Wtm Latin America 2013 Interview Icca

We're in 90 countries and 330 cities and we have 6 offices globally. Elected as the new president, the first one in 50 years from Latin America, this is an historic first for the association. I'm from Uruguay. I was born in Montevideo. I'm the first from Latin America. In the beginning, when ICCA first started, there were founders and among them was a man from Mexico, but this is the first time that a Latin American has won by election. It's very important. I think it's recognition for the industry in general in Latin America, giving us the opportunity to show that we're doing things better and that we have a very important future ahead of us, with great business opportunities. Well, on a continent that has grown in terms of its economy, technology, knowledge, the application of technologies and the diversification of its production, tourism has grown much more in Latin America than in other regions in the world and it's becoming a preferred destination for tourists. The fact that the WTM fair chose São Paulo to set up is in some way recognising the importance the market has. It's also going to bring a lot of benefits to the market,bringing in buyers from abroad and being able to show what we have to offer. I found the event to be very good. Because it was the first edition I was very surprised by the number of countries represented here and also the number of countries from outside the region that are participating. I thought the fair was going to be a version that identified much more with Latin America, but I see that other destinations have come here, including including the Middle East and Asia. I think they've also come from the United States; I think that's important and that there's also an interest from outside the region in participating in this fair, in attracting tourists from the Latin American region. Our presence here is important. I play an active part in the EIBTM in Barcelona and I was also at the EIM in Melbourne when it commemorated its 25 years.I was also there with Craig Moyes, enjoying this celebration. We were at the first edition of AIBTM America, when it was held in Baltimore. We also opened the first edition. Well, because we're in the industry I think it's important for ICCA for ICCA to be taking part with Reed, which is a first rate partner for our association.