# TFest Chapter VII: Aura — full briefing

> TFest is a luxury and wellness travel festival by Private Luxury Events (PLE) that brings the world’s most influential luxury travel buyers together with exhibitors from top destinations, hotels and travel brands, with a special focus on the Americas market. TFest Chapter VII: Aura takes place 25-28 October 2026 at Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.

## The event

- Name: TFest Chapter VII: Aura
- Dates: 25-28 October 2026
- Venue: Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico (host partner: Fairmont Mayakoba)
- Organiser: TFest, part of Private Luxury Events (Worldwide Events Group Ltd, London)
- Register: https://www2.wwideevents.com/attend-tfest

TFest 2026 is entering a new chapter - one created specifically for the Americas buyer market. This is where the industry’s most forward-thinking luxury travel professionals come together to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Meet with high-calibre buyers from North, Central, and South America, discover new business opportunities, and showcase your brand to the people shaping the future of luxury travel.

With extended meeting slots, more one-to-one connections, and a wellness-led environment that inspires meaningful conversations, TFest 2026 gives you the space and time to build the partnerships that truly matter.

## Format

### Mornings of connection

Days begin with refreshing wellness sessions followed by up to 45 personalised, one-to-one meetings with the highest quality people in luxury travel, including leading buyers from the Americas. You choose who you want to meet, which means that each connection brings you value.

### Afternoons of discovery

In the afternoons, you have the choice to join different 'Pathways' or head to the Festival on the Beach and Power Hour, where a host of networking activities await. From wellbeing to adventure, Mayan culture and history to creativity and nature, each Pathway brings you opportunities to connect, and be informed and inspired.

### A fiesta every night

Festival evenings give you a chance to let loose, immerse yourself in the destination, and get closer to other attendees with music, colourful themes, and lively entertainment. Not to be missed!

## Programme and times

Arrivals on Sunday 25 October; pre-scheduled meetings on the mornings of 26, 27 and 28 October; departures on the afternoon of Wednesday 28 October. For the confirmed hour-by-hour programme, Pathways and evening dress codes, see the attendee guidebook: https://guidebook.travel-fest.com/ (plain text: https://guidebook.travel-fest.com/llms-full.txt).

## In numbers

- 3 unmissable days
- 45 one-to-one meetings
- 15,000 connections

## Who attends

### Our buyers

The best private travel designers, travel planners, and elite concierge & lifestyle management companies the industry has to offer, with a prominent representation of top buyers from the Americas.
45% - North America; 20% - South America; 20% - Europe; 15% - Central America
We’re asking all our buyers to commit to attending Chapter VII by paying a (non-refundable) participation fee of GBP 300.

### Our exhibitors

A truly global representation of top destinations, 5-star hotels, off-the-beaten-path boutique properties, private jets, and transformational travel DMCs.
35% - Europe; 40% - North America; 15% - South America; 5% - Middle East & Africa; 5% - Asia Pacific

## The destination

Mayakoba, Mexico is connected to nature in a way that will ignite your spirit – and it’s the home of TFest Chapter VII.

Carved out of the Mayan jungle, the ‘Village Over Water’ is 500+ acres of wild tropical beauty, with resorts built to preserve the native landscape.

Our host partner, Fairmont Mayakoba, is a leader amongst eco-friendly hotels, and the Fairmont brand has been recognised for having one of the most environmentally-friendly programmes in the North American hotel industry.

In 2026, Mayakoba will once again be the backdrop for luxury travel’s most innovative show. Prepare to experience TFest in a true natural paradise.

## Partners

- Headline partner: Fairmont Mayakoba
- Event partners: Alila Mayakoba; Banyan Tree Mayakoba; Dantia; Maritur DMC México; Rosewood Mayakoba; The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya; Grand Velas Riviera Maya; The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
- Supporting partners: XO Private; Etéreo, Auberge Collection

## Exhibiting

### The Classic

Our standard exhibition space for brands to host their pre-scheduled meetings.

