Travel Weekly Group, a market-leading UK-based media company, has launched a portfolio of events titled 'Connections' to facilitate direct business relationships in the global travel industry.

Connections is a series of exclusive invitation-only events for different travel sectors to be held in luxury hotels around the world, said a statement.

The first event, Connections Luxury, will take place on September 29 and 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire in the UK and will connect 60 leading top-end suppliers and buyers for two days of networking and informal business meetings.

A Connection series will then be held in 2015, with a UK event being held in addition to others focusing on luxury and wellness experiences in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, the statement said.

Connections is spearheaded by former World Travel Market head of marketing and communications Micaela Giacobbe-Juarez in her new role as director of commercial events at Travel Weekly Group, supported by Connections head of sales Mark Rice.

Giacobbe-Juarez said: “Connections is designed to bring together exclusive groups of travel leaders from around the world for all-inclusive events that include targeted one-to-one meetings, precious networking time, and enlightening experiences and talks.

“Connections will connect global decision-makers through memorable experiences that lead to lasting business relationships.”

Stuart Parish, managing director of Travel Weekly Group, said: “So many trade shows and events lack focus and offer mixed results. I am a firm believer in the power of personal relationships in business, and Connections offers a focused and fruitful platform to facilitate business for the global travel industry's most senior travel suppliers and buyers." - TradeArabia News Service