Thoughts on the World Travel Market

Thoughts on the World Travel Market
Aren't governments wonderful ?? They will increase the UK passenger service charge on April 2012. Increasing taxes frightens people off, or they find ways around them. Hence the government get less, not more, revenue, such genius ?
Thursday was very quiet, Wednesday was busy but I couldn't go that day.
The World Travel Market was as large and full of colour as ever. National costumes and snacks to attract attention. How much the future will be affected by the Euro or world economic conditions is a moot point. The next few months will tell.

On Tuesday I was treated to Bulgarian hospitality at the Crowne Plaza, hosted by the Bulgarian Tourist minister.
Information about Bulgaria, great food and wine and a definite wish to visit that country in the future.

Princess Ubonrat visited the Thai Airways stand with her usual smile and dramatic choice of boots. The Thai stands appeared quiet, perhaps due to the uncertainty of the Bangkok floods and the strong value of the Thai Baht? Some good news. Thai Airways will have IFE in economy from December, about time too. Imagine being stuck on an aircraft with a Julia Roberts film ?

Thai dancers gave an enchanting display.

Cyprus has a lot of character, especially Pambos and his wines.

Brasil had a big balloon thingy advertising their large stand. They always produce a grand effort with plenty of strong dark coffee and the occasional Caipirinha.

Of course there was a Brasilian band with dancing as well.

Images from previous World Travel Markets....

Interesting costumes from Uzbekistan, or was that Kazakstan ?

A Swiss lady in a cheeky hat.

Giants of Bossa Nova.

Paraiso Samba School, based in London.