Many companies in Germany have yet to feel the effects of the current boom on the international stock markets, and what experts are predicting as a foreseeable end to the global financial crisis. Few companies anticipate the business travel sector to recover in the coming months. By contrast, video conference organizers have benefited significantly from the global economic and financial crisis.

Congrex has announced it will be an official supporter of the 2009 EIBTM Association Day Program. The EIBTM Association Program is an important part of the annual European Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM) which will be held in Barcelona from Dec. 1 to 3, 2009.

ITB Asia and partners held a responsible tourism networking event on 22 October. The objective was to share experiences and strengthen contacts and business opportunities between environmentally and socially responsible travel operators.

The Government of Mexico City is making plans to launch the International Tourism Fair of the Americas, a travel industry event scheduled for the capital city Sept. 23 to 26, 2010.

The Anguilla Tourist Board and BET Event Productions set the headliners for the seventh anniversary Anguilla Tranquility Jazz Festival, set for Nov. 12 to 15. The lineup will feature Dianne Reeves, the distinguished four-time Grammy-winning vocalist; Ahmad Jamal, the jazz pianist whose career has spanned more than 50 years; vocalist Rachelle Ferrell; Elio Villafranca, the Cuban pianist, composer and bandleader; and Jaine Rogers, the Anguillian-based British born vocalist.

Cruise is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry with eight ships launched to the UK market alone this year, and a further 10 ships to go on sale in 2010. Telegraph and Travel Weekly cruise correspondent Jane Archer has helped WTM organize the program, which includes a high-level panel debate involving some of the most senior cruise executives and a training session for travel agents. Archer will chair the panel debate which takes place on Tuesday November 10th from 12.30 to 1.30pm.