The first ISTM will take place at the prestigious, 5-star A-ROSA Hotel in Kitzbuhel, Austria. An easily accessible resort with a worldwide reputation for its tourism and hospitality, Kitzbuhel is the perfect setting to host a b2b ski tourism event in the heart of the Tyrolean mountains.
An acknowledged world leader in organising events for the travel and tourism industry and with more than 30 years of experience, Reed Travel Exhibitions is uniquely positioned to be able to deliver a successful event for the ski and winter sports market.
As a meetings style event, rather than following a traditional exhibition format, ISTM will offer a level playing field for all suppliers with table-top meetings taking place within a formal business environment.
Peter Grimster, Exhibition Manager at Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: "with Reed's portfolio of large-scale travel events spanning the globe, we are delighted to be able to launch a forum specifically dedicated to a niche sector travel industry such as ski.
To ensure a targeted event where ski travel buyers can conduct business with ski travel destinations and in-bound operators all buyers and suppliers will be pre-qualified against strict criteria for participation in ISTM.
One only has to look at the incredible success of similar Reed Travel events across the globe, such as the International Golf Travel Market, to see just how important this kind of event can be to the niche markets they serve".
As well as the pre-scheduled appointments there will be a selection of topical industry seminars and destination briefings designed to arm delegates with the latest product information, tools and technologies required to complete their contracting for the year ahead. There will also be numerous opportunities to network socially and to meet members of the European travel trade press.
Gordon Ritter, Purchasing Director, TUI Ski, TUI Travel PLC, said: "ISTM represents a unique opportunity for the European ski industry to come together to continue to develop product & strategic business relationships. ISTM is poised to become a key event in the ski travel industry calendar where buyers and sellers can work to create choice & value for all their customers. I am looking forward to the event in Kitzbuhel in March 2014."
Eurotours International's, CEO, Hans-Dieter Toth added: "Kitzbuhel, home to Eurotours head office, is a fitting destination to host the inaugural International Ski Travel Market for senior buyers in the global market. Eurotours International is one of the largest tour operators in Central Europe in direct sales and this is an opportunity for the leading stakeholders in the ski industry to come together for the first time to an event focusing entirely on winter sports holidays. Setting the scene for business in Kitzbuhel will ensure success for all involved and I am anticipating good business opportunities at the event."
Grimster went on to say: "There is already a tremendous buzz surrounding ISTM and its generating excitement right across the European ski travel industry. Not only is it the ideal opportunity to promote and attract business but it's also the perfect way for everyone involved to share ideas and give an overall boost to the sector.
Following months of intensive research we believe we have struck the right formula with the event format, location and specifically the timing with respect to contracting deadlines. ISTM will be the only pan-European ski tourism event soon to be firmly established within the annual exhibition calendar."
