US Travel Association event was due to be held in Las Vegas on May 30 to June 3.
But the organisation’s president and chief executive Roger Dow said: “Following a thorough decision-making process in which we explored every viable option to proceed this year, we are saddened to announce that IPW 2020 is cancelled.”
He added: “The circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic – including global travel restrictions, flight reductions, mandated social distancing, and stay-at-home orders both in the US and abroad – have made this year’s event impossible to execute.
“We will be providing updates to IPW delegates next week on the process for credits and refunds for the investments many have made for this year’s IPW.”
Dow said: “When this health crisis is behind us, IPW will clearly be more vital than ever as a catalyst for activating inbound travel and re-growing commerce, exports and jobs.
“As always, our top priority is to provide value to our partners, exhibitors, buyers and attending media.
“The standard for next year will be nothing less than putting on the event that our stakeholders will remember as a key turning point in the process of rebuilding the international inbound travel economy.
“IPW is not just an event; it is a community. IPW will endure, as it has for more than 50 years, and it will be a force of strength and healing in a moment of profound need.
“Until we are able to meet face-to-face again, everyone please be safe.”