Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
MEETINGS IN ARGENTINA, A DESTINATION THAT SUITS ALL YOUR NEEDS What makes Argentina a destination that suits all your needs?Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world, and 2nd largest in SouthAmerica,with six tourist regions offering visitors a great variety of landscapes and climates.The country has a modern infrastructure and transport system, and a unique culture, the result of the merge between native and European traditions giv- ing birth to a melting pot of races and cul- tures, with a distinctive identity. Soccer, tango, folklore, polo, golf, horse riding, raft- ing, fishing, skiing, thermal tourism, archeo- logical ruins, cultural events, virgin tropical forests, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, stunning national parks, an endless nightlife, delicious food and wine, and above all, the people make Argentina an ideal destination for tourism and for all kind of international meetings. Yearly, Argentina is chosen to host conferences, conventions, trade shows, festivals, incentive trips and sports events in its 36 meeting destinations, each of them with its own industries, first-class infrastructure and diverse landscapes. ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association) showed the development of Latin America in the meeting industry as the most growing emergent region and, clearly, Argentina is the country that showed the biggest growth. In fact, before 2008, Argentina was positioned between the 40th and the 36th place, and thanks to the implementation of the INPRO- TURs Meeting Industry Marketing Plan and the work as a country team developed by INPROTUR, Argentina's Ministry of Tourism, the Argentine meeting destinations and AOCA(the Argentine Association of Congress and Meeting Suppliers), the country climbed in 2010 to the 18th place as meeting destination of the world, with 172 international events organized all over its six tourist regions. In only three years, the country positioned seven meeting destinations in the ICCA Ranking: The City of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mar del Plata, Rosario, La Plata, Bariloche and Salta. The City of Buenos Aires keeps leading the cities of the Americas in the 12 position of the Ranking as an international con- gress destination, with 98 international events, positioning itself right above Sao Paulo and México DF. Argentina's Ministry of Tourism and INPROTUR are committed to work along the 36 meeting destination as a Public Private Partnership towards the success of national and international meetings, with the aim of positioning the country in the top destinations of the world. The latest results after the implementation of the plan showed that we are on the right path. For more information on meeting in Argentina, visit http://meetings.argentina.travel/ GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE LAUNCHES THE URBAN EXPERIENCE GUIDE: A GUIDE SHOWCASING HISTORY,HERITAGE AND DIVERSITY Greater Fort Lauderdale's latest traveling tool called theUrban ExperienceGuide is designed to help culturally diverse traveler's explore the destination's history and heritage in order to gain the ultimate cultural experience as the city cele- brates its Centennial this year. This guide provides insightful vacation ideas, tips and planning resources in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and features: •A multitude of accommodations ranging from luxury resort hotels to superior small lodging properties • Outdoor events such as relaxing walking trails, boat rentals, nature tours, pavilions and picnic areas •Attractions such as theAfrican-American Research library and Cultural Center and the Old DillardMuseum • Exciting festivals,music and dance concerts catering to all ages celebratingAfrican-American and Caribbean culture • Important tips and inspiring ideas for family events, games and projects to bring relatives even closer together • Restaurants to fit everyone's personality ranging fromfive-star restaurants to local favorites such as Betty's Soul Food Restaurant and the Jamaican JerkMachine •Awe-inspiring buying experiences such as fashionable LasOlas Boulevard and the famous 50-acre SawgrassMillsMall • Old-fashioned sightseeing via a water taxi ride to navigate the IntracoastalWaterways and cruise to downtown Fort Lauderdale's RiverwalkArts & Entertainment District In addition, the colorful "scan tag" icons throughout the guide provide readers instant access to information or view videos right from a Smartphone. It's easy, just download the app by logging onto http://gettag.mobi then start scanning for exclusive online and video content. Native Floridian and oral historian Dr.Kitty Oliver provides informative commentary in the guide on the area's histor- ical backdrop that spans 10 decades and the significant contributions African-Americans have and continue to make in Broward County. For more information on the Urban Experience Guide and destination-wide multicultural experiences, please visit www.sunny.org/multicultural. Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9