Your Guide to the Top Events in the Tourism Industry
Travel and tourism play a major role in global economic growth, job creation, and destination development. As the tourism industry expands across the globe, organizations continue to invest in travel trade shows and travel and tourism conferences to stay competitive, adapt to new traveler expectations, and create stronger community impact.
Tourism is one of the most influential sectors in the world. It supports destinations, expands access to new regions, and drives innovation across technology, sustainability, education, and marketing. With travelers exploring different regions more often, the need for tourism professionals to learn, collaborate, and connect with other industry professional groups becomes more important every year.
So, where do events come in?
Travel and tourism events give attendees the opportunity to explore new practices, learn from renowned speakers, and understand how destinations evolve. These gatherings connect suppliers, community leaders, academic experts, and tourism professionals who share a common goal. They want to improve visitor experience, support regional growth, and discover innovative ways to serve their clients.
But choosing the right tourism conference can be difficult. You must justify time, budget, and travel, or you risk missing sessions that matter to your work.
Here is your guide to the top travel and tourism conferences for 2026.
Introduction to Travel and Tourism Conferences
Travel and tourism conferences, ranging from expos to summits, help tourism professionals stay informed on major shifts in travel, sustainability, technology, and destination development. Whether you are new to the sector or an experienced industry professional, these events offer education, networking, and insights into how destinations progress over time.
Expos
Large-scale expos highlight destinations, products, and technology used across the tourism industry. They bring together attendees from across the usa and the globe, making them ideal for discovering trends, meeting suppliers, and exploring new travel trade opportunities. Tourism organizations often use expos to showcase destinations and connect with participants from different regions.
Seminars
Seminars serve professionals who want focused sessions on specific topics. These events often include academic research, sustainability practices, travel technology updates, or marketing education. Seminars attract tourism professionals interested in detailed discussions, data, and region-specific strategy.
Conferences
A tourism conference usually spans multiple days and includes keynote talks, workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions. Attendees can explore diverse topics like sustainability, adventure travel, destination development, marketing practices, community engagement, and the next generation of tourism programs.
Trade Shows
Travel trade shows give destinations, suppliers, and travel brands the chance to engage with buyers and clients. These events support collaboration between regions, highlight new partnerships, and help participants discover offerings from the world of travel and tourism.
Summits
Summits bring together senior leaders, government officials, industry experts, researchers, and community leaders. These gatherings highlight policies, innovation, and long-term destination strategy. Summits are ideal for professionals interested in high-level collaboration, future planning, and region-wide progress.
Attending these events, whether you are focused on florida, canada, california, georgia, colorado, seattle, san diego, york, washington, dc, or destinations overseas like germany and winnipeg, gives you insights that shape your work today and prepare you for where the industry is headed next.
Best Travel and Tourism Conferences
The tourism industry continues to grow across the world as travelers explore new destinations and as regions expand their tourism programs. Travel and tourism conferences give tourism professionals the chance to connect, learn, and collaborate. Before choosing which events to attend, consider the following factors.
Location
Many travel and tourism events take place in major city centers or near well-known destinations. Review travel costs, event access, time requirements, and whether the host region aligns with your goals.
Topic
Are you interested in sustainability, technology, adventure travel, community collaboration, or destination marketing? Pick events with sessions and workshops that match your interests.
Level of Expertise
Some tourism events focus on newcomers who want foundational education. Others provide advanced insights for experienced industry professionals and suppliers.
Size
Large events offer broad networking and exposure. Smaller gatherings often create stronger connections with participants, clients, and members of specific regions.
Attendee Profile
Review who typically attends. Are you looking to connect with community leaders, suppliers, academic researchers, tourism professionals, or marketing experts?
Event Strategy for Travel and Tourism Conferences
Without a strategy, it is easy to attend an event and leave without building the relationships or insights you hoped for. A strong event plan helps you maximize time, focus, and outcomes.
Define Your Goals
Set clear objectives before attending. For example, a destination team may want to:
• Connect with suppliers in adventure tourism
• Meet academic researchers focused on sustainability
• Engage with renowned speakers on regional development
• Promote new programs to potential partners and community members
Find Out Who Is Attending
Review the event website and social channels to see who typically participates. Identify clients, decision-makers, suppliers, or community leaders you want to meet.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
Your pitch should explain your destination, services, or tourism initiative in a short and clear way. Focus on value, community impact, and why attendees should engage with you.
