LAS VEGAS — The 52nd annual IPW, taking place over the past several days in Las Vegas, has brought more than 2,600 attendees from 52 countries together for the U.S. travel industry’s premier international marketplace.

The event was a much-welcome success after the cancellation of IPW 2020 due to the pandemic.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow (fourth from left) heads up the team celebrating the start of IPW 2021 in Las Vegas, Sept. 18 – 22

Health and safety practices were at the forefront as IPW gathered global travel professionals, including U.S. destinations, hotels, attractions, sports teams, cruise lines, airlines and transportation companies, together with international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world, to meet at the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for three days of business appointments.

IPW 2021 is the first international, large-scale travel meeting to convene live in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic.

Earlier this week, as IPW was underway, the Biden administration announced plans to reopen the U.S. to international air travel for fully vaccinated travellers worldwide.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow at IPW 2021

“The November reopening of international air travel to vaccinated travelers is a critical turning point in our industry’s recovery – and the announcement couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, on the opening day of IPW,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.

“IPW is not only reuniting the world, it’s a stage for rebuilding relationships and conducting business that will lead to the full return of inbound travel,” said Dow.

New elements for IPW 2021 included IPW Focus, an educational program with

programming across an array of topics, from technology and innovation to research and insights, presented by thought leaders and innovators.

IPW also coordinated with the trade show company Connect Travel to co-locate several events around this year’s event. Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, returned as the premier sponsor of IPW 2021.

IPW 2022 is scheduled to take place June 4-8, 2022, in Orlando.