• Occupying more than 7,000 square meters, the event’s total area has increased by almost 20% compared to the 2023 edition
• The Agent on the Road program will include 500 agents on air and road trips from all regions of Brazil
• The Hosted Buyers Program has 75 participants, almost 50% more than in 2023
• The Operators Area grows by 10%, with 44 operators participating
• The Diversity Route is launched with 27 projects in its first edition
• Theaters and conferences: unprecedented research, the Responsible Tourism Award and talks by executives representing companies such as Google and TikTok are highlights of the three WTM Latin America stages
• International destinations: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Maldives, United States, as well as private companies from Europe, Asia and the Middle East
• National destinations: a massive presence from the Brazilian states, especially the newcomers Campos do Jordão, Joinville and Fortaleza
• Airlines: return of Gol, Azul/Smiles, LATAM/Delta and the debut of the Angolan airline TAAG
• Activation: Humpback Whale invades WTM Latin America in experience action promoted by São Sebastião

More than 27,000 travel professionals. This is the number of visitors expected at the 11th edition of WTM Latin America which, under the theme “The Future is Open. Be the Change”, will take place between April 15 and 17 at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo.

Among the new features announced in this final stretch of its organization are indicators such as the exhibition’s usable area: with 7,200 square meters, the space is more optimized and 20% larger than in 2023. The increase in space includes factors such as the revision of the pavilions, carried out by Expo Center Norte, which, by moving the toilets, gave more mobility and space for stands and aisles.

The Agent on the Road and Hosted Buyers programs are also important indicators.

In all, 500 air and road travel agents from all regions of Brazil have been confirmed, as well as 75 hosted buyers from different parts of the world, especially South America (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay and Uruguay), Europe (Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Portugal) and North America (United States and Canada).

Also confirmed, in alphabetical order of destinations, are professionals from South Africa, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, United States, Spain, Philippines, France, Holland, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, United Kingdom, Rwanda, Tanzania, Venezuela.

Beyond the indicators, WTM Latin America is a call for everyone – exhibitors, leaders, visitors, speakers and other professionals – to reflect on building a healthier and more sustainable industry.

Among the novelties to be presented by WTM Latin America in this edition is the Diversity Route, an initiative aimed at encouraging significant innovations, recognizing and highlighting innovative projects that address the themes of Afrotourism, LGBTQIA+ Tourism and 60+ Tourism in a unique and creative way.

In all, 27 organizations – including private initiatives and destinations – are taking part in the first edition of the project. Although it’s not an award, each of them will receive a seal of recognition that will highlight them at the event.

Other novelties include the debut of Joinville (SC), as an independent exhibitor, marking its participation, among other things, with the announcement of a cooperative campaign with Decolar and HotelDo involving actions aimed at the trade and the end consumer.

Also making their debut are Africando, an agency specializing in safaris in Africa; Atrio Hotel Management, the largest nationally-owned hotel management company in Brazil; Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the Caribbean destination’s tourism body; Euroriente Travel, an agency specializing in destinations and tours in Turkey; Explore Greece Holidays, an agency specializing in itineraries in Greece; Intermac Assistance, a travel insurance agency; Livá Hotels & Resorts, the only hotel operator in Brazil specializing in the management of multi-property developments; Osa Group, a global player with a presence in more than 150 countries; Pastore Turismo, a travel agency (Brazil); Uneworld Viagens e Turismo, a tour operator; and the agency Viagens Machupicchu.

Among the destinations, the participation of Jordan, for the first time at the event, is highly anticipated and adds to the international presence of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, Italy, Israel, Egypt, the Maldives and the United States, as well as private companies from Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Positioned as the largest hotel operator with 100% national capital, Atrio Hotel Management announces its entry into the strategic Northeast region, with the start of operations at Novotel Recife Marina, in Pernambuco, whose inauguration is confirmed for the first half of the year.

As for Livá Hotéis & Resorts, it has announced that it will be operating Bali Resorts, the lodging arm of the Bali Park Tourist Complex, located in Luziânia (GO), which already operates through the Bali Pak water park, which has the largest artificial beach in South America.

In addition to the premieres, WTM Latin America is also the stage for organizations and destinations that keep the event on their priority agenda for training and relations with the tourist trade. These are the cases of Argentina, which is maintaining its large stand despite the crisis in the country, and Chile, whose delegation is arriving in Brazil with more than 40 businesspeople and the presence of the Undersecretary of Tourism, Verónica Pardo.

Cruises, Operators and Travel Insurance

Norwegian Aqua opens an era of cruises, with initiatives that promise to redefine the sea travel experience, such as the world’s first water roller coaster, the Aqua Slidecoaster. During WTM Latin America, the company is also presenting the innovative Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor that transforms into a nightclub at night.

Oceania Cruises welcomes guests aboard Vista for its inaugural Around the World in 180 days voyage in 2026. Having set the standard for travel for more than a decade with immersive global destination voyages.

As for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, it is unveiling new innovations with the launch of a collection of six Immersive Overnights voyages where each port of call offers an overnight stay – allowing for deeper exploration and discovery in much-loved destinations.

Cruises are also one of the themes presented by Schultz – one of the most comprehensive tourism companies in Brazil. During WTM Latin America 2024, the company will announce a strategic and exclusive partnership with Skorpios Cruises, as well as reinforcing its activities with Europamundo river cruises and the promotion of EcoBoo Maldives, for which it also has exclusivity in the national market.

After announcing a series of launches in the first three months of the year, Vital Card is preparing for a new round of novelties, including Multisports – Professional Sports insurance, which covers any sport recognized by an official confederation; free E-Sim for passengers who purchase insurance for Europe and the United States; and the new Flight Delay cover, which provides cover for rebooking costs due to missed flight connections.

WTM Latin America 2024 takes place between April 15 and 17 at the Expo Center Norte in São Paulo. Registration is free and compulsory for visitors, and is now available on the website, from pages in Portuguese, English or Spanish.