As a continuation of the work ASTA and NTA started with the creation of the Hispanic Business Development Task Force, the groups will hold the Hispanics in Travel Caucus 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. This Caf? con Leche will provide leading executives, organizations and thought-leaders involved in the Hispanic tourism market the opportunity to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities in Hispanic tourism and develop plans for better serving the Hispanic travel community.
?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 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 Caf? con Leche. He has appeared on Fox and CNN in Espanol, among others, and currently is a contributing writer at Forbes, Huffington Post and AOL Latino. He was recently featured on NBC Latino and selected to be a leadership voice on Google?s first and only YouTube network (?MiTu?) targeting Hispanics.
In coordination with the Caf? con Leche, 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. This important panel will highlight why the fastest growing market in the United States–Latinos represent more than 50 percent of all growth– needs to be a key part of anyone?s travel marketing plans. 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.
Register today for just $99 to take advantage of ASTA?s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo?s full education line-up, as well as a host of networking events and a tradeshow floor, featuring the industry?s top suppliers. ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo provides agents the chance to gain an advantage from an all-new educational program and to advance their professional career; exchange ideas and network with the industry?s top agents to build their business; and diversify their partners with the latest products and destinations on the show floor to increase revenue.