International Media Marketplace – IMM UK 2022

I’m handed a name badge and wander into International Media Marketplace known as IMM UK 2022. You can spot the Bloggers a mile off.  They’re taking selfie photos with the entry sign. The Journos are cool and walk on by, they’re used to having a camera crew.

I still pinch myself with excitement when I attend the world’s leading media events connecting the global travel industry. Yes little old me, straight from my island paradise nest in Phuket, suddenly finds herself mixing and mingling with the top 50 Influencers in the UK. It’s not far off my very own Crocodile Dundee moment.

I’m just a chatty blogger, who writes for the occasional magazine.

For the past ten years, I’ve shared my worldwide wanders with you here and you write back lovely thoughts and comments. This community is my happy space on the internet. Together we’ve been all across Asia, Australia, Europe, the USA, and beyond. We, as I count you my lovely readers, as part of my reason to be here, have every right to own this, but I’m a work in progress.

A quick glance down at the badge that reads Influencer. I blush.

I already know what I’m going to be doing at some time during the lunch break. I’m going out to do what I know best. I need to take a photo with Big Ben, those flags in honour of the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey are way too good to miss.

‘ere Ben, take a look at this!

What is TravMedia?

Trav Media is the travel industry’s global media network and the world’s largest online news portal for travel media, travel professionals, and one Little Wandering Wren.

What is International Media Marketplace (IMM) UK?

IMM-UK is a two-day show with media attending both days and selected influencers joining on day two. The event is held at the QEII Centre, perfectly positioned in the heart of London for those of us that wanted to take a little extra time to explore. 2022 was the 10th Annual event held since IMM was created and launched in the UK in 2013.

What happens at IMM UK?

IMM UK offers the chance to meet with the world’s leading travel and tourism brands. You are allocated a 15-minute appointment akin to a speed dating type situation which offers the chance to identify any potential collaboration opportunities.

Journalists are hoping to identify future stories and some will be lucky enough to be offered collaborations which include expenses paid media trips to the various destinations represented.

Munching over our biscuits with a coffee we laughed as we introduced ourselves by our social media names. You know the sort of chat that starts

‘Hi I’m Travel Girl with a Baby and a Dachshund...’ except the baby is now at school and the dog died…

I smile sympathetically. That pandemic did go on for EVER…

‘Well, I’m Little Wandering Wren, not so little these days, haha and I’ve not been up to much global wandering ether!’

We bond in front of a whole host of dreamy destination booths like Corsica and La Martinique. Interestingly, everyone I speak to seems to have a similar level of nervous excitement. And some even admit to suffering from imposter syndrome. It seems I’m not alone here! It’s amazing how quickly you find your sweet tribe, it seems mine is amongst the Mummy Bloggers. That’s great, it keeps me young and in touch.

This is my second such conference, last November I attended World Travel Market (WTM) London. These events are intimidating for those of us (ie the whole world) out of touch with in-person business gatherings or making interesting small talk with strangers.

We’re much better at saying “Jan, I don’t think you’ve got your mic on?” Or ‘Becca’s not here, she down with Covid!’

I was also well out of my Thailand comfort zone seeing no one with a mask on. I felt strangely naked, something probably only those from Thailand would appreciate.

Yet here we all are, after two years home alone with the dog, guinea pig, or our partner and a PC, about to be thrown into a mega speed dating type environment.

Ready, set, and go! We are given 15 minutes with Qatar, Azerbaijan, Uganda, or whoever you choose, or invites you to meet.

A travel writer’s life during a pandemic was a solitary one. Some of us didn’t get out much, well I did, but that’s my blessing of Thailand. Ok deep breath, let’s go!

Day Two Meetings

As part of the sign-up for IMM-UK Influencers are asked to identify their areas of interest. Mine includes :

• Health and Wellness
• Hotels and Resorts
• Luxury Travel
• Over 50’s Travel

Who are the sponsors?

I always think it is interesting to see who has the budget to be event sponsors at conferences, especially after the past two years, the most challenging the industry has ever faced.

China

The headline sponsor was Suzhou Tourism, China with style.

I am happy to say I have previously wandered (well actually we spent most of the time cycling around!) Suzhou’s gardens and canals with cute bridges in this Chinese city west of Shanghai. it was freezing cold but a beautiful place that offers 2,500 years of history.

NOT that we are likely to be visiting again in the immediate future, China still seems firmly closed, but one of the things apparent at IMM was it’s not about this year.  Or about crossing bridges right now, but about building travel bridges and connections for future years.

www.TraveltoSuzhou.com

Explore France

I was blown away by how big the French contingent was. There were lots of stalls to choose from perhaps nearly twenty, from Normandy, Pays de La Loire, Cote d’Azur and many more. It was certainly a good opportunity for me to brush up on my French last used when we lived in Belgium over twenty years ago!

www.france.fr

I had a lovely chat with Pierre et Vacances who have been offering unique holidays experiences in Europe for more than 50 years. We used to love holidaying with the kids at Center Parcs and Sun Parks when we lived in Europe.

www.pierreetvacances.com

Azerbaijan

Then there was Azerbaijan the country that was on everyone’s lips as they sponsored our incredible lunch.

Thanks so much to the Azerbaijan Tourist Board (ATB) not only for the food and the much-needed chance to sit for a while and recharge but for showcasing a destination that I’ve no experience of.

