Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_40-44__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 9:17 PM Page 40 BY ROB HARD seems that the business travel, meetings and events industry continues to evolve each year, and 2013 will likely reflect some significant shifts that will influence where, when and how we It 40 meet in the future. "While the economy has been a challenge in recent years, it seems that 2013 will begin to change that trend," says Jorge Rubio Navarro, director of the Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago. "For Spain, we saw a growth of 3% in 2012, in spite of the economic crisis. Similar growth is projected for 2013, with a good outlook for the business travel sector, thanks to Spain's excellent infrastructures and industry professionals. The travel industry is positioning itself today to welcome greater numbers of international business travelers." B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Navarro's observations about international business travel to Spain may be an excellent gauge that will help predict both the challenges and opportunities ahead. And it seems we have many other reasons to be optimistic about 2013 for business travel, meetings and events: