As I write this column, 53.4 million people are packing their bags for Thanksgiving holiday travels. That is a 13% increase from 2020, with 90% (48.1 million) taking to the roads, according to AAA. This represents the biggest year-over-year bounce in Thanksgiving travel since 2005. As for air travel, AAA notes that it has almost completely recovered from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, up 80% over last year.

The world is in recovery mode and travel is rebounding — though both with caution. There is a renewed hope and sense of purpose among travelers, with a majority of American travelers dreaming about travel and ready to make those dreams a reality, and nearly half, as Destination Analysts discovered in a recent survey, expressing an openness to exploring domestic travel — although they will continue to travel internationally as well, and more frequently.

Travel looks different than in pre-pandemic times, too, with more emphasis being placed on family/friend connections and with priorities shifting to reflect travelers’ desire to travel more sustainably and with a deeper environmental consciousness and greater focus on outdoor activities.

What does this new and emerging travel landscape mean for the travel goods industry? New, different and yet-to-be-discovered opportunities.

With this in mind, The 2022 Travel Goods Show, taking place February 27-March 1 in North Hall 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), has partnered with ASD Market Week, happening concurrently in North Hall 2-4 and the new West Hall.

When you register for The 2022 Travel Goods Show you will also receive complimentary access to ASD Market Week — and new opportunities, outlets and buyers.

The travel goods industry has had much to overcome and some issues, like the supply chain crisis and the inability of Congress to accomplish anything on its behalf, remain. But this just means one thing: The entire travel goods industry needs the support of its manufacturers and buyers now more than ever. We know we are better together.

So sign-up to exhibit. Register to attend. Let the industry know you’re with us.

Be assured we will be taking the proper safety measures to protect all participants at The Show since the success of our Show depends on the wellbeing of all who attend. To that end, you should know that LVCC was the first convention center in the country to pursue and be awarded the prestigious GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) STAR Service Accreditation.

This accreditation establishes gold standards of cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention protocols that meet or exceed the industry’s highest standards of cleanliness for pathogens like the coronavirus. We want everyone to feel a sense of comfort knowing we will be taking all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful Show for everyone.

There’s no denying the pandemic fueled many changes and challenges to the travel goods industry — but this means new and different opportunities for all of us. Attending The 2022 Show is the best way to reconnect with the industry and strengthen and build existing and new relationships. It is the one time all year where we can gather together as one industry with a common goal: to find success in this ever-growing, ever-changing industry.

Let’s be there together to build the momentum as we move our industry forward.