Representatives began arriving this weekend, including the president of Iberoatur, Humberto Lopez-Tirone, who upon arrival praised the archipelago’s potential in these areas and stated that the event aims to create tools for the development of these modalities.

The 10th event will take place from September 29 to October 5 in various locations in the western region of the island, with the opening of the National Botanical Garden scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Francisco Longino, head of the Events Group at the Ecotur Travel Agency, explained that this is an important event for a recreational activity that is on the rise worldwide.

For the occasion, delegates from Spain, Portugal, Panama, Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina will participate, mingling with their Cuban counterparts. Experts from France, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, and Saint Vincent are also invited.

The meeting is being sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) and Ecotur, and is scheduled for the provinces of Pinar del Rio, a pioneer in these activities, and Artemisa, home to Las Terrazas Community, which has extensive experience in these areas.

The event’s motto is “For sustainable community development, taking into account the benefits this type of tourism brings to rural communities.” The choice of Cuba as the host city was driven by efforts in this regard and by prominent events such as the traditional Nature Tourism (Turnat) event every two years.

Also participating in the meeting, particularly in its academic section, are specialists from various universities, including the Agrarian University of Havana. Delegates from universities and scientific centers from Iberoatur, the Autonomous University of Mexico, Colombia, Zacateca, Granada, Spain, the San Juan National University, Argentina, Neiva School of Technology, and the Costa Rican Entrepreneurship Chair will attend.

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