Tourism Salon de Vienne: 18 million stays abroad and an expenditure of 2,000 euros per person.
The largest tourism fair in Austria has just taken place in Vienna from January 15 to 18. With an area of 30,000 m2, “Ferien-Messe 2015” is a large show for a small country. 780 exhibitors from 70 countries. The great particularity of this show, unique in its kind due to being housed in the same space where three shows are held: that of tourism, gastronomy (Cook & Look) and cars (Vienna Auto show).
The largest tourism fair in Austria has just taken place in Vienna from January 15 to 18. With an area of 30,000 m2, “Ferien-Messe 2015” is a large show for a small country. 780 exhibitors from 70 countries. The great particularity of this show, unique in its kind due to being housed in the same space where three shows are held: that of tourism, gastronomy (Cook & Look) and cars (Vienna Auto show).
Visitors visit the three lounges at ease and move from one lounge to another. Moreover, this means that the tourism fair is frequented over the four days by professionals in the sector but also by the general public. This year, Thailand was the partner country. In 2014, the Vienna show recorded no less than 150,367 visitors.
It should be noted that the number of Austrian stays abroad amounts to 18.2 million, including 46.9% abroad and 51.15 in Austria.
Themes with high added value are cultural and seaside circuits, and trekking in summer. Average expenses per passenger in 2013: 2000 euros. The population of Austria is 8.5 million people.
The type of stay favored by Austrians in 2014 was 46% for the seaside, 41% for the city break, and 25% for sport, including trekking. Motivations for going abroad in 2014: 56% to live a new experience, 52% to discover new cultures, and 50% to rest. The vacation departure rate is 76.5%.
Morocco received 17,000 Austrian visitors in 2013. In 2014, the market ended the year with 24,000 visitors, a good increase due to the installation of 20,000 seats. Niki Air had in fact launched three flights: two per week to Agadir and one flight to Marrakech. The development of the Austrian market is a great achievement by the great professional Fouad Hajjoui, former ONMT delegate in Vienna, who masterfully invested in the launch of this market. 2015 must be a year to capitalize on these flights, to maintain and strengthen them. If the Marrakech flight has a good occupancy rate, this is not the case for the two flights to Agadir.
A support program for these two flights should take place by CRT Agadir in partnership with ONMT Germany which covers Austria, including Road Shows in Vienna and three other Austrian cities. Press trips to also be planned as well as Eductours for travel agents. It is very wise and promising to organize a Moroccan Top Vip evening in Vienna, with the joint organization of CRT Agadir, ONMT and Niki Air.
This type of event, which includes the presence of representatives of national and local media, that of great artists, opinion leaders, parliamentarians, among others, produces good results. This was the case for the big evening organized in Warsaw for the launch of the Polish market. In Vienna the necessity is there because if the occupancy rate of the two flights to Agadir is not satisfactory, there is a great risk of cancellation of these flights. However, cancellation is easier to do than arranging flights. During the four days, the Maroca stand saw a significant number of visitors. The stand was well animated by a Moroccan orchestra, unlimited tea and an effective and professional presence of the ONMT delegate, Karim Harrouchi accompanied by three executives of the delegation who all speak good German, thus responding duly to visitors’ questions. CRT Agadir was represented by its director Youssef Maoun. Working meetings were held with the manager of Niki Air, the representative of Thomas Cook and Rewe and TOs specialized in golf for the development of the market in Agadir.
It is truly regrettable to note that the seaside destination Agadir was not represented by any hotelier. However, two flights per week are operated by Ni Air. We no longer understand anything about professionals in the sector. When there are no thefts they complain about it in the long run. When point-to-point flights exist, the case of Vienna / Agadir, they do not dare to participate in the show. The only recorded presence is that of a sales representative from Paradis Plage d’Imiouadar and that of a sales representative from the Time Travel Agency. And a professional from Tignhir. For Marrakech it’s even worse: zero presence. However, the Marrakech destination welcomed Niki Air’s inaugural flight with pomp. Yes, but it’s what happens next that counts…
Morality, professionals, these people on the ground, must invest more seriously in the marketing of their respective establishments, with an effective and dynamic presence in tourism fairs, like other tourist countries. The ONMT and the CRT carry out institutional promotion and have no jurisdiction to market this or that hotel or this or that product. Each has its own role and skills.
Especially since no one tells us that presence in trade shows is not fruitful and that everything is now done via the internet. One does not prevent the other. The proof is the large presence of Spanish, Turkish, French, English, Tunisian, Egyptian, Indian, Brazilian professionals… in the Vienna show. Presence and participation in trade shows is in no way a waste of time or money. It is a winning investment in the short, medium and long term. Those who are absent are always wrong and their place is taken by others who are more professional and more enterprising…
A word to the wise, hello
thrmagazine
