Tourism authorities play an increasingly important role in route development process

The importance of air connectivity for the tourism industry has never been more apparent, with over 54% of all international tourists now travelling to their destinations by air.

Feedback from World Routes delegates strongly indicates that the support offered by destination partners is a key factor for airlines when deciding whether to launch a new route. World Routes provides Tourism Authorities with an efficient and convenient platform from which to engage with key decision makers from the world’s leading airlines and expand their route network.

Over 300 airlines are expected to attend World Routes, 2016 which will be held in Chengdu, China. The event will provide countless opportunities for destinations to discuss new air services and create hotel and tourism demand. More than 13,000 meetings will take place at the event, where new air services will be established, resulting in other positive catalytic impacts, such as increases in tourism, trade and investment.

By bringing together the world’s leading airlines and airports at one unifying event, World Routes provides incomparable cost and time-saving benefits for Tourism Authorities. World Routes will also provide destinations with an insight into one of the most important frontiers for aviation, the vibrant city of Chengdu.

This year’s event programme will also include the Tourism Summit. Many leading figures within the industry have already confirmed their participation including David Scowsill, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council; Zhu Shanzhong, Executive Director, UNWTO; Professor Dr Wolfgang Arlt, Director, China Outbound Tourism Research Institute and Alfredo Gonzalez, Vice President, Visit Florida.

The summit will provide World Routes delegates with a valuable insight into the challenges and trends shaping the future of the tourism industry. Key topics that will debated include the changing nature of destination marketing, the importance of the aviation and tourism partnerships and how destinations can attract more tourists from the China.

Over 45 meeting slots will be available at this year’s World Routes and scheduling is now open. With some airlines receiving over 450 meeting requests in the last 3 years, destinations that register and submit their meeting requests early, maximise their chances of securing their priority meetings.

Register today for World Routes to take advantage of the unique cost and time-saving benefits that the event can offer you.