Pledging “a carefully curated conference program and a series of engaging networking opportunities,” ASUTIL General Secretary Carlos Loaiza-Keel is expecting more than 300 delegates to attend the annual ASUTIL Conference taking place in Bogotá on June 18-20 at the Hilton Bogotá Corferias.
For the second year in a row the event is co-organized with TFWA. Loaiza-Keel noted that pre-registration is +15% ahead of the same period last year pre-show.
Speaking at a press conference during the IAADFS Summit of the Americas, Loaiza-Keel said that “Bogotá, our chosen venue for this year’s conference, provides an exciting backdrop… it’s a marvelous city full of energy and really charismatic.
“And delegates can expect a warm welcome in Bogota, beginning with the opening session and the cocktail on the evening of June 18. The session promises to be a highly enjoyable social activity that will be set the tone for the conference to come.”
The conference itself will be held at the Hilton Bogotá Corferias, a venue specifically chosen to facilitate social networking atmosphere that characterizes the ASUTIL Conference.
Loaiza-Keel stressed that the Hilton Bogota is a top level hotel offering very good fares and that the ASUTIL conference itself is all-inclusive, encompassing lunches and social activities.
ASUTIL has always been known, not only for the conference sessions, but also for infusing the local culture into its events.
“This year our social activities promise to match the richness and diversity of Bogota’s culture, from salsa dances, to [Carnaval de] Barranquilla performances.”
A special excursion on Friday will explore the majestic Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá on Friday, followed by lunch at the famous Andres Carne De Res Chía, where a festive ambiance showcases the rich cultural heritage of Colombia through music, dance, and vibrant decorations.
“We are very excited about the opportunities and experience that awaits us in Bogota, and we invite everyone in the industry to join us,” he said.
ASUTIL President Enrique Urioste, after thanking the media for its support over the years, added: “This is our first time in Colombia, and given that Bogotá is the second biggest hub airport in South America after Sao Paulo, it is a very important market, and it is key for us to be there. “
Speaking more on the Bogota Airport, Urioste noted that it is one of the most professionally run airports in South America, “really state of the art in terms of technology, professional management, sustainability and how they collaborate with retailers. As far as I know, Bogota is the only airport that has fully recovered its international traffic.”
Urioste also addressed the key issues facing the ASUTIL members. First, he said, was working to combat the regulatory threat to tobacco. “We are working together with the rest of the associations and the Duty Free World Council trying to monitor this because we honestly believe that if they succeed [against tobacco], it’s going to be the beginning of [further restrictions against other categories sold in travel retail].
Secondly, ASUTIL has been “doing what we can to grow the business,” he says, specifically citing the successful implementation of home delivery in Brazil and other countries, as well increasing allowances across the region.
“It is necessary to have the framework to allow members to maximize the opportunity in each market,” he said.
Referring to the upcoming Conference, Urioste concluded: “Carlos and ASUTIL Conference & Business Developer Diego De Freitas have prepared a fantastic keynote speakers and list of panelists. So we can continue with the successful history of ASUTIL.”
