The number of international buyers and media attending the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW on May 20-24 solidifies the notion that significant recovery to inbound travel is happening. IPW is the leading inbound travel trade show that connects U.S. travel exhibitors with global travel buyers and media and is hosted in different destinations annually.
IPW is returning to pre-pandemic levels, with several notable markets surpassing 2019 counts and planning to attend the 2023 event at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.
Canada and Mexico buyer registrations are presently 34% above 2019 levels, while South America and Australia trending 19% and 17% above 2019 levels, respectively. Asia has been slower to reopen to travel and tourism, yet there are 200 confirmed Asian delegates attending, an 80% increase over last year. Also, more than 500 domestic and international media are registered to attend, another sign of IPW returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The IPW show format creates several opportunities for delegates to participate in educational seminars, networking events, trade show happenings, and destination experiences. There also are three nights of celebration and showcasing the destination, including Viva San Antonio at historic La Villita to recognize the community’s past, present, and future; Festival Del Rio featuring an illuminated parade and live entertainment on the River Walk; and Let’s Texas at the Alamo.
“This can’t-miss event, coming to first-time host city San Antonio, unites the global travel industry under one roof to conduct business face to face—a key opportunity to ensure travelers from around the world choose the U.S. when planning their trips,” says Malcolm Smith, general manager for IPW and senior vice president of business development for U.S. Travel Association.
