As the opening approaches, Laurence Gaborieau sets the bar high: no less than 18 ministers and 25 ambassadors will attend the IFTM Top Resa. The show promises to be a genuine diplomatic and business crossroads, where the Francophone tourism scene plays its part in grand style. Join us from September 23 to 25, at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, for a 47th edition themed around bridges and alliances.
From September 23 to 25, the IFTM Top Resa sets up at the Porte de Versailles for its 47th edition with a game-changing announcement: 18 ministers and 25 ambassadors will be present. Under the leadership of Laurence Gaborieau, the major event for travel professionals is becoming more political, more cultural, and more innovative than ever, with 1,400 exhibitors representing 1,600 brands and 170 destinations, a focus on sustainable tourism, AI, and MICE synergies, with the Dominican Republic as the guest of honor.
This year, the IFTM is more than just a show: it is a vibrant diplomatic stage. By announcing the presence of 18 ministers and 25 ambassadors, Laurence Gaborieau confirms the highly strategic DNA of the event. In the aisles, deals are being negotiated for new routes, promotional campaigns, cultural cooperations, and sustainable partnerships. The motto is clear: “Forces in action, let’s build desirable bridges!”
In concrete terms, this institutional influx reflects the global appetite for the French and Francophone markets, and the desire to turn the show into a platform where ideas turn into actions. The challenge? To reconcile economic performance, ecological transition, and innovation, while renewing the desirability of destinations.
This participation at the summit will electrify the schedule of conferences and B2B meetings. From the presentation of visa policies to the attractiveness of tourism investments, including cultural promotion, public decision-makers aim to influence the distribution choices of travel agencies and tour operators.
A record-breaking show in the heart of Paris
With 34,000 expected visitors and a pre-registration rate exceeding 45%, the IFTM is shaping up to be the edition of maturity. More than 1,400 exhibitors, 1,600 brands, and 170 destinations will be present, covering both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events/Exhibitions). Even Hanoi is knocking at the door at the last minute, proving that the visibility offered by the show remains decisive for commercial returns.
To prepare for an effective presence, marketers in the sector will do well to refine their campaign brief and to incorporate concrete travel innovations into their offerings, a major asset in face of decision-makers who come to compare, benchmark, and sign.
New entrants, expected returns, and major absences
More than ten new destinations are making their entry or grand return: Namibia, Cape Verde, Oman after a decade of absence, Benin, Comoros, Cambodia, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and a notable first for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Some destinations, like Vietnam or Spain, prefer regional or urban presences rather than a national banner.
Conversely, Russia is not permitted, Israel will be absent, while Guatemala withdraws after a ministerial merger, and Romania pulls out due to a change in government. The Maldives will also be missing from the roll call. A shifting lineup that illustrates how the show is, more than ever, connected to geopolitical realities.
Dominican Republic honored and culture in the spotlight
After Morocco and Jordan, the Dominican Republic takes center stage as the guest of honor. A favorite destination for the French — nearly 140,000 visited in 2024 — it emphasizes an upgrade and long-lasting experiences, from the beach… to biodiversity.
A groundbreaking first: culture is established as a soft power. With the presence of France Muséums and a strong program in the Africa Convention, the IFTM demonstrates how museums, exhibitions, and heritage become vectors of attractiveness. The inaugural conference will also be available on YouTube to broaden the audience for the discussions.
To keep your insights sharp, also explore how innovations at the heart of sustainable tourism are transforming scenography, mediation, and visitor experience, from museums to destinations.
Travel agencies and AI: the winning duo
No more resistance: travel agencies are embracing AI. The IFTM has already trained more than 600 agents, and their presence has jumped by 17% this year. AI handles time-consuming sales tasks while humans maintain control over advice, unexpected management, and trust-based relationships, particularly for families and complex trips. A delicate balance that multiplies productivity and perceived quality.
The brands that will perform are those that know how to combine technology and emotion: an intelligent sales funnel, inspiring content, and experiential products, from lodge stays to river cruises. For inspiration, think of autumn travel destinations that are gaining traction in order books.
Rails versus wings: towards a responsible mix
This edition brings together 70 airlines and 5 rail operators as exhibitors: Eurostar, PeruRail, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria and Trenitalia. Rail is making its move, while air travel multiplies innovations in SER and sustainable fuels; the real trend? A better thought-out modal mix, combining long-haul flights and rail segments to reduce footprint while maximizing the desirability of the trip.
To enhance your packages, draw inspiration from the best practices in customer experience and the experiential offers that are thriving: getaways, spas, adventures, gourmet dinners. The “experiential” DNA has become a key conversion criterion.
Sustainable tourism: from rhetoric to proof
The IFTM launches its sustainable tourism village and highlights new profiles: CSR managers, soft mobility experts, transformation consultants. The goal: to make offers understandable, avoid moralizing, and support countries that are just starting out, not just celebrating already exemplary champions. In the age of social media, greenwashing won’t pass: it’s time for concrete roadmaps and the “small steps” that make a big difference.
Make sure to integrate pragmatic solutions: serious compensation, low-carbon fleets, water-efficient hospitality, optimized logistics. For your roadmap, gather ideas through this overview of innovations at the heart of sustainable tourism and these pathways dedicated to travel innovations.
The crux of the matter: attracting talent and building community
The sector is facing a post-pandemic attractiveness challenge: a shortage of guides, agents, and digital profiles. The IFTM promotes hives — exchange spaces — to increase intersectoral and intergenerational meetings. On-site, we discover unexpected professional bridges, from data analysts to eco-route designers.
To stand out, prepare clear content, verifiable promises, and precise meeting objectives. A good campaign brief can make the difference between polite handshakes and signed deals.
Destination Porte de Versailles
The IFTM awaits you from September 23 to 25 at the Porte de Versailles for an edition focused on action. Among ministers, ambassadors, iconic destinations, and newcomers, the show promises a packed program and opportunities to seize on the spot. To extend the visit, keep in mind strong season trends: packages oriented towards autumn and getaway ideas that convert quickly.
