Buyers and sellers from around the world attending this weeks Go West Summit stood looking out from the high windows on the fifth floor of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.
Some snapped pictures. Most simply ogled.
The event, which began Sunday, runs through Thursday (Feb. 27).
The convention connects the buyers, primarily tour operators, and the sellers who offer locations and attractions.
On Tuesday and Wednesday the conventioneers met for a series of tightly scheduled meetings held in a format similar to speed dating. The sellers made their pitches. The buyers asked questions and took notes. In some cases, contracts were signed.
This is our 26th year, said Bob Rebello, vice president of the summit organization. This is our first year ever in Washington.
At least 170 international buyers are attending, along with 400 suppliers from 14 Western states.
Tour operators are trying to get the best deal possible and pull together packages to sell to travel agents, Rebello said..
He said the attendees will have completed 10,899 meetings over two days.
Its extremely significant, said Bennish Brown, president and CEO at the Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitor Bureau. To have the decision makers here its more effective than anything we can do. There are people who have no knowledge of us, or theyre being reacquainted.
Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/02/26/3068659/the-international-travel-industry.html#storylink=cpy