TFest 2024 · Impressions
The show kicked off just before the famous Mexican Día de Los Muertos, but you definitely can't call it a dance of the dead. About 590 (lively!) luxury travel professionals gathered at the Fairmont Mayakoba for TFest. LuxuryWise was in the mix, and here are our highlights ranging from the Mayan underworld to sound bowl therapy!
TFest 2024 · Impressions
The show kicked off just before the famous Mexican Día de Los Muertos, but you definitely can't call it a dance of the dead. About 590 (lively!) luxury travel professionals gathered at the Fairmont Mayakoba for TFest. LuxuryWise was in the mix, and here are our highlights ranging from the Mayan underworld to sound bowl therapy!
Welcome to TFest! Attendees are greeted with a tropical welcome drink at the Fairmont Mayakoba.
Everyone received their badge, a nice TFest linen bag, and a brochure with important information on the trade show. Gracias!
Nice touch! We love this necklace made of wooden pearls! Waaaayyy nicer than the same ol’ lanyard for your badge.
What a welcome! Opening night took place at El Pueblito and the opulent décor of the entryway wowed from the start.
Hola, Señoritas! No doubt about it: Mexico is getting ready to celebrate the Día de Los Muertos, and we got an early taste of this impressive cultural festivity.
Attendees enjoy a variety of food throughout the courtyard while makeup artists give people a cool Día de Los Muertos look.
Attendees enjoy a variety of food throughout the courtyard while makeup artists give people a cool Día de Los Muertos look.
Let’s get the party started: PLE’s Managing Director Christy Kuplic welcomes TFest's participants.
Say cheese! Many, many pictures are taken over the next three days.
Many visuals were impressive, including this fascinating performance. Too bad the night is cut short by rain.
Good morning, TFest! May the meeting marathon begin.
True passion for luxury travel – that’s what you see everywhere on the trade show floor. Quick, quick: every meeting only lasts 13 minutes!
Do you see stress or frustration? Neither do we. Cheerful faces all around!
Pretty in pink: SLS had a large booth set up right next to the main "crossroad" of the show floor.
"Give me a hug"! Many industry friendships are formed and strengthened at TFest.
Need a little ohmmm? Live music helped set the scene over a coffee break.
So chill they don’t even need the sound healing they booked for this afternoon: buyers Ben Trousil (Pure Voyage) and Susanne Kuest (Finest by City Reisen).
Just go in. They won’t bite...hard.
Look familiar? This lush greenery was everyone’s favorite backdrop for taking photos at the show, so you’ve probably seen this all over social media.
Spiritual cleansing is always a good idea, but we bet he’s still possessed… with traveling!
Care for a little refreshment? Accor and Ennismore are offering fresh coconut water.
In the afternoon it’s time for the Pathways! Attendees could choose among eight different activities meant to change you forever. Some daredevils explored an underground river that leads through a beautiful stalactite cave…
…while others experienced a Mayan clay ceremony at the beach.
These ladies choose to follow "The Way of Nature" with their Pathway. Taking part in a traditional Mayan Bee Ceremony with a shaman is an unforgettable experience!
It’s "Power Hour" time!!! Buyers and suppliers could sign up for "Power Hour," a brand new element at TFest. The buyers stay at their assigned seat while the exhibitors change tables. Nobody knows in advance who he or she is going to meet. Five minutes only, and preferably no business talk!
Yet another option: Festival at the Beach. There’s a lot of activities to choose from!
Yes, "liquid merriment" is one of them.
Vitamin Sea is working well for Livia Kubo (Matueté) and Danilo Cerqueira (DMC Tempo VIP)!
Vitamin Sea is working well for Livia Kubo (Matueté) and Danilo Cerqueira (DMC Tempo VIP)!
Mindful Magic: The TFest magician really knows how to entertain the crowd. How did he do THAT?!
Bold Beats: Can you feel the rhythm of the drum workshop?
Of course, no festival would be complete without live music.
Need a bit more quiet? The Healing Cabanas offer relaxation and blissful moments.
On the second night attendees choose their dinner location: Andaz, Banyan Tree, or Gran Velas? These guys awaited guests at the Andaz Mayakoba. The theme for the night: "Shores of Sotavento".
On the second night attendees choose their dinner location: Andaz, Banyan Tree, or Gran Velas? These guys awaited guests at the Andaz Mayakoba. The theme for the night: "Shores of Sotavento".
Catching up with old and new friends by the fire. Can’t get much cozier than this!
This fiery lady wowed guests at the Andaz. Spectacular!
Banyan Tree Mayakoba set up a delicious gourmet buffet with cute little food booths on the beach with the theme "Return to Our Origins."
The resort also has great artists to entertain the crowds. Fantastic performance!
Sitting down and enjoying a hot meal in comfort has to be the most underrated luxury at a trade show.
"Bohemian Dreams" come to life at Grand Velas. Smile, because…what happens at TFest lives on social media!
Jet lag – what's that?!? Everyone is having a great time.
The energy is so positive that even on day three you still see only happy faces and lots of enthusiasm.
The energy is so positive that even on day three you still see only happy faces and lots of enthusiasm.
Let the festivities begin! The "Golden Ascension" closing party takes place at Maykana Beach Club. TFest attendees can get a mystical face painting…
…then rock the last night Mexican style!
Walking back to your room isn't a good option anyway because of the incredible downpour of tropical rain. What else can we do but paaaaartaaaay!!!
Soon everyone is dancing…
… even PLE GM Christy Kuplic. TFest 2024 is in the books!
… even PLE GM Christy Kuplic. TFest 2024 is in the books!