The stand out stands at this year’s World Travel Market London, 2016 have been announced, with Flanders, Egypt and Kerala among the winners.
The Best Stand Design Awards is judged by an expert panel – Intuitive Design managing director Russell Smith; TRIPorganiser.net founder and MD Beryl Preuschmann; Tours Research and Marketing (TRAM) partner Bill Richards and Travel Perspective co-founder Steve Keenan.
Best Stand – Visit Flanders EU1520
The judges admired Flanders’ yellow seating and ‘homely’ café style. “They’ve gone to the effort of doing something new but you can still see you can have a cosy coffee there,” said Preuschmann. “You know there’s going to be nice cafes [in the destination] but there’s also culture to see.” Keenan added: “They have photos of the team on the wall so you can see who you need to speak to.”
Highly commended by the judges in this category were Qatar Tourism Authority’s stylish stand which presents the destination’s heritage or modernity depending on the angle from which it is viewed, and Costa Rica Tourism Board’s stand, which includes imported orchids and palm fronds.
Most Innovative Stand Within the Travel Tech Show @ WTM – PaySec TT335
This company helps businesses to make payments to Asia and the judges felt it stood out in a difficult sector to illustrate, where most business is B2B. “They branded it with Chinese symbols so the scene was set. The design explains half of what they’re doing,” said Preuschmann. The welcome, with fortune cookies being handed out, also impressed.
Best Stand for Doing Business – Egyptian Tourist Authority AF500
The judges acknowledged that this has been a difficult year for tourism confidence in the destination and the large stand with a staircase leading through a faux temple to meeting rooms helped address this. “They’re wanting to do business and you can see this,” said Preuschmann.
The judging panel also commended the Austrian National Touirst Office for its networking area and meeting pods and South African Tourism for its welcoming layout.
Best Stand Personnel – Sixt Rent A Car GV655
The judges were impressed with the team’s strong interaction with stand visitors. “It was really busy and they looked like they were doing good business and the staff were easily recognisable by their uniform,” said Smith.
Qatar was also commended for it’s simple approach with a lone woman providing the initial welcome to the stand.
Best Stand Feature – Kerala Tourism IN100
Kerala impressed with three striking long boats as a centre piece backed by an image and a video of the boats racing in the destination. “It made me want to go to Kerala just to see that in action,” said Keenan.
The judges also admired Qatar’s minimal design, different from all angles, that draws you in, with a story about a kraken a focal point.
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