Catalonia, Abu Dhabi, Korea Tourism Organisation and South Africa are among the exhibitors to be honoured with awards for their stands at World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry.
LONDON – WTM 2013 – REPORT: The Best Stand Awards were judged by an expert panel, which included; Sarah O’Donnell, Deputy Editor, Conference News; Bill Richards, Partner, Tram Research; and Beryl Preuschmann, Managing Director, Triporganiser.net.
Catalonia (EM1640) won the award for best stand design, thanks to its eco-friendly, carbon-neutral approach, and the way its green message reflected the region and its ambitions. Judges said it was innovative and offered good spaces for business, as well as being cosy and practical.
The honour of the best stand for doing business went to Abu Dhabi (ME300) which was praised for its effective use of lighting and drapery. The stand’s structure featured TV screens describing which each exhibiting partner offered.
Korea Tourism Organisation (AS550) scooped the award for the best stand feature, thanks to its film of ‘sand drawing’, which drew a great deal of attention from delegates at WTM.
The best stand personnel award was given to South Africa (AF300), where staff were hailed as very polite. Also, the stand was described as interesting, with a circular design that drew delegates in.
The award for the most innovative stand in the travel technology section was given to FLIP.TO (TT487). The exhibitor employed a robot which moved around the exhibition floor offering a conference link to its MD in the US via an ipad. Judges commended the way that visitors could understand exactly what the company was offering very quickly.
The judges also made special commendations to two exhibitors – Rwanda (AF230) and Just a Drop. Rwanda was commended for its circular design which created a welcoming atmosphere, while Just a Drop had two stands which outlined what the charity did in an attractive and clear manner, allowing the visitor to “understand the concept and the essence of the charity through how the stand was presented, without verbal messaging”.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
