With an endless sea of exhibitors from North and South America, and exotic destinations across the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, and the Caribbean, it appears as if the entire world converged at the fifteenth-anniversary of The New York Times Travel Show at the Javitz Center in Manhattan. Over 40 destination specific seminars were offered to over 32,000 travel enthusiasts, with 900 media professionals in attendance and over 500 travel booths presenting consumers in direct contact with Boards of Tourism, cruises, resorts and tour representatives for 170 plus destinations.
The event, mainly sponsored by Turkish Air and South Africa, offered a multifaceted experience as each day catered to different groups, from media and travel professionals to families and non-industry travelers. Products, services, and travel trends featured prominently in the travel conference agenda as interesting topics.
This year the show highlights included luxury, spa and wellness, travel media, cruising, Caribbean updates on thirty-three destinations, culinary food and wine tours in Europe and one-of-a-kind experiences in Africa. Ultimately, exploring every region was possible through panels focused on the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, Latin America, while other panels focused on family travel, travel bloggers, adventure travel, young travel, professionals and destination weddings. There was also a large L.G.B.T travel presence and several representatives from Cuba. The event was informative and entertaining.
“Each year, more and more travel professionals and enthusiasts attend The New York Times Travel Show and for a good reason,” says Maggie Kiselick, vice president of advertising and managing director, The New York Times Magazine. “People rely on the Show to provide both exceptional travel offerings and helpful information to help them plan their trips to see the world. We look forward to hosting even more people at 2019’s show.”
The final two days of the show featured various cultural presentations and performances, food demonstrations, and one-on-one conversations with travel experts, influencers, and celebrities including travel expert Pauline Frommer, fashion designer Zac Posen, and musical artist Action Bronson.