World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) has released the programme for its highly anticipated Taste of Travel Theatre, taking place at the Hamburg Messe from 8-10 April. The 2025 agenda, in association with Onboard Hospitality Magazine and sponsored by En Route International, promises a comprehensive look into important onboard hospitality trends from allergens and beverage trends to cabin waste management and passenger expectations.
With 2024 marking a record-breaking year for global air travel, carrying nearly 5 billion passengers1, the industry now faces the critical challenge of catering to the diverse needs of passengers. The 2025 Taste of Travel Theatre programme tackles the outstanding question marks head-on, offering a detailed look at the future of travel by focusing on accessibility for all, maximising retail opportunities onboard, and the influence of emerging markets.
On day one, Tuesday 8 April, at 13:05, the “Inclusive Travel” session explores the need for improved accessibility in air travel, highlighting that as many as 80% of passengers with disabilities experience hidden disabilities. While progress is being made, improvements are still necessary in specific areas. The discussion will explore how current systems, including complex check-ins, the digital shift, and inaccessible information, can negatively impact passengers with visible or hidden disabilities, and the changes that need to be made to address these.
Moderated by Aviation Accessibility Consultant Christopher Wood MBE, the panel, featuring Mel Berry, Chief Customer Officer at Vueling; Xavier Mascarell, Customer Accessibility Strategy Manager at British Airways; Libby Stevens, Design and Strategy Lead at PriestmanGoode; Melissa Adamski, Travel Nutrition Expert; and Steve Wickham, Global Head of Environmental, Social and Governance at Linstol; will delve into the progress being made both on the ground and in-flight to create a more inclusive travel experience for all passengers.
“Mile High Marketplace: Transforming Passengers into Shoppers” opens day two of the Taste of Travel Theatre on Wednesday 9 April at 10:30, offering a glimpse into the future of travel retail. Moderated by Maryann Simson, Director of Jetway Communications, the panel features leading figures in the travel retail space: William Kramer, Product Manager, Inflight Retail, easyJet; Vimal Kumar Rai, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Commercial Excellence Partners -Blue Skies -AI-led Inflight Customer Experience; Kai Kosicki, Founder of ExpAir and member of the Hayward Partnership; and Manuel Huebschmann, Head of Retail at Lufthansa Group. To maximise revenue potential – a crucial need for airlines -this session will explore the latest strategies and technologies for driving sales both onboard and in airports while enhancing the customer experience and effectively transforming passengers into shoppers.
Later, on Wednesday 9 April at 15:00, “Focus on Latin America” provides a deep dive into one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions. This session examines the wider context of the region’s rapid expansion, highlighting the transformative growth of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers as a market driver. Visitors can hear directly from leading industry figures about their success and visions for the future. Moderated by Lance Hayward of the Hayward Partnership, the panel features Dario Barrera Medina, Inflight Experience Director at Avianca Airlines; Paula Lafora, Director of Customer Experience at Iberia; and Ana Maria Youssef Bargieri, Senior Manager for On-board & Airport Experience at LATAM.
Located in Hall A1 at the Hamburg Messe from April 8-10, 2025, the Taste of Travel Theatre offers free-to-attend sessions produced in association with Onboard Hospitality. Curated and moderated by former editor Jo Austin, and sponsored by En Route International, the theatre provides valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in onboard catering and services. In addition to the programme of educational sessions, a series of live cooking demonstrations, and tasting opportunities will also take place.
Visit https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html for more information.
Join us at World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo
Join the industry’s main marketplace for a world of inspiration to enhance the onboard experience.
Join us from 8–10 April 2025 at Hamburg Messe.