EXPERIENCE LATIN AMERICAN by the Latin American Travel Association (LATA), the new b2b trade show bringing together key suppliers from Latin America with buyers from the UK and Europe, will launch on target with over 70 suppliers exhibiting and more than 200 buyers registered, with a full three day schedule of informative seminars themed 'Uncover' or 'Discover'.  In addition the final day is designated travel agent day, with agents being given the chance to meet the people who represent Latin America and learn more about the region's attractions.

ELA, as it has become known, is being held between 16 – 18 June, at the stunning waterside venue of 40 Bank Street, in London's Canary Wharf.

Exhibitors including tourist boards such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Quito and the CTO; leading airlines serving the region such as AirEuropa, Avianca, British Airways, Caribbean, Copa, Iberia, LAN, TAM, TAP and United; hotel companies including Alvear, Belmond, Fasano Hotels, Grace Hotels and Inkaterra, are among those exhibiting and even leading cruise lines, such as Silversea, have recognised the promotional and business opportunities the event brings.

The show will bring together carefully selected companies wishing to increase business to Latin America.  Pre-scheduled meetings, inspiring seminars and plenty of networking opportunities will ensure a cross-section of Latin American suppliers and overseas buyers get ample opportunity to meet and network, learn about new products and strengthen existing relationships.

NEW LATA chairman Byron Shirto said: ""We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response we have received from everyone involved in making Experience Latin American happen, especially the quality and number of exhibitors and buyers registered to attend.  We are passionate about all things Latin America and very much look forward to sharing and exploring with each other the rich, diverse and varied experiences associated with travel to Latin America.”

The seminar programme is a fundamental part of the experience for buyer and supplier delegates to engage, interact and learn at Experience Latin America.  The 'Discover' and 'Uncover' seminars will provide education, inspiration and interaction for all delegates attending the event. 

'Discover' seminars will be destination themed offering delegates the chance to learn about each region and specific product highlighting the incredible variety of experiences in Latin America.

'Uncover' seminars will look at the topical issues facing tourism to Latin America in general. Expert speakers and panelists will inform on current trends, perceptions and opportunities in Latin America, and highlight its enormous potential for increased business. Topics will include:-

• Key sustainable tourism trends in Latin America for the next 10 years
• How to sell Latin America
• How to get the most out of your social and digital media strategies
• Routes to the UK market
• Why adventure travel is essential to the future of tourism in Latin America
• Key European booking trends
• Growing niche markets in Latin America
• How hotel and transport safety in Latin America affects you
• Trends in cruising in Latin America
• Discovering Brazil, Argentina and Los Cabos
• Keeping your clients safe – practical steps to minimize your risk
• Understanding the role of the travel trade press

The Experience Latin America social/networking programme will kick off with an official launch party on 16th June sponsored by Air Europa.   Coffee breaks throughout the three day programme are hosted by Argentina, Brazil and LATAM with LATA hosting the lunches. A closing drinks reception on Wednesday is hosted by Brazil and LATAM.

For more information visit http://www.experiencelatinamerica.co.uk

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For media information on LATA, or to contact its members for information or to request press visits please contact Steele Paulich/Jane Richards pr@lata.org or call 020 7326 9880.

About LATA
The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) is a travel trade organisation that was founded to promote travel to the many diverse and exotic destinations of Latin America. LATA brings together over 250 companies, including tourist boards, tour operators, hotels, wholesalers, media, and airlines. Members offer many ways to discover the gems of the region, with accommodation options ranging from velvet-lined luxury to threadbare hammocks. LATA also promotes charitable work in the region through its sister organisation the LATA Foundation (www.latafoundation.org). 

LATA fact box for stories on Latin America
LATA offers comprehensive information on destinations, tour operators, airlines, and hotels for travellers to the region on any budget. Please tell your readers about LATA, by including fact box information with stories on the region.

Visit the LATA website (www.lata.org) for more information on travel in Latin America, or to request a full colour guide to the region. LATA is also now on twitter - @LATA_PR while Experience Latin America can be followed @ELA_by_LATA.

LATA's Facebook page is:
www.facebook.com/LatinAmericanTravelAssociation