Spanish tourism journalists and writers hold international congress in Cuba

By Daily Pérez Guillén

Cuba is hosting the 15th International Congress of the Spanish Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers (FEPET), running November 10 through 17.

The President of the Spanish organization and main promoter of the event, Mariano Palacín, speaking to Radio Exterior de España, noted members’ interest in returning to Cuba, where the Catalan association organized a congress three decades ago that was an “unusual success.”

Fifty FEPET professionals will analyze Cuba’s tourism potential in the following days, in order to spread the word among the specialized press.

According to information shared by the outgoing president, Cuban journalists linked to the leisure industry are invited to the technical sessions of the event, to address topics that can be of use to both countries. A round table with experienced journalists who have previously visited the Caribbean country will be held, who will explain the changes that have taken place in recent decades, as well as a conference by FITUR’s former press officer on Cuba’s importance in the event and the advantages it boasts.

The program also includes a “very interesting conference on bullfighting,” and another on the importance of tourism in countries like Cuba.

During the week, Spanish journalists will visit resorts and sites across Havana, Viñales, the Villa de Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Varadero.

FEPET is a non-profit professional organization with more than 50 years of history. It is an associate member of UNESCO and a member of the Ibero-American Forum of Tourism Journalists. All media sectors are represented in the organization: daily press, tourism supplements and magazines aimed at professionals or the general public, digital media, radio and television stations, video production companies, press officers and communication directors of tourism companies, freelancers, book authors, tourism guides and teachers who work in the field of tourism-related media.

The organization also stands out for its defense of member professionals, journalists and writers, and for promoting tourist sites that need publicity. The Federation has carried out trips and congresses in Yemen, Egypt, Syria, Brazil and Colombia, countries that have been in need of media support to promote their tourism. The same objective is being promoted in Spain itself.

FEPET’s most recent international congresses have been held in Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico. Last year’s national congress was held in Cuenca.