WTCE Expo Preview: Travel Zone, Catering Demos and More

The World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), co-located with the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), is prepped to deliver some delicious treats this year in the Hamburg Messe. With more than 290 exhibitors confirmed – 65 of which are new to WTCE – one of the biggest changes in this year’s event is the move to the roomier digs of Hall A, which will remain accessible to AIX through a covered walkway.

Another big change this year is the addition of the Travel Retail Zone, a designated area where buyers can meet with suppliers of a whole host of products: cosmetics, perfume, toys, alcoholic beverages and other popular on-board sale items. Insider’s tip: If you see an orange shopping bag logo at any of the WTCE stands, that indicates that they’re a purveyor of on-board products, so you may want to stop and inquire! This “Travel Retail Trail” is meant to give interested parties a first-hand look and feel for products that can be sold on board.

The ever-popular Taste of Travel theatre will be returning with live cooking demonstrations (read: come here for food samples) and discussions around industry food trends. Highlights from sessions this year include a masterclass in tea preparation with a rep from Twinings tea, cooking for children with Michel Quissac from Servair, and a spotlight on natural foods.

You won’t want to miss the WTCE stream of the Passenger Experience Conference on Monday, April 13th. The trends from this day will give you a good indication of what to look out for on the showroom floor throughout the following days of the Expo, and but of course you can keep your eyes on the APEX.aero catering news section for all the latest from our team on the ground.

Bonus foodie tips:

• Stop by Hall A for the free networking lunches at the Taste of Travel theatre, from 12:00 daily
• Don’t miss the show-wide Industry Networking Party on Monday, April 13th following the PEX
• If you only have time to visit the WTCE hall once, head over at 5pm on Tuesday, April 14th for a drinks and canapés reception

Stay tuned for more coverage from the WTCE halls throughout the week at Expo.

AIX conference photography: Maxim Sergienko / Raum 11