World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) will return to Hamburg with more features, introduced to highlight the latest advances in the onboard sector. Taking place at Hamburg Messe, taking place from 8-10 April 2025, will bring together air, rail and cruise operators with exhibitors showcasing the hottest onboard product innovations, services and trends across the inflight catering, passenger comfort and onboard services sectors.
With global air passenger traffic finally set to surpass pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, to reach 9.7 billion passengers (ACI World figures), this recovery opens up a huge opportunity for airline operators to ensure their offerings meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s travellers. And there are no signs of this growth slowing down as air passenger traffic is forecast to double by 2042, with Asian countries dominating the top three spots, and the US expected to be overtaken as the number one market in terms of total passenger traffic (ACI World data).
Creating a memorable passenger experience, in conjunction with advances in technology, sustainability and wellbeing, are all key goals for airlines, railways and cruise ship operators seeking to ensure they satisfy these growing passenger numbers.
WTCE 2025, the 13th edition of the event, will see the return of well-known features on the show floor while also introducing some new elements.
Trailblazing tech
Brand new for WTCE 2025 is the ‘Tech Trail’, a journey through the halls of Hamburg Messe will shine a light on the companies paving the way in the onboard technology industry. Examples of highlighted exhibitors will include those that tackle issues including onboard payment, customer meal pre-orders and inventory management. These exhibitors will showcase solutions that can help create a smoother process for onboard operators and ultimately deliver an improved passenger experience.
Spotlighting sustainability
Following its successful launch last year, the ‘Steps to Sustainability’ feature will return for the 2025 event, to celebrate the accomplishments and innovations of companies that are leading the way in sustainability. As the travel industry continues its journey towards improving environmentally friendly practices across all areas of the passenger experience, this trail and showcase will include a curated range of sustainable onboard products ranging from organic food and drinks to environmentally conscious amenities and tableware.
Enhancing passenger wellbeing
Back for its third year at WTCE, the ‘Wellbeing Walk-through’ will again promote a range of exhibitors that are making strides in onboard wellness. The trail will highlight key exhibitors showcasing a selection of wellbeing-focused products, ranging from healthy food and beverages to soft goods and amenity kits.
Applications for exhibitors to be included in the Tech Trail, Steps to Sustainability and Wellbeing Walk-through features will be open to in early October 2024.
First-class exhibitors
RX, the organiser of WTCE, has said that a large number of companies are already signed up to exhibit at the 2025 event. Noteworthy companies include Linstol, a supplier of sustainable in-flight passenger comforts, dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers and onboard catering companies, and Buzz Products, a supplier of luxury amenity kits, skincare, sleeper suits, meal service ware and childrens’ kits.
The show will also welcome the likes of Catrion, a provider of culinary and hospitality services, Diageo Global Travel with its international portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic brands for consumers in travel retail, and En Route, a specialist in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, to name a few.
Brand new exhibitors to WTCE 2025, which will be located in the New Exhibitor Village area, will include Off-Piste Wines, Sattviko, with its range of healthy snack options and instant meals, and Neuhaus Chocolates, inventor of the Belgian praline, plus many more.
Visit the theatre
WTCE’s popular Taste of Travel Theatre will provide a programme of seminars with industry speakers, designed to enable visitors to gain insights and industry knowledge from a huge range of influential thought leaders and experts. The programme will feature a jam-packed schedule throughout the event, including chef sessions, cooking demos and sampling opportunities.
Maximise your experience
The event’s VIP Buyer Programme provides eligible attendees (airlines, cruise and rail operators and catering buyers) with a range of benefits before and during the exhibition. These benefits include access to the VIP Buyer Lounge, a digital gift bag with exclusive deals to redeem at the show, plus a VIP Sample Bag, sponsored by Marfo, containing an assortment of products from Gut Springenheide, Farmley, 4700BC Popcorn and Print2Pack, among others.
The programme also offers a discounted rate for the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC), which will be taking place at Hamburg Messe on 7 April 2025. During the conference, delegates will be able to gain insights and networking opportunities within a one-day programme set to shape the future of the passenger experience industry.
New management at WTCE
This year will see Shona Thomson take over as the new Event Manager of WTCE, while Polly Magraw steps up into the role of Portfolio Director – Transport at RX. Tasked with further driving the success of the show, Thomson will take the helm of WTCE, following her management of Imbibe Live, the leading UK event for the on-trade drinks industry. Magraw will continue overseeing WTCE through her expanded role at RX.
Shona Thomson, event manager of WTCE, commented: “My goal as the new Event Manager of WTCE is to continue delivering an outstanding exhibition that highlights the latest innovations in travel catering and onboard services, ensuring WTCE remains the leading industry event for the sector. I’m very excited for this new challenge and will leverage my extensive experience in the food and beverage markets to create impactful and successful events into the future.”
“The travel industry is in an exciting place with a positive outlook for the future as it looks set to reach pre-pandemic travel levels by the end of the year. Now, more than ever, we need to be on the front foot when it comes to future trends, and ensure we truly understand passenger dynamics as the number of travellers looks set to double in the next 20 years,” Thomson continued.
“At WTCE 2025, the spotlight will be on crafting experiences that will support airlines in achieving sustainability goals and providing wellbeing solutions tailored to the ever-changing needs of passengers. This event is an ideal opportunity for buyers from the airline, rail, cruise and inflight catering industries to come together and stay ahead of the curve.”
WTCE will be co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), which will see Archana Dharni (previously AIX Marketing Manager and former Event Director for WTCE) take on the role of Event Director for the show. Both events will come together to provide passenger experience professionals with the opportunity to network and explore new products, services and solutions.
For more information or to register your interest for the event, visit: https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html
