Buenos Aires to host the Leadership Forum of Advisers

The Committee of Affiliate Members of the World Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Government of Argentina and the Argentine affiliate members, will hold the Leadership Forum of Advisers in Buenos Aires from 30 September to 1 October to stress again the importance of private sector in international tourism development.

Out of all the events organized by the WTO Affiliate Members, the Leadership Forum of Advisers has historically been the most important. It is attended by practically all the members of the Business Council of the Affiliate Members, and features prominent tourism industry figures who gather together to discuss the most important issues for the future of tourism-related enterprises in a changing world. This meeting is of special interest for the WTO Business Council, but Affiliate Members from the Education and Destination sectors will also be interested in participating.

"The WTO has the twofold privilege of having both Affiliate Members and Member States, and of enjoying their support," says Antonio de la Morena, Chief Executive Officer of the WTO Affiliate Members. "The presence of the private sector in cooperation with the public sector enlivens the constant dialogue between the two sectors and makes it possible for the Organization to keep abreast of all tourism-related developments in the world as viewed from the highest possible vantage points."

The Leadership Forum of Advisers is held every two years and has taken place in the following cities: Segovia, Spain (1999), Washington D.C., United States (2001), and Thessaloniki, Greece (2003).

Over two days, internationally prominent tourism entrepreneurs will be tackling timely issues that are of interest to the sector's enterprises. Among the topics to be discussed are models to ensure the free movement of persons in a world in crisis, trends and changes in current tourism flows, the economic outlook, quality management models, market intelligence and qualitative changes in tourist behaviour, models for cooperation between companies, sustainable tourism and congestion management, new product-development trends, the application of new technologies in tourism, taxation, safety and security, training, e-commerce, and online advertising.

The event will be followed by post-conference tours, namely to Glaciar Perito Moreno (El Calafate), Mendoza (wine country), Northwest (Salta and Quebrada of Huamaca), Cataratas de Iguazú and Bariloche.