The event brings together domestic and international tour operators, resort representatives and destination marketing organizations in the mountain tourism industry for a week of networking, business meetings and thought-provoking content.
MTS had not been held in Vail, CO since 2008. “This event has been a long time coming,” said Mia Vlaar, Town of Vail. “It’s been a couple years in the works, and it was so incredibly exciting to actually have it come to fruition. Everyone has so much energy and enthusiasm about being back together again, and that’s probably the best part of what we experienced during MTS week.”
The event kicked off with the Young Leaders Summit, an initiative investing in the upcoming generation of industry leaders. Programming included a leadership exercise, discussion-based problem solving, interviews with industry leaders, and peer-to-peer networking.
“The Young Leaders Summit provided me with new, thoughtful perspectives,” said Dan Raphael, Elevated Properties. “The Solution Room session highlighted that the industry as a whole is facing the same issues and a committed approach to solving them together is necessary.”
The two-day Forum at MTS included content focused around the theme “Future Forward”. Topics included leadership; diversity, equity, and inclusion; brand identity; sustainability and traveler trends.
“The Forum is really important because it’s where we all learn from each other, said Marilyn Stinson, Deer Valley Resort. “There are attendees from Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Utah, Colorado; the whole industry is together. We can all talk to and listen to each other to learn about different perspectives and new strategies.”
Attendees were able to reconnect with old friends and build relationships with new colleagues after so many years of only meeting virtually. A highlight for event participants is MTS’ Skier Networking Day where attendees can conduct business on the slopes. Networking is then continued throughout the week through receptions, themed parties and meal functions.
“It was incredible to see the industry reunited,” said Alicia Evanko, Executive Vice President, Travel Group Global Events, Northstar Travel Group. “There was so much celebration happening throughout the week. Having everyone come together really brought to life how resilient this industry is.”
Other key components of the event are the Trade Exchange and the Group Exchange, comprised of one-on-one appointments between buyers and sellers of mountain travel products and services. The Trade Exchange included over 375 participants doing business. And the Group Exchange included Group Leaders representing 125 ski clubs and councils from across the country.
Mountain Travel Symposium moves to Banff & Lake Louise, AB, Canada, March 26 – 31, 2023. For more information about the event, visit www.mtntrvl.com.
All Inclusive
Luksusowy kwartalnik turystyczno-podróżniczy. Od 2004 roku opisujemy miejsca, do których warto lecieć dłużej niż na weekend, i ludzi, którzy je prowadzą.
