After two years of uncertainty, the IFTM Top Resa 2022 trade show made a triumphant return from September 20-22, welcoming thousands of tourism professionals back to the Parc des Expositions in Paris. The event, a cornerstone for the travel and tourism industry, was brimming with excitement, new opportunities, and vibrant discussions as exhibitors, destinations, and visitors gathered for three action-packed days.
A Strong Return to Pre-COVID Energy
This year’s event saw an impressive 29,475 professionals attend, making their way through the bustling aisles to explore nearly 1,200 brands and 170 destinations. These numbers are a strong recovery, nearly matching the pre-pandemic attendance levels of 2019, signaling a swift bounce-back for the travel industry.
Exhibitors also turned out in full force, with 41% more brands than in 2021. The excitement was palpable as the industry’s resilience and innovation over the past few years were celebrated, offering a hopeful glimpse of the future.
Key Moments: Where the Industry Comes Together
The trade show officially opened on September 20, with a grand ceremony attended by Olivia Grégoire, Minister for SMEs, Trade, Crafts and Tourism, alongside 14 Ministers and 26 Ambassadors. They spent time exploring the event, engaging in productive discussions with exhibitors, visitors, and the press on pressing industry topics.
Visitors also had the chance to reconnect with the event’s signature annual activities: the Start-Up Contest, the Hackathon by CDS Groupe, and the exciting Travel Agents Cup and Travel Agents Cup Junior competitions, which never fail to inspire.
This year, a special focus was placed on travel agents with the reimagined Agency Village, alongside the AGV Lounge by MSC Cruises and enhanced buyer programs. The event's commitment to fostering relationships and collaboration was clear as professionals came together to learn, network, and grow.
Fresh Ideas and Content-Rich Programming
For 2022, IFTM Top Resa placed a strong emphasis on content, offering nearly 120 conference sessions covering everything from sustainability and digital innovation to business travel and MICE. These sessions took place across a range of formats, including the interactive Conversations and the Sustainable Tourism Space, which proved to be a big hit.
The Attractiveness Village, a new addition to this year’s event, also saw a great turnout, helping participants better understand how to create compelling destinations for modern travelers. It’s clear that the event's goal of fostering knowledge-sharing and co-development has resonated with attendees.
A Digital Boost: The Everywhere Platform
The Everywhere digital platform, launched in 2021 to adapt to post-pandemic needs, played a pivotal role in expanding the trade show’s reach. This year, it saw 6,530 business appointments made—double the amount from 2019! The platform also hosted live content throughout the event, all of which will be available on-demand, keeping the energy alive long after the show has ended.
A Bold, Successful Shift to a 3-Day Format
This year, the show shifted from its traditional 4-day schedule to a more compact 3-day format, and the results were impressive. Exhibitors and visitors alike praised the streamlined schedule, describing the event as “magnificent, dynamic, and rejuvenated.” The show’s new pace didn’t compromise its quality; if anything, it made everything feel more energetic and focused.
Laurence Gaborieau, Director of IFTM Top Resa, expressed her satisfaction with the 2022 edition: “We’re thrilled with the results. The industry responded in full force, and we’re grateful to all of our partners, exhibitors, and visitors who contributed to making this edition such a success.”
Looking Ahead: A Sneak Peek at 2023
The excitement doesn’t end here—mark your calendars for the 45th edition of IFTM Top Resa, happening October 3-5, 2023, at Paris Porte de Versailles. After the incredible success of this year’s event, the anticipation for next year’s edition is already building. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the travel industry as it continues to recover and evolve!
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