EL SALVADOR played host to the first edition of the Central American Showcase and Travel Expo held on October 25th – 28th in the capitol city of San Salvador.

The Showcase, organized by Mr. Andy Ortiz, the President of Global Incentive Management of Cancun, Mexico and director of the highly successful Mexico Showcase, highlighted the effort being made by the Salvadoran nation to attract the meeting and incentive market as well as its potential to become the gateway for this market throughout Central America. El Salvador has the major hotel brands, the convention center and the infrastructure to make it attractive to meeting and incentive planners world-wide.

To demonstrate the commitment of the government to attracting the international meeting and incentive market the opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of El Salvador, Elias Antonio Saca Don; The Minister of Tourism, Lic. Ruben Rochi; The President of the El Salvador CVB, Lic. Jose Miguel Carbonell and the Director of Telefonica, Lic. Jose Anotonio Rodriguez.

The Showcase provided an opportunity for the 120 U.S., Canadian and Mexican meeting planner attendees to learn about the diversenatural, historic, and cultural wonders of El Salvador and to conduct site inspection visits to the Hilton Hotel, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental and Sheraton Decameron, as well as to the Convention Center of El Salvador, the Multi Plaza shopping mall and the Museum of Art. They were feted with regional foods and entertainment that showcased the ability of El Salvador to hold world class events. The warmth of the people of El Salvador and their dedication to service are sure to attract repeat customers.

Testimonials
"The first showcase was spectacular. The commitment from El Salvador from the very top has been very elevated. Pure commitment!!.

Rosa L. Mac Arthur, CMP, Meeting Planner Plus

"I had a wonderful time - thank you for the opportunity.  El Salvador has more to offer than I originally thought.  We will definitely be looking into bringing a group there - particularly developers.  The Showcase was nice!!!!"

Tracy Cooper, Teens Count

"I would like to compliment you on the fine program you produced for El Salvador and Central America. The opening presentation definitely reinforced the importance of tourism to El Salvador.  I was impressed by the efficiency of the transfers and events starting in a timely fashion. I felt all of our hosts were most gracious and did a wonderful job of showcasing their culture and venues."

Maralyn Hill, International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

"I think it's great to showcase the whole region at one event"

Valerie Smiley, U.S. Grains Council
The El Salvador Showcase 2007 was the best FAM I have ever attended.  It was informative, hands on, entertaining and a beauty site for any event.  Each day was well planned and different from the next.  The closing session was a touch of class, a crowning event.  The showcase showed a wide spectrum of diversity and possibility for any group. The Sponsors were very creative in displaying their skill and opportunities available for functions with food, music, fun, and an awesome professional staff to assist with special needs.  Teamwork was exited throughout the week.  I was impressed.  It was my first time in Central America and it exceeded my expectations.  I was very hesitant at first because of past negative publicity.  But now I have seen for myself that El Salvador is safe, filled with friendly people,excellent hotels, good transportation, nice airport and sites to see. 

I would say that the days were long and I was tired at the end of the trip but grateful for everything that was on the agenda.  I will share my pictures, spread the word and speak with my group about a future conference in El Salvador.   I just want to say thank you to you, the President and your entire staff for this opportunity to be a part of this fantastic Showcase. 

Valorie Bennett, House of Prayer & Praise
“What a pleasant surprise EL Salvador was!  It is absolutely a little know secret for the United States Meeting Planners & Travel Agents.  I am getting the word out to clients! Thanks for the wonderful event.!”
 Janet Hogan, Good News Travels

I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful show in San Salvador.
I was so honored to be able to attend. My client was so imprerssed with the trip that she is already trying to set up a trip for some of her better customers.

Thanks again to you, Andy and Jorge ,you did an amazing job.
--
Linda Bostrack, Highland Golf Incentives

"I have nothing but positive things to say about the El Salvadoran experience.  It was my first, and will not be my last, visit to Central America.  Prior to the event, I was apprehensive about the trip due to the stigma that inflicts El Salvador from an America viewpoint.  Many Americans still have the mental image of the late civil war, crime, instability, underdeveloped, etc.  I was impressed by the friendliness and hospitality of the people, the beauty of the country, the technological and economic advancements of the country, the authentic, rich tasting native food and the modernization of the capital city, for instance.  The showcase has served its purpose, as I now have a clearer understanding of the offerings of El Salvador and all of Central America.  I believe that I will need to take subsequent trips to the region to get an even better understanding, but I will definitely share my experiences with Corporate America and recommend that region of the world to them for their meeting.  I will also assist them in planning any trips to Central America".