CNN, the world`s leading global 24-hour television news network, broadcasting daily to one billion viewers in six different languages, has signed as…
CNN, the world`s leading global 24-hour television news network, broadcasting daily to one billion viewers in six different languages, has signed as the World Travel Market (WTM) `s first ever official Broadcast Partner.
The three-year agreement harnesses web, pre-event marketing and onsite exposure for the CNN brand at the travel industry`s premiere event, which takes place 8-11 November at London`s ExCeL. WTM has been and continues to be a regular source of business travel stories for CNN, but this deal represents the first time for CNN`s commercial division to sponsor the event.
As part of the cooperation, WTM will run an advertising campaign on CNN International`s EMEA, Latin American and Asian feeds, reaching a potential 141 million households, and also on CNN.com.
Fiona Jeffery, Group Exhibition Director said she is delighted at the partnership, a first for World Travel Market.
CNN is the most respected and trusted source for news and information in the world, she said. Its reach and audience make it an ideal vehicle for promoting the WTM`s credentials as the travel industry`s premier event to a highly-relevant worldwide audience in more than 200 countries.
This cooperation is a perfect strategic fit, commented Kevin Razvi, executive vice president, CNN International ad sales. CNN reaches more leading travel professionals than any other pan-regional channel, and has established itself in particular as the channel of choice for the business traveller while WTM shares the same target audience and is universally recognised as the leading event in the travel industry. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.
CNN, along with ExCeL, will also sponsor the World Travel Market`s prestigious 25th Anniversary Dinner for 350 invited guests, taking place at the East Wintergardens, Canary Wharf, East London on the opening evening.
Jim Walton, President of CNN News Group, and Mr. Jamie Buchan, Chief Executive of ExCeL will be joining Fiona Jeffery and Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman Tom Nutley in paying tribute to the past 25 years and the role played by WTM within the global industry.
Both WTM and CNN prepare to celebrate 25 years at the top of their industries, at a time when news events can have a greater direct impact on the travel industry than ever before. As first time sponsor of this event, we are delighted to signal our support for the travel sector in general and our appreciation in particular of the importance of WTM as a global business forum that helps to shape developments and trends, added Razvi.
CNN`s sponsorship of WTM is its fourth recent initiative to support the travel and tourism industry, following on from its sponsorship of international tourism trade fair FITUR; an ad campaign spearheaded with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and its Travel and Tourism Forum held last year in London that brought together senior industry executives for debate and discussion of the sector`s challenges and opportunities. The Greek National Tourism Organisation is World Travel Market`s major brand partner for 2004.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
