The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Madrid will hold Feb. 1 the first fair ever dedicated to golf travel and real estate organized by Abando Golf Travel, a retailer-wholesaler specialized in trips to the world’s premiere golf destinations.

The 2004 Swing will gather the finest golf destinations under the sun, both national and international, as well as real-estate offers related to the realm of golf, the best 18-hole courses, equipment and everything that draws golfers’ attention.

The upcoming 2004 Holguin Tradeshow is scheduled for Jan. 19 to 25 next year in that province of eastern Cuba under the sponsorship of the Provincial Management Council, Cuba’s Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

The event that gathers all national businesspeople, plus representatives of tourist and trade companies, is aimed at boosting up efforts to replace imports and forge multi-company mergers, organizers say.

Thailand will host a couple of major events in 2004 planned by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). On the one hand, the Mekong’s Ninth PATA Tourism Forum to be held in the northern Thai location of Chiang Mai from March 26 through 28.

A few months later –from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1- the Thai capital, Bangkok, will put on its best bib and tucker for the 27th edition of the PATA Travel Mart.

The 24th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) –scheduled for Jan. 28 to Feb 1 next year at the Juan Carlos I Fairgrounds in Madrid- has turned out a reference event for those eager to be hipped on the ongoing situation of world tourism and travel.

The 24th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) –scheduled for Jan. 28 to Feb 1 next year in Madrid- has turned out a reference event for those eager to be hipped on the ongoing situation of world tourism and travel.

For this year’s fair, planners are expecting a turnout of 11,000 exhibitors and some 100,000 delegates and invitees.

Ricardo Campello came out as the undisputed King of the Caribbean and freestyle world champ in 2003 of the Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA). The talented 18-year-old surfer beat his rivals fair and square as he won both titles at the PWA Grand Prix circuit of Sorobon on the Dutch-speaking Caribbean island of Bonaire.

Brazil’s Campello has developed his own style in El Yaque Beach on the Venezuelan island of Margarita. The runner-up spot in the King of the Caribbean contest went to Bonaire-native Taty Frans, while Venezuela’s Douglas “Cheo” Diaz took the third place.