MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' delegation prepares for TravelMart.

A delegation from the Falkland Islands is preparing for the TravelMart Latin America 2004 edition that will be taking place in Foz do Iguazu, Brazil between September 29 and October first.

"We are always on the look out for new ideas to include in our Falkland programs. We are now in the midst of preparing material for our annual attendance at TravelMart Latin America", said tourism operator Sally Ellis in Stanley.

"TravelMart is a unique travel show which matches buyers of the South American travel product with sellers so that we can target tour operators who have a realistic chance and genuine interest in selling the Falklands", added Sally.

Tourism is the second most important industry of the Falklands behind fisheries. The fast growing industry caters to 30.000/40.000 visitors per cruise season.

Debbie Summers, another local tourism operator is forecasting a good season ahead for cruise ship visits ? with the season expected to be longer than ever before. This year, the first large ship will arrive in Stanley on November 2, with the last ship sailing out of Stanley on April 16, 2005. A total of 81 different ships will be visiting the Falklands compared to 82 last season involving 26 different cruise lines.

The Falkland Islands Tourist Board estimates that if just 1% of the day-tripping cruise ship passengers' return as a land-based tourist there would be a big benefit to the accommodation providers around the islands, West, East and the smaller islands.

"And a significant additional contribution would be made to the economy by a boost in numbers of land-based tourists".