Insight sessions

A full programme of insight sessions, live meetings, panel discussions, on-demand presentations and reports will be available to you throughout the month. These sessions are curated to upskill you and your organisation, regardless where you are in your North America business development plan.

 Date  Insight Session
 March 01st 2026  Showcase Outbound North America Launch  
 March 09th 2026  How Europe can compete for the North American market
 March 12th 2026  The function of Travel Advisors in the North America market
 March 17th 2026  Focus on the US traveller
 March 20th 2026  Focus on the Canadian traveller
 March 25th 2026  Focus on the Mexican traveller
 March 27th 2026  The End of Easy Growth? US Outbound Travel Explored
 March 31st 2026  Closing Session

Has a specific session caught your interest? Most of the sessions are sponsorable.

* The Insight Session programme is subject to change 

March 1st 2026

Showcase Outbound North America Launch

This opening session kicks-off the month, as our resident tourism statistics expert, David Edwards, will present an introduction to data and trends in the North American outbound market. It summarises the scale, diversity and dynamics of the North American outbound market and why it matters for European destinations and suppliers. 

During this session, we will also introduce the format of the month-long event; providing tips and ideas on how to make the most of it and introduce our partners. 

You’ll learn how to: 

  • Book ad-hoc meetings 
  • Book appointments for the online B2B workshop 
  • Contact other attendees 
  • Prepare a downloadable contact book 
  • Attend live sessions 
  • Access on-demand recordings 

March 9th 2026

How Europe Can Compete for the North American Market

Building on the market overview, this session explores Europe’s competitive position in the North American outbound landscape. Experts will analyse how Europe compares with rival regions on price, accessibility, seasonality, sustainability and perceived value.  

Discussion will focus on what motivates North American travellers to choose Europe today, from cultural depth and lifestyle experiences to safety, ease of travel and costs. Attendees will learn how destinations and suppliers can sharpen their value proposition, align products with North American expectations, and communicate more effectively through trade and consumer channels. This session sets up the importance of intermediaries, leading directly into a deeper examination of the travel advisor ecosystem. 

March 12th 2026

The Function of Travel Advisors in the North American Market

Travel advisors play a pivotal role in influencing, shaping and selling European travel across North America. Our panel will explain how advisors operate in the US, Canada and Mexico, including business models, host agencies, consortia and specialisation trends. The discussion will highlight how advisors add value through itinerary design, destination expertise, risk management and personalised service, particularly for long-haul European travel.  

Attendees will gain insight into what advisors expect from European partners, including training, content, pricing clarity and responsiveness. Practical guidance will be shared on how destinations and suppliers can build productive, long-term relationships with the advisor community.

March 17th 2026

Focus on the US Traveller

This session dives into the largest and most influential outbound market in North America: the United States. Building on the advisor framework, panellists will profile key US traveller segments, including luxury, experiential, multi-generational and first-time Europe travellers. Discussion will explore booking behaviour, lead times, budget sensitivity, preferred destinations and the growing importance of niche experiences. Experts will also examine regional differences within the US and how they affect air access and product fit.  

Attendees will gain actionable insights into messaging, distribution and product adaptation that resonate with US consumers and advisors alike.

  • Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder and CEO, Arival

March 20th 2026

Focus on the Canadian Traveller

This session turns attention to the Canadian outbound traveller, highlighting both similarities and important distinctions from the US market. Panellists will explore Canadian travel motivations, booking patterns, seasonality and budget considerations. The discussion will address how currency fluctuations, economic outlooks, air connectivity and travel culture shape Canadian demand for Europe.  

Attendees will learn what influences consumer trust, and which European experiences perform best. Practical advice will be shared on tailoring messaging, partnerships and pricing strategies specifically for Canada. By comparing insights from the US and Canadian sessions, participants will better understand how to avoid a “one-size-fits-all” North America strategy. 

  • Brett Walker, General Manager, Colette Canada and CATO Chair

March 25th 2026

Focus on the Mexican Traveller

Mexico is a fast-growing and often underexplored outbound market to Europe. Building on our two previous market comparisons, panellists will outline the profile of the Mexican traveller, including socio-economic segments, travel motivations and preferred European destinations.  

Discussion will cover the importance of visa access, air connectivity, language considerations and cultural alignment. Experts will also explain the structure of the Mexican travel trade, highlighting the role of agencies, tour operators and emerging digital platforms. Attendees will gain practical guidance on building trust, adapting communication styles and developing products that appeal to Mexican travellers.  

March 27th 2026

The End of Easy Growth? US Outbound Travel Explored

This final session of the Showcase takes a wide-ranging look at the US outbound travel market at a time of economic and geo-political uncertainty, demographic change and shifting traveller priorities.

Framed in a global context, we will examine the true scale of US outbound travel, how it compares with other major source markets, and why it remains strategically important despite recent volatility. The discussion will explore what drives destination choice for US travellers today — from value and exchange rates to connectivity, perceptions of safety and cultural appeal. We will also consider how Europe is currently perceived by US consumers, and how broader economic forces — including US consumer sentiment, inflationary pressures and currency movements — are shaping travel intent. Changing US demographics, from generational shifts to evolving travel behaviours, will be examined to understand where future demand may come from.

Looking ahead, the session will assess the potential impact of major 2026 milestones, including the FIFA World Cup and the USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations, as well as the risks facing both inbound travel from the US and outbound travel from Europe to the US.

  • David Edwards, Tourism Insight Expert, ETOA

March 31st 2026

Closing Session

Wrapping up the inaugural Showcase: North America Outbound, we will bring together learning and output from our insight sessions, B2B workshops and meetings. During this live session, we will open the floor to live commentary, questions and suggestions. 

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