Mexico’s Federal, State and Local Governments have activated response plans in order to support the individuals impacted as well as to assess damages.

According to the latest information, damages have been reported in parts of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico City. Tourist attractions remain open and functioning in these destinations. While the international airports in Mexico City and Puebla suspended operations as a standard precaution yesterday, both airports reopened within 4 hours and are now fully operational.

Additionally, we are thankful to report that no other international tourism destinations in Mexico have been affected and are operating normally.

Given these facts, there is no reason for visitors to cancel travel plans to Mexico.

The Mexico Tourism Board, and the entire tourism industry, are focused on ensuring visitors in affected destinations receive any assistance necessary while continuing with their existing travel plans.

Updates on the situation will be shared as new information becomes available.

www.cptm.com.mx

Paola Piza, Regional Business Development Manager LATAM, at Kenes Group, was recently recognised as one of the top 15 event professionals in Latin America at the World Meetings Forum 2017. This is the fifth year of the top 15 list and is awarded by LM Latinamerica Meetings magazine. This year was the first time the awards were handed out at the World Meetings Forum.

The meetings industry is growing stronger in Latin America with a rise in congresses taking place there, as well as more regional associations becoming significant international players in their fields. The growth in Latin America’s market is due to the extraordinary drive of its leaders. They are a key factor in the region as they continue to raise its quality standards and to inspire change.

Тhe World Meetings Forum was held from July 11^th-13^th in Mexico, gathering more than 580 participants from 18 nationalities interested in networking, discussing short- and mid-term trends, and participating in lectures given by industry specialists. Without a doubt, LM Latinamerica Meetings will continue to recognise the leaders of the meetings industry in Latin America to pay tribute to those driving the region and the industry forward. “We are thrilled to have Paola receive this important recognition. It is imperative to have leaders acknowledged for their hard work and contribution to the development of the industry. All these top 15 event professionals are showing the world the importance of Latin America in the global meetings industry and we are simply excited to see what they have in store for us” commented Carlos de Sebastian, Managing Director Spain and Latin America.

We would like to congratulate Paola, and all the other honoured event professionals, on the well-deserved recognition and for leading the events industry in Latin America.

www.kenes.com

Hotel Santiago opens today under Mandarin Oriental Hotel Groupmanagement, following the Group’s announcement in May. Formerly the Grand Hyatt Santiago, the property will undergo an extensive guestroom and public area renovation, the first stage of which is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2018. The hotel will remain open throughout the period, and is now accepting reservations. This is the Group’s first property in South America.

Hotel Santiago is located in the heart of the city’s most important commercial and leisure district, known as Las Condes, home to two luxury shopping malls, restaurants, museums and theatres. It is also close to the exclusive residential neighbourhood of Vitacura.  

The property comprises 310 guestrooms including 23 suites with commanding views of the city and the Andes. Its 25,000-square meter grounds contain a large free-form outdoor pool and landscaped gardens which provide a resort environment for guests. The hotel currently features five restaurants and bars as well as extensive banqueting and meeting space. Additional facilities include a spa and fitness center.

Hotel Santiago will continue to operate throughout the first phase of the renovation which will reposition the property as a Mandarin Oriental hotel in the third quarter of 2018. The new luxury accommodation, public areas and landscaped gardens will be redesigned to reflect local culture, with features inspired by Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage. 

www.mandarinoriental.com/santiago

FIEXPO Latin America celebrated ten years as the key business space for the continent’s meetings industry at Santiago de Chile in the first of the three-year cycle as host city.

With unanimous compliments of exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors for its remarkable growing undisputed success in the meeting industry, FIEXPO Latin America proved once more to be the most powerful link between premium destinations, the most outstanding international buyers and Latin America and the Caribbean tourism government officers and private companies.

Along the two-day fair, exhibitors from 16 countries - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Uruguay - showed their offer to visitors and hosted buyers (which increased 24% from last year) through meetings that increased 28% compared to 2016 edition in Lima, Peru. 

Latin American Political Forum on Meetings Tourism

Proposals were presented and debated in a forum for the exchange of ideas and projects to focus attention of tourism ministers, secretaries, directors and senior officials on the potential and economic relevance of the meetings industry.

Top international speakers

Among the speakers who gave keynote lectures and shared constructive options applicable to Latin America, were Nina Freysen-Pretorius, president of ICCA, Rajeev Kohli, president of SITE, Anne Wallin Rodven, director of InspirAR and responsible for the creation of the Norwegian Bureau of Conventions and Daniel Palomo, ICCA’s third vice-president and sales director of Houston Convention Bureau.

A black tie party marked FIEXPO Latin America’s milestone of ten years celebration with a gala dinner to honor influential contributors to the continent’s meeting industry. Awards were granted to acknowledge presentation of the stands at the fair: Guatemala won the first prize and Costa Rica was recognized as best ecological stand, while Peru, Colombia and Chile received special mentions.

www.fiexpolatinoamerica.com

The unique event, which took place June 19-23 at the Pensativo House Hotel in La Antigua Guatemala, paired Latin America based MICE buyers with global travel suppliers for nearly 1,300 private, 15 minute one-to-one appointments. In addition, attendees were treated to lavish receptions, exquisite meals, and exciting cultural activities, all designed to offer networking opportunities at every turn. 

Buyers were welcomed Monday evening with a networking reception and dinner hosted by the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. Then on Tuesday they were treated to a Guatemalan heritage tour outside La Antigua including native markets, crafts and art, ending for lunch at the La Reunion Golf Resort & Residences at the base of a volcano for stunning views while dining. 

The evening was capped off with the official welcome reception for all attendees including suppliers at the San Jose El Viejo Ruins which included authentic Guatemalan cuisine, dancing and music and hosted by INGUAT-the Guatemala Tourism Board.

Wednesday morning was kicked off with an educational session “Economic and Social Relevance of the Meetings Industry: Case – Guatemala,” presented by MICE industry veteran Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, CASE, from Global Meetings and Tourism Specialists. It was followed by a day of pre-scheduled, private one-to-one appointments between buyers and suppliers, and inclusive of a product presentation sponsored by Meet Puerto Rico.

Guests were then treated to what would have been a fabulous view of a volcano on a clear evening at a lovely reception at Santo Domingo del Cerro. However, even though the weather did not cooperate, eliminating the view with fog, it did not put a damper on the evening, with sumptuous cuisine, live music and exceptional networking. 

Thursday offered additional education including “God’s Encouragement Helps: Motivational Events in the 21st Century” presented by Alejandro Verzoub, president AV - Business & Communications; president of SITE Global, 2012, as well as presentations from both SITE Global and the Dominican Republic Tourism Board, future host of LAMITE 2018. 

