“After 20+ years in the travel industry, I’ve never been to a more well-organized, put-together, productive and positive conference in my career. I am moved by the effort that went into this massive production.”

Lauren A.Koenig
CELITECH

“It’s crucial to keep up with emerging industry trends – especially nowadays – and WYSTC provides a platform to learn from experts and discuss best practices.”

Casey Slamin
Senior Vice President of Programs
InterExchange

World Youth and Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“Better than many others. Well organised, attended and great return on investment.”

Kerry Sullivan
tourhub

“Thanks for a great week! It was a fantastic conference.”

Ashley McGough
Intrepid Travel

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org
“I believe the conference is very important for us as an agency to better understand what is going on in the rest of the world, the trends and what young people are doing. Also we find it very useful to strengthen the links with our existing program providers, find new ones and learn about what other colleagues are doing. The world is in constant change and is challenging us to adapt to new circumstances and provide meaningful and unforgettable experiences to our clients.”

Veronica Ferreyra
InterLatina Cultural Exchange

“This is where the youth travel industry meets.”

Enrique León
Managing Director
Aston Herencia

“WYSTC never fails to impress: the quality of the buyers, opportunities for networking and great atmosphere make for three very worthwhile days.”

Amit Sondhi
Founder & Managing Director
AASHA

“I very much look forward to attending WYSTC for the first time! I most look forward to connecting with potential new partners and re-connecting with existing partners. I am also excited to hear about new developments in our industry and get inspired to make improvements to our organisation and way of working.”

Nina Slupphaug
Educatius Group

“I had a great time at the conference – I can’t wait to see what partnerships come out of it.”

Claire Sturzaker
Influencer

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“WYSTC consistently delivers for us: sales, connections and market knowledge.”

Russ Hedge
President & CEO
HI USA

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“What a pleasure to be back in Lisbon for a face-to-face conference after 1,5 years of Zoom! WYSTC is always a great place to make new contacts and find exciting programmes and products you cannot find elsewhere.”

Guillaume Avond
Managing Director
Gama Study

“Best networking event of the year for youth and student travel! The combination of educational sessions, keynotes + business meetings makes it rewarding and highly inspirational.”

Pernille Vaupel
Concept Manager
KILROY International A/S

“In our industry, WYSTC provides the only opportunity for us to meet dozens of existing partners and key relationships in one space. You can get a months worth of partner visits done in three days, whilst surrounding yourself in an environment with people from all over the world who share the same vision around the power of Cultural Exchange.”

Robert Burchell
Business Development Director
Smaller Earth

“This event provides the exact caliber of decision makers needed to grow your business. There are no other events in our conference schedule that is more important to attend, sponsor and participate in.”

John Ricci
Managing Director
J1 SIMcards

“I wanted to thank you for a great congress. I am already in touch with a lot of partners and setting up a lot of exciting new projects. Looking forward to next year!”

Yuri Jacobs
Yes-trips

Thank you to WYSE Travel Confederation for putting together a first-class conference this year in Lisbon. The in-person part of the conference went flawlessly, and it was an easy transition from in-person to online for those who couldn’t make it. It couldn’t have been easy setting up a hybrid event.

 This year’s conference attracted people from countries that normally don’t attend annually. It was great to see them and in fact, we saw new business come from some of those places. We’re looking forward to WETM-IAC in Malta and to continue on the successes that came from such a great conference in Lisbon.

Randy LeGrant
President
Academic Language Solutions

“Professional and effective.”

Stephanie Shi
Deputy Director of Investment Dept.
Jin Jiang Education Training Tour

“We found the WYSTC event tremendously well organised, and an invaluable opportunity to meet fellow industry professionals and gain new business links. We would recommend this event to any player in the corporate travel industry.”

Joseph Parton
Partner Relationship Manager
Oxford Royale Academy

“Thank you for hosting me. It was personally my first WYSTC and it was very valuable for me. I hope I will be able to join you next year in Lisbon.”

Julie Graham
Programs Director
Kaya Responsible Travel

“Loved the whole thing and look forward to next year! Well done to everyone involved in organising, fantastic event!”

Sonia Oke
Manager, Communications
Conservation Volunteers

“Love you guys. Is that unprofessional? Whatever. I do anyway ;-)”

Stephanie Taylor-Carrillo
PR and Communications Director
SANDEMANs NEW Europe

World Youth and Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“Targeted to youth travel and very easy to navigate.”

Jonathan Gilben
GoEco

“Excellent conference and experience.”

