Yelena Koba, Director of the travel agency "Delta Travel":
- As for the exhibition and our general priorities, we always take part in such events both in spring and autumn, and of course we will definitely be present at the tourism salon "Ukraine – Travel and Tourism 2007". I believe that the exhibition is very useful for tourism industry managers – they have the opportunity to attend many interesting and useful master classes and lecture halls. Through direct communication, here there is an exchange of experience between novice managers and true professionals of the tourism business. Also, from company catalogs and brochures, you can get a lot of useful information.
This year, our company is certainly focused on mass demand. Nevertheless, the current offers are noticeably different from previous ones. The Turkish direction is still relevant – very popular and affordable for clients. We will not forget, of course, about Egypt. In addition, there will be the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, countries with simplified visa regimes and affordable prices. This year, exotic countries will be popular, for example, Thailand. Our company is also starting to develop the Baltic direction. We expect that it will interest those tourists who have not yet been to European resorts.
As for excursion programs, these are bus tours across Europe. They occupy a solid position, and are already in high demand starting from the May holidays. For example, "Hello, Europe!" – a tour of all capital cities of European countries. Or short-term tours to Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Baltics. These are budget programs that are in great demand in the summer.
In addition, combined options are good, for example, combining a bus tour to Hungary with a holiday in Croatia – these two countries combine well. Tourists are given the opportunity to try both an excursion program and relax at the sea – two in one.
Ilya Mezhul, Head of Development and Marketing Department, company "Inkomatur":
- Tourism in Ukraine is developing at a rapid pace, the number of travel companies is increasing every year, which pleases us. Accordingly, because of this, the market itself is expanding. And these are no longer fly-by-night companies, but serious firms with big plans and a desire to show Ukrainian tourists new, previously unknown regions – distant and very distant countries.
Of course, the exhibition "Ukraine – Travel and Tourism" is a large-scale event that many companies look forward to with great anticipation. It is also very important for us, because it is at the exhibition that the foundation for the upcoming season is laid, and plans related to it are formed. Its successful holding is the key to a successful season, because there is a meeting of tour operators with agents who will then actively cooperate.
Forecasts for the summer season largely depend on the economic situation in the country – whether it will be stable or not. Now there is an active filling of summer programs (practically without advertising). This suggests that people are investing money in travel, that they have a desire to see the world. Therefore, we expect the summer season with great optimism, with hope that it will be quite successful.
Our company is celebrating a small anniversary this year – 15 years. And we can confidently say that we have sufficient experience in this business. The main focus of our firm is excursion bus tours across Europe. We offer clients any programs. Starting from short-term ones – Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, to long ones – to countries such as Norway, Portugal, Switzerland. And this year we will pleasantly surprise tourists with new products. One of them will be an amazing journey – a bus trip to Morocco. I think this tour will cause a sensation in the tourism market, like our last year's program with the working title "Mamma Mia!". A tour where we visit Sardinia, Sicily, Malta. We also get to Malta by bus. Well, another new product of this season is a tour to Ireland.
Igor Zakharenko, General Director of the travel company "Feeria", author and host of the program "Feeria of Travels":
- We take part in all exhibitions, even regional ones, especially in UITT. I think that UITT is the main event in the tourism business. At least for us. Everyone is actively preparing for the tourism salon, trying to surprise with something, making new catalogs, decorating advertising stands, etc. It seems to me that the exhibition is also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the image of the company. There is a competitive atmosphere here – who has the better stand, catalog.
We are always satisfied with the results. We always have many visitors. At the 2006 exhibition, our stand was almost knocked down. In four days, we give out about 10 thousand catalogs! Honestly, there is practically no time for communication during the exhibition. There are too many travel companies coming. And there could be more tourists if the exhibition worked on weekends. Many potential clients cannot visit it during working hours. And arriving later, you might be late, because quite often firms are not quite ready for the exhibition, and on the second or third day they already have no handouts – everyone knows this, so there is such a rush on the first day. Although, this is a big plus for those who are well prepared: all tourists go to them!
It's a pity that those working at the stand have practically no time to talk with partners at other stands.
As always, we want to surprise everyone with our booth, catalog and new products. At the spring exhibition we will present our program «Феєрія мандрів» (airs from December 31 every Sunday at 10:15 and every Wednesday at 17:30). In addition to popular bus tours, we are preparing many new products, especially exotic ones and those in Ukraine.
I think the 2007 season will be very hot. Many tours will be bought out long before the departure date. The number of tourists will increase at least twofold (in 2006 we had three times more tourists than in 2005). Now in vogue is not only the sea, but also sightseeing tours, especially combined with relaxation. I advise everyone to plan their vacation in advance. Don't count on last-minute deals.
I think that if there are no upheavals and visa problems, it will be the best tourist season! Which I cannot say about Crimea. Prices are rising, service is weak, and in addition, there is active anti-advertising of the Crimean direction in Russia. But I plan to shoot several programs about the Crimean Peninsula and try to convince people that it is still worth going there!