IPW returns as US readies to welcome international tourism
After a Covid enforced break in 2020, IPW is back.
More than 2,600 attendees from 52 countries gathered in Las Vegas, September 18-22 for the 52nd annual IPW—the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of travel to the United States.
With health and safety practices at the forefront, IPW gathered global travel professionals, including US destinations, hotels, attractions, sports teams, cruise lines, airlines and transportation companies, together with international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world, to meet under one roof.
Hosted at the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, there were three days of business appointments that will draw future travel and tourism business to the US and facilitate an industry-wide recovery.
The delegation included more than 300 members of the media.
IPW, the first international, large-scale travel meeting to convene live in the United States since the start of the pandemic, took place as the Biden Administration announced it would reopen the country to international air travel for vaccinated travelers worldwide.
"The November reopening of international air travel to vaccinated travelers is a critical turning point in our industry’s recovery—and the announcement couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, on the opening day of IPW," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.
"IPW is not only reuniting the world, it’s a stage for rebuilding relationships and conducting business that will lead to the full return of inbound travel."
In 2021, IPW included new elements tsuch as IPW Focus, an educational program which provided programming across an array of topics, from technology and innovation to research and insights.
Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the US, returned as the premier sponsor of IPW 2021.
Las Vegas was due to host to IPW 2020, but was cancelled at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
IPW 2022 will take place June 4-8, 2022, in Orlando, Florida.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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