Technology has revolutionized the way we travel, but at the heart of tourism remains the human factor – the experience, care, and personalization that only a travel agent can offer.
"Travel agents play a fundamental role in the tourism ecosystem, connecting travelers to authentic and personalized experiences," says Bianca Pizzolito, Event Leader of WTM Latin America, noting that the convergence of technology and relationships is at the heart of this year's edition. "The training of these professionals is essential, and the Agente na Estrada program reinforces that commitment, providing access to exclusive content so they can offer even more qualified service and business opportunities that strengthen the entire industry chain," she adds.
Curated by Interamerican Network, the initiative will bring 500 travel agents from across Brazil to the event, which will take place from April 14 to 16 at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo (SP). This year's edition brings new routes, exclusive training, and strategic opportunities to better prepare travel agents to serve a constantly changing market.
In addition to offering transportation and accommodation, Agente na Estrada 2025 is expanding its routes and now includes new cities such as Salto (SP), Aracajú (SE), Macapá (AP), and Juiz de Fora (MG). More rigorous criteria have also been implemented for the selection of participants, along with a greater variety in the profile segmentation of participating agencies, which promises to bring even greater impact to the sector.
Criteria and itineraries
Danielle Roman, CEO of Interamerican Network, reinforces the logistical complexity of Agente na Estrada, which offers entry and exit on different days. "This requires a dedicated operational structure and active support several months before and after the event, in synergy with the WTM Latin America team," she says. Meanwhile, she attributes this model to providing innovative experiences and knowledge to agents both during and outside the event. "We built a solid and effective agenda, and that's exactly what participants and exhibitors love," she adds.
To guarantee participation, travel agents must meet criteria such as being registered with WTM Latin America, having an active CNPJ (National Registry of Legal Entities) for more than five years, working in the issuing industry, being registered with CADASTUR, and having proven links to the market. "One of the prerequisites is that the agent indicates the three main operators with which they work," says Danielle. In addition, it is mandatory to follow the event schedule and schedule meetings with exhibitors through the event platform.
The program includes exclusive training sessions with exhibitors, participation in panels on industry trends, and opportunities to strengthen ties with operators, destinations, and suppliers, in addition to valuable networking. “Customers who visit travel agencies are increasingly clear about what they want, spending months researching where to go, what to do, and where to stay, both online, on social media, and through influencers, but they don't know how to plan their trip alone,” emphasizes the CEO of Interamerican. “This dynamic requires travel agents to have a larger and more diverse repertoire of experiences to share, and participating in WTM Latin America not only provides this knowledge but also strengthens relationships between agents, destinations, operators, and suppliers in general,” she concludes.
There will be 321 land caravans divided into nine itineraries that will pass through 34 cities in the interior and coast of São Paulo, as well as Greater São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, in addition to 179 air caravans segmented into 24 itineraries that will connect professionals from major capitals and strategic cities. "The program is consolidating itself as one of the most important training and relationship initiatives for travel agents in Latin America," Bianca celebrates.
Applications for the program are open until March 21, or until all vacancies are filled.
Source: WTM Latin America.