Use Data to Inform Your Decisions
Look at previous attendee numbers, session popularity, and topics that generated strong engagement. Use these insights to prepare for networking and workshops.
Focus on Metrics That Matter
Track:
• Contacts collected
• Quality of conversations
• Follow-up calls
• Meetings completed
• New partnerships formed
These metrics help you refine your strategy for future events.
Event Intelligence for Tourism Professionals
To get the most value from travel and tourism events, you need accurate insights and attendee data. Event intelligence tools help you understand trends, participant profiles, and sessions that attract the audience you want.
These insights show which regions or destinations have strong demand, where attendees come from, and which workshops generate the most interest. With better visibility, you improve your ability to engage clients, coordinate outreach, and improve future event strategy.
Travel and Tourism Event Planning
Use an event planner to organize sessions, networking meetings, and outreach. A clear plan helps you track:
• Attendees
• Prospects
• Sessions
• Workshops
• Supplier meetings
• Community partnerships
This planning approach ensures every event supports your marketing, education, and destination goals.
Travel and Tourism Conferences to Attend in 2026
As a tourism professional, staying informed on new practices, technology, sustainability, and regional development is essential. Attending travel and tourism conferences is one of the best ways to engage with peers, discover new ideas, and build strong partnerships.
Here’s a list of the best upcoming Travel and Tourism events:
- January 2026
- February 2026
- March 2026
- April 2026
- May 2026
- June 2026
- July 2026
- August 2026
- September 2026
- October 2026
- November 2026
- December 2026
January 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
International Dive Show 2026
Jan 8, 2026, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles | Paris, France
International Dive Show 2026 brings together dive professionals, tour operators, gear brands, and underwater photographers focused on marine travel experiences. Attendees can explore new dive destinations, connect with specialist suppliers, and learn how to package adventure trips for different traveler segments.
View event attendee data
Holiday World Show Belfast 2026
Jan 9, 2026, ICC | Belfast, United Kingdom
Holiday World Show Belfast 2026 is a consumer-focused travel and tourism showcase where destinations, tour operators, and travel agents present new holiday ideas. Visitors can meet suppliers face-to-face, compare packages, and discover trips across short-haul, long-haul, and niche segments.
View event attendee data
Our Dream Wedding Expo Tampa 2026
Jan 11, 2026, The Regent | Tampa, United States
Our Dream Wedding Expo Tampa 2026 connects couples with venues, planners, resorts, and travel specialists who design weddings and honeymoons. The event highlights packages, destination options, and services that support the full journey from planning through travel.
View event attendee data
Destinations The Holiday & Travel Show Manchester 2026
Jan 15, 2026, Manchester Central Convention Complex | Manchester, United Kingdom
Destinations The Holiday & Travel Show Manchester 2026 is a major consumer travel show featuring tour operators, tourist boards, and experience providers from around the globe. Attendees can gather trip ideas, attend travel talks, and book with trusted brands in one place.
View event attendee data
Ferien-Messe Wien 2026
Jan 15, 2026, Messe Wien | Vienna, Austria
Ferien-Messe Wien 2026 is a large tourism fair that showcases destinations, cruise lines, adventure trips, and cultural experiences. It offers a mix of exhibitors, presentations, and travel advice for both consumers and tourism professionals.
View event attendee data
Travel Adventure Show Washington DC 2026
Jan 17, 2026, Walter E. Washington Convention Center | Washington, United States
Travel Adventure Show Washington DC 2026 connects travelers with global destinations, tour operators, and adventure brands. The show features expert speakers, cultural stages, and exhibitors who specialize in experiential and adventure-focused trips.
View event attendee data
CMT Die Urlaubs-Messe 2026
Jan 17, 2026, Messe Stuttgart | Stuttgart, Germany
CMT Die Urlaubs-Messe 2026 is one of Europe’s largest public travel and tourism fairs, covering holidays, caravanning, and leisure activities. Visitors can explore destination stands, mobility offers, and tourism services tailored to a wide range of interests.
