World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) will return to the Hamburg Messe in 2023. The expo, providing networking opportunities for buyers and brands across the inflight catering, onboard services and passenger comfort industries, will take place from 6-8 June.
Now in its 11th year, the organisers of WTCE 2023 are expecting over 5,000 attendees at the event, including more than 750 onboard buyers from global, regional and low-cost airlines, rail companies and travel caterers as well as over 300 exhibitors.
This year’s event will focus around ‘wellness onboard’, ‘creating memorable experiences’ and ‘sustainability’, with each of these topics set to be addressed at the Taste of Travel Theatre sessions across the show floor. Moving on from last year’s focus on industry recovery, WTCE 2023 will discuss the future of onboard services and passenger comfort, with particular emphasis on how airlines can get their customers excited for air travel again.
“Mental and physical wellbeing have become extremely important to passengers, and airlines are increasingly looking for innovations that can really enhance the onboard experience,” said Polly Magraw, Event Director, WTCE. “We have some exciting exhibitors that cater to this growing trend, from companies offering jet lag solutions, to functional food and drink; there really will be so much on offer for our visitors to discover in the wellness space at this year’s event.”
The event will also see the return of WTCE Connect, the online show planning platform launched at last year’s event; and the Taste of Travel Programme, in association with Onboard Hospitality magazine. These sessions will feature panel discussions, expert speakers, live demonstrations and product tastings.
Key Taste of Travel session topics include improving knowledge and provisions for allergic reactions as well as special dietary requirements onboard including halal, kosher and free-from food, which will be led by special meals expert Marc Warde. Lauren Costello, Executive Director, IFSA will join this discussion following the launch of IFSA’s new food safety guidelines.
Sessions covering sustainability topics will include creating a healthy and sustainable working environment, driving towards Net Zero as well as a sustainability workshop inviting exhibitors to present their products to judges David Young, Chief Sustainability Officer Pacific, Accor and former Director of Sustainability, oneworld Alliance; and Gregoire James, Commercial Director and Founder, International Aviation Waste Management Association (IAWMA).
The Passenger Experience Conference will take place on Monday 5 June at the Congress Centre Hamburg and will focus on the future cabin experience, with sessions including ‘A vision of The Multi-Modal Future’, Succeeding In The Green Revolution’ and ‘Delivering For The New Generation Passenger’.
“We’re looking forward to building on the success of last year’s show, with an even better event, packed with exciting product launches and inspiring educational sessions,” added Magraw. “We’re already expecting more exhibitors and visitors than last year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new and familiar faces to Hamburg in June.”
“It has been encouraging to see how far the industry has come since the pandemic hit and I’m positive that the event will yet again provide a source of inspiration for everyone involved,” she said.
Images: WTCE
