New Virtually Yours Travel Show aims to transform the customer journey

The travel industry is pooling its resources via a new online travel show concept, providing travelers with up-to-date information, special offers and tips from travel industry professionals.

Domestic and international travel in 2021 remains at a virtual standstill due to government quarantines and travel bans. Still, the new online Virtually Yours Travel Show (VYTS) aims to provide consumers with up-to-date information on border openings, destination-specific entry requirements, and relevant travel information for hotels and resorts, restaurants and sightseeing options.

The VYTS was created in association with TravelMole, by its owner, Los Angeles-based travel technology and content provider OmniTourism, as a direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on the travel industry.

The VYTS will officially launch on 1 February 2021 and will serve as a global online travel marketplace connecting travelers with travel agents, tour operators, destinations and suppliers.

Markedly more impactful than the average travel trade or consumer travel event, it presents a year-round daily schedule of shows in the UK, the US and Asia with each show lasting three days. Shows cover all international and domestic destinations, as well as travel markets and niche segments including luxury, family and adventure travel.

The aim of the VYTS is to inspire travelers to visit destinations around the globe online, from the comfort and safety of their own homes, and gain valuable insight from key travel suppliers. Uniquely for consumers, it offers unrivalled access to travel suppliers via online video calls, where they can gain insights from expert panels and discussions.

They can also engage a registered travel agent to help with all aspects of their future travel plans, via the Travel Agent Consumer Referral Program, which is free for travel agents to participate in. There is a chance to win a free trip during the daily shows.

The cost for suppliers to participate in the VYTS marketplace will be £495 per show initially, which will include advance appointments and they can conduct online video meet-ups with top travel trade representatives and consumers. It is an ideal platform to boost business when it is needed most.

The VYTS will be a key component for Destination Management Organisations’ (DMOs) and their consumer marketing and engagement strategy.  DMOs play a key role in the VYTS as sponsors, sharing their up to date travel information and tips and serving as moderators of the Expert Panel and Networking sessions, along with their travel and tourism stakeholder exhibitors. 

The VYTS is headed by Charlie Kao, chairman of OmniTourism, who has 25 years’ experience in travel content technology and distribution. Kao will be supported by a launch team of senior executives with years of experience in each market. In the UK, Wendy Hartley-Scarff, former Sales Excellence Director for Reed Travel Exhibitions, has been appointed as the Sales Development Director for VYTS. In Las Vegas, Sylvia Welsh, formerly with TravelNevada, joins as Head of International Sales. While in Singapore, Loraine Ann Celino, formerly with Terrapin, joins as Event Manager.

"The Virtually Yours Travel Show is a revolutionary marketplace for both consumers and travel sellers, connecting them with each other, offering exclusive special offers and invaluable expert booking advice on one hand.  On the other hand, it operates seamlessly as an online travel shopping channel," said Kao.

"With a daily schedule of shows across the UK, US and Asia markets, this virtual travel show concept means we can connect vacationers with more travel professionals than ever before, round the clock, 24/7."

To learn more visit: https://virtuallyyourstravel.com/ and sign up for free advance registration and for the chance to win trips.

A slide presentation about VYTS is available here.   For inquiries click one of the following Travel supplier Exhibitors or DMO and trade group Sponsors.

Travel Agents can register for free now to participate in the Free Travel Agent Consumer Referral Programme.