- 43 pre-selected meetings matched by AI technology to ensure quality connections
- Selection of Pathway experiences
- Opportunity to make additional connections at our Power Hour sessions
- Three exceptional evenings
- All F&B throughout the event
- Badge scanning through the Wyred app so you never miss a connection

### Showcase Studio

An immersive, branded booth ideal for brands seeking a unique and customisable space to showcase their offerings.

- Two delegate badges
- 43 pre-scheduled appointments
- Dedicated 5sqm private studio with branded wall
- Comfortable seating, table, and décor
- TV screen to display video or imagery
- Three networking lunches
- Three iconic evenings
- Access to the Wyred App
- Dedicated account manager
- Platinum access and benefits including first access to meeting preferences and a post-event meetings report

## Partnership opportunities

### Maximise your event presence

Be part of the programme. Sponsor or host one of our glamorous evenings or inspiring Pathway experiences and receive:

- Enhanced onsite brand visibility
- Inclusion in all key delegate communications
- Your logo featured in social media and video content
- Prominent visibility as a sponsor or partner in our Wyred event app

### Stand out from the crowd

Host a unique activation. Host a private dining experience and invite buyers of your choice, or work with our team to create a memorable activation or immersive experience and receive:

- Direct access to delegates
- Enhanced visibility in high-traffic areas
- Sampling opportunities or branded giveaways
- Your brand story showcased your way

### Make a digital impact

Capture attention – and data – in real time. Sponsor the Wyred app for at-event exposure, and elevate your presence with personalised holographic stands or branded LED video walls and receive:

- Enhanced brand visibility throughout the event
- Memorable experiential marketing
- Dynamic messaging opportunities
- Data capture potential using QR codes

### TFest in numbers

- 300: Global luxury travel buyers
- 280: Worldwide exhibitors
- 20K: Connections made at TFest
- 14K+: Followers on our social channels
- 217.4K+: Social impressions per year
- £2.5M: Average annual value of one luxury travel buyer

## About TFest

TFest is the event of the year where the most influential players in luxury travel gather together. This is where they meet and make the genuine connections that shape the future of our industry.

The community is ever-growing, made up of pioneers of travel trends, mavericks, knowledge hackers, and creators who boldly challenge the old to usher in the new.

TFest was born out of a mission to create a more connected world, where genuine and lasting relationships are made in a truly joyful environment.

TFest has been built on a foundation of values that is imbedded in all our actions. We push boundaries, challenge the norm, and consciously connect who we are with what we do.

TFest is a bold event concept that waves goodbye to the traditional trade show. It began with a simple question: Why haven’t tradeshows evolved? And from there, we began to question everything, from the impersonality of it to the exhaustion and everything in between. Instead, we wanted to maximise joy, connections, and choice. Enter, a new, vibrant format.

## Past chapters

- [TFest Chapter VI: Radiance](https://www.travel-fest.com/festival-chapter-vi): 26–29 October 2025 at Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.
- [TFest Chapter V: Ascend](https://www.travel-fest.com/festival-chapter-v): 27–30 October 2024 at Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.
- [TFest Chapter IV: Voyage](https://www.travel-fest.com/festival-chapter-4): 7–10 May 2023 at Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.
- Chapter I: Gathering: We united the luxury travel industry for the first Chapter of TFest, a show unlike any other, using technology to create better connections and a unique, personalised format.
- Chapter II: Rising: TFest Chapter II retook the industry by storm; a celebration of the industry’s power to rise and a reflection of the bright future we are reaching for.
- Chapter III: Calling: TFest Chapter III was a time of transformation. We united with a common goal, to change ourselves, our community, and our world for the better.