Both buyers and suppliers alike were overwhelmed by the total value LAMITE provided them via the combination of education, activities, and one-to-one meetings. 

LAMITE is an offshoot of Incentive Travel Exchange, the flagship event in the Questex Travel Group’s MICE portfolio of events and media, and is the only event in the industry that brings global suppliers to meet with Latin American buyers in Latin America. Suppliers at the event represent cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies and sought-after incentive destinations, hotels, resorts and spas across the globe. 

Sponsors include INGUAT-the Guatemala Tourism Board, Guatemala Conventions Bureau, Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc., Copa Airlines, Corporacion Camino Real, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, El Convento Boutique Hotel, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, La Reunion Golf Resort & Residences, MASCO, Maya Sky Incentives DMC, Meet Puerto Rico, Real Intercontinental Guatemala, Pensativo House Hotel, Porta Hotels, Transportes Litegua, Transter Tours, TAG Airlines, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, and VisitScotland. 

Questex’s Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchanges (GMITE) events have proven to be successful by offering one-to-one meetings and top-of-the-line training and networking opportunities for meeting and event-planning professionals, as well as incentive buyers.

latintravelexchange.com

globaltravelexchanges.com

On June 7th, São Paulo, Iguassu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro presented themselves to international buyers during the FIEXPO 2017 that took place from the 5th to the 7th of June. By an initiative of EMBRATUR, 130 buyers from FIEXPO--an international fair to market meetings, expositions, incentives, and events in Latin America--were invited to participate in a breakfast to promote Brazil, where the leading destinations in the ICCA 2016 ranking presented their infrastructure for events along with their attractions. The public present was made up of Directors of International Associations, PCOs, DMCs, and incentive Agencies. After the presentation, the hosted buyers were invited to have individual meetings with the destinations, during the fair that ends today.

The 4th Latin American Political Forum on Meetings and Incentives Tourism was held on the first day of the event. It had the participation of ministers, politicians generally involved directly or indirectly with tourism, presidents of convention bureaus, and authorities from the most important international associations of the industry.  There were debates and lectures on how to make the destination more competitive by attracting events, government involvement, and the engagement of the local community. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, at the EMBRATUR booth, the SPCVB promoted the city and had several individual meetings with potential clients. During the fair, 40 new contacts were made, 17 meetings were held with presidents and directors of international associations, where there was a chance to scout 19 new associated events, from 100 to 3000 pax, which may take place in São Paulo from 2018 to 2021.

www.embratur.gov.br

www.visitesaopaulo.com

United Nations has declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Throughout the year, many initiatives put in place by different areas of Tourism will highlight the importance of Tourism to make the world greener and cleaner, as well as a more equitable and inclusive place.

SMART&GREEN LATAM emerges as a strong private-sector initiative to discuss a wide range of topics important to smart and green destinations, with a special focus on the potential of all kinds of tourism as a natural growth stimulator and also as a perfect tool for ensuring sustainability. The SMART&GREEN Forum organised by GPSinnovation América Latina, TxD Latam and EVENT Punta del Este will be held from 29-30 September 2017 in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

The Forum will gather important decision makers, stakeholders and government representatives from Uruguay and other countries as well as innovative entrepreneurs who will be able to promote the best practices in tourism development all over the world.

For more information on the event, please contact: Angela Behrendt angela@gpsinnovationlatam.com

Built in the surroundings of the highly regarded Burle Marx Park, whose gardens were designed by Roberto Burle Marx, the hotel will offer 141 spacious guestrooms - including 59 suites - all with beautiful views overlooking the park.

Palácio Tangará which takes its name from the paradise 'Tanager of Amazonia' (Tangara Chilensis) a brilliantly multi-colored songbird, will also feature 9 private meeting rooms, including a ballroom for up to 530 guests with terraces overlooking the park. The fitness center and spa will have their own private garden, and there will be indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as a kid's club.

Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Oetker Collection said, "Since the founding of Oetker Collection, we have always listened to our most loyal guests in order to identify the destinations they favor most. Today therefore, I am delighted to announce our expansion into the Americas. With Palácio Tangará we continue to expand our portfolio whilst remaining true to our promise - not to just open new hotels, but to create true "masterpieces". Here guest will be able to experience Oetker Collection's levels of quality and service to which they are accustomed and can trust that we will offer them a very special sense of place."

Philippe Perd, Chief Project Development Officer of Oetker Collection, has spent the past year supporting the design process, commented that once completed, Palácio Tangará will be São Paulo's first true "masterpiece hotel" and a proud addition to the Collection.

Celso David do Valle has been appointed by Franck Marrenbach, CEO Oetker Collection, as Managing Director of Palácio Tangará and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, world famous chef, will drive the hotel's dining experiences and there will be a signature restaurant, chef's table, a bar, a wine cellar, a lobby and lounge bar, all with outdoor terraces.

www.visitesaopaulo.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced today that it has signed a management contract to manage, and ultimately brand, a 310-room hotel currently operating in Santiago, Chile. Following an extensive guestroom and public area renovation, the first stage of which is scheduled to complete in August 2018, the hotel will be rebranded Mandarin Oriental, Santiago. This will be the Group’s first property in South America.

Hotel Santiago is located in the heart of the city’s most important commerce and leisure district, known as Las Condes, home to two luxury shopping malls, restaurants, museums and theatres. It is also close to the exclusive residential neighbourhood of Vitacura. The property is owned by Hotel Corporation of Chile (HCC).

The property comprises 310 guestrooms including 23 suites with commanding views of the city and the Andes. Its 25,000-square meter grounds contain a large free-form outdoor pool and landscaped gardens which provide a resort environment for guests. The hotel currently features five restaurants and bars as well as extensive banqueting and meeting space. Additional facilities include a spa and fitness centre. 

Hotel Santiago will continue to operate throughout the first phase of the renovation which will reposition the property as a Mandarin Oriental hotel from August 2018. The new luxury accommodation, public areas and landscaped gardens will be redesigned to reflect local culture, with features inspired by Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage. 

The Group’s expertise in design, award-winning restaurants and spas will contribute to the overall renovation, which includes a future second phase covering the spa, food and beverage facilities and banqueting space. This will commence in late 2018.

www.mandarinoriental.com

From April 3 to 6, the São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB), with the support of the Brazilian Institute of Tourism (Embratur), concluded yet another stage in a partnership with the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau (OFVCGDL), to promote a visit to Sao Paulo by Mexican buyers and events organisers.

The visit was part of the planned initiative by  the international division of SPCVB, supported by Embratur, which includes Mexican guests in its program to attract professionals to WTM Latin America with the aim of promoting Brazilian destinations. The promoter of WTM, Reed Exhibitions, assisted by including the group in its special hosted buyers program.