Terri Hamilton
Travel Coordinator
BYU London Centre

“WYSTC have provided the perfect stage for buyers and sellers in the Youth Travel industry to network professionally and at the same time shine a spotlight onto an emerging travel destination. The event is run very smoothly with friendly volunteers on hand to help you work out where you are meant to be next. Its a jam packed week and it goes by so fast.”

Dave O’Malley
Business Development Manager – EMEA
World Nomads

“For a start-up, WYSTC is a real opportunity to establish yourself and meet worldwide potential partners. For mature businesses it’s great to catch up with everyone all in one place, and see what’s new in the market.”

David Stitt
Managing Director
Gap 360

World Youth and Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“Useful experience, good contacts, different perspectives… possibility for business growth! Will definitely paticipate in the future again!”

Anna Lorenz-tylicka
Exchange Programs Director
Business Travel Club

“A no-brainer! The Conference covers all our needs; from meeting new partners to cementing relationships with existing contacts, all whilst experiencing a key European destination.”

Marcie Schneider
President
Intrax Cultural Exchange

“It’s our “go-to” event. With WETM as an excellent follow-up. I don’t see how we could miss either one.”

Randy LeGrant
Academic Language Solutions – iTEP

“It was a great conference with many interesting meetings!”

Nele Norden
Kulturlife

“Quality buyers, quality sessions and quality social. A no-brainer.”

Roi Porat
Managing Director
Authentic Israel

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org
“Thank you for your wonderful organisation and very welcoming participants. ”

Fredrick Young
GEM Placement

“I enjoyed attending this event with all these wonderful people, united by being from the same industry and making attempts to make the world a better place by supporting sustainable tourism and environmentally responsible actions..”

Fakhri Karimov
Liberty International Azerbaijan

“The conference was fantastic – many good connections, and ongoing conversations regarding partnerships with quite a number of providers.”

Kim Callender
Solotrvlr

“It was an exceptional conference – my thanks to all for putting it together.”

Alastair Connolly
Tournkey

“WYSTC is the best conference for us to connect with hundreds of industry stakeholders from all over the globe.”

Liesbeth ten Donkelaar
Manager Marketing & Sales
Stayokay

“We are coming out of the last two years with a rebrand, a refocussing and a huge growth plan. I am really excited about bringing our innovative approaches to selling travel to the youth market to our partners and catching up with friends I have known for many years. At the same time, I look forward to getting to know new products in the industry and coming away with a bunch of new friends and partners.”

Dan Roberts
U.

“It was a great pleasure to be part of WYSTC 2023, and I look forward to your upcoming events.”

Adam Shardob
Erasmus Student Network

“It has been a great and interesting opportunity. I am still organising all of my meeting notes and following-up with the sellers!”

Luca Marra
WeRoad

“So much has changed throughout the pandemic and as an insurance vender, we are excited to educate our partners. In addition, to understand their future needs. No better way of accomplishing the task with the face-to-face interaction at WYSTC.”

Ted Cenatiempo
Senior Account Executive
CareMed

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org
“I am extremely grateful for this very interesting and rejuvenated conference, rich in vision, know-how and people. The benefits of being present were truly of great value for us, as at Connections, we believe that “one of the most important things in life is to connect with people we meet along the way.”

Ronny Bayens
Connections

“We had a great time at the conference and hope to come back next year.”

Jonathan Gilben
GoEco

“Thanks for the opportunity to participate in WYSTC! It was incredible and very productive (I´m already quoting groups with people I met there).”

Fabian Comanzo
Grupo 3 de Turismo

“What I am looking forward to at WYSTC is that as a newcomer to the market, I’ll be able to meet professionals and service providers from all around the world. I can’t wait to learn about their products, services, and the latest market trends. And on top of that, I’m sure my visit to Lisbon will be an absolute delight!”

Andy Ou
Gostudy Education Group (Taiwan)

“I have been attending WYSTC for a few years and I believe it’s a very well-organised conference and Lisbon is a great destination. I always make very good connections during WSTC and can meet face-to-face with all my existing business partners and providers at one location over a few days.”

Patrick Guimaraes
IE Intercambio

“I had a great experience and met a ton of great people with whom I’m already starting to work and plan upcoming trips.”

Ryan Neeven
Influencer

“Participating in WYSTC 2023 is a must for anyone looking to build their career in the youth travel industry, make meaningful connections with industry experts from around the world, learn about the latest industry trends, have fun, and gain exposure for their brand. ”

Alex Mitroi
American Experience

“It was really great to meet so many new potential partners and catch up with old colleagues at WYSTC Lisbon 2023.”

