Atlanta, Georgia, USA- The 2008 Americas Competitiveness Forum (ACF), co-hosted by the United States Secretary of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin will take place on August 17-19, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia with the aim of promoting prosperity and economic opportunity in the Americas. The ACF is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants from the 34 nations in the Americas including government ministers, business executives, academics, and representatives from non-governmental and international organizations.

This year the ACF will feature four tracks including travel and tourism, trade logistics, market opportunities in renewable energy, and alliances in business and education. Leaders in these fields will discuss innovative methods for enhancing competitiveness and provide information on trade and investment opportunities in the Western Hemisphere.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN THE AMERICAS TRACK AT ACF 2008 New to the ACF this year, this track will explore the major issues facing the travel and tourism industries in the Americas. The track consists of three practical panel discussions on sustainable tourism, improving market access for small and medium travel and tourism enterprises, and a plenary session on travel and tourism product diversification in the region. Come listen to experts provide examples on how tourism development can fuel the Americas� competitive position in the global economy.

Sustainable Tourism Development as a Driver of Competitiveness August 18, 2008, 10:45 am � 12:15 pm Improving Market Access for Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises August 18, 2008, 2:15 � 4:00 pm Plenary Session - Strategies for Tourism Diversification August 19, 2008, 8:30 am � 9:30 am

For additional information, including registration and fees, visit the 2008 Americas Competitiveness Forum event website at CompetitivenessForum.com.

If you plan to attend any of the travel and tourism panels please email Cynthia Warshaw at cynthia.warshaw@mail.doc.gov.

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Media Contact: Office of Travel and Tourism Industries Tinet_info@ita.doc.gov (202) 482-0140