 The group of professional events organizers from Mexico was accompanied by a Guadalajara representative, Rocio Lancaster - Commercial Manager of the OFVCGD, participating in an intense program in the city while also inspecting various other Brazilian destinations represented at WTM.

The comprehensive program designed by SPCVB  included inspection visits to various member properties, including  Tivoli Mofarrej - São Paulo, Unique, Sheraton São Paulo WTC, Renaissance São Paulo Hotel, Pullman and Caesar Business Vila Olímpia. The group also enjoyed the city's cuisine at Terraço Itália and at Barbacoa Churrascaria - Itaim. At the Mercado Municipal, they tried the famous Mortadela Brasil sandwich. The tour which was led by Flavia Liz Di Paolo, visited the traditional districts of Higienópolis, Pacaembu and Vila Madalena, with highlights including Beco do Batman, and Trianon and Ibirapuera Parks. Flavia Liz - Personal Guide - São Paulo Specialist is the only luxury inbound tour operator company in Sao Paulo and was one of the sponsors of the project. The program concluded with a  concert at Sala São Paulo. The visit was captured by photographer Gregory Grigoragi, with transportation sponsored by Shift Mobilidade Corporativa, CS Brazil and Azul Locadora. Sweet Brasil also provided chocolates.

"It was one of the most informative experiences I've had," commented José Sanchez, Sales Manager for Business Travel Consulting. "São Paulo has many qualities, and the some of the best impressions were created by the people who accompanied us, especially because of the cordiality, support and attention they showed us. They were very professional,"

 "The organisation's  continual work of introducing São Paulo as a major player for events is strategically aimed at boosting tourism and São Paulo's economy, by finding new business, with  both short- and long-term results," explains Toni Sando, CEO of SPCVB. 

Participants:
José Sanchez, Sales Manager at BTC - Business Travel Consulting
Adriana Zaldivar, Association Sales at Turismo y Convenciones
Jesus Aparicio, General Director - CEO at Eventia
Alicia García Cárdenas, General Director at Interticket
Alfredo Gutierrez Medina, General Director at Anfitriones
Rocio Lancaster, Commercial Manager of the OFVC of Guadalajara

The partnership
In 2016, the SPCVB and the OFVCGDL signed a mutual cooperation agreement to develop opportunities between the cities of São Paulo and Guadalajara. The agreement is aimed at taking advantage of the similarity of these destinations. Both are important economic centers in their countries, leaders in the events and conventions sector in Latin America and business centres. They both depend on a strong regional market. The international activities of companies were taken into account when considering the professionals taking part in the initiative and strict criteria were applied by both organizations. 

 As the next stage of the initiative, set for September, Brazilian buyers will visit Guadalajara.

www.visitesaopaulo.com

www.embratur.gov.br

www.guadalajaramidestino.com

São Paulo is the biggest metropolis in Brazil, with 12 million inhabitants, according to the last survey conducted by the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). In order to adjust to this reality and be able to host the approximately 90 thousand events held every year, event spaces have frequently invested in expansions, modernizations and improvements, which offers more quality and possibility of increasing the number of events captured for the capital city.

The milestones are not few. Drawing a timeline, the Transamérica Expo Center delivered in 2012 its last expansion, resulting in a total of 40,000 m² of lease area. In 2013, it was the time for the convention center Centro de Convenções Frei Caneca to present its expansion, which now has an exhibition area of 10,500 m^2.

In 2014, the convention center Centro de Convenções Rebouças completed its expansion project, in which they invested about BRL25 million and integrated more 10,000 m² into their total space. In 2015, the Expo Center Norte announced its new food structure, which now has four permanent restaurants and a BRL25 million investment. In the same year, the former Centro de Exposições Imigrante had its name changed to São Paulo Expo. Officially opened in 2016, the space received a BRL140 million investment for its modernization and expansion, causing the region to turn into a new center that will soon have hotels and trading centers to meet the service demand.The same is to happen in the region where the new Centro de Eventos PRO MAGNO is located. The event center was opened in 2014 to host medium and large events, such as fairs and conventions.

The already consolidated spaces, such the WTC Events Center, APCD, Centro Fecomercio de Eventos, Centro de Eventos São Luís, Milenium Centro de Convenções, São Paulo Center, and Club Homs are spread across the city's several destinations - Berrini; Centro & Zona Norte; Itaim & Faria Lima; Ibirapuera & Moema; and Paulista & Jardins - and continue to adjust to an increasingly exigent demand for excellent services.

Toni Sando, Chairman of the SPCVB, explains that the investments reflect the sector optimism and consolidate São Paulo as a global event destination. "In Brazil, São Paulo is the ICCA's number one city among the destinations hosting the most international events. Despite facing a context of political and economic challenges, the tourism, event and travel industry is always seen as an overcoming way", he says. According to the entity's event calendar, the leading event types are Medicine, Science, Technology and Communication, and Technical & Scientific.

Data from the Observatório do Turismo da Cidade de São Paulo - a tourism study and research organization for the city of São Paulo - shows that over 70% of São Paulo's visitors are motivated by tourism and events. According to Platum - a publication from the Observatório - São Paulo is expected to receive 16.5 million visitors by 2020, and 3.1 million will be international visitors. It is a 10.96% growth in comparison to the forecast for this year.

The Centro de Convenções Frei Caneca is one of the main spaces in São Paulo in this sector. With 15 years of operation, it hosted over 1,725 events with about 2.7 million visitors, reaching a 74.8% average occupancy rate. Its Director, Winston Chagas, explains that the expectations for the next two years are optimistic. "We are supposed to reach a growth of about 9% in 2016 and  11% in 2017 on year-over-year basis", he says. The expansion of the space is deemed a milestone for the undertaking, which in addition to the 10,500 m² exhibition area, has a seat capacity for modular rooms of up to 3,800 seats and also offers the theater Teatro Shopping Frei Caneca, with a capacity of 600 seats.

"The market recognition due to the organization of several national and international events in our space is the most significant return and encouraged us to plan and implement our expansion", states Winston Chagas, who was in charge of the planning since its initial work as well.

Out of the main major fairs held in Brazil, 415 fairs take place in the state of São Paulo and 392 in the city of São Paulo. The economic impact of the Business Fairs in the city is of BRL16.3 billion, according to the survey conducted by FIPE Ubrafe (Institute of Economic Researches and Brazilian Association of Fair Promoters).

For more information about São Paulo please visit:

http://www.visitesaopaulo.com/

The São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB) actions overseas generate new opportunities for the tourism industry. Last week, 12 to 14 October, the SPCVB, supported by LATAM Airlines West Coast, and in partnership with the Rio de Janeiro CVB, held sales calls in the Los Angeles area in order to promote São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as tourism destinations. The whole event was attended by members of both entities, such as Blumar, Consolid Brasil, Marriott Hotels, Palácio Tangará (Oetker Collection), Pertra Viagens Estratégicas, AccorHotels, Sheraton São Paulo WTC Hotel and Tivoli Mofarrej - São Paulo.  Over 130 contacts were made during visits to major local agencies. In addition, tour operators and independent agencies were invited for breakfast at the Brazilian Consulate. 