View event attendee data
New York Travel & Adventure Show 2026
Jan 24, 2026, Javits Center | New York, United States
New York Travel & Adventure Show 2026 gathers destinations, tour companies, and travel brands that focus on adventure and experiential trips. The program includes keynote speakers, destination theaters, and exhibitor zones for planning upcoming journeys.
View event attendee data
INTIX Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026
Jan 26, 2026, Caesars Palace | Las Vegas, United States
INTIX Annual Conference & Exhibition 2026 is the global gathering for professionals in ticketing and live entertainment, including tourism-related venues and attractions. Attendees explore technology, distribution, and customer experience topics that shape how travelers access events and experiences.
View event attendee data
Destinations The Holiday & Travel Show London 2026
Jan 29, 2026, Olympia | London, United Kingdom
Destinations The Holiday & Travel Show London 2026 features hundreds of tourism exhibitors, from national tourist boards to niche operators. The show combines travel talks, expert panels, and one-to-one advice for consumers planning their next holiday.
View event attendee data
Salon du TouRisme et des Activités Nature 2026
Jan 30, 2026, Grand Palais | Paris, France
Salon du TouRisme et des Activités Nature 2026 focuses on outdoor experiences, nature-based tourism, and active holidays. Exhibitors present hiking, cycling, camping, and eco-travel options for both domestic and international travelers.
View event attendee data
February 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
SITE Global Conference 2026
Feb 12, 2026, TBA | Abu Dhabi
SITE Global Conference 2026 is the flagship event for incentive travel and motivational experiences professionals. It brings together corporate buyers, agencies, and destination partners to share insights on incentive program design, engagement, and business impact.
View event attendee data
Danish Travel Show 2026
Feb 20, 2026, MCH Messecenter | Herning, Denmark
Danish Travel Show 2026 is a large-scale tourism fair where destinations, travel agencies, and experience providers meet travelers and partners. The show covers family holidays, adventure trips, cultural escapes, and leisure experiences across many regions.
View event attendee data
Chicago Travel Show 2026
Feb 21, 2026, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | Rosemont, United States
Chicago Travel Show 2026 connects travelers with domestic and international destinations, cruise lines, and tour operators. Attendees can learn from travel experts, attend destination presentations, and plan upcoming trips in one convenient setting.
View event attendee data
SATTE India 2026
Feb 25, 2026, Yashobhoomi, India International Convention and Expo Center | New Delhi, India
SATTE India 2026 is a leading B2B travel trade show uniting international and domestic tourism boards, tour operators, and hospitality brands. It serves as a platform to negotiate deals, build partnerships, and understand demand across outbound, inbound, and domestic segments.
View event attendee data
March 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
ITIC Americas 2026
Mar 1, 2026, Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
ITIC Americas 2026 focuses on travel and health insurance, assistance services, and risk management across the Americas. Insurers, providers, and travel partners meet to discuss trends, regulatory changes, and collaboration opportunities.
View event attendee data
TravMedia’s IMM Germany 2026
Mar 2, 2026, TBA | Berlin, Germany
TravMedia’s IMM Germany 2026 is a media marketplace where travel brands meet journalists, editors, and content creators. It offers pre-scheduled meetings that help destinations and tourism businesses secure coverage and build media relationships.
View event attendee data
Heartland Travel Showcase 2026
Mar 6, 2026, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum | Owensboro, United States
Heartland Travel Showcase 2026 brings together group travel planners and tourism suppliers from the central United States and nearby regions. The event is designed to facilitate appointments, itinerary development, and long-term partnerships.
View event attendee data
Salon du Tourisme Mahana Lyon 2026
Mar 6, 2026, Halle Tony Garnier | Lyon, France
Salon du Tourisme Mahana Lyon 2026 highlights leisure travel, city breaks, and specialist holidays. Exhibitors include tour operators, local tourism offices, and experience providers offering a wide range of travel ideas.
View event attendee data
Travel & Adventure Show Los Angeles 2026
Mar 7, 2026, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center | Long Beach, United States
Travel & Adventure Show Los Angeles 2026 features global destinations, tour operators, and travel brands focused on adventure and experiential travel. Attendees can hear from travel personalities, attend educational sessions, and meet exhibitors face-to-face.
