Press Release

For Immediate Release
23 October 2006

ACTE Names Aitor Marin Latin American Regional Champion

Barcelona, Spain -- Gearing up for increased membership demands in Latin America, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has named Aitor Marin, head of competence center LATAM, e-travel, Amadeus Online Solutions as ACTE’s Latin America Regional Champion. According to association Executive Director Susan Gurley, “ACTE’s Champion program is designed to allow member volunteers to share their expertise with ACTE regional managers in the development of educational programs, monitor industry developments, and assess member needs.”

“Each Regional, Country, or City Champion is a resident, travel industry veteran, fully versed in local corporate and national culture,” said Gurley. “This program gives ACTE members a distinct advantage in the kind of educational programs and professional assistance they can expect from us.”

ACTE named two other Country Champions for Argentina and Mexico earlier this month. (Julain Benavento, Global Travel Manager, Exiros/Techint Group and Jérôme Cartier, Sales & Marketing Director, Carlson Wagonlit Travel). The combined efforts of these “Champions,” plus the full time expertise of Latin American Region manager Patricia Rasore (based in Buenos Aires), puts a formidable four-person team within the region.

“It is a privilege to join my colleagues -- Julian Benavento and Jérôme Cartier -- in an ACTE endeavor to design educational programs to meet specific executive demands in Latin America. Our collaborative efforts with ACTE will guarantee an enhanced regional representation and will ultimately provide added value to the industry, commented Marin.”

Marin’s appointment was announced at the ACTE Global Education conference in Barcelona, which drew over 1,000 participants from 38 of the association’s 49 member countries. In addition to anouncing an expanded presence in Latin America, ACTE also welcomed the Russian Business Travel Association to the conference, with plans for future dialogue to be released after the first of the year.

For more information, contact:
Patricia Rasore
Regional Director, Latin America
Association of Corporate Travel Executives
e: [email protected]

For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com