Maria Consuelo Lopez
Trotamundos

“We’ve been a member since 2004 and have benefited enormously from attending WYSTC every year. From our early days as a startup to an established market leader, WYSTC has been instrumental in helping us achieve significant milestones within the industry.”

Nick Pound
Director of Partnerships
World Nomads

“WYSTC provided an outstanding platform to meet new clients, network with both old and new clients and to discover new innovations in our industry.”

Kevin McCormick
Sales and Quality Manager
University of Bath

“It was great to attend WYSCT! Very good meetings and great business opportunities ahead after the conference!”

Eduardo Heidemann
Travelmate

“WYSTC is the best conference you can attend in order to grow your business, meet new people and oportunities, learn awesome things in the youth market and discover new places around the world. If you are involved in any kind of activites related to young people you should consider attending the next WYSTC Conference!”

Alex Mitroi
American Experience

“We are very excited and looking forward to attending WYSTC. We are most looking forward to catching up with existing partners and connecting with new partners and organisations. Also keen to keep in the know of the latest in the youth travel industry!”

Ritesh Saraf
Alliance Visas

“WYSTC 2018, Edinburgh was a fantastic conference! Earthstompers Adventures made plenty new business connections, received information about the ever changing youth travel market and exploring this magical city was just amazing! Looking forward to Lisbon, next year!”

Cindy Schalkwyk
Marketing Manager
Earthstompers Adventures

“The WYSTC team have done a fantastic job in creating WYSTC 2018 and ensuring everything went smoothly. Can only imagine what a mammoth task it is to create such an event.”

Scarlett Kdowsett
Regional Manager
STA Travel ISIC UK

“It is imperative and fantastic to have WYSE organisation representing youth tourism.”

Anne Dolan
Founder
Clink Hostels

“Couldn’t have built my business without WYSTC.”

Joanna Burnet
Director
VisitOz / Australian Working Adventures

“I really enjoyed how WYSTC brings together the decision makers at youth travel companies from all over the world, meaning a new opportunity is just a few minutes’ chat away. The philosophy of youth travel also means the conference is fun as well, with lots of social events built into the calendar of appointments and seminars.”

Philip Cabra Netherton
Managing Director
Euroventure Travel Ltd

“WYSTC never disappoints when it comes to networking opportunities or relevant seminars. Great to be able to get updates by leading industry people – from surveys to talks about a potential crisis or emerging trends. Keep up the good work!”

Joan Lott Carlsen
Director/owner
ALOTT

“I found the conference to be a good format to network due to limited size and convenient location.”

Stefania Bresquar
Director
GEO International

“Congratulations to all staff, your hard work was worth it!”

Maura De Araujo Leão
CEO, President
Yázigi Travel

“I have in general, found WYSTC to be a wonderful opportunity to meet with industry members from around the world. It fosters potential business relationships and increases ones awareness of trends and opportunities for growing our business on a global stage.”

Ron Jeffery
Business Development Manager
Merit Travel

“I rate WYSTC highly and it’s the only youth travel conference I attend each year.”

Amit Sondhi
AASHA

“WYSTC is fantastic. I wish i could have another opportunity to attend in the next one. Thanks a lot!”

Jie Li
President
Chengdu Infinity Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd

“Attending [WYSTC] continues to open my eyes to the endless possibilities for growth and, most importantly, showed me that I’m part of a community of individuals who feel the same passion about the importance of student & youth travel.”

Fredrick Elliott
Head Of Business Development
StudentUniverse

“I appreciate all the hard work that your team puts forward. It is always a pleasure seeing you all!”

Michelle Hirschfeld
National Sales Director
Hostelling International USA

“WYSTC sets the benchmark for international B2B networking and collaboration. Simply a must for your conference diary.”

Nick Pound
Head of Partnerships
World Nomads

“Aside from the many opportunities to do business, the event embodies what youth travel is about: connection, having fun and expanding your horizons.”

William L. Gertz
Chairman
AIFS

“WYSTC is a great opportunity to meet new partners, reconnect with existing partners/industry friends and be in touch with market players again. WYSTC is an incredible event, and despite having virtual events during the pandemic, meeting our partners in-person and having the networking opportunities this event offers us is priceless! See you in Lisbon!”

Eduardo Heidemann
Travel Mate

Register as a Non - Member WYSTC

“WYSTC is the one conference and sales opportunity you should not miss. The availability of sales opportunities far exceeds other conferences and our ability each year to convert contacts into sales has been amazing.”

Dave Dahl
President
WISE Foundation

“Another great WYSTC is over, and it has opened up a lot of new opportunities.”

