The World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) took place on 28-30 May at the Hamburg Messe and featured three days of collaboration, networking, and discussion.
The event welcomed 3,000 attendees which is a 15% increase on 2023, and 870 VIP attendees, marking a 3% increase from 2023.
The diverse programme included conference sessions and product launches that highlighted the latest innovations in inflight catering, onboard services and passenger comfort and aligned with the show’s key themes of special diets, beverages, nutrition and sustainability.
A further 4,000 attendees (including 750 airline buyer VIPs) visited WTCE from the co-located Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX).
Some of the most popular products this year included beverages, healthy food, pre-prepared meals, savoury snacks, amenity kits, tableware, trolleys, galley equipment, and food packaging.
Polly Magraw, Event Director of WTCE, said: “WTCE 2024 has once again proven to be an unmissable event for the inflight catering, onboard services, and passenger comfort industries. With groundbreaking product launches and numerous networking opportunities, the show continues to set the benchmark for innovation and collaboration in the sector.
“The Ambassador Programme, the Wellbeing Walk-through and the new Steps to Sustainability feature were particularly successful. These initiatives provided attendees with in-depth looks at the latest advancements in passenger wellness and sustainable practices in line with WTCE’s core themes of travel nutrition, special diets, beverages, and sustainability, all of which were projected in the Taste of Travel Theatre.
“Anticipation for next year’s event is already building as WTCE continues to solidify its reputation as the leading global platform for airline and catering industry professionals, and we are already excited to return to Hamburg next April.”