## Stories

- [Winter sun boosts luxury travel to Central America and the Caribbean](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/winter-sun-promise-boosts-luxury-travel-to-central-america-and-the-caribbean) (Trends)
- [Thierry Cassagnaud: Tomorrow's memories are being designed today](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/thierry-cassagnaud-tomorrows-memories-are-being-designed-today-2) (Interview)
- [Tracy Neureuther: Luxury properties must get personal to succeed](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/tracy-neureuther-luxury-properties-must-get-personal-to-succeed-interview) (Interview)
- [Travel and hospitality - a community of caring](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/travel-and-hospitality-a-community-of-caring)
- [Shekhar Sharma: New Indian luxury travellers reshaping Asian trends](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/shekhar-sharma-new-indian-luxury-travellers-reshaping-asian-trends) (Trends)
- [The world’s first AI-powered luxury travel festival heads to Dubai](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/the-worlds-first-ai-powered-luxury-travel-festival-heads-to-the-most-innovative-city-on-earth) (Press)
- [The future of trade events is human-to-human (H2H)](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/the-future-of-trade-events-h2h) (Message from our CEO)
- [Stephanie Berwick: South America offers epic experiences and diversity](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/stephanie-berwick-south-america-offers-epic-experiences-and-diversity) (Interview)
- [Share Your Story - Secrets of India](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/share-your-story-secrets-of-india) (Trends)
- [Share Your Story - Oriana.Berlin](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/share-your-story-oriana-berlin) (Feature)
- [Sevasti Kaichis: Asia excels in wellness and cultural experiences](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/sevasti-kaichis-asia-excels-in-wellness-and-cultural-experiences) (Trends)
- [Share Your Story - Adriana Cambio](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/share-your-story-adriana-cambio)
- [Sanjay Arya: Moments that money can't buy](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/sanjay-arya-moments-that-money-cant-buy-2) (Interview)
- [Share Your Story - 'Courage' auction](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/share-your-story-courage-auction) (Trends)
- [Share Your Story - Hummingbird Travel](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/share-your-story-hummingbird-travel) (Feature)
- [Share Your Story - Aspire Lifestyles](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/share-your-story-aspire-lifestyles) (Trends)
- [Morgan Diolot: Adventure-seekers fuel Asian luxury growth](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/morgan-diolot-adventurous-luxury-travellers-fuelling-asian-growth) (Trends)
- [Morgan Diolot: Luxury without the palace feel](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/morgan-diolot-luxury-without-the-palace-feel-2) (Interview)
- [Paula Alves: We set out to make travel dreams come true](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/paula-alves-we-set-out-to-make-travel-dreams-come-true-2) (Interview)
- [Rob Harper: Central America offers new horizons for every traveller type](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/rob-harper-central-america-offers-new-horizons-for-every-traveller-type) (Interview)
- [Panos Spiropoulos: Creating future memories](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/panos-spiropoulos-creating-future-memories-2) (Interview)
- [Mindy Roberts: Remote, wild and iconic destinations](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/mindy-roberts-remote-wild-and-iconic-destinations-2) (Interview)
- [Melida Weber: A bespoke experience](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/melida-weber-a-bespoke-experience-copy) (Interview)
- [Manoel Calmon: Working the old-fashioned way](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/manoel-calmon-working-the-old-fashioned-way-copy-2) (Interview)
- [Lynne Chomicz: Embracing something different](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/lynne-chomicz-embracing-something-different-2) (Interview)
- [Lee Barker: A rise in multi-generational travel](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/lee-barker-a-rise-in-multi-generational-travel) (Interview)
- [David Tanguay: Luxury at the edges of the world](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/luxury-at-the-edges-of-the-world) (Trends)
- [Laura Kirton: Seeking out “wow” moments](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/laura-kirton-seeking-out-wow-moments-copy) (Interview)
- [Kusmaya Sari Dewi: Comfort, convenience and excitement](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/kusmaya-sari-dewi-comfort-convenience-and-excitement-2) (Interview)
