The next edition of HEM, the workshop organized by the European Tour Operator Association, will come to Florence. Held at the city’s new opera house, Europe’s hotel chains and independent hotels will meet contractors from all over the world on February 20, 2017.
On the European Tour Operator Association website, executive director of ETOA Tom Jenkins commented, “It’s excellent news that our workshop centred on hospitality will be held in Florence. The operators that we represent manage tens of millions of stays. HEM attracts buyers from all over the world and especially companies that specialize in the Asian and American markets. This is undoubtedly an opportunity for Italy and Florence in particular.”
HEM is a B2B workshop dedicated exclusively to the hospitality sector where wholesalers, tour operators and online agencies meet hotels from all over Europe, from global brands to independent hotels. More than 200 participants agree a list of 30 events in order to make new contacts or consolidate existing business relationships.
Director of Firenze Convention & Visitors Bureau Carlotta Ferrari explained, “Florence is enthusiastic about hosting the workshop and we have been able to coordinate successfully the interest of many local operators. HEM is the first important step in launching a new project aimed at promoting the city.
Previous editions have seen participation by hotel chains such as Accor, Best Western, Carlson Rezidor, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham, while buyers have included Cox and Kings, Globus, Hostelbookers.com, Kuoni, Miki Travel and Shearings Holidays.
This is the first time HEM has come to Italy in 21 years, following previous editions in London, Berlin, Brussels and Paris.