Moving forward, the SPCVB is also present at IMEX Las Vegas, which is taking place right now. On the first day of the fair, SPCVB and the Oficina de Visitantes y Convenciones de Guadalajara signed a mutual cooperation agreement for the development of opportunities. The agreement aims to take advantage of the similarity between the two destinations: both are important economic centres of their countries; leaders in the conference tourism sector and conventions in Latin America; industrial cities; and rely on a strong regional market.

“The SPCVB has been consolidating the company's proactive actions in promoting tourism, its infrastructure and partners, placing Sao Paulo in a distinguished position in the event, tourism and travel industry. The approach and exchange experience with cities - that are major sources of tourists and can truly be said to be major forces in the industry on the continent - help to develop new opportunities to attract national and international events", explains Toni Sando, SPCVB CEO.

www.visitesaopaulo.com

Kenes Group, a leading Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) and Association Management Company (AMC), has announced a new strategic move towards a regional development of their Latin American operation. With medical and scientific congresses on the rise in the region, and many of Kenes’ international clients looking into LATAM for their periodic conferences, Kenes Group is pleased to announce it will grow its operation and presence in the region.

Latin America is a rapidly developing event centre with major destinations in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.  At the same time, local knowledge in the area of various sciences and healthcare expertise is being widely developed. These factors have both provided a nurturing environment for the development of local medical and scientific associations, which are becoming significant players in the international arena. With a number of first-time events sprouting quickly, it is evident that in order to keep the quality of the service provided and to be in close proximity to its clients, Kenes has to expand its local operation.

With the signing of four new contracts with local representatives, Kenes now has local operations in Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia. All four partners of Kenes – AV Business & Communication in Argentina, INC Group in Colombia, Andes DMC in Peru, and Groups2go in Mexico, are well-known in the region for their quality of service and strive for excellence.  “The goal of this partnership is the combination of Kenes bringing its global knowledge to Latin America, and each of our partners bringing their unrivalled local know-how and onsite operations. This provides a holistic approach to the planning of any regional or international event that needs assistance in meeting their targets, goals and objectives” said Iftah Amit, VP Global Sales & Marketing at Kenes Group.

The local representatives are strategically nominated through a set of criteria, where both parties can attest to each other’s service quality and know-how and benefit together from the extended network, knowledge, and connections of one another. Recently, the first Kenes Latin America Summit in Cancun, Mexico, provided initial training and strategy sessions. The summit is only the first step in enhancing the common activities in the region, where all partners’  can identify opportunities and manage relationships with local clients.

www.kenes-group.com 

In times of creative economy, fluid communication and collaborative content, staying alert to the trends and joining forces for the common benefit can make all the difference in the business world.

Although the immense size of Brazil might suggest that its states adopt an independent stance and become involved with strategic actions that only serve regional peculiarities, Unedestinos (National Union of Convention Bureaux and Destination Entities) took advantage of the very diversity of cultures and business possibilities to encourage union and a shared vision of how to market destinations and come up with initiatives that can be replicated, encouraged and expanded to include other markets.

This modern vision, which is aligned with the interests of corporate movements that seek to optimize time and the resources invested, is the underpinning of the entity, whose strategic axes are to represent the interests of its associates, share actions and train professionals to discover and promote destinations. In order to do so, in addition to the CVBs and associations of destinations, Unedestinos has had a Board comprising representatives from the main trade entities and a group of specialist technical consultants ever since its institution.

Unedestinos currently comprises 40 CVBs that last year alone supported and secured more than five thousand events for its destinations, representing approximately three thousand associate companies that are responsible for 110,000 direct jobs in the tourism, travel and events' production chain.

The entity also facilitates the joint participation of CVBX in events, conventions and trade shows, which enables visitors to have access to information about the diversity of Brazilian destinations.

 Such was the case with the Unedestinos booth at the 22nd Tourist Business Trade Show (BNT Mercosur), event that attracted 9000 tour operators from all over Brazil and several countries in South America as Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.

Internationally, UNEDESTINOS was present at Fiexpo in Peru and at MPI WEC at Atlantic City where such destinations as Foz do Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo were able to present their beauties, differences and infrastructure for events.

Recently Unedestinos also held its second congress, Unecongresso II, where in partnership with LAMEC the Latin American Chapter Congress of MPI (Meeting Professional International), it presented trends and what's new through debates, panels, workshops, and case study presentations about the most relevant topics to the travel and events industry.

According to the International Events Director of the São Paulo Convention & Visitors, Elisabete Sorrentino, joining forces and informing visitors to trade shows and international events about the potential of Brazilian destinations by stressing the specificities and attractions of each location can facilitate the task of managers when it comes to choosing a destination according to their public.

Bruno Herbert, president of Unedestinos and president of the Recife CVB, says that intelligent actions like these show the entity's innovative spirit and the importance of what it proposes: to inform, share and professionalize the sector even more. 

About Unedestinos: The current portfolio of UNEDESTINOS' associates includes: the Goiânia CVB, Bonito CVB, Curitiba Region and Coast CVB, Iguassu CVB, Londrina Convention Bureau, Blumenau and Vale Europeu CVB, Chapecó and Region CVB, Floripa CVB, Joinville and Region CVB, Gramado & Canela CVB, Porto Alegre and Metropolitan Region CVB, Brasília CVB, Fortaleza CVB, Natal Convention Bureau, Convention Bureau João Pessoa, Porto de Galinhas CVB, Recife CVB, Maceió CVB, Salvador Destination, Espírito Santo CVB, Belotur, Uberlândia CVB, Rio CVB, Atibaia and Region CVB, Visit Campinas, Campos do Jordão and Region CVB, Guarujá CVB, Guarulhos CVB and São Paulo CVB.

www.unedestinos.com.br

On July 24^th, dozens of millions of people from all over the world, enjoyed the 3^rd edition of the Premios Platino, the inaugural event of the Punta de Este Convention & Exhibition Center.

This brand new venue, has been designed to become an iconic meeting space for all kinds of meetings, both national and international, and starts with a busy agenda for the months ahead.

Great actors and actresses from Ibero America as: Ricardo Darín, Dolores Fonzi, Edward James Olmos, Santiago Segura, Natalia Oreiro, Guillermo Francella, Eugenia “China” Suárez or Javier Cámara, starred this event. A great promotion of this new venue by the famous Uruguayan Architect Carlos Ott, who among others, designed L’Opera de la Bastille in Paris.

