Yesterday’s opening conference set the tone for this year’s event, with opening remarks from U. Desmond Alufohai, Director of Protocol and International Affairs Division, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, highlighting the significance of WTE as a vital platform for the travel industry’s diverse stakeholders: “We are all here to explore the opportunities available in the travel and tourism industry, that employs more than 330 million workers worldwide.” 

Mr Alufohai’s introduction was followed by several other distinguished speakers, who outlined the WTE 2024 agenda and showcased the event as a pivotal industry platform. Javier Perez-Palencia, WTE Miami CEO, took the opportunity to thank all sponsors of this years event, and invited attendees to efficiently use the two days of the show: “Let’s make the most of WTE 2024. We are here to learn from one another, share experiences, and inspire ourselves to create a better tourism industry for the future.”

This year’s Official Airline, Avianca, as well as WTE 2024 Guest Country Colombia, were also in the spotlight and Gilberto Salcedo Ribero, VP Tourism, ProColombia, was on hand to present Colombia’s tourism potential and invite attendees to visit the Colombia pavilion to discover this fascinating destination: “We would like to challenge and overcome common misconceptions. We can proudly say that through tourism, Colombia has redefined and rebuilt its present and future. We are proud to have become the number one destination for U.S. travelers in South America.”

The other speakers taking the stage at the opening conference were Olga Ramudo, Chair, WTE Miami; Senior Vice-President (Florida and Latin America) at Gray Dawes/Express Travel; David Whitaker, President and CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau; Ralph Cutié, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Miami International Airport; Gilbert G. Oliver III, Chairman of the Board, Miami-Dade County Commission; Hon. Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County; and Rolando Damas, Managing Sales Director, North America, Central America, Caribbean, Europe & Asia at Avianca.

A glamorous welcome reception hosted by GMCVB

On the eve of this year’s show, selected guests gathered at the iconic National Hotel to gear up for the 2024 edition of WTE Miami with a special cocktail reception hosted by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). By invitation only, the reception brought together a choice group of exhibitors, visitors, and members of the press to celebrate the about-to-open show, network with travel industry colleagues and friends, and soak of the atmosphere of Miami’s glamorous South Beach. WTE CEO Javier Perez-Palencia and GMCVB COO Rolando Aedo welcomed guests to this year’s event. According to Rolando Aedo, “Miami is a very special destination, and it has long been considered an epicenter for tourism. But the fact that with WTE we are bringing the entire tourism industry to Miami is ‘extra special’, and we are excited and committed to making this event bigger and better every year.”