Photo: Sandra Foyt
Where can you find international dance and live music performances, culinary demonstrations, book signings with leading authors, fun family activities, and the chance to win fabulous vacations? Why, at a travel show, of course.
A travel show offers more than a chance to connect with travel professionals from around the world; it is an event in itself.
The New York Times Travel Show, that took place March 3-4, 2012 in New York City, was a jam-packed event that gathered the cultures of over 150 countries under one roof.
Five cultural stages – Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and Global – feature a smorgasbord of delights:
- Taiwan Tourism Bureau presented Jumping Princes and traditional “erhu” rhythms combined with rock ‘n’ roll.
- “Soulful Arts” inspired, entertained and educated audiences about Brazilian culture through Capoeira, Afro-Brazilian music and dance.
- Lithuanian Consulate presented Children’s Chorus “Varpelis” (The Bell), composed of beautiful voices and Lithuanian national songs!
Some of the tastiest presentations were those from celebrity chefs. Culinary travel demonstrations featured star chefs from the Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival including David Burke, Joey Campanaro, Daniel Holzman, Seamus Mullen, Bill Telepan, and Jonathan ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ Waxman:
- Chef Joey Campanaro from Little Owl – the venue, market table and village belle – prepared wild mushroom risotto.
- Chef Bill Telepan shared a taste of Japan inspired by a recent trip to the country.
- Chef Jonathan Waxman from Barbuto gave a taste of his recent London restaurant prowls.
Photo: Sandra Foyt
Beyond the stages, hundreds of exhibitor booths offered opportunities to learn about travel to over 500 destinations across the globe. But there’s more than just travel planning going on.
The Connected Traveler Technology Showcase presents some of the newest digital technology, mobile devices, and apps for travelers as well as for travel professionals and marketers. And for kids, Family Fun Pavilions offer adventures for everyone: try professionally supervised scuba diving in the warm, safe confines of a four-foot deep swimming pool, climb a 24-foot rock-climbing wall, or see exotic live animals from SeaWorld Parks.
Travel Shows are a much-anticipated annual event in cities across the US:
- LA Travel & Adventure Show – Long Beach, California.
- LA Times Travel Show – Los Angeles, California.
- Chicago Travel & Adventure Show – Chicago, IL.
- Boston Globe Travel Show – Boston, MA.
- San Francisco Travel & Adventure Show – San Francisco, CA.
- New York Times Travel Show – New York, NY.
- Washington, DC Travel & Adventure Show – Washington, DC.
- Atlanta Travel & Adventure Show – Atlanta, GA.
- Dallas Travel & Adventure Show – Dallas, TX.
And as if the international entertainment and culinary delights wasn’t enough reason to go to a travel show, there’s also the chance to win fabulous prizes – dream vacations of a lifetime.
About Sandra Foyt
