WTE Miami: The Must-Attend Event Transforming Miami into a Global Tourism Hub
By: Steve Turk
The World Trade Expo (WTE) Miami is back for its second year, and it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in the global travel and tourism industry. What began as a vision during the pandemic has quickly evolved into a dynamic gathering of top industry professionals from around the world. This year, the WTE is set to take Miami by storm, bringing together airlines, hoteliers, cruise lines, and destination management companies under one roof. As someone deeply invested in this event, both as a strategic partner and a participant through Tangy Management and The Hospitality Mentor, I can tell you firsthand that this is not just another trade show—it's an opportunity to be part of something transformative.
A Vision Brought to Life
Fernando Rojas, a partner at Agency BE and a driving force behind WTE Miami, shared his excitement about the event’s rapid growth: "We started during the pandemic… we couldn’t really get off in those dates, but now we’re celebrating our second edition with amazing exhibitors, a great hosted buyer program, and the support of the city.” This year, WTE Miami is stepping up to solidify its place as a pivotal event on the international stage, with participation from countries as far-flung as Japan, China, and the UAE, as well as a robust presence from Europe and Latin America.
Why WTE Miami Matters
In an industry where personal connections and innovative partnerships are key, WTE Miami offers a unique platform that goes beyond the typical trade show experience. Rojas explained, "Every important city in the world has a travel show… because travel and tourism are major economic drivers." For Miami, a city synonymous with hospitality and travel, WTE Miami serves as the perfect stage to showcase its global connectivity and vibrant culture.
The event is designed to be more than a networking opportunity—it’s a marketplace where ideas are exchanged, deals are made, and the future of travel is shaped. From high-level industry discussions to curated buyer meetings, WTE Miami is all about creating meaningful connections that drive business forward. "We have invested a lot in our hosted buyer program," Rojas said. "We’re bringing in top players from the global MICE and leisure sectors… covering their travel, accommodation, and VIP experiences to ensure high-impact interactions."
The Power of Miami as a Hub
Miami’s strategic location as a gateway to the Americas makes it the ideal host for WTE. The city is not just a destination but a launching pad to the world. With the support of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and Miami International Airport, WTE Miami is set to boost the city’s profile as a global travel hub. "Miami is a very famous city… it's very appealing, so you don’t need to advertise too much. People are coming into Miami, but WTE helps promote the destinations you can reach from here," said Rojas.
This year’s expo will also feature Colombia as the host country, highlighting the nation’s resurgence as a top travel destination. "Colombia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world right now… We’re bringing 80 executives from Colombia's hospitality industry to meet with buyers in the U.S.," Rojas shared. This kind of cross-border engagement is exactly what WTE Miami aims to foster—building bridges that connect people and places.
A Call to Be Part of the Future
WTE Miami is more than just a trade show—it's a pivotal event for anyone serious about the future of travel and tourism. From attending insightful sessions led by industry leaders to connecting with key decision-makers from across the globe, WTE Miami is where you need to be if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
For those in the travel and hospitality sectors, this is your chance to immerse yourself in a space buzzing with innovation and opportunity. As Rojas passionately put it, "You need to be curious… you need to visualize where you want to go, and then take the leap." This mindset of curiosity and bold action is what drives the success of WTE Miami and its participants.
Join Us at WTE Miami
Tangy Management and The Hospitality Mentor are proud to be part of WTE Miami 2024, contributing to and benefiting from the vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities this event fosters. We invite you to join us, explore new horizons, and be part of shaping the future of global travel and tourism.
Don't miss your chance to be at the forefront of this exciting industry transformation. Register today at WTE Miami and be a part of the conversation that's defining the future of travel.
Check out Fernando Rojas on the full podcast episode below.
