Travel Goods Show Spotlights Innovative Designs and Colors

Forget the doom and gloom from past years. With consumers tiring of basic black, luggage makers have gone back to the drawing board and created fresh new looks and designs in bags and accessories. Retail buyers who attended the recent Travel Goods Show in Orlando, FL, had the opportunity to see many of these new innovations, as well as luggage in some hot new colors, including lime green, hot pink, royal blue, orange, gold, silver, and red.

"Manufacturers went back to the drawing board and are now meeting the needs of today's travelers," says Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association. "When designers showed off their new collections, it became apparent that manufacturers were trying to give travelers what they want — lightweight fabrics and ergonomic bags and accessories that spare weary travelers back and neck pain. They're continuing to walk a fine line in balancing fashion and function."

Some of today's most innovative new luggage, business and computer cases, and accessories are currently being featured in the April/May issue of Travel Goods Showcase and reflect many of the trends seen in products that are finding their way onto retail sales floors across the country. For instance, hygiene and cleanliness have become extremely important for many travelers. One new product is a washable, wrap-around travel blanket that can be attached to wheeled luggage in its own cylindrical tote. The blanket replaces airline supplied blankets, which are not laundered after every flight, and are in short supply on many airlines. Travelers can also bring along disposable socks and underwear, which can be discarded at the end of a trip, providing plenty of space for gifts and souvenirs.

The Travel Goods Show also featured new products for women, children and young adults. At one time, when women wanted to carry a stylish briefcase, they had to settle for a man's bag in burgundy. Today, they have a wide choice of elegantly styled cases and shapely totes in sleek and streamlined designs and fashion colors. Today's travelers will also like a new luggage collection that literally carries a tune. Marketed as the world's first stereo luggage, it has a built-in integrated stereo amplifier and speakers, with subwoofer. And kids who like to carry backpacks and listen to music hands-free are sure to want the newest style, which features a special pocket for iPods and MP3 Players that is wired right to a control pad on the backpack's strap.

For more information, contact the Travel Goods Association at 609-720-1200, ext. 205, John Misiano at john@travel-goods.org, or visit the organization's website at www.travel-goods.org, or request a copy of the April/May 2005 issue of Travel Goods Showcase for a closer look.

The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the travel goods industry. A national trade association, TGA represents the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of luggage, leather goods, business and travel accessories, business and computer cases, handbags, and other products for people who travel.