If you already have some time as a travel blogger or just started, you’ve probably heard about the many Tourism Fairs taking place worldwide. If you thought seriously about blogging or are just passionate about meeting other engaged professionals in the industry, the international trade fairs are an instance that should be among your options.

What are International Tourism Fairs?

Travel and tourism fairs are a unique instance to connect with lots of industry people in a few days. Tourism boards representatives from different countries, companies and also other bloggers are attending in order to make new business contacts between them.

Showing off my first ever press pass and accidentally matching @NomadicChica @WTMLAT #WTMLATSELFIE pic.twitter.com/DZOoFITlB4

— lukeyd (@lukeydisme) April 23, 2015

What do I learn as a blogger attending a fair like WTM Latin America?

The World Travel Market and any other international (or national) tourism fair are a unique opportunity. Assistants attend with the idea to share and connect others in the same industry: tourist destinations, hotel chains, restaurants, airlines, etc.

Increasingly, the world in general and especially tourism opens and incorporates the participation of travel bloggers, as it has come to a bigger understanding at the great opportunity for collaboration between brands and bloggers.

Bloggers are the ones who act as intermediaries between brands and users who rely on our honest opinion (hopefully from all) of what we publish on our websites.

Those of us taking travel journalism professionally understand the need, then we know the importance to be honest in our comments and so those who come to us for inspiration or concrete information of a destination expect honesty from us. So it is possible to create strategic alliances with brands that match our niche and that means profits for both.

 

Perhaps you think the WTM Latin America is not so interesting compared to its “big sister” in London, because of the number of destinations represented, but it is a focused event in the region, being the largest globally for the Latin American industry.

In addition to the brands and representatives of various world destinations, you will find other travel bloggers, other travel passionate people who are on a very similar path to yours. You will have the opportunity to meet some of the hundreds of Brazilians travel bloggers with a representation that includes highly specialized websites.

There are activities designed especially for bloggers from conferences and Speed networking to times to share more informally as a happy hour after the show, where it happens important part of the ‘networking’ … because we are travelers and we love to have fun!

Stay tuned and be friendly!

 

My experience at the WTM Latin America

My first experience at the World Trade Market Latin America also coincided with being the first time visiting Brazil, which was doubly exciting. It happened to be an instance of learning and mainly to make connections with other bloggers in an industry and new friendship.

Current tourism topics were discussed In the conferences, mainly focused on new technologies and related to the region and Brazil as a major world tourist destination.

Not every day you get to spend your day with such handsome men as my friends 😉 (Luke,  Youtuber en LukeyDisme  and Andy from www.3baysover.com)

 

Recommendations to maximize your WTM Latin America experience

• Prepare your visit in advance and have clear goals.
• You will find all the information you might need as well as registration at  www.wtmlatinamerica.com
• Connect through social media with the visitors. This year 2016 search for the Hashtag #WTMLAT16
• Organize your visit by geographical areas and destinations that interest you.
• You will take more advantage if you have an upcoming trip as you could make concrete plans for the upcoming months.
• Just as in life outside a tourism fair: Do not belittle anyone. Talk with everyone on the same level, you’re not that special for being a blogger only, beyond all go as a professional.
• Leave a few days before or after to explore the destination, Sao Paulo is a vibrant city full of cultural activities and nightlife so get out and enjoy!

My beautiful Press Pass at #WTMLAT15 #WTMLATSELFIE pic.twitter.com/iM1FvHHTN0

— Gloria Apara (@NomadicChica) April 24, 2015

Have you already visited the WTM Latin America? How was your experience?

Do you have plans to visit it for the first time? Is there anything else you’d like to know about it?