The 46th edition of the International French Travel Market (IFTM) concluded successfully on September 19, 2024, marking another milestone for this premier event dedicated to tourism professionals. Held at Porte de Versailles in Paris, this year’s show emphasized sustainability, inclusion, and digital innovation, attracting increased attendance and setting a new benchmark for business-focused tourism events.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Business Engagement
This year’s IFTM saw a 5.1% rise in attendance, with 31,900 tourism professionals visiting the event (up from 30,349 in 2023). The gathering included a diverse range of stakeholders—buyers, travel agents, media professionals, influencers, students, and international officials—representing 1,500 brands and 170 destinations.
The Everywhere platform facilitated 13,090 business appointments during the show, a 25% increase from the previous year, solidifying IFTM as a hub for negotiations and partnerships. Notably, several destinations, such as Portugal, the UK, and Saint-Martin, returned after years of absence, while 15% of exhibitors were first-timers.
Memorable Opening Ceremony
The event opened with an emotional and inspiring ceremony. Laurence Gaborieau, IFTM’s Director, joined Valérie Boned, President of Entreprises du Voyage, and adventurer Philippe Croizon, who delivered a moving keynote on inclusion, one of the event’s central themes. The UNESCO International Philharmonic Choir added a stirring musical performance to the occasion.
Gaborieau remarked on the resilience and innovation within the travel sector, emphasizing the need for courage and creativity in tackling industry challenges like sustainability and digital transformation. Boned highlighted IFTM’s vital role in fostering partnerships, especially amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
Highlights: Focus on Environment, Inclusion, and Tech
Across three days, IFTM offered a rich program of discussions, workshops, and events:
International Panorama: Key tourism leaders, including Sherin Francis (Seychelles) and Veronica Pardo (Chile), discussed global trends.
Africa Convention: The second edition brought focus to emerging African markets.
Tech Zone: Redesigned with a spotlight on artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and innovative solutions for the travel sector.
Competitions: The Travel Agents Cup Junior introduced a fresh final format, while the Orchestra Start-Up Contest encouraged innovation in tourism tech.
Dominican Republic: Destination of Honour for 2025
The Dominican Republic was officially announced as the Country of Honour for IFTM 2025. Minister of Tourism David Collado Morales and Laurence Gaborieau finalized the partnership at the Dominican Republic stand during this year’s event. The destination, which welcomed a record 10 million visitors in 2023, aims to position itself as a high-end location emphasizing luxury, gastronomy, and eco-tourism.
Looking Ahead
IFTM 2024 was hailed as a resounding success by organizers and participants alike. Laurence Gaborieau reflected, “This year, we invited the industry to rethink its responsibilities around inclusion, environmental sustainability, and digital technologies. The response has been incredible, and we’re already planning an exciting 2025 edition.”
The 47th IFTM is scheduled for September 30 to October 2, 2025, at Paris Porte de Versailles, promising new themes, innovative programs, and the Dominican Republic as a centerpiece destination.
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