Dates: October 20-21, 2026
The Come Find Your Virginia Global Travel Forum (GTF) connects Virginia suppliers with international tour operators, trade media, and U.S.-based inbound operators for direct 1:1 business discussion. Featuring scheduled appointments, specialty training, industry presentations and networking events, the GTF provides Virginia partners with a cost-effective opportunity to expand their international business without the need to travel abroad.
The Receptive Operator Training – available separately as outlined below – is included in the two-day Global Travel Forum.
Forum Overview
The Global Travel Forum combines professional development, networking, market intelligence, and business appointments into two days designed to help Virginia tourism partners grow international visitation and travel trade relationships.
Tuesday, October 20
Daytime program 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. includes:
- Receptive Operator Training – Steps to Success with IITA
- Lunch
- Receptive Operator Panel Discussion
- International market updates from Virginia’s in-country representatives
- Industry guest speaker(s)
An evening welcome reception offering networking opportunities between international tour operators, trade media, receptive operators, and Virginia suppliers will take place 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21
Daytime program 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. includes:
- Breakfast
- Industry speaker
- 1:1 business appointments between Virginia suppliers and international tour operators, trade media and receptive operators
- Lunch
- 1:1 business appointments continued
- Closing networking reception
Receptive Operator Training
Pricing for Receptive Operator Training Day Only: $700 per participant
The Receptive Operator Training is designed for Virginia destinations, attractions, hotels, and tourism partners looking to grow their international business and better understandthe travel trade distribution system. Led by the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) and Alon Tourism Solutions, the program provides practical insights into working with inbound tour operators, developing trade-ready tourism products, and building successful relationships that help drive international visitation. Participants will also hear directly from industry professionals during an interactive receptive operator panel discussion.
Receptive operators serve as a destination’s connection to international markets, helping package and promote tourism experiences to overseas buyers and consumers. Through this training, attendees will learn how to effectively engage with the travel trade, reach new global audiences, extend shoulder-season visitation, and expand distribution opportunities without maintaining an overseas presence. Participants who complete the program and required travel trade-ready materials may also be eligible to earn IITA’s Stamp of Approval and recognition as an Inbound Insider Specialist.
Who Should Attend?
The Global Travel Forum and Receptive Operator Training are valuable for:
- Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs)
- Attractions and cultural sites
- Hotels and resorts
- Tourism organizations and industry partners
Whether you are new to international tourism or looking to expand existing travel trade relationships, the Forum provides opportunities to gain knowledge, make connections, and grow your international business.
Registration & Questions
Registration for the Global Travel Forum is $3,000 per participant or $5,000 for two partners sharing a table for the 1:1 meetings. To register or learn more about participation opportunities, registration or pricing please contact Heidi Johannesen at hjohannesen@virginia.org or Christi Braginton at cbraginton@virginia.org.
Host Hotel
The Archer Hotel Tysons serves as the official host hotel for the 2026 Global Travel Forum.
Only For Virginia Suppliers: Virginia Global Travel Forum | Archer Hotel Tysons
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Book Your Special Rate”
- Go to Calendar and Click on Arrival and Departure Dates
- Then click Search
- Reservations can also be made via phone at 855-240-8252.
Please note that the hotel booking link is intended for Virginia suppliers participating in the Global Travel Forum and/or Receptive Operator Training.