The building of Punta del Este Convention & Exhibition Center, received a public investment of 31.5 million Dollars, made through a trust found administrated by the National Corporation of Development.

The city of Maldonado is the sole owner of the land where the venues is built, as well as the building itself. The management was given to CIEPE S.A for 25 years. CIEPE is an Uruguayan public limited company, integrated by local investors as well as the Fenix Entertainment Group, and La Rural from Argentina.

The Punta del Este Convention & Exhibition Center is a great example of public and private cooperation, meant to make the most out of the spectacular infrastructure of Punta del Este during the whole year, going beyond the summer period.

The large venue has been designed to allocate big events that will enjoy the flexibility of its structure. The building comprises an area of 8,242 sq. meters, with a Main Auditorium for up to 2,600 delegates and 14 meeting rooms, as well as an Exhibition Hall of 6,857 sq. meters. The entire space can accommodate up to 10,000 delegates.

This new Convention Center, will be the first one to chair the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Convention Centers, and will be represented in such a task by Mr. Arnaldo Nardone, its General Manager.

Among its national and international memberships, the Center is one of the companies designed by the Ministry of Tourism to be represented by the national Brand: “Uruguay Natural”, and is a member of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), as well as the International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC).

Sao Paulo Expo will be the largest and most modern exhibition center, Congress and Conventions in Latin America with an area of 100 thousand square meters built in record time. With an investment of R$ 410 million made by GL events, one of the largest events companies in the world, the space was fully expanded, modernized and transformed into a multifunctional architectural complex capable of hosting trade fairs and public conferences and national corporate events and international, as well as cultural, social, sporting and entertainment events.

This is the largest investment in the history of GL events group, present in 19 countries and accounts for another 40 spaces for events in the world. The concession is for 30 years. The Group's resources are were directed to reform the existing pavilion of 40,000 square meters and construction of 50 thousand square meters of exhibition area and 10 thousand square meters of the convention center and the construction of a parking garage with 4,500 spaces (the largest indoor parking Brazil).

Located at ten minutes from the central city airport, São Paulo Expo has quick access to the main hotels in the area, totaling more than 7,500 apartments. The complex will have restaurants and unique services to offer exhibitors and visitors all the comfort to carry out or participate in events.

The list of confirmed events in 2016 include the most important ones in Brazil such as: Brazil Game Show, São Paulo International Motor Show, Comic Con Experience, São Paulo Boat Show, For 2017, Feicon Batimat has already been confirmed, event which is a benchmark to the civil construction industry in Latin America.

São Paulo Expo is a member of the São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau. To learn more about the venue and its events, visit:  www.saopauloexpo.com.br

Spanish version of the article available here.

Dominican Republic, the second largest Caribbean nation, has everything to offer for groups – exuberant nature, delicious gastronomy, museums that reflect its reach history, top quality shops and tropical waters with abundant marine life.

With eight international airports and a large number of airlines flying direct from United States, Europe and Latin America, the Dominican Republic is the best connected Caribbean destination.

Meeting planners discover the many advantages Dominican Republic offers for groups. Many of the resorts are all inclusive and the concept of a single price works perfectly to avoid any surprises that may affect the budget at the end of the trip.

Home to a large number of spaces for conventions and hotels for meetings, Dominican Republic has a modern infrastructure and advanced telecommunications system. All of its destinations offer meeting planners a peculiar way to create stunning and unforgettable programs.

Local DMC’s, specialized in the MICE segment, have offices in different tourist destinations; Santo Domingo, Punta Cana - Bávaro, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Bayahibe, with professionals trained to provide an excellent service to all customers.

Each of our regions offers something special, if it is a big event the most recommended are our all-inclusive hotels in Punta Cana or the hotel facilities offered by our historical capital Santo Domingo. The beaches of La Romana and Puerto Plata are a good option for mid-size meetings and small gatherings will enjoy the authenticity of Samaná, where attendees have the advantage of enjoying two or three different environments in one day.

Dominican Republic has joined leading international MICE industry entities such as the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Also, through the Ministry of Tourism, the country participates in leading international fairs specialized in Congresses and Incentives with the participation and support of co-exhibitors and representatives from the private sector.

The Ministry of Tourism has constantly been preparing and taking steps to develop the Congresses and Incentives segment in Dominican Republic, becoming a featured MICE destination in the Caribbean and Central America.

www.godominicanrepublic.com

La versión en inglés está disponible aquí.

La República Dominicana, siendo la segunda nación más grande del Caribe, tiene todo lo necesario para ofrecer a grupos —naturaleza exuberante, una gastronomía deliciosa, museos que relatan una gran historia, comercios de primera calidad y aguas tropicales con una abundante vida marina.

Con ocho aeropuertos internacionales y un gran número de líneas aéreas que vuelan directo desde Estados Unidos, Europa y Latinoamérica, República Dominicana es el destino  mejor conectado del Caribe.

Los organizadores descubren las muchas ventajas que ofrece República Dominicana para recibir grupos. Muchos de los resorts son todo incluido y el concepto de un precio único funciona a la perfección para evitar sorpresas que puedan afectar el presupuesto al concluir el viaje.

Sede de un gran número de espacios para convenciones y hoteles para reuniones, República Dominicana posee un moderno sistema de telecomunicaciones e infraestructuras. En sus diferentes destinos ofrece a los planificadores de reuniones una manera beneficiosa de crear programas impactantes e inolvidables.

Distintas empresas especializadas en el segmento MICE cuentan con oficinas en los diferentes destinos turísticos del país; Santo Domingo, Punta Cana – Bávaro, Samaná, Puerto Plata, La Romana y Bayahibe, con personal profesional capacitado para ofrecer un excelente servicio a todos los clientes.

Cada una de nuestras regiones ofrece algo especial, si se trata de un gran evento los más adecuados son nuestros hoteles todo incluido en Punta Cana o las facilidades hoteleras que ofrece nuestra histórica capital Santo Domingo. Las playas de La Romana y Puerto Plata son una buena opción para reuniones de tamaño medio, y las pequeñas reuniones podrán disfrutar de la autenticidad de Samaná. Este es un lugar donde los asistentes tienen la ventaja de disfrutar de dos o tres ambientes diferentes en un mismo día.  

República Dominicana se ha afiliado con las principales entidades internacionales de la industria MICE como la Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, el International Congress and Convention Association y Meeting Professionals International.

Asimismo, a través del Ministerio de Turismo, el país participa en las principales ferias internacionales especializadas en congresos e incentivos contando con la participación y apoyo de co-expositores y representantes del sector privado.

