ASTA Selects San Juan to Host 2011 Destination Expo

ASTA said it has selected San Juan, Puerto Rico, as host of the 2011 International Destination Expo (IDE). Puerto Rico was selected for its accessibility to U.S. travelers and its rich history and culture.

“The International Destination Expo is the only industry event dedicated to destination training,” said William Maloney, ASTA CEO. “Attendees will have the chance to experience firsthand the exciting tourism attractions Puerto Rico has to offer, discovering a sample of the old and new continent. National, as well as regional suppliers and travel agents, will certainly return home with a better understanding of Puerto Rico and its tourism offerings, which will no doubt entice everyone to make arrangements to visit this premiere destination.”

“This is a great opportunity for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to position themselves as one of the primary destination in the Americas,” said Daphne Barbeito, ASTA chapter president for Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. “It also gives us a chance to come together as an industry and as people to show our visitors the best our region and has to offer.”

The IDE, set for the spring 2011, will empower agents with the resources in selling Puerto Rico and the Caribbean as a lucrative destination. ASTA’s Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. chapter, together with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, will be offering a “Travel Expert” destination certification pre- and post-tours in all regions of the Puerto Rico.

In preparation for IDE 2011, all travel agents to join ASTA between Nov. 15, 2009 and Jan. 15, 2010, will be automatically entered to win one of three Marriott hotel stays. In addition, suppliers who join ASTA will receive a discount on their booth at IDE 2011 and a free Caribbean specialist travel agent list.