Region:
Argentina
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Tourism

Argentina: The 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress Takes Place in Puerto Madryn

  • Argentina: The 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress Takes Place in Puerto Madryn
    Argentina: The 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress Takes Place in Puerto Madryn
Region:
Argentina
Category:
Tourism
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By Karina Giorgenello @losviajesdekarina
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At the Rayentray Hotel in Puerto Madryn, the much-anticipated 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress has begun. Andrés Deyá, president of FAEVYT, opened the event with a reflective speech on the challenges overcome and the achievements reached since the last congress in Bariloche.

"We have faced government changes, new paradigms, and beliefs regarding the role of travel agencies together. The structure of our work has been shaken," Deyá expressed. "But we were there, and here we are, facing difficulties, always defending travel agencies, representing them in every debate."

Deyá highlighted the crucial role dialogue has played in the sector's development, mentioning the creation of the National Travel Agencies Registry as a significant milestone: "Today we have a streamlined and self-manageable Registry that has added more than 400 new agencies since its launch."

The FAEVYT president thanked the presence of important figures from the tourism and government sectors, including the National Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Sports, Daniel Scioli, and the Undersecretary of Tourism, Yanina Martínez. Also participating were Governor Ignacio Torres, the Chubut Minister of Tourism and Protected Areas, Diego Lapenna, Mayor Gustavo Sastre, and the President of the Federal Tourism Council, Valentín Díaz Guilligan.

The congress, held amid significant political changes, addresses crucial issues such as tax pressure, artificial intelligence, and customer relations. Deyá announced: "We will again put on the agenda the search for solutions to double taxation and the accumulation of credit balances for travel agencies because we are convinced that these are more productive if invested to enhance the growth of agencies."

The 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress, held in Puerto Madryn, exceeded all expectations with the registration of 1,100 travel agents. This number reflects the great interest and commitment of sector professionals to participate in this key event, highlighting the importance of the congress as an essential space for training, networking, and discussing current and future industry challenges.

Among the novelties mentioned was the renewed relationship between national parks and travel agents, emphasizing collaboration with Cristian, a representative of national parks, and the commitment to consumer defense alongside Fernando Muiño and his team.

Training and Networking: Keys to the Congress The congress offers a rich agenda of training sessions and keynote speeches. Sofía Stamateas will provide keys to business communication, while Santiago Bulat will offer a detailed analysis of the economic context. Augusto Salvatto will present his vision on the future and opportunities for change, and Juan Ordeix will challenge attendees with strategies to overcome mental obstacles.

The Dale Carnegie method will be the basis of several talks, including time management by Norma Castagna, customer relationship consolidation by Norberto Kurchan, and critical thinking by Daniela De León. Florencia Jiménez, known as Floxie, will talk about the use of social media in the growth of travel agencies.

Sustainability: A Concrete Commitment Commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of the congress. Deyá explained that measures are being implemented to reduce the carbon footprint, such as using geo-paper for credentials and reducing single-use plastics. "If we talk about the future, we talk about sustainability," he emphasized. At the inauguration of the 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress, the National Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Sports, Daniel Scioli, also praised the resilience and constructive attitude of travel agencies, acknowledging the challenges they have faced.

At the 49th FAEVYT Travel Agents Congress in Puerto Madryn, Daniel Scioli announced that the tourism industry has been incorporated into the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), a measure recently approved by the Senate and soon to become law. Scioli highlighted the importance of this advancement for consolidating the foundations of a better Argentina and attracting investments, underscoring the support and collaboration of Governor Ignacio Torres and senators from Santa Cruz.

"Allow me to reflect on my experience; I feel that yesterday was a very important day for the country in terms of consolidating the foundations for a better Argentina. I want to highlight the support and accompaniment of Governor Torres. We have also seen the opposite side of those who attacked the great class of democracy that is the National Congress and who, with great responsibility, have reached a consensus to provide a framework of predictability and attract investments," Scioli expressed.

The secretary also acknowledged the work of Chief of Staff Guillermo Franco, whom he described as an untiring seeker of consensus who finally made progress on an issue that generated much uncertainty. "I know the expectations that existed, not only within our country but also in the world," he added.

Scioli noted that this new incentive regime comes at a crucial time when measures are being taken to lower interest rates, reduce inflation, and simplify the tax system. These actions, he assured, lay the foundations for Argentina to become a tourism powerhouse. "We have everything; all the conditions are met," he stated.

Additionally, Scioli praised the resilience and constructive attitude of travel agencies, recognizing the challenges they have faced. "I know you have gone through very difficult, bitter times. The trust that the country's tourism entrepreneurs and agencies have is fundamental. You are the transmission belt on which a family relies when taking a vacation," he said.

In his speech, Scioli also referred to other important advances, such as the inclusion of tourism in the Cuotas Simple system, which has allowed the implementation of 12 installments for tourism packages, hotel services, gastronomy, and transportation through Banco Nación. "We are always attentive to working transversally with all government areas to solve problems," he emphasized.