World Reunites At IPW 2022 In Orlando

A busy Media Marketplace paired journalists from around the world with selected U.S. tourism suppliers on June 6 – the first official business day of the IPW international conference and trade mart in Orlando.

“The world has reunited once again to rebuild the global travel industry and showcase all that the U.S. has to offer,” said an IPW statement, at this 53rd annual edition of the event.

The day prior to the Media Marketplace was fully devoted to destination exploration, as hundreds of international tourism buyers and world press jumped on tours that blanketed the Orlando region.

• Amongst these was a guided tour through both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, with expert advice on how to conduct group visits there.
• An experience of high-speed coasters, including Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster – Jurassic World VelociCoaster – plus the epic “story coaster,” Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, plus the towering Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
• A VIP experience at the luxurious Mall at Millenia, including a fashion show and a tasting at one of Orlando’s best restaurants
• And a firsthand look at developments in Orlando’s transportation infrastructure, including the South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport, opening later this year; and the Brightline, a high-speed rail service set to operate from Miami to Orlando starting early in 2023.

Opening night celebrations kicked off at Walt Disney World Resort (celebrating 50 years) and EPCOT. Attendees enjoyed culinary delights and global entertainment while reconnecting with industry colleagues from around the globe. A total of 4,600 delegates are registered for IPW, including 1,300 international buyers and media from over 60 countries.

Monday was all business, as media met U.S. suppliers in 15-minute time capsules that gave travel journalists plenty to ponder and write about. Nearly 500 members of the media registered to meet over 200 U.S. travel suppliers exhibitors at the Media Marketplace.

Some of these included:

• The new attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida is named “Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex.” It features a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, plus a “journey” through space and a launch viewing opportunity.
• The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is opening its newest addition, the “Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.” The 14-story hotel offers 349 guest rooms – including 151 suites – with floor-to-ceiling views of the resort. It is within walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.
• Known for its popular glass-domed igloos and aurora viewing opportunities in Fairbanks Alaska, Borealis Basecamp is staying open for its first-ever summer season. Located in boreal forest, activities include a guided driving tour to the Arctic Circle, UTV rides in the White Mountain Recreation Area, reindeer walks and visits to a sled dog kennel.
• After an extensive three-year renovation, the Comorant Boutique Hotel (formally the La Jolla Inn) in San Diego opened in May in the heart of this upscale seaside community. The hotel includes 26 nautical-inspired guest rooms, each with a balcony and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.
• In May, the San Diego Natural History Museum opened its new, permanent exhibition “Expedition Baja,” which invites visitors to explore the Baja California Peninsula. It features museum specimens, immersive imagery and stories about the conservation work happening there.

“IPW will continue to reunite and rebuild the global travel industry in 2022, providing an in-person platform to conduct business and renew our relationships around the world,” said the U.S. Travel Association.

“As the leading inbound travel trade show, past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel by connecting U.S. travel exhibitors with travel buyers and media to promote their product and negotiate future business, securing America’s position as a foremost global travel destination and showcasing the best of what the U.S. has to offer.”

The show is taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, June 4-8, 2022.

Go to www.ipw.com for more.

Caption For Photo

Two IPW delegates welcome colleagues to the IPW international travel trade marketplace in Orlando.