El Ministerio de Turismo se ha estado preparando y dando los pasos necesarios para que República Dominicana desarrolle el segmento turístico de congresos e incentivos de manera constante y sostenida, llegando a convertirse en el destino MICE por excelencia del Caribe y Centroamérica.

www.godominicanrepublic.com

For the next three years, Chile will host FIEXPO, the largest and most established business tourism fair in Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s a move that will contribute to the development of this kind of tourism in the country, which already represents 17,5% of foreign arrivals to Chile and contributes 28,7% of the total currency inflow that comes from tourism.

To formalize the implementation of the fair in Chile, the Undersecretary of Tourism, Javiera Montes, along with FIEXPO’s Director, Sergio Baritussio, signed an agreement that confirms the development of the event in Chile throughout 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Following the signing, the Undersecretary of Tourism, Javiera Montes, highlighted that, “it’s very important to our government that the most important business tourism fair in Latin America and the Caribbean is brought to Chile. It’s a direct result of the combined work of the government and Chile’s private tourism sector”. Montes added, “this great opportunity presents us with a challenge to showcase the best of the country and produce a world-class event. It will act as a huge window to our country and allow different organizations from many countries to make decisions about where to hold their congresses and meetings. This event will help us to convert our country into a prominent destination for business tourism. Likewise, it will also allow us to exhibit our 10 Convention Bureau that are located in various cities and regions across Chile; centers that are working together in order to present their cities to an international audience”.

16 countries will take part in FIEXPO, an event that will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year and attract more than 1.000 participants, including Latin American associations searching for places where they can hold their international congresses, more than 100 buyers from Latin America, the Caribbean, Mexico, North America and Europe, as well as incentive houses, important tour operators and congressional organizers.

FIEXPO’s Director, Sergio Baritussio, explained that Chile has been chosen to host this event because of its political stability, its connectivity, its quality-assured hotel offer and its renowned convention centers. “Over the three-year period when we host FIEXPO, we will promote Chile and transform it into the capital for business tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean. Chile has incredible potential as a destination for business tourism in Latin America,” he emphasized.

Turismo Chile is the organization that promotes the country as a destination for congresses, conventions and meetings. The organization’s General Manager, Debbie Feldman, said that, “FIEXPO will give Chile a unique showcasing opportunity to increase the development of the country’s business tourism sector. It’s an opportunity that we must take advantage of in order to promote our destinations as venues for international events and increase business in Chile. To achieve successful results, it’s vital that the entire national industry offers its support”.

Our country is ranked 34 on the Congresses and Conventions World Ranking 2015, recently published by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). In turn, Santiago was ranked third in Latin America.

As part of the development of FIEXPO, a variety of meetings has also been organized, including the Latin American Political Forum, which relates to business tourism and offers keys players in the continent’s tourism, such as ministers and undersecretaries of tourism, the chance to interact. In addition, the Latin American Meeting of Convention Bureaus has been organized, as well as conferences and seminars that will feature important panelists and exhibitors.

chile.travel

Puerto Rico’s group business closes off what has come to be known as the initial Zika period (March to May), very much open for business, with 57 new booked pieces of business including events, conferences, annual meetings and sports activities from now through 2017. This represents a total direct spend of potentially $20.4 million into the local economy, Milton Segarra, president & CEO of Meet Puerto Rico (MPR-Puerto Rico Convention Bureau), announced today. Meet Puerto Rico is the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) responsible for attracting meetings, conventions, trade shows, sporting events and incentive groups to Puerto Rico.

During the upcoming summer months of June, July and August, Meet Puerto Rico will host 42 groups for a total of approximately 40,000 room nights providing a $32 million impact during this time period. These groups range from conferences and events to religious and sports organizations to communications and insurance companies. In addition Meet Puerto Rico is actively generating 260 new leads up from 242 for the same time last year - a 7% increase - as well as 100 new accounts for the destination.

"The groups and conventions segment in Puerto Rico is a major driver in the tourism industry and we are proud to say that Zika has not won.  Groups booked range from multinational companies, to medical, educational conferences and sporting events, among others. An estimated 25,000 new hotel-room nights in total have been booked,” Segarra said.  

“This shows the confidence the meetings industry has in Puerto Rico and how our (MPR and our members) very focused educational efforts have paid off,” Segarra continued. “The trust our clients have in Puerto Rico’s ability to deliver a professionally productive and culturally rich experience, while maintaining a safe environment (following all recommended guidelines) is all coming together." 

Segarra described the success due to the strong support and partnership that exists between Meet Puerto Rico and it members – the hotel industry, restaurants, transportation companies, local DMCs, venues, attractions, Audio Visual, and entertainment companies, as well as the support of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) and the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA.)

“When the Zika situation hit, we immediately put into action a strong meeting professional/attendee-centered strategy that included a fact-driven education and communication program addressing the concerns of our clients,” Segarra remarked. “We listened to them and provided the most accurate and up-to-date information on Puerto Rico concerning Zika and it paid off. As a result, our clients trusted us, our team in the field and our members. Through statements and Question and Answer (Q+A) documents backed up by facts and figures by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Puerto Rico Health Department, video and print testimonials from clients hosting events in Puerto Rico in real time, and easy to read infographics with myth buster facts – we kept the lines of communication open, transparent and honest. And all of that was shared with our members, so they could answer their clients’ questions too. This was a team effort and we could not have achieved these positive results without them. And we continue developing new business opportunities to Puerto Rico and for our members.”

Puerto Rico continues to position itself as an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, offering a state-of-the-art convention center, a wide variety of hotels, strong infrastructure and unique attractions with the added advantage of being on a tropical island in the Caribbean. One in four rooms occupied in hotels that can accommodate large-scale meetings belongs to the groups and conventions segment.

As in most countries where the meetings industry is only just taking off someone has to stand up with a loud voice to get things started. The man who does that in Uruguay is Arnaldo Nardone, former ICCA President. Last year he was appointed General Manager of the new convention centre in Punta del Este, which will be inaugurated in June this year. What can we expect to happen there?

Report Marcel A.M. Vissers

Why in Punta del Este?

Uruguay is an unusual country. The North has a definite colonial touch. It’s very green and fresh air is in abundant supply. In the South there’s classy Punta del Este with its permanent flow of healthy ocean air and lush green surroundings. And in between both lays Montevideo, the country’s capital city, which seems to be vegetating and perishing very slowly. Although at first sight this city has everything to make it desirable there is unfortunately not much going on. Maybe it’s better not to dig too deep into this and just wonder why?

Nevertheless, it looks like Uruguay might be getting ready to score a few points soon. Arnaldo Nardone believes the country’s at a turning point. The construction of the new convention centre is expected to have a boom effect on the country. Though Punta del Este has always been a big name in the tourism business it tends to suffer from the seasonality effect. It’s in season for only a few months of the year. The rest of the time it’s rather quiet and its infrastructure just sits there.

