For the first time ever South America will be hosting the cruise industry major event, the Seatrade Cruise Convention organized by the Seatrade Group and Abremar, the Brazilian Association of maritime cruises. The event is scheduled for May 30 and 31 in Sao Paulo.

Costa Rica, known worldwide for its leadership in ecological preservation, sustainable development and eco-friendly tourism, will lead the world once again as it hosts the 2011 Medical Travel International Business Summit May 2-4, 2011 in San Jose and Guanacaste provinces.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, will host a Shared Ownership Investment Conference May 31 through June 1 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados. Interval created the conference in 1998 to educate prospective entrants, lenders, and government officials about resort development opportunities around the globe.

EIBTM announces research findings that reveal EIBTM 2010 successfully delivered valuable business opportunities for exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and trade visitors. The EIBTM 2010 onsite and post-show research indicated that 96% of exhibitors agree that EIBTM is important to their business and 94% of exhibitors agreed that EIBTM is a must attend industry event.

ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) held its first Board of Directors meeting of 2011 last week (April 13-14) as part of the Society’s International Destination Expo in San Juan, P.R. In addition to making critical decisions that shape the Society’s future, the Board heard from ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar and staff on the strategic development plans being put in place for 2011 and beyond.

A surge in exhibitor demand over the last few weeks has resulted in over 97 percent of booth space sold at AIBTM 2011 as meeting and event industry professionals aim to attend the first large scale U.S. exhibition incorporating a Hosted Buyer Program, AIBTM Education day and America Meetings Week.