Trade shows, virtual fams keep Travel Nevada staff busy
Travel Nevada hosted virtual fam tours and promoted the state at virtual trade shows this spring, including the April fam for Mexican media and trade representatives showcasing two branded road trips, Neon to Nature and the Lake Tahoe Loop. Nevada was represented at multiple online trade shows this spring, culminating in the in-person Connect Tour West show in May in Las Vegas.
Connect Travel
Travel Nevada participated in Connect Travel’s Connect Tour West trade show May 24-26 in Las Vegas. One of the first in-person conventions in Las Vegas since the COVID-19 pandemic, the show had great attendance from all parts of the state. Travel Nevada had a total of 30 appointments with tour operators, receptives and WebBank. Many of the participating buyers sell domestic product, and they were impressed by all the new hotels and attractions Nevada had to offer.
Brand USA Marketplace
Through its relationship with Brand USA, Travel Nevada has maintained relations with the international travel market. Travel Nevada participated in three virtual Brand USA marketplaces — Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom/Germany — in May and June. The Mexico marketplace produced 22 virtual appointments. The Canada tradeshow allowed for 12 virtual appointments. The latest marketplace, focusing on the UK and Germany, resulted in 24 appointments. Those marketplaces have allowed Travel Nevada remain top-of-mind with international buyers, educate buyers on travel restrictions and learn about the future of international travel trends.
Virtual fam tours
In April, Travel Nevada resumed trade and media activations in Mexico by hosting virtual fam tours that highlighted the agency’s branded road trips Neon to Nature and Lake Tahoe Loop. Industry partners participated by showcasing a live experience, allowing Mexican media and trade representatives to see Nevada destinations in real time. Travel Nevada is extending the road trip marketing strategy by running a campaign with Autorenta and IMACOP tour operator. Those efforts begin Travel Nevada’s work to reintroduce itself to an international audience. Travel Nevada staff, in partnership with international representation, will continue destination training for travel agents, tour operators, media outlets, and influencers.
Mountain Travel Symposium
Travel Nevada participated in the Mountain Travel Symposium in April. North Lake Tahoe was scheduled to host, but due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, the show moved to a virtual format. Travel Nevada took 16 appointments with domestic and international ski buyers during the event. Other attendees included the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, North Lake Tahoe and Reno Tahoe.
Go West Summit
Travel Nevada sponsored the Go West Summit virtual trade show, March 1-5, attended by domestic and international buyers. Travel Nevada took 27 appointments during the event. Other state partners who participated: the city of West Wendover, Elko Convention & Visitor Authority, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Reno Tahoe and Visit Carson City. Reno will host the Go West Summit in February 2022.
