show report UNITE Time to UNITE
The UNITE trade events bring together leading suppliers from around the world to plan ahead and brainstorm product development. Selling Long Haul was a sponsor and reports from the show fl oor…
“UNITE is really useful because it’s a very product
focused event” ALISON SMITH, Virgin Holidays
EVENT DETAILS: WHAT: UNITE INDIAN OCEAN, AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST WHAT: UNITE PACIFIC, AUSTRALASIA AND FAR EAST WHERE: LONDON WHEN: MARCH
representing nearly 500 airlines, hotels, tourist boards, hotels, tour providers and DMCs. Product being promoted came from over
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40 countries, and in addition over 90 tour operators from 70 tour operating companies were represented. Now in its fifth year, Unite Pacific,
Australasia, Far East attracted 100 suppliers representing nearly 350 airlines, hotels, tourist boards, hotels, tour operators and cruise companies. Lead sponsors were Tourism Fiji and Air Pacific. The Unite destination events are designed to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ event for UK and European-based tour operators specialising in these regions and gave them a chance to meet face-to-face with key suppliers as they planned their forthcoming programmes. The Unite dates tie in with ITB, Berlin
which allows the overseas contingentcies to attend both events – optimising their time in Europe.
16 April 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
ow in its fourth year, Unite Indian Ocean, Africa and Middle East attracted 80 suppliers
In Context Caroline Loevner,
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, commented at the Indian Ocean, Middle East & Africa event: “2011 was a challenging year; recovery has been slow but we are now seeing the turn around and new optimism beginning to grow. Feedback from operators is good for forward bookings and their
advertising has been key in turning things around.”
Stuart Britton, MD, Somak Holidays added: “The business is definitely out there but we all have to work just that bit harder to get it, be more focussed and do more to make sure we get the booking. You can’t assume what you did last year will work this year; we all need to be much more creative and proactive.”
“UNITE is a very civilised way to meet suppliers and fits perfectly with our product base so is the ideal opportunity to find out about new product and have proper meaningful discussions.”
MAURITIUS Mauritius is known as a beach destination but is keen to
stress it is very much more – it offers mountains, sugar cane plantations and a rich culture, plus, of course, its people. It is focused on promoting the romance market which remains key, not just for honeymoons but as a foundation to repeat sales too.
REUNION Made its debut appearance at Unite as it develops its UK market appeal, particularly as a twin-centre with Mauritius. It’s pushing trekking, canyoning, rafting, diving, mountains, volcanoes, beaches and marine life. It is encouraging agents to promote Reunion, for lots of activities, combined with relaxation on Mauritius or the Seychelles.
SEYCHELLES The Seychelles has seen a number of new openings already this year including the Kempinski Seychelles. Marsha Parcou,
Regional Manager, Seychelles said: “Air Seychelles has suspended its flights
out of Europe so it is particularly important at this time to meet and talk to the trade and keep communication going with them.”
TASMANIA 2011 figures from the UK are up 10% and the average length of stay is now 13.8 nights so the state can now be promoted as a standalone destination. It is concentrating on attracting special interest visitors – particularly walking, diving, golf and fishing which is amongst the best in the southern hemisphere.
NEW SOUTH WALES Destination NSW is pushing the state’s diversity: coastal lifestyle, events, nature, food and wine, fashion and style.
Photos: Top left: Andrea Wong, Tourism Fiji; Sally Parker, Selling Long Haul; Petero Manufolau, South Pacifi c Tourism Authority; Debbie Lewis- Brown, Air Pacifi c; Debbie Flannagan, Unite Marketing & Promotions; Jane West, Tourism Fiji and the warrior!
Did You Know
Seychelles claims the
world's smallest capital – Victoria
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