The Hispanic tourism market and its challenges and opportunities will be the focus of the Hispanics in Travel Caucus to be held in conjunction with ASTA’s Travel Retailing and Destination Expo (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9) on Sept. 8 from 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m. The event is a continuation of the work ASTA and NTA started with the creation of the Hispanic Business Development Task Force.
“Given the enormous purchasing power of the Hispanic market, it is critical that the industry’s leading organizations harness their energy to develop a framework in which to better understand and reach this target market. The Caucus event is the first of many initiatives ASTA and NTA will undertake to highlight the importance of the Hispanic market in the United States,” said ASTA President and Chair Nina Meyer.
The Caucus says it provides a firsthand opportunity for participants to:
• meet and connect with industry colleagues involved in Hispanic tourism.
• exchange strategies, insight and ideas meaningful to the marketplace.
• develop business opportunities for ASTA and NTA members working within the Hispanic market.
• discuss ways in which to create more jobs within the travel industry.
“Our Hispanics in Travel Caucus is the type of face-to-face exchange that will help us truly understand the needs, opportunities and challenges of this dynamic market,” said Lisa Simon, NTA president. “And when we increase travel within the United States by this market, we generate more business for our members—and more jobs for Americans.”
Glenn Llopis, CEO for the Center for Hispanic Leadership, will be the featured speaker for the Café con Leche event.
Also planned in coordination with the Café con Leche event, a panel discussion –“25 Reasons Why Hispanics are Important in Growing Your Travel Business” – will be held on Sept. 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The panel will highlight why the fastest growing market in the United States - Hispanics represent more than 50 percent of all growth - needs to be a key part of anyone’s travel marketing plans, ASTA notes. The workshop will cover key demographic, consumer and travel trends within the market as well as success stories from various industry sectors.
Featured presenters at the panel include: Olga Ramudo (moderator), president & CEO, Express Travel and U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member; Kirk Whisler, president, Latino Print Network; Laura Mandala, managing director, Mandala Research, LLC; Laura Rodriguez Verbera, president & CEO, Marina Tours and Travel; Angel A. Alvarez, regional sales director, Rail Europe; and Gerald A. Fernandez, president, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Association.
Those wishing to nominate an organization or individual to receive a Caucus invitation are asked to contact Olga Ramudo, chair of the Hispanic Business Development Task Force.
Registration for ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo’s is open.
Visit www.asta.org and www.NTAonline.com