Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/592242
I N T H E N E W S B M & T ••• July/August 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 8 SAN ANTONIO SELECTED TO HOST IPW MARKETPLACE IN 2023 The U.S. Travel Association announced recently that San Antonio has been selected as host of the 2023 IPW conference, considered the travel industry's premier international market- place. It will be San Antonio's inaugural opportunity to host the event, which attracts nearly 2,400 travel organizations and domestic and international buyers from more than 70 countries. When it arrives in Texas, it will mark the first time in two decades that IPW has returned to the state. "In 2023, the world will be coming to San Antonio," said Casandra Matej, executive director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We're excited to bring the largest generator of inbound travel to one of America's most remarkable and popular destinations. This will truly be a game- changer for San Antonio." "U.S. Travel is thrilled to bring IPW to San Antonio, a first- time host for our country's leading international travel event. There's tremendous excitement among the influential travel buyers and media who will join us there," said Roger Dow, pres- ident and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "In fact, when we get to San Antonio, more than 20 years will have passed since we were last in Texas for IPW, and we're delighted to return this show to the Lone Star State." "IPW creates tremendous value for all attendees — buyers, sellers and media. This landmark event generates an estimated $3.5 billion in future travel to the United States, with host cities and states further benefiting from the exposure it provides," added Dow. In just three days of intensive prescheduled business appoint- ments, more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations from every region of the United States (representing all industry category components) and approximately 1,300 international and domes- tic buyers from more than 70 countries conduct business nego- tiations that result in future U.S. travel. "San Antonio is working towards becoming one of the most desired destinations for international travel," Matej said. "IPW, which attracts more than 500 international journalists a year, provides the kind of invaluable showcase that will lift San Antonio to another level on the world stage." Dow made the announcement today at the Orange County Convention Center, where this year's IPW marketplace is being held. Also announced as future host cities were Chicago (2021), Orlando (2022) and Los Angeles (2024). San Antonio will host the 55th edition of IPW during dates to be announced. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will be home to the marketplace. ST. LOUIS CONTINUES TO BUILD MAJOR MOMENTUM IN 2015 Room Boom, Lanterns, CityArchRiver, Arch Anniversary, National Blues Museum, IKEA Among Highlights As the summer leisure travel season begins and the second half of 2015 unfolds, St. Louis continues to build momentum with impressive hotel renovations and room remodels, world- class events, a transformative project including a big birthday celebration, and two exciting new openings. "This is a whirlwind time in St. Louis and those winning winds are blowing in our direction," said Kathleen "Kitty" Ratcliffe, president of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC). "Momentum is definitely on our side and locals and vis- itors across the country are going to love all the new and exciting experi- ences awaiting them in our region." St. Louis annually welcomes 23.9 million visitors for leisure, conventions, meeting and business travel and the following new additions and improvements will make the region even more attractive in 2015. A ROOM BOOM IN ST. LOUIS When it comes to offering meeting and convention guests the finest in accommodations, the St. Louis convention quarter is seeing a boom. With some of the most premier hotel brands in the industry, including Marriott, Four Seasons, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Drury, Holiday Inn and Hyatt, there are more than 7,000 available guest rooms in downtown St. Louis. By the end of sum- mer 2015, more than 1,750 of those rooms will be new or recent- Kathleen Ratcliffe Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center