TravelMart LatinAmerica
Sep 11 - 13, 2012
Hotel Las Americas Convention Center
Cartagena, Colombia
Almost 300 “Buyers” from global markets will be meeting “Suppliers” from every Latin America Country during three (3) days of carefully structured business and social activities. The focal point of TravelMart LatinAmerica is the two (2) days dedicated exclusively to pre-scheduled business appointments at the modern and spacious CentroSul Convention Center. Other activities include a Welcome Reception at the Costao do Santinho Resort & Spa sponsored by SANTUR (Santa Catarina Turismo), sponsored lunches during the business sessions, and the Closing/Farewell Reception hosted by SANTUR.
TravelMart LatinAmerica was first held in Lima 1978, and this will be the 5th time since the inaugural that this prestigious business development Event for Latin America tourism will be returning to Brazil. TravelMart LatinAmerica was last held in Salvador, Bahia in 1988, Manaus in 1996, Fortaleza in 2000, and Foz do Iguacu in 2004. Last year’s TravelMart LatinAmerica was held in Lima, Peru.
The TravelMart LatinAmerica Buyers and Suppliers are staying at Host Hotels in the Florianopolis area, including Blue Tree Towers, Costao do Santinho, Il Campanario, Intercity Premium, Jurere Beach Village, Majestic Palace, Natur Campeche, Ponta dos Ganchos, Sofitel, and Vila Tamarindo.
300 Travel Industry “Buyers” from the world’s most important markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, and over 260 Supplier Companies from all Latin America destinations are attending. International Travel Industry Journalists also participate. The exclusive William H. Coleman, Inc. “Select-Match” pre-scheduled appointments system arranged almost 7,000 meetings between “Buyers and Suppliers” in advance, and more meetings are arranged “on-site” during the business sessions. TravelMart LatinAmerica Suppler attendance is always “sold out” to assure delegates will have a productive and enjoyable experience.
This year’s TravelMart LatinAmerica is sponsored by a long list of distinguished Travel Industry Leaders including: Santa Catarina Turismo (SANTUR), EMBRATUR, TAM, Florianopolis Convention and Visitors Bureau, ABETA, Metropolitan Touring, Turismo Cartagena de Indias, The Ecuador Ministry of Tourism, Quito Turismo, Tren Ecuador, TripAdvisor, STR Global, Delta Air Lines, Rainforest Alliance, and Mercado & Eventos Brazil.
Most of the TravelMart LatinAmerica delegates will be visiting tourism sites throughout Santa Catarina and Brazil by taking special Pre and Post Tours organized by ABETA and SANTUR. SANTUR also provided complimentary Florianopolis City Tours. TAM Airlines, the Official TravelMart LatinAmerica Airline, and other participating airlines including American Airlines, AviancaTaca, Copa Airlines, and LAN Airlines offered discounted air fares to participating delegates.
Irma Coleman, President & CEO of William H. Coleman, Inc., the TravelMart LatinAmerica organizing company, said: “We are very excited about bringing TravelMart LatinAmerica to Florianopolis. For many TravelMart LatinAmerica Buyers and Suppliers this is the first opportunity for them to personally experience everything that the Santa Catarina area can offer their clients.” Mrs. Coleman also added: “It has been a delight for us to have the support of the Santa Catarina Host Committee dedicated professionals who have been working very hard for almost two (2) years to make this Event successful. And, we are delighted to be back in Brazil, one of the world’s most exciting tourism destinations.”