Wanderlust - f.re.e opens horizons again

After a two-year break, it’s finally back again: f.re.e, Bavaria’s biggest travel and leisure fair, will be opening its doors from February 22 to 26, 2023 at the Messe München Exhibition Center. Exhibition Director Jessica Stuber gives an initial assessment and provides an insight into her highlights.

After a two-year break, f.re.e is now being held again. What’s the industry’s response so far?

“All in all it’s really good. We will be presenting lots of exciting leisure activity topics in six halls. In the Travel sector, tour and cruise operators, hotels and, of course, countries and regions will provide a wide-ranging offering. Alongside this year’s partner country Croatia, we will also have the pleasure of welcoming many other traditional and also more exotic holiday destinations. In two of the halls, visitors can find out about caravanning and camping. The products here range from camper vans, motorhomes and caravans to car roof tents and other tents, and accessories.

The bicycle sector will also be represented with lots of great brands: Newcomers include Cube, Kalkhoff and Kettler Alu Rad. Brands such as KTM, Hercules and Specialized will also be exhibiting again.

The Water Sports and Outdoor & Fitness sectors will be in the redesigned Hall A6. Here you will find a host of exhibitors with exciting products. And last but not least, there will once again be activity areas that invite visitors to join in.”

What’s different this year to the previous years?

“We have slightly reworked the product areas at f.re.e. Segments from the former ‘Health & Wellness’ sector will be integrated into the new ‘Outdoor & Fitness’ sector in Hall A6. ‘Cruises & Boat Trips’—including sailing advice and the cruise café—can be found at ‘Travel’ in Hall A5. In addition, IMOT will be held for the first time concurrently with f.re.e from Friday through Sunday in Halls C5 and C6—certainly an added plus for many travel and leisure fans.”

What is your personal highlight, and what should visitors definitely not miss?

“The biggest highlight for my entire team and me is the fact that f.re.e is finally being held again. We are already really looking forward to meeting our customers in person again. In the meantime, our visitors benefit from a wide range of offerings, from the right holiday offer, individual advice and test opportunities, to new products. All in all, there is lots of inspiration for vacation and leisure that’s not to be missed.”