“Challenges and Resilience”, the theme of the show resonates: if there have been many challenges in recent years, it is resilience that shone through the aisles of the show from October 3 to 5. IFTM Top Resa shone for its 45thth edition with the return of many exhibitors, destinations, but above all travel agents. An increase in business meetings and contracts signed was noted, also marking a return to business and quality visitors.
Strong return of travel agents and corporate buyers
This year, 30,349 tourism professionals attended the show (vs. 29,475 in 2022, an increase of 3%) to visit the 1,400 brands and 170 destinations present, notably Jordan, the country in the spotlight in 2023. The big surprise of this edition comes from the number of travel agents and corporate buyers, who represented 45% of total visitors (vs. 33.8% in 2022).
After a few years of absence, many other destinations have returned at the show to meet their French partners, notably India, Montenegro, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica…
The efforts made by the IFTM Top Resa teams to refocus on travel agents paid off: 14,643 travel agents came to the show in force (with a significant number coming from the provinces), to meet the exhibitors and attend conferences, i.e. 50% more than in 2022.
Among the measures put in place by the show: the return of distribution networksand the Tourism Professionals Helpdesk, as well as the strengthening of buyer programs, which enabled more travel agents to attend the show.
Other notable new features for travel agents: the new conference format “What’s new to sell” to inspire sellers on destination news, and a brand new format for the Travel Agents Cup, which for its 10th edition, aimed to get closer to the reality of travel agents and place their expertise at the heart of the tourist experience.
Great moments at the show
Laurence Gaborieau, director of the IFTM Top Resa show, opened the show with an unprecedented inaugural conference, on Tuesday October 3 at 9:40 a.m., alongside 23 Ministers of Tourism, around twenty Ambassadors and big names in the sector: Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate of Small and Medium Enterprises, Commerce, Crafts and Tourism, Jean-Pierre Mas, former President of Travel Enterprises, His Excellency Mr. Makram Mustafa A. Queisi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, but also François Gemenne, President of the Scientific Council, Foundation for Nature and Man and co-author of the sixth IPCC report, and Corinne Menegaux, General Director of Paris je t’aime – Paris tourist office je t’aime .
Visitors and exhibitors were also able to find the major highlights present each year at the show, which contribute to its reputation: the Start-Up Contest, the Wonder France Festival, the Travel Agents Cup Junior and the Travel Agents Cup.
The main focus has been firmly placed on content, notably through a particularly rich program of trend conferences and barometers, based around major themes at the heart of tourism news, including attractiveness, sustainability and digital, and even business. travel and MICE. Many conferences were sold out. The Conversations and Sustainable Tourism spaces, launched in 2022, have also been very successful.
Everywhere, the digital platform that strengthens the salon experience all year round
Inaugurated during the 2021 edition and completely redesigned in 2023, the Everywhere business meeting platform was a great success this year, with 9,812 business meetings recorded (vs. 6,530 in 2022, an increase +50%).
A very positive 2023 assessment
A show rich in new features and highlights, driven by the vision of Laurence Gaborieau, who is delighted with the success of this 2023 edition:
“If last year was the year of recovery, today we are seeing a real return to business, with travel agents returning to the show in force, new buyers, particularly corporate, and a number of meetings business up considerably.
The aisles were full for three days, and smiles were on everyone’s faces. The entire IFTM Top Resa and RX France team joins me in warmly thanking partners, exhibitors and visitors who contribute each year to the success of the show. We are already looking forward to seeing you for the 46th edition of IFTM Top Resa next September! »
