The Caribbean Tourism Organization,(CTO), is bringing the warmth and charm of its member countries to the windy city as Chicago plays host to the 13th annual International Adventure Travel and Outdoor Sports show, (IATOS 2003). The show will take place Feb 19-23, 2003, at the Navy Pier Convention Center, located on Chicagoå‘s beautiful lakefront.
Showcasing colourful booths by Caribbean countries, including Aruba, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago, CTO will stage a festive area which will serve as a networking forum for travel agents, consumers, members of the press and officials from the various destinations.
Show attendees will be eligible to win a host of exciting prizes, including an air-inclusive Caribbean vacation, (airfare courtesy of American Airlines), and Samsonite luggage, valued at $1,000 (compliments of Samsonite Company Stores).  These prizes will be announced from the CTO’s
booth.
“Over the past few years, we have seen a growing number of Caribbean hotels introduce adventure options into their package portfolio,” said Hugh Riley, director of marketing for the Americas, CTO.  “Travelers are discovering that each island delivers its own unique blend of adventure, history and beauty. Through the IATOS show, CTO’s member countries can showcase their individual vacation destinations to this lucrative, niche market,” he added.
Edward Smith, a travel industry veteran with over 23 years of experience, will present “The Caribbean: For the Adventure Enthusiast.”  During this seminar, Smith will take attendees on a virtual adventure tour of the Caribbean.
Smith’s experience encompasses executive positions in sales, marketing, tour operations, reservations, training, product development and charter operations into destinations including the Caribbean and Mexico.  Smith has held positions with a number of distinguished companies including: the Mayan Palace Resorts of Mexico; American Airlines Vacations; and D-FW Tours “Get Up & Go” Vacations.  He is currently Vice President for Col.com (Caribbean On-Line) and involved in many consulting projects with I.C.E. Gallery, a leading on-line travel company.
A prominent player in the development of Caribbean tourism, Smith was the founding president of CTO’s North Texas Chapter and has been sought out by CTO on many occasions to speak about eco-tourism.
For more information on IATOS 2003, visit www.IATOS.com.
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