Exposing competitive advantages to the professional public attending the largest and most important business fair in Latin America is key for private companies and public agencies in the travel and tourism industry. In addition to tourism operators, airlines, technology companies, assistance card companies, car rental companies, road transport companies, hotel networks, resorts, theme parks, convention centers, sea cruises and other links of the sector´s extensive production chain, national and international tourist destinations stand out at the 2012 ABAV – The Tourism Fair of the Americas. The event´s 40th edition, which will be held from October 24 to 26 at Riocentro (RJ), will gather the major players of the market, with a confirmed record high participation of more than 50 countries competing for the preference of the increasing demand for leisure and business trips.

In this unique scenario, capable of mobilizing a professional public of more than 23,000 visitors working in travel agencies, who wish to stay up-to-date to provide excellence services to their customers (of various profiles), the strong presence of public agencies that encourage and promote tourism must be highlighted.

Competent public authorities invest in the event as a high-impact promotional action, motivated by the expansion of the consumer base in the domestic market, caused by the economic policy that democratizes the access of the so-called emerging mid-class to tourism, or caused by Brazil´s exposure in the media due to the World Cup and the Olympics.

Seeking to win tourists through their cuisine, destinations like Bahia, for instance, expand and innovate their participation by sponsoring one of the various Aldeias dos Sabores [Flavor Villages] included in the redesigned layout of the fair, conceived for the typical high-quality regional gastronomic options.

“It will be the industry´s largest and best fair of all times held in Rio de Janeiro”. The words of Antonio Azevedo, president of the Brazilian Travel Agencies Association – ABAV, perfectly summarize the expectation of those who will have the opportunity to be part of and check the exhibitions in the three halls of the Convention Center.

ABAV – The Tourism Fair of the Americas will be filled with novelties, occupying a total area of 45,000 square meters. ABAV will introduce the Espaço Corporativo [Corporate Space] in a partnership with the Brazilian Business Travel Association (Abracorp), which turns over more than R$25 billion per year in the business travel segment. This initiative attracts Convention Bureaux interested in presenting the infrastructure installed in their respective cities to the more than 600 Brazilian and foreign hosted buyers, with the purpose of hosting corporate events of various sizes, formats and segments.

Other unparalleled initiatives, such as the creation of the Espaço Empreendedor [Entrepreneur Space]; training sections at Vila do Saber [Knowledge Village], and Business Rounds in partnership with SEBRAE, contribute to encourage commercial and qualification activities, such as the promotion of an international seminar on LGBT consumption, organized by ITB Berlin – the world´s largest tourism fair and a partner of ABAV.

The repercussion of ABAV – The Tourism Fair of the Americas also gains renewed attention from the global press. Within less than 24 hours after the beginning of the accreditation period for communication vehicles interested in covering the event, the organization received more than 120 registrations from reporters, bloggers and freelance journalists from domestic and foreign vehicles, major press and tourism trade. Last year, approximately 500 media professionals were present, but this figure is expected to increase by at least 30%.

About ABAV

The Brazilian Travel Agencies Association – ABAV was founded on 12/28/1953 to promote social welfare and harmony in the industry, throughout the national territory, defending the legitimate interests of the Tourism Industry as a whole and collaborating with public authorities in assessing and solving problems in the industry. The most significant entity of the Brazilian tourism, acknowledged for its credibility and strength along with all of the links comprising the industry´s dynamic production and economic chain, ABAV is responsible for guiding and leading actions that can contribute to the development of tourism in Brazil. With a direct and indirect impact on 52 economic sectors, the Tourism Industry, a global leader in job and income generation, has been rapidly growing, exceeding Brazil´s average overall annual development.

With the creation of the Ministry of Tourism in January 2003, ABAV became a member of the National Tourism Council, renewing its position as driver of the market´s different segments and niches. The entity also strongly invests in qualifying and changing the mentality of professionals – the directors and employees it represents –, acting as a spokesperson and sounding board for the interests of the approximately 3,500 accredited Travel Agencies, which account for more than 80% of the industry´s business generation.

ABAV is playing an increasingly transforming role as an agent focused on local action with a global vision. Finally, boldness is the trademark of this entity, which stands out for its resilience in overcoming challenges, acting with a strong purpose and ready to face adversity.