Loop Leisure Spring · Borgo Egnazia
Bella Italia, here we come! In mid-March, 130 buyers and just as many suppliers from around the world jetted off to Apulia. For four days, they met, networked, laughed, and celebrated "Pretty in Pink." First-timers and seasoned Loop veterans alike agreed: this edition of the trade show was nothing short of incredible. And the venue? Let’s just say — it’s going to be very, very hard to top!
by LuxuryWise editor-in-chief Iris M. Köpke
Loop Leisure Spring
Borgo Egnazia
Bella Italia, here we come! In mid-March, 130 buyers and just as many suppliers from around the world jetted off to Apulia. For four days, they met, networked, laughed, and celebrated "Pretty in Pink." First-timers and seasoned Loop veterans alike agreed: this edition of the trade show was nothing short of incredible. And the venue? Let’s just say — it’s going to be very, very hard to top!
By LuxuryWise editor-in-chief Iris M. Köpke
First Timer
... were among the 130 buyers. Among the 130 suppliers from around the globe, nearly as many (41%) were new — fantastic news for repeat buyers, who can always discover new hidden gems at this show!
Appointments
... were completed in total during this Loop. At what felt like a third of them, suppliers apologized for their tablet and laptop screens not being clearly visible in the bright sunlight. Chill out – it’s springtime!
Private Chefs
... worked their magic at the Dine Around night in the various villas. Just as many busy service staff kept the wine flowing and made sure everything ran smoothly. Mamma Mia, that was delicious!!!
Memorable Moments
Event-Location
What a magical, enchanted place! Pretty much every buyer mentioned Borgo Egnazia as a big reason for attending. This extraordinary resort hotel, privatized by the Loop team for the trade show, had been sitting on many a bucket list for quite some time! We fell head over heels for the architecture and the stunning decor.
Italian Market
It's off to a good start – in the truest sense of the word! On the first evening, Loop founder Astrid Oberhummer and the hotel welcome Loopers from all over the world. A lively Italian market popped up on the resort’s piazza, complete with live music and food stalls. What a nice and authentic vibe!
Meeting Area B
"B as in bar" is the mnemonic used by Lore König from the Lobster team. Even Loopers who normally get lost everywhere should have no trouble finding this exhibition space – after all, every travel professional eventually finds their way to the bar... And meeting area B was super cozy and quiet!
Open-Air-Lunch
Are you serious... ?! Oh, yes: in the small and charming town of Polignano a Mare, the Loop team has set up two seemingly endless tables decorated with tons of love. We're now enjoying lunch under a bright blue sky, the sun on our faces – with live piano music and a view of the sea. Happy sigh!
Dine Around
Networking at its best: On the third evening, suppliers invited small groups of buyers to the villas they stayed in at Borgo Egnazia. In each (!) of the 32 villas, a private chef and a service staff member pampered their guests — who quickly relaxed and struck up lively conversations.
La Notte Elegante
Fifties style meets Italian elegance: That was the theme of the gala night on the last evening of the show. Attendees turned heads with snazzy rock’n’roll outfits and chic glitter accessories. The DJ gave it his all on the dance floor — until they finally pulled the plug at 1:30 a.m. Grazie mille!!!
Memorable Meetings
Loop Spring in a Nutshell
What we loved:
- The architecture and cute decoration at Borgo Egnazia. Such a beautiful property!
- The musicians at Mercato Italiano on the first night – no one has ever gotten the Loopers to dance that early into a show!
- The super-short distances at the trade show.
- The Dine Around: A great opportunity to get into conversation with other attendees in a completely different way.
- The organization of the Loop – perfect as always! And of course the cool canvas bags for the buyers!!!
Not so much:
- The long journey: Depending on the bus, there were up to three hours between disembarking in Bari and checking in at Borgo Egnazia.
- Of course, catering for such a large group is a challenge. But there was still room for improvement.
- The nasty wind on the last day!
