March Marketplace (MAMA), the two day B2B networking event promoting the UK and Ireland proved a triumph in its new format for 2015.
Monday showcased the best of regional UK and Irish product to buyer tour operators representing international markets. London & Partners took the lead on the second day which had a focus on the capital’s tourism product. A special contingent of outbound operators from India joined the marketplace following a partnership between ETOA – the European tourism association, and OTOAI, the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India.
On day one Visit Wales offered a Welsh-themed lunch and Tourism Ireland celebrated St Patrick’s Day with an evening reception. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour took over the venue for the London day, bringing a touch of magic to proceedings ahead of the opening of the attraction’s new addition – the Hogwarts Express.
Tristram Yarde-Leavett, Managing Director of Tourwise of London said: “Once again, ETOA’s MAMA event has proved an essential and invaluable part of our business. Being able to meet so many existing partners, as well as a large number of potential partners, in a short space of time proved to be thoroughly worthwhile.”
Claire Mitchell, Sales & Marketing Manager from the Ramada Encore Newcastle-Gateshead said: “I can’t praise MAMA enough. The excellent format allowed me to meet with relevant people in a focused way and as a result I have gained almost 30 new potential clients with which we can do business.”
Martine Ainsworth-Wells, Director of Marketing & Commerce at ETOA said: “We are delighted to have been able to deliver over 12,000 business appointments to buyers and sellers of UK and Ireland products over the two days of March Marketplace 2015. As ever, we are grateful to our members, partners and sponsors for their support. At ETOA, we sincerely believe that the event will have created new relationships which will flourish and deliver amazing experiences for visitors to the UK and Ireland along with economic prosperity. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to MAMA 2016.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