I’m intrigued now by their global marketing campaign “Take Another Look” which makes me do just that. I’m seeing monumental heritage, distinctive flavours, and a country with natural beauty. I’ll put my hand up for sure!

www.azerbaijan.travel

Travel dreaming to the Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands

Next off the rank is the water bottle sponsor the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands. Clever choice of sponsorship, I’m sure that every time I reach for my blue waterbottle I’m ‘thinking beam me up, Scottie!’

Now I’m absolutely sure readers of this blog will have had some experience of a holiday here. Do tell me more as this looks we are right up my alley, or on my beach with this destination. What do you think?

The Cayman Islands consist of three idyllic islands. A quick google search suggests these islands are definitely up there with a chance to give my beloved Phuket a run for her money. I see clear turquoise waters, endless sandy white beaches, and not to mention the diving and colourful Caribbean events and festivals.

It sounds like an incredible holiday destination. Prepare for departure and lead me there!

www.visitcaymanislands.com

Holiday perfection in Israel

Israel Tourist Office

Here we meet the brekkie sponsor on the first day and if you were like me, got up at 5.30 am I would say that was a clever pick on the sponsorship front.

Israel is not a country I know well either. Although this misfortune can be attributed to my lack of Kibbutz experience like most Baby Boomers I know.  Ok I mean my husband and all his ex-school friends, they all talk so fondly about their days picking grapefruit whilst kibbitzing. Did you know you can still do this? If you are on the right side of 35 years old…

Anyway, let’s talk about Israel! It’s a small country with a massive offering. Wonderful weather, diverse landscapes, me oh my, the history and archaeology, great culinary traditions. Hands up who has been to Israel or wants to visit the Holy Land? Me.

For more inspo’ check out fellow Blogger Lisa at Handmade in Israel.  This week she is showing us The Afeka caves near Tel Aviv.

www.goisrael.gov.il

Australia Don’t Go Small!

Tourism Australia (TA)

Well bless this clever sponsorship choice the delegate bag. Who could not be chuffed with a reusable cloth bag with the kangaroo bounding across its aboriginal design?

I really enjoyed my time with the Aussie contingent, well as an Australian I’m at home with my peeps and I can’t wait to return (will be nearly three years when I finally do later in the year) My family & friends in Melbourne have endured the longest and tightest lockdown anywhere so it is beyond exciting to see TA out there, looking to attract media to promote tourism to Australia. Excuse me as I just grab a tissue at this stage.

I had two meetings with Tourism Australia over the day and well, it’s just emotional. And it’s not all about me not having seen the dog since Feb 2020 either!

This is when it really hit me that tourism is back. When the Aussie’s are out there saying G’day you know that travel is back. I for one can’t think of a better destination for a more desirable or memorable holiday.

There’s nothing like Australia!

www.australia.com

Visit England 

Visit England is hoping for a stellar year in tourism in 2022. Covid what covid? Certainly, if there is one nation that has pushed for the move from pandemic to endemic it’s the Brits.

One of the best things about arriving in the UK right now is how easy it is. There was no need for any pre-departure PCR-RT Covid tests or on-arrival testing. Just Good Morning come this way!

Given that international tourism is still to return at pre-pandemic levels this is the easiest way I’ve ever travelled in my lifetime. An empty plane, no testing and a let it rip approach to Covid in the country!

This IS the year to Visit England. From the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to the Commonwealth Games, not to mention we are all in love with the history in the UK, nature.

#EscapetheEveryday encourages us all to return to reconnect with our favourite places.

www.visitengland.com/escape

Winston Churchill in Westminster

Blenheim Palace

The home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough was one of the meetings on my personal radar because I’m a frequent visitor and I know it will be of interest to my readers. This birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill is definitely worth adding to the tour schedule when you visit England

There are 2000 acres of parkland and Capability Brown formal gardens to explore and I hope to show you around some more later in the year.

www.blenheimpalace.com

Visit Wales

I can’t mention everyone I met, but I must mention Wales as I’m sure it will have a special place in my family’s heart this year. As some of you know we have been divided across three continents during ‘rona days. Wales has been chosen for our family reunion.

Specifically, the beautiful Pembrokeshire National Park, which is known for its stunning coastline and over 50 beaches. 

We can’t wait to be in Wales. The cities towns coastline heritage and epic adventure await from hiking to biking from munching to mountaineering. Dramatic and perfect for the great outdoors and relaxing holidays.

Yep, wonderful Wales is firmly on our radar, and we are not alone, judging by how tricky it was to book our accomodation!

www.visitwales.com

Thank you #IMMUK2022

Thank you TravMedia and the IMM UK 2022 team and to all the wonderful exhibitors and Influencers I met. I had a productive day.

From Hong Kong to Germany and Greece to Corsica. From New Zealand, and Destination Canada, Visit Denmark, Visit Florida and along with Uganda Tourist Board, or This is Athens or Okinawa in Japan there is so much of the world out there to be (re)discovered for those that are ready, willing or able to return to travel.

Is this you? Which of the above destinations would make your heart sing?

Will you travel again soon, or are you happy to enjoy the world here from the comfort of your own armchair?

Whichever your response I thank you for stopping by to read this, your support and comments mean the world to me.

Where ever you are in the world I hope you are having a lovely day!