Destination Argentina, fronted by the National Institute of Tourism Promotion, Argentina (INPROTUR), returns to IT&CM China 2018 with a much larger presence on the show floor and greater involvement in the conference segment.
Besides doubling the size of the Argentina pavilion this year, Destination Argentina will also have an Associations Day Destination Presentation, host a Networking Dinner on March 21, and organise a post-event fam trip in September.
The Argentinean entourage will include the city of Buenos Aires and Aerolíneas Argentinas, the destination’s largest airline and flag carrier.
Explaining Destination Argentina’s decision to return bigger and stronger at IT&CM China, Emora Franco, meeting industry coordination with INPROTUR, said: “China has been defined as one of the 17 prioritised markets by our National Institute of Tourism Promotion. We were extremely well-received and had a very successful participation last year. We met more buyers and decision-makers than expected, prompting our renewed efforts to return with more destinations and companies in tow.”
According to ICCA statistics, Argentina ranks as one of the top 20 most popular countries for association meetings, with more than 180 international congresses under its belt. Its capital, Buenos Aires, holds top spot as a meetings city in the Americas for eight consecutive years.
The country has also been developing its tourism infrastructure exponentially, stimulating investment and massive potential in business and leisure travel.
Culturally diverse, Argentina has six tourist regions that combine Latin American spirit with European legacy, 48 destinations suitable for hosting international events, and over 30 local CVBs. It also receives more than 800 international flights weekly from 50 destinations across five continents.
Franco said: “Argentina is a destination of excellence coupled with affordability within the Latin America region. For overseas tourists, we waive the 21 per cent VAT usually charged on accommodation, breakfast included, if it is part of the cost of lodging. As of 2016, Chinese tourists are exempted from requiring visas to travel to Argentina if they hold valid visas for Europe or the US, further boosting connectivity and breaking down barriers to entry.”