- [Kristen Moore: The Caribbean is so much more than beaches](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/kristen-moore-the-caribbean-is-so-much-more-than-beaches) (Interview)
- [Justin Huxter: Africa’s luxury hidden gems](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/justin-huxter-africas-luxury-hidden-gems) (Interview)
- [Karin Seelow: Bucket-list destinations are timeless, but experiences are unique](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/karin-seelow-bucket-list-destinations-are-timeless-but-experiences-are-unique) (Interview)
- [Jeff Sirota: Making travel dreams come true](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/jeff-sirota-making-travel-dreams-come-true-2) (Interview)
- [Ingram Casey: Exploring Africa in new ways](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/ingram-casey-exploring-africa-in-new-ways-2) (Interview)
- [Gemma Antrobus: People bring people](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/gemma-antrobus-people-bring-people-2) (Interview)
- [Ingram Casey: African luxury is all about the adventure](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/ingram-casey-african-luxury-is-all-about-the-adventure) (Interview)
- [Gulcan Imal: Luxury is a form of art](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/gulcan-imal-luxury-is-a-form-of-art) (Interview)
- [Hatsanai Chaisri: Thailand: a land of diversity](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/hatsanai-chaisri-thailand-a-land-of-diversity) (Interview)
- [Giovanni De Blasio: Sustainability, artisanship and authenticity](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/giovanni-de-blasio-sustainability-artisanship-and-authenticity) (Interview)
- [Goodbye trade show, hello TFest!](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/goodbye-trade-show-hello-tfest) (Press)
- [Gabriela Markova: Vacations with an adventurous streak](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/gabriela-markova-vacations-with-an-adventurous-streak-2) (Interview)
- [Bruce Simpson: A rawer experience in Africa](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/bruce-simpson-a-rawer-experience-in-africa-copy) (Interview)
- [Emma Barnett: Adventurous family escapes](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/emma-barnett-adventurous-family-escapes-copy) (Interview)
- [Craig Nattress: Unique and enriching experiences](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/craig-nattress-unique-and-enriching-experiences-2) (Interview)
- [Can AI make trade shows more personal?](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/can-ai-make-trade-shows-more-personal) (Press)
- [Coral Brooks: Authentic and wild adventures](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/coral-brooks-authentic-and-wild-adventures-2) (Interview)
- [Beat Bopp: Every trip is unique](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/beat-bopp-every-trip-is-unique) (Interview)
- [Arun Bablani: Sustainable weddings are here to stay](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/arun-bablani-sustainable-weddings-are-here-to-stay-2) (Interview)
- [Asia is booming as luxury travellers seek culture, wellness and exclusivity](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/asia-is-booming-as-luxury-travellers-seek-culture-wellness-and-exclusivity) (Trends)
- [Argentina, Peru and Colombia lead luxury travel boom in South America](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/argentina-peru-and-colombia-lead-luxury-travel-boom-in-south-america) (Trends)
- [Alpis Flores: The changing needs of travellers](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/alpis-flores-the-changing-needs-of-travellers-2) (Interview)
- [Ahmed Soliman: Facilitating memorable experiences](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/ahmed-soliman-facilitating-memorable-experiences) (Interview)
- [Anita Powell: Priceless, once-in-a-lifetime experiences](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/anita-powell-priceless-once-in-a-lifetime-experiences-copy) (Interview)
- [Africa is rising as luxury travellers demand more than safaris](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/africa-is-on-the-rise-but-luxury-travellers-want-more-than-safaris) (Trends)
- [Ankur Khanna: Asia has too many hidden gems to count](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/ankur-khanna-luxury-travel-to-asia-just-keeps-growing) (Trends)
- [Amanda Syrowatka: Off-the-beaten-path experiences](https://www.travel-fest.com/stories/amanda-syrowatka-off-the-beaten-path-experiences) (Interview)

## Contact

- [Register to attend](https://www2.wwideevents.com/attend-tfest)
- Email: hello@travel-fest.com
- Phone: +44 20 7380 8584
- Partnerships: partnerships@privateluxuryevents.com
- [Parent company: Private Luxury Events](https://privateluxuryevents.com/)
- https://www.instagram.com/tfest_event/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/tfest/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8uZRG6eR0M&list=PLZFdr0nXqUi-t2Pl39NI2AEgvh56XRmhK
- https://www.facebook.com/Tfestevent/