Marketing manager to run Reed’s international ski show
Reed Exhibitions has handed the management of its International Ski Travel Market over to the man behind the concept and launch of the event three years ago, Luke Boulton.
Boulton, who was the marketing manager for this year’s ski travel market in Öztal, Austria, has been given a licence to manage next year’s event.
As a result of the change, the event – which has been renamed WTM Ski Connect this year – will switch back to its original title of ISTM.
It will be held next year in the Italian resort of Cortina from March 12 to 14.
Exhibition manager Peter Grimster said: "We are proud to be taking ISTM to Italy for the first time, and we are confident it will help showcase the country and recognise it as one of Europe’s most exciting, and growing, ski travel destinations."
Boulton said: "We have a fantastic event which has been extremely well received by the industry throughout its initial three editions.
"I look forward to driving the development of ISTM, working closely with partners’ particularly in Europe, as well as internationally, to provide value and facilitate continued business and relationship development for the ski travel industry."
ISTM 2016 was held this week at the Aqua Dome hotel in Öztal and attracted representatives from up to two dozen UK winter sports specialist, including Crystal, Ski Solutions, Hotelplan, Abercrombie & Kent and Scott Dunn.
Speaking during the event, Hotelplan’s head of purchasing Harvey Gahl said it was useful from a networking perspective. "It also provides new business opportunities," he added.
Next year, ISTM will be held at the Grand Hotel Savoia in Cortina. General manager Rosanna Conti said: "We look forward to welcoming the event to our house.
"An international event and workshop, a joyous and chic socializing moment, a prestigious context for visibility and networking, that will be enriched by the emotional vibrancy of the Italian lifestyle."
"Our aim is to make you feel like a treasured personal guest from the moment you are ushered into the beautiful Great Hall, by treating you to the very highest standards of service with excellence in every detail."
Gabriella Talamini, director of Cortina Tourism, added: "Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the Queen of the Dolomites, is very excited to be hosting the 2017 edition of ISTM.
"Not only does this event represent a unique opportunity to showcase the resort internationally, but it will also help put the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites on the ski map world-wide."
"We have a fantastic event which has been extremely well received by the industry throughout its initial three editions," he said. "I look forward to driving the development of ISTM, working closely with partners’ particularly in Europe, as well as internationally, to provide value and facilitate continued business and relationship development for the ski travel industry."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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