New York Times Travel Show Celebrates 15 Years

The largest consumer travel trade show in North America, the New York Times Travel Show celebrated its 15^th year in grand style this weekend by bringing together travel enthusiasts from around the world at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The show is well-known for its celebrity presenters and over-the-top travel exhibits and displays, and 2018’s line-up proved to be no exception to the rule.

“Even after going to countless trade shows across the globe, it’s hard to brace yourself for just how enormous the New York Times Travel Show is or how vast the variety of suppliers,” said Michael Schottey, Director of Digital Content for travAlliancemedia, who attended the show. “One of the coolest things, however, was seeing how many of the attendees treated each other like old family. An event like this is a perfect example of how travel brings people together.”

Best of luck to the entire @Intrepid_Travel team at the @NYTTravelShow this weekend. We'll be speaking on multiple panels and topics, as well running two booths showcasing over 1,400 sustainable, small-group adventure tours around the world! #NYTTravelShow

— Mikey Sadowski (@MikeySadowski) January 26, 2018

Among the highlights of the 2018 show was a brand new L.G.B.T.Q. Travel Pavilion, which showcased some of the latest trends in L.G.B.T.Q.-centric tourism. Exhibitors in the new pavilion included ManAboutWorld, Out in the Vineyard, Oscar Wilde Tours, Shady Ladies Tours, R Family Vacations, Quiiky-Gay Tours in Italy, Outings & Adventures, Insider Voyagers and the Stonewall National Monument.

Also debuting in 2018 was a new Family Travel stage, featuring related arts and crafts activities and social media opportunities for all attendees.

"People are finding travel more meaningful, it's beyond experiential," - Gail Grimmett, @NYTTravelShow @ggnyc1 @Protravelint @TzellTravel #NYTTravelShow

— Travel Leaders Group (@TravelLeadersHQ) January 26, 2018

Celebrity presenters for 2018 included renowned fashion designer Zac Posen, rapper Action Bronson, travel expert and television host Samantha Brown and Pauline Frommer, the editorial director of the Frommer’s travel guide series.

Among the trending topics of conversation were working with social media influencers and exploring digital trends as well as wellness, sustainability and experiential tourism.

"Wellness travel is not a trend. It's here to stay. The trend to follow is how travelers think about their individual wellness." - Bonnie Levengood, SVP Marketing #NYTTravelShow @NYTTravelShow pic.twitter.com/k0PfMbkhn7

— MSCTruePartnerships (@MSCTruePartners) January 26, 2018

"The show is a massive melting pot full of lively, diverse people and a great reminder of how much good is still in the world,” said Eric Bowman, Senior Editor of Custom Content for travAlliancemedia.

Among the public sessions were such panels as “The Frugal Traveler with Lucas Peterson,” “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel,” “Sustainable and Socially Conscious Travel,” “Exploring Food with Musician Action Bronson,” “L.G.B.T.Q. Travel With Davey Wavey,” “How Technology Can Enhance and Elevate Your Vacation,” “Atlas Obscura With Joshua Foer,” and “Hotel Impossible with Anthony Melchiorri,” among many others.

70-75% vacation decisions made by women. Tremendous growth in small group #travel & small ship cruising @NYTTravelShow #NYTTravelShow #traveltips #travel #travelbloggers #traveltrends pic.twitter.com/bk3SnGddp2

— Marielena Smith (@epic7travel) January 26, 2018

On Friday, January 26—a day open only to travel professionals and media—an extensive press conference schedule included an update on tourism to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria as well as an overview of the new e-visa application for visitors to Brazil.

Puerto Rico says it’s open for tourism and that the best way to help the island is to come visit @SeePuertoRico #NYTTravelShow pic.twitter.com/lwEZZu2g8n

— Melissa Klurman (@melissaklurman) January 26, 2018

Other suppliers during the press conference included REI, Adriatik Tours LLC on Albania, the new jetlag app Uplift, Alabama Tourism and the QuebecOriginal tourism board.

NYC skyline looking sharp this morning from the #NYTTravelShow at Javits Center. pic.twitter.com/WprhTDmO7L

— Jim Benning (@jimbenning) January 26, 2018

Although numbers are still being tabulated for 2018, the show’s attendance could likely beat numbers set in a record-breaking 2017. In total, the 2017 trade show brought together more than 500 suppliers who showcased their destinations, accommodations and other travel products to tens of thousands of visitors. In 2017, the New York Times Travel Show hosted more than 30,000 people, including some 4,500 travel agents.

A show survey from last year revealed that consumers in attendance said they planned to spend more than $100 million in travel within a year of attending the program.

READ MORE: Complete List of 2018 Travvy Award Winners

The 2018 New York Times Travel Show was sponsored by South African Tourism, as well as Allianz, The Florida Keys & West Keys, MSC Cruises, Turkish Tourism and Visit Florida, among others. travAlliancemedia was one of a number of media sponsors.