The arrival of the new convention centre could change all this. Conventions are not tied to seasons. Much to their advantage they can be held in the low season. They are an ideal tool to fill up the calendar with activities and keep hotels busy. Commissioning a new convention building with eye-catching architectural design often creates new perspectives for a country. It stimulates entrepreneurship and boosts the local economy. We are looking forward to the opening of this new venue which is expected to be inaugurated in June. Let’s take a moment to discover what it will look like.

www.puntadelestecec.com.uy

Attendance and engagement are two key elements to ensure a successful convention or conference, according to meeting planner feedback secured by Meet Puerto Rico, the organisation responsible for bringing meetings and conventions to Puerto Rico. They regularly cite social media as not only one of the biggest opportunities, but also one of the biggest challenges for the industry. Meet Puerto Rico’s answer is Eleventes® a suite of social media services making outreach simple and affordable for today’s busy planners and a way to build attendee engagement.

“The meetings industry has always been social, but the arrival of social media has created a whole new dimension for meetings, incentive trips, events and trade shows,” said Milton Segarra, President and CEO of Meet Puerto Rico. “That’s why we have developed – in conjunction with our social media company, Sparkloft Media – programs designed to help planners with social media. It is used to help the planner increase attendance, engagement and provide content for their meetings.” 

Eleventes® Offering Details

Eleventes® guides conference organisers to select the tools that are just right for their needs. They can choose from more than 200 tactics to better leverage social media before, during and after an event. The goal is to create new content that resonates with the audience; building higher attendance by leveraging the social media connections of already registered attendees, and boosting sponsorship values. It also provides up to a full year of social media support, starting when the event is still in the planning stage with pre-event promotion to on-site engagement and attendee networking through its completion and beyond.

The activities include:

• Attendance boosters - Drives attendance by using social media to create buzz and excitement for your event. Social media is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase registration.
• Attendee Engager - Higher attendee engagement increases value for all parties involved. Eleventes® allows the planner to use social media to create more memorable events and foster   more meaningful connections, better mobile experiences and higher attendee productivity.
• Membership Maximize - A social media presence is critical for any association that wants to stay connected with members, especially millennials. Eleventes® will help associations boost membership.
• Sponsor Enhancer - Social media connects sponsors with the planner’s audience; helps create brand awareness or drive traffic to the trade show floor providing value.

Destination Marketing Organisations (DMO’s) also recognise social media as a significant opportunity – in the DMAI Destination Next study, social media was named as the number one trend to have an impact on marketing a destination.

www.meetpuertorico.com

Kenes Group, a leading Professional Conference Organizer (PCO) and Association Management company, has noted a rise in confirmed medical congresses in Latin America. Many of Kenes’ international clients are hosting their events in LATAM as more regional associations are becoming significant international players in their fields.

Kenes Group, a recognised market leader in the medical and scientific fields, has become the preferred local partner to a number of associations, due to its strong expertise in the development and growth of regional and international congresses. With the advancement of medical services in the region, many first time events are sprouting in the Kenes calendar, aiming to provide quality educational events to nurture local specialist communities. “We are bringing to the table fresh entrepreneurial spirit and to grow together with our clients, all supported by our understanding of the local market and the setting they operate in. We have seen our Latin American conferences mature through the years and now this is also translating into high-ranking medical services,” commented Paola Andrea Piza Cossio, who recently took over the position of Regional Business Development Manager at Kenes Latin America. “With the increased international standing of the local medical community, we noted the need for more regional medical events, but also international ones with which to benchmark and align new ideas with local scholars,” added Paola.

After analyzing 190 hospitals and clinics of 12 Latin American countries, the magazine AméricaEconomía selected 42 of the best in the region. Thus, in order to support the development and to boost the image of the events industry in the region, the Group will be present at Procolombia’s Travel Mart in February, 25-26, in Bogotá, Colombia.

A process that began in 2010 culminated in attracting the World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse to São Paulo and led to the "Silver Alligator" (Jacaré de Prata) Prize at the Caio 2015 Awards, held at the Center Norte Exhibition Center.

The São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB) played a key role and geared its utmost efforts to bringing this event to São Paulo from the very outset: the raison d'être of this not-for-profit is to attract domestic and international events to São Paulo, thus enhancing the flow of visitors to the city. Two other important destinations disputed the hosting of the event--to be held in the second half of 2017 in São Paulo: Kuwait (United Arab Emirates) and Busan (South Korea).

Emilio Gabbrielli, Chairman of IDA, International Desalination Association and Water Reuse, says the prize was well deserved. "I believe they got it right when they awarded the Caio to SPCVB: after all the IDA World Congress, to be held in Brazil, is extremely important both to Brazil and to all of Latin America. Until this edition, the event had not been held in the continent. Desalination and water reuse are essential if we are to ensure the supply of fresh water in a world where quality water is increasingly at a premium. The Congress will be essential to enable the exchange of experiences and information."

"Winning this Congress will show how São Paulo has a natural calling to be a host city for associational international events, which are extremely important in the world of science and technology, and are responsible for disseminating developments, studies and research in a range of areas of knowledge-above at a time where water scarcity is affecting many places in Brazil and all around the world. The award underscores the importance of the event not only in its core theme, but also for tourism in São Paulo overall, by attracting new visitors and leveraging the destination's economy," says Toni Sando, Executive President of SPCVB.

The Caio Prize, the industry's most important, was created in 1999 in order to encourage, acknowledge and value the work of the individuals and companies that work in Brazil's Event Industry, providing them with recognition in the industry itself as well as in the media.

After an ongoing five-year process, and competing with cities with vast experience in events, Bogotá won the bid to become the headquarters of the World Congress of Neurosurgery 2021 that will gather 8,000 leading neurosurgeons from around the world.

The World Association of Neurosurgery based in Switzerland, holds this world congress every four years in a different country. Among the criteria for choosing the destination is air connectivity, infrastructure and the role of the local Association in society. 2017’s edition will be held in Istanbul.

This achievement is truly significant not only for the country, but for Latin America as a whole, as it aims to implement a scholarship plan as part of its promise of value for young doctors in the region who wish to attend the meeting.

Bogotá in the Big Leagues

Through intense promotion and international relations strategy, the Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau worked together with Agora Bogotá, ProColombia, Barceló congresses, the Colombian Association of Neurosurgery and the Latin American Federation of Neurosurgery (FLANC) to position the Colombian capital in the industry’s “big leagues”.

The vote took place in Rome, under the "15 WFNS Interim Meeting" framework, where each participating city was expected to present its destination. Colombia gave a triumphant display, closing with the Carnival of Barranquilla, which was then followed by a 52% win for Bogotá according to the vote by representatives of each country’s association.

