This year’s TravelXpo has made it clear: the era of the Norwegian travel fair, as we once knew it, is over. It’s about time the concept must be redefined and renewed.
The Norwegian people do travel, eat and enjoy more than ever, and the interest in travel and experiences is still very high. But access to information has never been more available, through the internet and with AI becoming an integrated part of our lives.
So, do we really need a travel market where we meet in person? Yes, we do! People still want to meet and we trust face to face-communication more than the often random information ChatGPT provides.
A strong player in the event industry
NOVA Spektrum is a heavyweight player in Norway when it comes to large events and exhibitions. Every year, they successfully host major events such as the Oslo Motor Show, the Garden Fair and Camp Villmark. Each of these attracts ten thousands of visitors, eager for a weekend full of inspiration, experiences and great deals.
A new team with a creative project manager
Now, NOVA Spektrum are focusing on TravelXpo, and have assembled a strong team, led by project manager Cecilie Svabø. She brings extensive experience from large events, media, concept development, and—most important—the travel industry, where she has worked in both the hotel- and destination-marketing intustry.
From «Norway’s largest travel fair» to «A taste of the world»
Cecilie is ready to embrace the opportunity:
«My overall goal is to redefine the concept. Of course, it will remain as a transactional arena for our exhibitors, but we also need to make it an arena of experience for our visitors. An event where the audience gets a little taste of the world. Information about travelling and destinations is great, and combined with real experiences the venue will be even better!»
«This spring, we will develop a concept that gives people a preview of the travel experience, as an experience in itself,» she explains. «So, stay tuned for exciting news and offers to come!»
TravelXpo 2026 – The date is set!
The first major change is already in place: TravelXpo will be arranged March 20–22, 2026. Research tells us that there is no practical reason to hold a travel event in January. Instead, TravelXpo will now take place alongside an existing, large target audience at the venue. That same weekend, the popular outdoor-event “Camp Villmark” is arranged in the neighboring halls of NOVA Spektrum.
Each year, nearly 25,000 visitors attend “Camp Villmark”. «I strongly believe we can benefit from the synergies between the two events,» says Svabø.
Additionally, we of course want to build our own audience for TravelXpo and we will market the event towards the many travel decision-makers in Norwegian households—primarily women aged 40 and up, who will be a perfect match for all exhibitors joining TravelXpo next year.
Hoping the Travel Industry will gather and join
«Similar events are thriving in Denmark and Finland, so why shouldn’t we succeed in Norway?» Cecilie wonders. «Now is the time to step up, gather the industry, and move forward.»
Cecilie is now evaluating past events and concepts and is eager to establish contact with key players in the Norwegian travel industry to find what matters most to them moving forward. She believes that Norway’s travel sector is generally positive about an event like TravelXpo, and that a meeting place for travel and experiences is still needed.
«We will hold on to all that have worked in past events and find new concepts and solutions for what didn’t. This can only get better,» she concludes.
So stay tuned throughout the spring and fall as the new TravelXpo will find its new shape and form!
Welcome to TravelXpo 2026.