View event attendee data
GTR Africa Cape Town 2026
Mar 12, 2026, Cape Town International Convention Centre | Cape Town, South Africa
GTR Africa Cape Town 2026 is a trade and finance event that intersects with travel and tourism through infrastructure, logistics, and regional development. Delegates discuss trade flows, investment priorities, and cross-border projects that also influence tourism economies.
View event attendee data
GNEX Conference 2026
Mar 18, 2026, JW Marriott Nashville | Nashville, United States
GNEX Conference 2026 focuses on vacation ownership, timeshare, and resort developments. Senior leaders and innovators share strategies on sales, marketing, operations, and guest experience across hospitality and leisure sectors.
View event attendee data
Bay Area Travel Show 2026
Mar 21, 2026, Santa Clara Convention Center | Santa Clara, United States
Bay Area Travel Show 2026 is a regional consumer travel event where attendees meet destinations, tour companies, and travel advisors. It offers expert talks, cultural performances, and exhibitor stands covering a broad range of travel styles.
View event attendee data
Travel Adventure Show Dallas 2026
Mar 28, 2026, Dallas Market Hall | Dallas, United States
Travel Adventure Show Dallas 2026 connects travelers with global destinations, tour operators, and outfitters specializing in adventure trips. The show includes educational theaters, cultural showcases, and exhibitor areas for planning upcoming journeys.
View event attendee data
TPE 2026
Mar 31, 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center | Las Vegas, United States
TPE 2026 is a trade event that supports retailers and suppliers in a niche category, intersecting with travel retail and duty-free channels. Attendees explore new products, distribution strategies, and customer engagement approaches relevant to travel and tourism environments.
View event attendee data
April 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Travel & Vacation Show 2026
Apr 11, 2026, The Rogers Centre | Ottawa, Canada
Travel & Vacation Show 2026 is a consumer-focused event showcasing holiday ideas, tours, and experiences from around the world. Exhibitors include tourism boards, cruise lines, and tour operators who help visitors plan their next trip.
View event attendee data
WTM Africa 2026
Apr 13, 2026, Cape Town International Convention Centre | Cape Town, South Africa
WTM Africa 2026 is a leading B2B travel trade show for the African continent, bringing together buyers, destinations, and tourism businesses. It provides a platform for meetings, content sessions, and deal-making focused on inbound and outbound travel.
View event attendee data
Travel Tech 2026
Apr 13, 2026, TBA | Cape Town, South Africa
Travel Tech 2026 explores travel technology, distribution, and digital tools that support tourism businesses. Startups, suppliers, and established brands share solutions that enhance booking, operations, and traveler experience.
View event attendee data
African Tourism Investment Summit 2026
Apr 14, 2026, Cape Town International Convention Centre | Cape Town, South Africa
African Tourism Investment Summit 2026 focuses on investment opportunities, infrastructure, and development projects across the African tourism sector. Stakeholders from government, finance, and private industry meet to discuss projects that grow tourism economies.
View event attendee data
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026
Apr 14, 2026, Marina Bay Sands Singapore | Singapore, Singapore
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 brings together meetings, incentives, conferences, and events professionals across the region. Destinations, venues, and suppliers connect with planners through appointments, education, and networking.
View event attendee data
WTM Latin America 2026
Apr 14, 2026, Expo Center Norte | Sao Paulo, Brazil
WTM Latin America 2026 is a key B2B trade show for Latin American travel markets. It connects international buyers with regional suppliers, destinations, and operators, backed by a conference program on market trends and opportunities.
View event attendee data
Re+ Mexico 2026
Apr 14, 2026, Expo Guadalajara | Guadalajara, Mexico
Re+ Mexico 2026 focuses on renewable energy and sustainability, with implications for tourism infrastructure and destination development. Attendees explore how clean energy projects intersect with hospitality, resorts, and wider regional planning.
View event attendee data
Deluxe Travel Market Kazakhstan 2026
Apr 16, 2026, TBA | Almaty, Kazakhstan
Deluxe Travel Market Kazakhstan 2026 is a boutique event that matches luxury travel suppliers with buyers from the region. One-to-one meetings and curated networking help grow high-end travel business into and out of Central Asia.
View event attendee data
New York State Tourism Conference 2026
Apr 22, 2026, TBA | TBA
New York State Tourism Conference 2026 gathers tourism leaders, destination marketers, and government partners focused on the state’s visitor economy. Sessions explore marketing, product development, and collaboration across regions.
