Content will be presented during panels and debates held in the Explore Technology Theatre
How to convert likes into sales? What are the strategies for turning followers into tourists? And how to create loyalty among your target audiences? Has the traveller’s buying journey changed?
These are some of the questions that a lot of tourism professionals are thinking about. Digital migration and the adoption of technological tools were essential for business survival, but the consolidation of this stage leads to a lot of reflection.
The good news is that it won’t be long before the market learns the answers to these concerns, since sharing cases that solve doubts and support the performance of professionals was the main factor that guided WTM Latin America in setting up the Explore Technology Theatre’s educational content. Giving the digital environment a more human touch is one of the cornerstones of 2023’s schedule, which will stress trends, demystify technologies and provide practical tips so that the participants can replicate the teachings in their businesses.
At WTM Latin America’s request, Gabriela Otto’s curatorship took into account themes and content items capable of providing inputs for different departments, ranging from communications to customer service and sales. “Consequently, in addition to panels, conferences, debates, and case studies presented by market experts, leaders from other sectors will also be taking the stage to share their experiences in their interactions with tourism. In this way, we present tangible results of the practices that were discussed,” explains WTM Latin America’s Marketing and Communications manager Thais Del Ben.
One of the highlights will be Google’s triple participation: Lucas Wagner, retail account manager, promises to shed light on the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and tourism; Débora Bonazzi, Travel leader, will address aspects that permeate the traveller’s new journey; and Sauanne Bispo, head of Google Brazil’s Innovation, Customer Experience and Relationship Centre, will take part in a panel that focuses on tips for optimising online influence, with influencers and travel professionals.
Technology’s transformation potential will be highlighted in the panel that deals with the use of innovative tools to ensure accessibility in different tourist facilities. The content will be presented by Ricardo Shimosaki, who is a wheelchair user, expert consultant on accessibility and inclusion, travel agent and director of Turismo Adaptado, and Janaína Bernardino, who is visually impaired and an expert on inspections as a mystery shopper for companies from different segments – both from the customer’s point of view as well as from the business perspective. Journalist Jéssica Paula completes the panel, sharing the experience of visiting 34 countries with the crutches that have accompanied her since she was six years old.
The best online and offline prospecting practices are also on the theatre’s agenda, along with tips for arranging itineraries and an analysis of the contemporary traveller’s profile, behaviour, and expectations. The final panel will offer tips to ensure excellence in relation to customer service for leisure and corporate clients, and will include the participation of Rafaela Wizenberg, Primetur Viagens & Experiências’ Head of Customer Experience and Projects, and Guilherme Rizzi, Copastur’s senior manager of Customer Success.
On top of the enhancement of the theme-based programme, there has also been growth in the exhibitors’ area, which includes an increased number of stands. Companies of different sizes focused on products and services connected to technology and innovation will be on hand to present their portfolios to the visitors. Among those that have already confirmed their presence are Omnibees, Juniper, Infotera, Travcoding, Travel Compositor, and WeTravel. The international payment facilitator Beeteller, is making its debut as an exhibitor this year.