World Travel Market Latin America 2013 ended on a high with exhibitors, visitors and buyers all toasting the success of the inaugural event, with an impressive volume of business deals anticipated.

A massive 1,200 exhibitors – 20% more than anticipated – took part in the three-day World Travel Market Latin America. Overall, exhibitors were delighted with business conversations and negotiations that took place and are looking forward to attending the event next year.

World Cup 2014 CTS Director Yang Weihong said: “World Travel Market Latin America has been an unforgettable experience, and this is just the start. We have settled more than 500,000 US dollars with Brazilian hotels at the event.” Nora Jaffar, Marketing Manager, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board added: “We have had a great event . It is the best event I have attended in Brazil. Next year we are planning to increase our stand space.”

Nilde Brum, chief executive of Tourism Foundation of Mato Grosso do Sul, who announced at WTM Latin America the wining of the 2014 Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), said:”We already knew WTM in London is a fair that has always brought us results, so it was of fundamental importance to attend WTM Latin America. Being at WTM Latin America is a great satisfaction to us. I am extremely impressed, especially as it is the first edition in South America.”

WTM Latin America has a comprehensive Hosted Buyers programme, which included participating in the WTM Latin America Speed Networking session on the second day of the event. More than 300 exhibitors and 150 buyers took part in the event on the second day of the show, which will lead to a number of business deals taking place.

Gustavo França Director of New Business for tour operator Visual: “I really like the event and I have made many new business contacts. I have attended a number of travel trade fairs and this has been one of the best.”

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director WTM Latin America Lawrence Reinisch said: “I have had really strong feedback from all participants telling me what a great success the event has been, with many exhibitors looking for greater visibility and more exhibition space.

“Exhibitors have been extremely happy with the number of buyers they have seen and the quality of the business discussions and negotiations they have been having.

“Visitors have been pleased with overall scope and number of exhibitors taking part in the event. I have had a number of exhibitors tell me they will be back next year, as well as a number of visitors who are looking to exhibit in 2014.”

WTM Latin America 2014 takes place from Wednesday April 23 – Friday April 25 at the Transamerica Expo Centre, Sao Paulo, Brazil.