View event attendee data
GBTA Canada Conference 2026
Apr 27, 2026, TBA | Toronto, Canada
GBTA Canada Conference 2026 is the key gathering for business travel and meetings professionals across Canada. Buyers and suppliers discuss policy, duty of care, sustainability, and spend management for corporate travel programs.
View event attendee data
Tianguis Turistico Mexico 2026
Apr 27, 2026, TBA | Mexico City, Mexico
Tianguis Turistico Mexico 2026 is Mexico’s flagship tourism trade event, connecting domestic and international buyers with tourism products from across the country. It features appointments, exhibits, and cultural programming that highlight the nation’s offerings.
View event attendee data
May 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
DSTN CMP 2026
May 5, 2026, TBA | Brixen
DSTN CMP 2026 is a conference for destination marketing and place managers focused on collaboration, product development, and visitor experience. Delegates share best practices on branding, community engagement, and sustainable tourism growth.
View event attendee data
June 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Phocuswright Europe 2026
Jun 16, 2026, Palau de Congressos de Catalunya | Barcelona, Spain
Phocuswright Europe 2026 brings together travel technology leaders, investors, and innovators to discuss shifts in distribution, product, and traveler behavior. Research presentations, executive panels, and startup showcases frame the future of digital travel in the region.
View event attendee data
TravelTech Show 2026
Jun 24, 2026, ExCeL London | London, United Kingdom
TravelTech Show 2026 is dedicated to travel technology buyers and suppliers across online travel, distribution, and operations. Exhibitors and speakers share tools and strategies that help tourism businesses modernize systems and improve performance.
View event attendee data
July 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Destinations International Annual Convention 2026
Jul 21, 2026, TBA | Portland, United States
Destinations International Annual Convention 2026 is the primary gathering for destination organization leaders worldwide. It focuses on advocacy, research, and practical tools to help DMOs manage brand, community relationships, and visitor growth.
View event attendee data
August 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Canadian Meetings + Events Expo 2026
Aug 11, 2026, Metro Toronto Convention Centre | Toronto, Canada
Canadian Meetings + Events Expo 2026 connects Canadian planners with venues, destinations, and suppliers from across North America and beyond. Education sessions and a trade show floor support the full meetings and events lifecycle.
View event attendee data
Digital Travel Summit APAC 2026
Aug 24, 2026, Equarius Hotel | Singapore, Singapore
Digital Travel Summit APAC 2026 brings together travel brands from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss e-commerce, personalization, and digital marketing. It focuses on how online travel businesses can improve conversion and customer experience.
View event attendee data
Future Leaders in Travel 2026
Aug 25, 2026, TBA | Riviera Maya, Mexico
Future Leaders in Travel 2026 is a hosted-buyer style event for rising stars in travel, uniting young leaders with suppliers in a collaborative setting. The format emphasizes relationship building, education, and leadership development.
View event attendee data
September 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
IFTM 2026
Sep 15, 2026, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles | Paris, France
IFTM 2026 is a major international travel trade show that gathers tourism boards, tour operators, and hospitality brands from around the world. It offers B2B meetings, educational content, and an exhibition floor covering leisure, business, and events travel.
View event attendee data
Digital Travel Summit US 2026
Sep 28, 2026, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa | Orlando, United States
Digital Travel Summit US 2026 unites U.S.-based travel brands that focus on digital channels, customer experience, and online revenue growth. Attendees share practical strategies on data, personalization, and omnichannel engagement.
View event attendee data
October 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Arival 360 Fall 2026
Oct 13, 2026, The Davenport Grand Hotel | Spokane, United States
Arival 360 Fall 2026 focuses on the tours, activities, and attractions sector of travel and tourism. Operators, technology platforms, and distributors meet to discuss product, distribution, and guest experience across the in-destination segment.
View event attendee data
Business Travel Show America 2026
Oct 14, 2026, Javits Center | New York, United States
Business Travel Show America 2026 is a hub for corporate travel buyers, TMCs, and suppliers in the North American market. It combines education, a trade show floor, and networking focused on managed travel programs and meetings.
View event attendee data
November 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Check back soon for more events.
December 2026 Travel and Tourism Events
Check back soon for more events.
