New York Times : 2017 New York Times Travel Show Reports Attendance Highest Ever

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2017 -The New York Times has announced that its annual Travel Show reached a new record of 30,099 participants-the highest attendance in the Show's history. Attendance included 9,253 travel trade and 20,846 consumer attendees during the three-day event that took place from Jan. 27-29, 2017 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

The number of participating exhibitors also hit a new record with 560 companies representing over 170 countries, a 4 percent increase from last year's Show.

'We are delighted that more and more people are attending The New York Times Travel Show each year since its inception in 2004,' says Laura Sonnenfeld, vice president of advertising for the New York Times. 'Our record attendees number this year demonstrates that people continue to consistently rely upon the New York Times to provide exceptional travel offerings and useful information to travellers and travel professionals alike. We look forward to opening up the Show to even more people in 2018.'

Highlights from 2017 Show included:

Trade Day: The first day of the Travel Show on Friday, Jan. 27 was reserved exclusively for travel industry professionals and members of the media, offering 23 Focus Conferences panels that covered the latest products, services, destination information and trends from travel industry experts.

Keynote Address: Given on Friday, Jan. 27 by veteran travel journalist and editor James Shillinglaw, in conversation with: CEO of Travel Leaders Group Ninan Chacko; Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation; Alejandro Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group; and Brian King, Global Officer for Digital, Distribution, Revenue Management and Global Sales, Marriott International.

Travel for the Mind, Body and Soul: For a second year, the 2017 Travel Show featured a Wellness Travel Pavilion, including a Best Life Stage, Get Fit Zone, and various related brands, including resorts and retreats with a focus on wellness.

Taste of the World Pavilion: At this the culinary travel showcase, attendees learned about delicious destinations, attended culinary demonstrations and tasted some of the worlds most savory flavors. Sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

Family First: The Family Pavilion showcased leading players in the Family travel space, including lodges, resorts, destinations, and cruise lines.

New Seminars: The final two days of the Show were open to all attendees and featured various cultural presentations and performances, food demonstrations, and one-on-one conversations with travel experts and influencers on topics such as global travel tips for women and LGBT travel. The 2017 show also featured new seminar topics such as 'Travel Destinations and Tips for the Active Aging Traveler,' 'The Sharing Economy: Exchanging, Swapping & Rentals,' and 'Beyond the Selfie: Creating Ethical Travel in Today's World,' among many others.

For photos of the 2017 New York Times Travel Show, visit here.

2017 New York Times Travel Show Sponsors

South African Tourism, supporter of the Travel Show since 2008, was a gold sponsor of The New York Times Travel Show. Allianz, MSC Cruises and Visit Florida were silver sponsors of the Travel Show. The Greece Tourism Board served as Cultural Stage Sponsor.

Industry Sponsors included: Adventure Cycling Association, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Africa Travel Association, American Society of Travel Agents, Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation, Caribbean Tourism Organization, The Costa Rica Tourism Board, Cruise Lines International Association, Cruise Planners: An American Express Company, Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association, Family Travel Association, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, Millennials in Travel, National Association of Railroad Passengers, New York State Tourism (I Love New York), Pacific Asia Travel Association, Professional Travel Bloggers Association, Society of American Travel Writers, United States Tour Operators Association and Well-Being Travel.

Go Nomad, Healthy Aging Magazine, ManAboutWorld, Off Metro, Passport, travAlliancemedia, Travel to Wellness, Travel Market Report, Wander Magazine, WeBlogTheWorld.com, Where Traveler, WNET-TV and WVVH-TV served as media sponsors.

About The New York Times Travel Show (www.NYTimes.com/TravelShow)

The Travel Show is the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America, featuring the Travel Industry Conference, Consumer Seminars, and an interactive Exhibition including more than 500 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States. In addition to discounts and special offers, the show provides educational seminars and live entertainment for families, individuals, couples and seniors. Join the conversation and follow @NYTTravelShow for the latest Travel Show news.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) is a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The company includes The New York Times, International New York Times, NYTimes.com, INYT.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at @NYTimesComm.

Press contacts:

Adenike Olanrewaju, Adenike.Olanrewaju@nytimes.com

Danielle Rhoades Ha, Danielle.Rhoades-Ha@nytimes.com