- The surprise with the villa rooms in the basement: some suppliers would have preferred to know this beforehand. Of course they understood why they were sharing accommodations once the Dine Around concept became clear!
Voices from the Attendees
Buyer
Michaela Gregor · Airtours
"I’ve attended several Loop shows already because it’s always enriching to meet members of the travel industry here. Luxury travel is a people business – nothing beats personal connections. At Loop, I meet new partners who enhance my portfolio and reconnect with existing ones. The show is always incredibly well-organized and highly professional – and this time, the venue is just fantastic. It’s an incredible privilege to have this place exclusively to us! I also love the mix of socializing and networking. It leads to great conversations you might not have during meetings. Just the first night alone, with the Mercato Italiano, looked like a movie set! My only wish would be to have a little more influence over my appointment schedule in the future."
Supplier
Natascha Löwe · Kempinski
"This is my first Loop since I took over the sales role for Europe only recently. I am now focusing on the important DACH market. I joined this trade show based on a recommendation – everyone said Loop is the best show for this market. I love how it feels like a real community here. The venue and the additional activities besides the meetings are fantastic: there are so many ways to connect. And Borgo Egnazia is just stunning! I’ve always wanted to visit Apulia. The timing of the show is perfect, and I could definitely see myself coming back – budget allowing, maybe once a year. Whether it’s Loop Spring or Loop Autumn would just depend on the dates."
Buyer
Ben Trousil · Pure Voyage
"This is my first 'real' Loop — I’ve participated in two Loop Wellbeing editions before. The organization is absolutely top-notch, and Borgo Egnazia is such an impressive and charming venue. Lunch outdoors in Polignano was amazing, and the Dine Around concept was so well thought out – it really deepened the relationship between buyers and suppliers. I also had mostly very good appointments and discovered some exciting products, like The Dolli in Athens. Personally, it couldn’t have gone much better. Plus, I ran into lots of longtime industry friends and loved the community feel. Maybe it would be good to ask buyers for booking references in the future to make it even better for suppliers."
Supplier
Julia Rohrbacher · Hawaii
"This is my first time at Loop. Hawaii has been looking to grow its presence in the luxury space, so I thought I’d give Loop a try. I’m meeting buyers with very different levels of knowledge and had lots of great appointments. And Borgo Egnazia is just incredible! We’re staying in villas with gorgeous rooms, and the hotel's staff seems genuinely happy to work here. The event is super well-organized — I would’ve just appreciated a briefing for supplier newbies and maybe a little welcome bag as a nice touch, but that’s nitpicking. The app is also great, updating appointments and sending important info via push notification. I could definitely see myself coming back — the value of meeting the entire luxury world in one place is just amazing."
Buyer
Katharina Fenners · Fenners Travel
"I’ve been part of Loop pretty much since the beginning. I find it incredibly inspiring to meet and reconnect with so many partners in such a short time. It’s also a great reminder of products I might have forgotten about. Plus, it’s fantastic to discover new, heartwarming product. I found a glamping wellness tent in Tuscany – Terme di Vulci. Discoveries like that are a real highlight for me. And I’ve always wanted to visit Borgo Egnazia! This village concept fascinates me, so it was a no-brainer to say yes. I’m staying in the main building, which is beautiful, and there’s plenty of space everywhere. You really feel the Italian Dolce Vita vibe at this Loop — it’s way more relaxed than past editions of this trade show."
Supplier
Sandra Haun · Ara Tours
"I’m attending Loop for the first time because I want to grow my network in the luxury segment. We’ve been in the market for 30 years and since March 2023, we’re part of Abercrombie & Kent — something we want to promote more, especially in the DACH market. We already work with many German tour operators, mainly Latin America specialists. Now we’ve expanded our luxury portfolio, so all these contacts are fantastic for me. Loop is a great stage to raise awareness for Costa Rica as a luxury destination. The three show days were a success, and I really enjoyed the excursion too. It would be just a little more efficient if there was more control over appointment selection. Borgo Egnazia — especially with this beautiful weather — is just amazing!"