"Neurosurgery is the medical specialty that brings together professionals of the highest degree. By becoming hosts of such a significant global meeting, we prove that success is possible when all the city’s institutions work together. Bogotá is a destination accompanied by its own dynamic and features that make it unique and internationally attractive for the big leagues in the events industry," states Sandra Garcia, Executive Director of the Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau.

"With this win, Bogota helps Colombia advance as a destination for meetings and conferences, one of the tourist niches that have the highest impact on the country’s economy and development," states Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of ProColombia.

"This proves that strategic investment in infrastructure can transform wealth into development. The International Convention Centre Bogotá Agora will be ready in the first quarter of 2017, we have already proven that we are prepared to receive world-class events," emphasized Alexandra Torres, Director of Marketing and Sales for Agora Bogota.

According to Enrique Osorio, President of the Colombian Association of Neurosurgery, "This means a boost and acknowledgment for Colombian neurosurgery. This Congress has been held every four years for 60 years, and only twice has it been carried out in Latin America. It has not returned since 1993, when it was held in Acapulco (Mexico). "

www.bogotacb.com

Spanish version available here.

From December 16th 2015, Air Europa Airlines will start operating direct flights between Paraguay and Europe; the nonstop route Paraguay-Spain will be back after 21 years.

According to the data provided by Air Europa’s General Manager for Bolivia and Paraguay, Olavi Linkola, the first flight will take off from Madrid on December 16th at 23:45 and arrive in Asuncion at 7:55. The first flight from Asuncion will take off on December 17th at 14:00 and will reach Madrid at 5:15. The aircraft, Airbus 330-200, will have capacity for up to 285 passengers.

This route will connect the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport to the entire network of Air Europa destinations. This means that any passenger leaving Asuncion at 14:00 will reach any European capital close to Spain no later than 10:00 am the following day.

Air Europa belongs to Globalia, one of the most consolidated business groups in Spain, with over 25 years of experience, flying to over 45 destinations in Europe, America and Africa, with more than 9 million passengers a year.

Versión en inglés disponible aquí.

A partir del 16 diciembre de 2015, Air Europa Líneas Aéreas operará con vuelos directos entre Paraguay y Europa, de esta manera se recupera la conectividad sin escalas de la ruta Paraguay-España después de 21 años.

Según los datos ofrecidos por el gerente general de la compañía para Bolivia y Paraguay, Olavi Línkola, el primer vuelo saldrá de Madrid el 16 de diciembre a las 23:45 y llegará a Asunción a las 7:55 de la mañana. El primer vuelo de Asunción saldrá el 17 de diciembre a las 14:00 y llegará a Madrid a las 5:15.

Esta ruta conectará la Terminal 1 del Aeropuerto Adolfo Suarez de Madrid- Barajas con toda la red de conexiones de los destinos de Air Europa.

La flota será un AirBus 330-200, con capacidad para 285 pasajeros y la duración del vuelo es aproximadamente 12 horas.

 “Estamos ante un hecho histórico, que apunta la inserción de Paraguay en el mundo”, destacó la ministra de Turismo, Marcela Bacigalupo.

Air Europa pertenece a Globalia, uno de los grupos empresariales más consolidados de España, con más de 25 años de experiencia, que vuela a más de 45 destinos de Europa, América y África, con más de 9 millones de pasajeros transportados al año. 

Meeting Matchmaker, Meet Puerto Rico’s (MPR) latest social media campaign, created in conjunction with social media agency Sparkloft, is the answer planners have been seeking to arrange the perfect meeting. Planners have in mind the idea of the perfect meeting style, amenity, hotel size and location – but does it exist? Meeting Matchmaker says yes, and makes it a reality with a swipe and the meeting planner is on their way to making their “dream meeting” a reality.

The new campaign was launched through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and will run throughout the month of June 2015.

“Meet Puerto Rico tries to stay ahead of, and on top of the trends and we offer what our planners need, before they ask,” said Milton Segarra, President and CEO of Meet Puerto Rico. “Meeting Matchmaker is a time-saver and a good way to showcase our destination in an easy and fun way.” The app’s designed for mobile users and the layout is clear and it’s simple to use.

How it works

Meeting Matchmaker is a user friendly app. Planners start by swiping right or left when shown a variety of images reflecting meeting styles and activities in Puerto Rico– large group, beach, casino, adventure, etc. Each photo selection is linked to a grouping of MPR partners based on the amenities, products or services they offer (that match the selection).  When a user swipes to select the style, a random partner from the grouping will be shown as an example of Puerto Rico’s offering in that category. After the user completes their selections, more information will be shown about all of the partners in the selected grouping, including special offers.

Once the planner receives the meeting recommendations, they will be asked to enter for a chance to win one of more than 10 prizes, including a five-day day trip to Puerto Rico that will include hotel stay, Meet & Greet at the airport, airline gift card with a value of $500, and a tour. Second and third prizes include a three-day hotel stay plus tour. 

This effort is the second Meet Puerto Rico branded social media offering. The first, “Eleventes,” was launched late last year and provides a suite of social media services to make outreach simple and affordable. The first group to use Eleventes will be the Society for the Study of Reproduction who is holding their conference, July 16-23, in Puerto Rico.

Find your perfect match for your meeting at www.meetingmatchmaker.com/

www.meetpuertorico.com

Meet Puerto Rico began the new fiscal year 2015-16 on strong footing with more than 20 groups holding their meetings in Puerto Rico in August and September 2015.  This represents a direct impact of $7 million to the local economy.

“Puerto Rico continues to position itself as an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, offering a state-of-the-art convention centre, a wide variety of  hotels, strong infrastructure and unique attractions with the added advantage that we are on a tropical island in the Caribbean," saidMilton Segarra, president & CEO of Meet Puerto Rico.

In addition, during the month of July, Meet Puerto Rico secured 10 new bookings.  These groups are slated for the end of 2015, 2016 and 2017. Groups range from multinational companies to medical, educational conferences and sporting events, among others.

Upcoming groups include: Latin American Business Council (CEAL); Helms Briscoe Eastern Regional Conference; Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) CEOForum; ExperientTop Producers Meetings, HPN Global Top Producers Meeting and the Latin American & Caribbean AirTransport Association ALTA.

Segarra said that the experiences these groups take away from their visit to Puerto Rico are vital to the ongoing positioning of the destination. "One of the trends that continues to remain true is that this segment, the meetings and conventions delegate, wants to experience the destination beyond the meeting room.  In Puerto Rico, they can experience a different culture and environment whether It is eating authentic cuisine in a local restaurant, visiting historical sites or enjoying the beach or shopping. All of this has a direct positive impact on the local economy, which is important because we are all part of that positive impact on our destination through our collective experience with the visitor," Segarra concluded.

www.meetpuertorico.com