In a recent report, Oxford Economics predicts that over the next decade the global travel industry will grow at 5.4% year on year – faster than world GDP. The bulk of this growth will come from emerging markets such as China, Turkey, Russia, Brazil and India, meaning the opportunities to attract, and cultivate loyalty among, new customers are huge.
The World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) is set to return to Hamburg on 14 – 16th April 2015. The world-class exhibition will boast plenty of opportunities for professionals from across the rail and air industry to network and discuss new business partnerships. In 2015 there will be exciting new content, as well as a host of first-time exhibitors offering visitors plenty of food for thought.
In a recent report, Oxford Economics predicts that over the next decade the global travel industry will grow at 5.4% year on year – faster than world GDP. The bulk of this growth will come from emerging markets such as China, Turkey, Russia, Brazil and India, meaning the opportunities to attract, and cultivate loyalty among, new customers are huge.
Since its launch three years ago, WTCE has established itself as an international hub where the rail and airline elite can come together to discuss the travel catering and onboard services industry’s most significant evolutions. The 2015 show will bring together professionals from countries as diverse as Canada, Lithuania, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. Suppliers will display the full range of catering and onboard services including food and drink, passenger comfort, hygiene products, packaging and galley equipment. And with 41 new exhibitors already confirmed, visitors will be able to even further expand their networks and discover fresh ideas for the onboard offering.
The onboard services industry is constantly evolving to keep pace with changing consumer preferences. Meal personalisation and celebrity endorsed recipes, clever packaging, ethically sourced cups and cutlery, and a wide-ranging retail offering are just some areas where operators can add value to boost profits and gain a competitive edge.
In 2015, WTCE will expand its remit with the launch of the new Travel Retail Zone, reflecting the huge growth this sector has experienced in recent years. In this area buyers can meet with suppliers of sale-on-board items and discuss how they can boost their offering to appeal to the modern traveller. A product trail will also lead attendees to those exhibitors with a travel retail offering, making it easy for them to target their visit and come away with plenty of inspiration.
Visitors can also take advantage of the Taste of Travel theatre where they can stay up to date with evolutions in onboard services and travel catering. Some of the industry’s most sought after names will host interactive sessions including culinary demonstrations, product tastings and insights into topics such as the food of the future.
Archana Sharma, WTCE Event Manager commented: “We’re proud that WTCE has become the global meeting place for the travel catering and onboard services industry. Our visitors hail from all four corners of the globe and use the exhibition as a way to meet with colleagues, discuss business deals and stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations. This year we’ve added a new dimension with the introduction of the Travel Retail Zone, allowing our visitors to gain an overview of the entire onboard services industry.”
In addition to the exhibition, the highly regarded Passenger Experience Conference runs on Monday 13th April, the day before the exhibition opens. Acting as the industry’s premier networking and business forum, the core theme for 2015 will be on building flexibility into the cabin experience to satisfy passenger needs and expectations. A dedicated session on hospitality, service and retail will explore how airlines can improve their offering and stay in line with trends on the ground.
After an information-packed day at the conference, delegates can join exhibitors and visitors at the Industry Networking Party where an evening of entertainment and cocktails will allow them to network in a relaxed environment.
WTCE is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo, the world’s largest event dedicated to sourcing the latest innovations, technologies and products for the cabin interiors, inflight entertainment and passenger comfort industries.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
