Fairfest Expands to the U.S. With Strategic Acquisition of WTE Miami

Group of travel industry executives participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at WTE Miami, symbolizing the show's growth and new acquisition by Fairfest Media.
Lisa Radoo Avatar
In a move that signals a bold new chapter for global travel exhibitions, Fairfest Media—creators of Asia’s powerhouse travel trade show OTM—has officially acquired WTE Miami, the fastest-growing travel industry event in the United States. The acquisition not only amplifies Fairfest’s international footprint, but also cements its position as a world leader in curating high-impact B2B travel gatherings.

For decades, Fairfest has been synonymous with scale, strategy, and seamless execution across Asia and India. With WTE Miami now under its umbrella, the organization extends its reach into the Americas—one of the most influential and fastest-evolving regions in global tourism. And as the travel world continues to rebound and reinvent itself, this partnership positions both brands at the epicenter of that transformation.

A Rising Star Meets a Global Powerhouse

Launched in 2022 and hosted at the state-of-the-art Miami Beach Convention Center, WTE Miami quickly became the talk of the Western Hemisphere. Supported by Miami International Airport, Miami-Dade County, and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the show has drawn leading airlines, national tourism boards, convention bureaus, hotel groups, and global travel brands.

From American Airlines and Avianca to Jamaica, Spain, Ecuador, Bahamas, and FrenchBee, WTE Miami has built a reputation as a truly international showcase. The event has consistently delivered high-value networking, thought-provoking panels, and unmatched access to travel buyers and sellers across the Americas.

WTE Miami 2025 saw more than 300 exhibitors and 3,500 attendees, including hundreds of top-tier hosted buyers. But under Fairfest’s leadership, that growth curve is set to spike dramatically.

Javier P. Palencia, Director of WTE Miami, shared his excitement:
“Joining forces under the Fairfest umbrella allows WTE Miami to reach new heights. Together, we plan to double the number of exhibitors and attendees for the 2026 edition.”

A 2026 Edition Set to Break Records

With Fairfest’s decades-long network—spanning over 80 countries, 15,000 travel brands, and more than 100,000 industry professionals—WTE Miami 2026 is on track to become one of the largest travel trade shows in the Western Hemisphere.

Scheduled for October 27–28, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the expanded edition will:

  • Double exhibitor participation
  • Double attendee numbers
  • Introduce new B2B matchmaking tools
  • Elevate global thought-leadership programming
  • Create stronger pathways for media visibility and ROI-driven partnerships

Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media, describes the moment as transformative:
“WTE is rightly positioned as a global travel tradeshow serving the U.S., the world’s largest travel market. We already see a 100% growth potential in 2026, leveraging the synergies.”

Why Miami Matters

Few destinations embody the dynamism of global travel like Miami. It is multicultural, future-focused, and deeply connected to both American and Latin American markets—making it the perfect stage for Fairfest’s U.S. expansion. In the heart of South Florida, WTE Miami offers the ideal blend of international access, business opportunity, and cultural vibrancy.

A Partnership That Redefines What’s Possible

Fairfest’s acquisition of WTE Miami marks more than a business transaction—it’s a strategic alignment of vision, values, and global ambition. With OTM recognized as Asia’s leading travel trade show (as certified by NielsenIQ), and WTE Miami emerging as a rising star in the Americas, the two organizations together form a powerhouse capable of shaping the next generation of global travel engagement.

Fairfest’s expansion reinforces a simple truth: the world of travel thrives when great destinations, passionate professionals, and visionary organizers come together. And Miami, with its irresistible blend of sunshine, sophistication, and international swagger, is ready to welcome the world.

For more information, visit fairfest.com and wtemiami.com.

Oaklins DeSilva & Phillips served as Fairfest’s advisor during the acquisition.


Lisa Radoo Avatar

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *