The 2024 edition of WTM Latin America concluded with impressive growth across various key indicators, reflecting the resilience and dynamism of the travel and tourism sector in the region. This year’s event attracted 29,247 participants, representing an 8.1% increase compared to 2023’s attendance of 27,044. The exhibition space expanded significantly by 20% to 7,393 square meters, providing more opportunities for brands to showcase their products and services. The number of exhibiting companies also grew by an impressive 28% to 797, highlighting the growing participation and interest in the Latin American travel market.
The ConnectMe platform, designed to facilitate business connections and networking, recorded a remarkable 8.5% increase in scheduled meetings, with a total of 6,903 meetings taking place during the event. This increase reflects the strong demand for collaboration and partnerships within the industry. The exhibition halls were abuzz with activity, fostering successful connections and the signing of numerous deals among exhibitors.
In addition to the trade exhibition, WTM Latin America hosted a diverse range of conferences, training sessions, and Speed Networking events across its three theaters. These sessions provided attendees with valuable insights, updates on industry trends, and opportunities for professional development. The event also introduced the Diversity Route, a new initiative aimed at promoting inclusive projects within various travel sectors. This route showcased 20 projects focusing on Afrotourism, LGBTQIAP+ Tourism, and Tourism for individuals over 60.
The event welcomed a diverse range of first-time participants, including the Tanzania Tourist Board, Belize Tourism Board, TAAG Angola Airlines, Cayman Island, and Guatemala. These new additions underscore the growing international appeal of WTM Latin America and its importance as a platform for global tourism connections. Returning companies such as Gol, Azul/Smiles, and LATAM/Delta also played a significant role in the event’s success.
Participants hailed from a wide array of countries and regions, including Nicaragua, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Uruguay, Barbados, Cuba, Costa Rica, Belize, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Maldives, Tanzania, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The strong Brazilian representation was further enhanced by the participation of newcomers like Campos do Jordão, Joinville, and Fortaleza, showcasing the event’s continued relevance for domestic tourism.
The next edition of WTM Latin America is scheduled to be held from April 14th to 16th, 2025, at the Expo Centre Norte in São Paulo. The organizers are confident that the event will continue to grow and evolve, providing a dynamic platform for the travel and tourism industry in Latin America and beyond.
