5 things we learned at IPW on June 2

Attendance at this year’s IPW tourism marketplace is 6,000 strong, so needless to say, there’s a lot to learn on the trade show floor.

Here are a few highlights of the information PAX took away on Day 2:

1. Improvements at DFW

DFW International Airport has unveiled 30 Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks, which are significantly reducing wait times for U.S. and Canadian citizens who arrive at DFW from international travels. The system is alleviating lines by allowing travellers to enter their own passport information on touch-screens and register their return to the country electronically.

2. New face for families in NYC

As NYC & Company continues to focus efforts on developing the family market, its Official NYC Family Ambassador program, launched in 2009, remains an important element. The tourism office revealed that Dora the Explorer is its newest Family Ambassador. Previous family ambassadors include Curious George, Where's Waldo, the Muppets, The Smurfs, and Sesame Street (nycgo.com/family).

3. Disney dreaming

Spaces throughout the Disney Dream are scheduled to be transformed this fall, including the addition of two new interactive youth areas, one themed to Star Wars and another to Disney Infinity. Also a shop serving handmade gelato and the ever-popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will debut after the Disney Dream undergoes dry dock Oct. 4-24, 2015, in Freeport, Bahamas.

4. Las Vegas means business

The Entertainment Capital of the World is investing $9 billion into new projects such as: the Las Vegas Arena, set to open in 2016; Resorts World Las Vegas, an Asian-themed hotel and entertainment project; and The Las Vegas Global Business District, an enhancement to the city’s convention business with an additional 750,000 square feet at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

5. Looking ahead

The U.S. Travel Association announced four future host cities for its annual IPW trade show, locking in locations through 2024. Future host cities are: Chicago, Illinois—2021; Orlando, Florida—2022; San Antonio, Texas—2023; and Los Angeles, California—2024. As previously announced, New Orleans, La. will be the host city for IPW in 2016, followed by Washington, D.C. in 2017; Denver, Colo. in 2018; Anaheim, Calif. in 2019; and Las Vegas, Nev. in 2020.