Tinogasta gets ready to host the 12th International Forum of Tourism Leaders

The World Organization of Tourism Journalism (OMPT) will hold the 12th International Forum of Tourism Leaders on September 16 starting at 20:00. The event will take place in Tinogasta, Catamarca Province, and will focus on analysing strategies to boost tourism development in emerging destinations.

Under the theme “Strategies for Strengthening Tourism in Emerging Territories”, the forum brings together specialists and professionals from various countries to address challenges and opportunities for regions aiming to establish themselves as tourist destinations.

The agenda covers multiple angles: tourism development, digital reputation, journalism in the age of artificial intelligence, and innovative ways to communicate travel experiences and destinations.

An internationally‑oriented programme

The event opens at 20:00 with participant check‑in. Official opening follows five minutes later. At 20:10, there will be the signing ceremony for admission into the Global Network of Emerging Destinations, an OMPT initiative designed to build connections and cooperation strategies among territories with tourism potential.

From Mexico, Miguel Ledhesma will deliver the presentation “Strategies for strengthening tourism in emerging destinations”, exploring tools and viewpoints for developing and positioning regions seeking greater visibility within global tourism.

At 20:30, Yovanny Valero from Venezuela presents “It is not vanity: it is digital reputation”, focusing on the crucial role of reputation‑building for destinations, organisations and professionals within the digital ecosystem.

Ten minutes on, at 20:40, Aldo Romero of Honduras gives “Media literacy and journalism in AI contexts”, discussing new challenges artificial intelligence poses for journalistic practice and audiences’ relationship with information.

At 20:50, Nino Espinosa from Colombia presents “Feel to communicate: the power of senses in digital‑era tourism”, introducing sensory experience as a tourism‑communication tool amid the growing dominance of digital platforms.

A venue for rethinking destination development

The forum is open to public officials, business owners, entrepreneurs, students, journalists, tourism service providers, and all members of the public interested in new perspectives and strategies for tourism development.

Attendance is free, on‑site and open to the whole community. This aligns with OMPT’s mission to create exchange platforms and democratise tourism‑related knowledge.

The forum is supported by the Municipality of Tinogasta, the Undersecretariat of Culture of Tinogasta and the Museum of Flavour, institutions committed to promoting local identity, culture and tourism development in western Catamarca.

The 12th International Forum of Tourism Leaders serves as a fresh international gathering. Participants will discuss how emerging territories can consolidate their identity, improve their market positioning, and devise new strategies to take part in an ever‑changing tourism landscape.

• 20:00  Reception

• 20:05  Opening

• 20:10  Sign‑in ceremony for joining the Network of Emerging Destinations

• Strategies for strengthening tourism in emerging destinations. Miguel Ledhesma (Mexico)

• 20:30  It is not vanity: it is digital reputation. Yovanny Valero (Venezuela)

• 20:40  Media literacy and journalism in AI contexts. Aldo Romero (Honduras)

• 20:50  Feel to communicate: the power of senses in digital‑era tourism. Nino Espinosa (Colombia)

• 21:00  Closing