Felix Moll
Rainbow Garden Village

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org
“I had a wonderful time at the conference and I am very excited to see where the connections lead.”

Josey Parker
Smart Trip

“I am looking forward to developing new partnerships, networking, exchanging knowledge and understanding the trends in youth travel.”

Eliane Feliz
Vista Alegre Turismo

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org
“It was a great conference, thank you for the opportunity!”

Andries Bonneur
Stage Global

“We are looking forward to meeting our existing partners, exploring potential opportunities and get up to date on what’s happening in the world of youth travel after the pandemic.”

Jerry Li
Sunnysky International

“WYSTC provides a unique forum for sharing experience and knowledge. With a good mix of keynote speeches, educational sessions, business appointments and social events, WYSTC is inspirational and has led to many successful business opportunities. The value of connecting in person and supporting each other in our industry cannot be underestimated.”

Clare Weston
KILROY

“International-sur-Loire has attended its first WYSTC conference in Lisbon in 2021 and is now a proud member of WYSE Travel Confederation. WYSTC workshops are extremely well organized and an occasion to network in a friendly atmosphere.”

Britta Vincent
International-sur-Loire

“It was a great event, we have met with lot of people and always come back with a very good and positive energy to grow with new partners.”

Fabiana Martilotta
Viajeros Sin Fronteras

“This is an amazing opportunity to meet all our partners face-to-face! Not only that, but to meet with other colleagues from the industry and make new partnerships. WYSTC is great way of connecting all of us from all around the world, to share our experiences, learn new things and also, have fun!”

Tea Ivanic
IntegralEdu Croatia

World Youth Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“I have only attended the conference once previously, and that was virtually, so I’m delighted to be joining everyone in-person in Lisbon this year. With the North American outbound market back in full swing, I’m excited to meet with vendors from across the global youth travel industry and build new partnerships!”

Alastair Connolly
Tournkey

“It was great to spend time with our current and potential new partners in Lisbon! Thank you and your team for the great organization.”

Maria Dzhenkova
Cool Travel Bulgaria

“The conference was most enjoyable and highly educational.”

Melissa Ardales
Group Travel Network

“For us, the most important part of participating in WYSTC is to network with old and new people in the industry, find out what is new in the market and try to develop the market of young people.”

Fabiana Martilotta
Viajeros Sin Fronteras

“WYSTC provides a unique experience to attend workshops, panel discussions, market meetings and evening receptions… as well as lots of time for building relationships. I believe I will achieve the goal of building long-term partnerships with leaders in the international industry. Looking forward to attending the world’s leading event for the student and educational travel industry!”

Yana Balashova
EuroVector

“WYSTC is a great place to network with people from the industry, exchange ideas, learn about the trends and challenges and make new connections.”

Julie Graham
Programs Director
Kaya Responsible Travel

“It was a very good conference, very productive and hopefully I’ll attend it next year in Lisbon.”

Marie Claude Saliba
General Manager
Educom Overseas

“This was my first time attending the conference. I found it an amazing introductory into networking and forming new business relationships. The ‘speed dating’ concept is very effective.”

Sophie Bagheri
Business Development Manager
Once in Cape Town

“For Travello, WYSTC was a fantastic event, as an emerging company, to make new connections and gain invaluable exposure to potential partners. The connections we made in 3 days would have taken us 3 years to gather without the event. It was a great experience for us at Travello App.”

Ryan Hanly
CEO
Travello App

“At WYSTC I met the partners I was looking for, with the same values and purposes. Together we will be able to promote a positive and sustainable social impact throughout the world, challenging frontiers and encouraging intercultural understanding.”

Agustina Gutiérrez
Director/ Co-Founder
Tingua

“Well organized, friendly and professional at the same time. Marcom especially makes the conference so easy to plan for the participants!”

Justine Trembicki
Freepackers

“I was very well impressed with the quality of services provided, organization, details and care with the participants. Seminars had a high level of content and it was worthwhile every minute to be participating at the Conference.”

Maura De Araujo Leão
CEO, President
Yázigi Travel

“WYSTC is the place to be in order to connect you and your business with opportunities from all over the world. The business meetings are great and the educational seminars are giving you a new perspective of things. The people you meet are leaders in what they do and overall the conference is awesome!”

Alex Mitroi
Operations Director
American Experience

World Youth and Student Travel Conference | Testimonials | wystc.org

“Thank you for everything! We are proud to be your member!”

Elena Shabalovskaya
General Manager/Owner
Kazakhstan Council for Educational Travel

Join us at WYSTC 2024