WINE & SPIRIT TOURISM
INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

This is a great initiative that will allow the players in the world's great wines, champagnes and spirits to come and make their best proposal, which will certainly increase awareness of the high quality of their products.

98% of cognac is exported to all consumer markets for spirits. A favorite among discerning connoisseurs, it must meet the growing demand for visibility and understanding of its know-how. Hence the growth of Spiritourism in the region. If historically we have spread our Cognac all over the world, today it is now a question of being able to bring the whole world to Cognac. That's why we support WST and are confident that this show will foster the union between the appreciation of the world's wines and spirits, and tourism.

Spirits tourism has grown significantly in recent years, and is predicted to increase sharply again in the future. It’s a unique way to discover and taste the incredible diversity of spirit-making across Europe. This first dedicated international fair is a pioneering initiative to bring relevant actors and professionals together and discuss how to develop and shape spirits tourism further in the years to come.

As president of the French Federation of Spirits, I do support the new initiative of the WST. Spiritourism is one of the missions of the Federation which allows to highlight the cultural and gastronomic heritage of our different regions of France, in particular through visits to sites where renowned spirits are being produced. WST is a new event that allows to identify several opportunities to develop the Tourism of our Know-How combining distilleries, vineyards and tourism discoveries in each of our French regions, including overseas.

As Mayor of Reims and Vice President of the Grand Est Region in charge of attractiveness, culture, and tourism, I am delighted that our city and region have been chosen to host the world's first trade fair dedicated to tourism on the theme of wines and spirits. Reims, the City of Champagne, is at the heart of one of the leading wine and tourism regions in France. It boasts outstanding assets and quality and prestigious infrastructures to bring together the main players from the world's major wine and spirits producing regions and to promote all the wine tourism potential of our region and its development. I wish the WST every success.

In the world of wines and spirits, we have seen two global trends emerge: firstly, a growing interest among consumers for quality wines and spirits, and secondly, tourism more focused on the knowledge of wines and spirits linked to place with a sense of provenance guaranteeing the authenticity of exceptional products offered to consumers and tourists. These two global trends have already been demonstrated in many parts of the world, but also where Lambay Irish Whiskey operates in Ireland with a significant 54% leap in tourism between 2015 and 2019 to Irish distilleries. Therefore, Lambay Irish Whiskey is convinced of the relevance and opportunities offered by WST as a truly distinctive show, bringing together both the tourism and wine and spirits worlds and at the same time meeting expectations today that are just waiting to be fulfilled.

As the best sommelier in the world (1992), I think the idea of ​​a fair dedicated to wine tourism and spirits is great. Not only do I support this project, which is fortunate to be organized in France, and I am delighted with the diversity of international exhibitors who will promote wine and terroirs of the world.

As a Catalan winegrower, I immediately found the idea of ​​a tourism fair dedicated to wines and spirits wonderful! As wine tourism is very developed in Spain, the WST plans to offer good visibility to all the vineyards of the country offering a tourist activity.

Our family farming company, where we produce Barolo and Barbera, will participate in the WST. We are sure that we will find there the best interlocutors for our activities

Founded in 1822, NICOLAS is a tremendous benchmark for new trends in both production and consumption. When I heard about the creation of the WST, I applauded with both hands! I support this project which serves a global purpose.

As a Michelin-starred chef, I support the WST project, which will provide a perfect route for the world of tourism, wine and spirits.

In my opinion, it is essential for a winery to propose a wine tourism service nowadays. We have the perfect example here at the Domaine La Rouillère. Being so close to Saint Tropez, a world-famous tourist town, I wanted to offer visitors a real immersion in the heart of the vineyards for an unforgettable experience. A few lucky people will even have access to my private museum of vintage cars. However, it isn't always easy to promote this offer on a global scale, which is why WST is a true springboard for all wine and spirits producers in the world. We immediately wanted to participate in this first edition!

I immediately agreed to the promise of WST because bringing together players from the tourism and wine industries from the four corners of the world seems a wonderful experience to me. A novel world concept which, I am sure, will make it easier to promote this profession, which has always fascinated me and for which tourism serves as a lever for its promotion and development. Two aspects that can't be ignored! Visitors, especially tour operators, travel agents and event agencies, will be able to access the world's wine tourism offer: from Tuscany to Rioja and Napa Valley, not forgetting spirits such as Scottish whiskies, not to mention Japanese sakes.

I welcome the news of the organization of a wine and spirits tourism fair in Reims with great pleasure and enthusiasm. It is a very good idea! As a hotel and restaurant owner, I am delighted that our soils are being promoted through this offer so rich in inspiring experiences for our customers.

The WST adventure is a real opportunity for winemakers from all over the world. They will present their wine tourism services to the major players in international tourism over the course of three business days. This project gives true visibility to the Wine & Spirits industry and anticipates a strong recovery for tourism by 2023. Finally, an unmissable event in which I immediately decided to participate!

Just like the Mondial du Chocolat which has been organized in more than 17 countries for 25 years, I find that the WST is a magnificent project. I am certain that it will shine by becoming the leading international fair on the theme of wine and spirit tourism.