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FIRST ECO-TOURISM CONFERENCE EVER IN VENEZULEA
TO BE HELD IN CARACAS, SEPTEMBER 10 & 11
August 14, 2002/Caracas, Venezuela -- EXPOECOTURISMO 2002, the first ecotourism exposition (trade show) ever in Venezuela, is expected to draw multitudes of visitors when it kicks off in just over four weeks. The two-day event, to be held at the Hotel Tamanaco Intercontinental in Caracas, September 10 & 11th, will put much of Venezuela on display showcasing the countries' 8 major states with lectures, presentations, cultural shows and video presentations. The exhibition and conference - appealing to a national and international audience -- will highlight ecotourism businesses and products that are currently available throughout Venezuela.
"We are extremely pleased that thus far, the conference has been so well received - in fact it is a breath of fresh air, " says Paul Stanley, President of Angel-Eco Tours, one of the organizers of the event. "After all, this is the International Year of Ecotourism and Venezuela has such incredible biodiversity in its 43 national parks and some of the most beautiful, natural surroundings seen anywhere in the world".
"We believe that EXPOECOTURISMO 2002 will create an international awareness of the importance of ecotourism and other conservation initiatives currently being conducted in Venezuela," added Stanley.
Attending and participating in the event will be Venezuela's Vice
Minister of Tourism - Mr. Wilmar Castro, who will host the opening ceremonies. Also participating will be Directors of Tourism from many of the representative states in Venezuela and representatives from the WTO.
Other dignitaries and featured presentations at EXPOECOTURISMO 2002's include:
"Strategic Alliances in Tourism" -- Mr. Louis Santamaria, Commercial Attaché to the US Embassy in Caracas
"Ecotourism in Bolivar State" -- Mr. Ricardo Vitanza, Bolivar Tourism Director
"Results of World Eco-Tourism Summit in Quebec" -- Mr. Gabor Vereczi, World Tourism Organization
"Venezuela: a Paradise for Nature Lovers" -- Ms. Elizabeth Kline,
American Journalist & Owner of a tour guide company in Venezuela
The worldwide press, as well as, Venezuelan national media will be covering the event.
EXPOECOTURISMO 2002 offers companies the opportunity to display
products, projects, services and their organizations to a worldwide audience while promoting Venezuela as an incredible ecotourism destination.
Ecotourism as defined by The International Ecotourism Society is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people." Like adventure tourism - ecotourists live the adventure and obtain memorable experiences but Stanley believes that there is a simple difference between adventure and ecotourism. He says that it was best described at the U.N's launch of The International Year of Ecotourism in Feb. "Unlike adventure tourism, ecotourism actually leaves "something" behind that benefits the community and the surrounding environment."
EXPOECOTURISMO 2002 is organized by Angel-Eco Tours based in New
York/Caracas and Venezuelan companies Hékura Consultores, C.A. and MarkCom Eventos, C.A. More than 40 businesses, NGO's, foundations, and government agencies have registered thus far. Limited booth space is still available. Angel-Eco Tours has a strong marketing platform that reaches across the US, to agencies, operators, educational institutions, animal and birding enthusiast's etc. This New York based company with offices in Caracas has participated in the main world tourism events including IATOS in Chicago and the World Ecotourism Summit in Québec. Angel-Eco has also strategic alliances with The International Ecotourism Society and many other NGO's both nationally and internationally. Hékura Consultores. C.A. is a Venezuelan leader- consulting firm in the capacity building sector delivering national and international workshops and technical assistance. MarkCom Eventos, C.A. is a national consulting group specializing in marketing, events organization and communications. Both companies have an experienced staff with national and international experience.
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For further information contact: Paul Stanley (US) Toll free - 1 (888) 475 0873/4/5 email: Stanley@angel-ecotours.com - Tobias Mendelovici (Caracas) - 011 58 (416) 805 0486 email: expoecoturismo@cantv.net.
Limited booth space is still available. For the press and major tour operators the expo organizers are offering a number of fam trips available to Canaima (5 nights) and Los Roques (2 nights) - two of the icons of Venezuela. Availability is limited - please enquire of the contacts above.
Also visit www.angel-ecotours.com/expo-ecoturismo.html for registration and other important details.
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