The Latin American Federation of Congress and Related Activity Planners (COCAL is the Spanish acronym) revealed this week the most outstanding destinations of 2004 in the organization of congress and events, with Brazil and Havana awarded as best country and best city, respectively. In the best country category, Cuba finished second followed by Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia in that order.

The 22nd edition of the Moscow International Travel & Tourism Fair came to a close this weekend in the Russian capital´s Exhibition Center with a turnout of 2,500 companies from 110 countries and thousands of visitors. Experts and senior officials from the world travel industry highlighted the interest drawn by the Latin American nations, especially by the delegations of Cuba, Venezuela, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil and Argentina.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is holding the 5th Global Travel and Tourism Summit in New Delhi from April 8-10. Leading government, industry and media players from around the world will focus on the need for the Travel and Tourism sector to realize its full potential for social and economic development. As one of the largest industries in the world today, responsible for employing more than 200 million people and generating over 10 per cent of global GDP, Travel and Tourism provides a gateway to economic progress particularly in areas where there are few alternatives, the organizers uphold.

Slated for April 10 to 13 in Acapulco, Mexico´s Tourism Tianguis 2005 trade fair will upped the participant estimates. The fair will host an expected 1,100 buyers from 25 countries (making 19,000 appointments), up from 994 in 2004. At the top of the Tianguis conference agenda this year: low-cost airlines, a booming Asian market, the future of tourism and sales and marketing in the tourism industry.

The Dominican National Hotel and Restaurant Association (ASONAHORES) and Tourism Promotion Council (CPT) have announced the official dates and locations for Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2005. This year´s event is scheduled for April 6 to 8. We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this event, as it serves as a catalyst for successful business ventures among the trades, said Mr. Enrique De Marchena Kaluche, president of ASONAHORES.

The Acapulco Tourism Tianguis (Marketplace) 2005 –Mexico´s largest tourism trade fair- is expected to host its largest and most successful fair ever this year, on its 30th anniversary. From April 10 to 13, this international fair, taking place in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, will host 1,100 buyers and 19,000 appointments in the 425 business suites on site at the show using a high-tech online appointment system.