La Cita de las Americas, a “hybrid tourism fair,” is coming to St. Petersburg, Fla., for its first time ever from Aug. 29 to 31.
La Cita is a boutique gathering of travel professionals dedicated to generating inbound travel to the United States. It brings together key buyers organizing travel into the U.S. with key suppliers such as hotels, air carriers, car rental companies and destinations in 30, one-on-one meetings. Prevue spoke with Rick Still, managing director of the trade show, about how it bridges key meetings-industry players in the U.S. and throughout Latin America.
How does La Cita de Las Americas standout from other hosted buyer trade shows?
There are many excellent hosted buyer programs that have evolved over recent years. This year’s program for La Cita is special because it was initiated by the host community, St. Petersburg/Clearwater. This is an incredible statement of its commitment to welcoming Latin American visitors to this exciting and rapidly developing destination for Latins.
Why did you choose St. Petersburg to host this event?
This was an easy choice. Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater has made a strong and specific commitment to welcome Latin Ameican travelers and this enthusiasm has generated completely throughout the event and into the community.
How is the event incorporating the local St. Petersburg culture? Are there any offsites or team building activities incorporated?
La Cita’s focus is on relationship building through pre-scheduled one on one meetings. St. Petersburg will host a couple of events that highlight the truly unique and exceptional aspects of this great city.
