Located in the historic center of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the 15th International Wine Tourism Conference (IWINETC) was held over two eventful days on April 9th and 10th, 2024. With its storied past and vibrant cultural tapestry, Plovdiv has proven to be the perfect backdrop for wine travel. The event brought together the old and the new, linking the rich tradition of wine with the dynamic future of wine tourism.
starts with a splash
Before the official start of the conference, the city of Plovdiv sought to give participants a real taste of the city's charm. The walking tour took participants through cobbled streets, past ancient Roman ruins, and into a bustling center of cafes and galleries. This immersive introduction set the stage for what followed: an encounter of spirits in a centuries-old setting.
The welcome reception itself was held in the vast ruins of an early Christian cathedral and looked like something out of a travelogue. Here Deputy Mayor Plamen Panov painted a vivid image of Plovdiv as a city where history meets the hustle and bustle of modern tourism. His words, echoed by other dignitaries such as IWINETC Director Anthony Swift, created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation.
Fusion of culture and ideas
As the main event progressed, it was clear that this was no ordinary gathering. The conference room was buzzing with 45 languages, and each participant brought a unique perspective to the lively discussion. Panels featured celebrities such as Peter Syme and Tanisha Townsend, and delved into everything from sustainable travel practices to the intricacies of digital marketing in wine tourism.
The highlight for many was the B2B Wine Tourism Workshop. The workshop included over 500 pre-scheduled meetings and various activities. Imagine a room where a handshake sparks a new festival in the Nordic countries or a wine trail through the Italian countryside. The energy was palpable as each participant networked, negotiated, and collaborated on potential ventures.
Wine flow and business growth
Of course, no wine conference would be complete without ample opportunity to sample the products. A tasting was cleverly integrated into the networking event, allowing attendees to sample famous Bulgarian wines. Venues such as Villa Justina and Zagreus Winery not only showcased their best vintages, but also showcased their ability to host world-class events, an important aspect of wine tourism.
Local support was also significant, with organizations such as the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism and the Bulgarian Wine Professionals Association playing a key role in the success of the conference. The sponsorship from Katarzyna Estate and South Moravia highlighted the international cooperation that IWINETC strives to foster.
I'm looking forward to
As the conference concluded, excitement was already building for next year's event in South Moravia, Czech Republic. The announcement was met with cheers and the clinking of glasses, making it a fitting end to a gathering that celebrated current successes and toasted future endeavors.
In short, IWINETC 2024 was more than just a conference. It was a vibrant festival of ideas, a bazaar of business opportunities, and a grand tasting of culture and wine. As attendees dispersed, they took with them not just business cards and brochures, but stories, inspiration, and maybe a glass or two of their new favorite wine. Looking ahead, the future of wine tourism is as bright as a well-aged Chardonnay, promising continued growth and exciting new horizons.
