Quito’s Participates at USTOA 2013

NEW YORK - Dec. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- Quito Tourism Board will participate in this year’s edition of USTOA’s Annual Conference and Marketplace, taking place from December 5^th – 7^th. During the event, Quito will promote new tourism projects and offerings to participating USTOA members, specially the destination’s new initiatives which aim to have visitors experience Quito through the five senses.

One of the new initiatives Quito will be highlight while at USTOA is the city’s rich cuisine which in many cases still employs traditional preparation techniques and ingredients. "Quito, Culinary Destination of the Americas" is a project that invites visitors and locals to enjoy over 80 special dishes, drinks and pastries at over 20 restaurants and representing fours specific periods of Quito’s gastronomy: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial, Republican and Contemporary Cuisine.

In 1978, UNESCO named Quito its First World Cultural Heritage site and the destination’s commitment in preserving the city continues to this day with an investment of US $675 million to renovate and restore 700 homes in the historic center. The project will also inaugurate the cultural and recreational complex "Cumandá" as well as the Monastery Museum "Carmen Alto".  This project, which is also a celebration of the 35 years UNESCO has continued to grant the city with the recognition has also begun restoring different churches throughout the city.

Quito’s municipality has also implemented several projects with high economic impact, such as the new airport Mariscal Sucre, Quito's Metro, the new Convention Center, Industrial Parks and the Historical Center Revitalization Program. This program will enhance the historic center of the capital which is one of the largest and best preserved in Latin America.

The Quito Tourism Board is managing an investment project that will restructure five heritage houses located in Quito’s downtown, the most visited section in Quito. Most of these heritage houses were built during the XVI century and have an invaluable historical, cultural, and architectural wealth.

An exciting arts initiative has breathed new life into the narrow streets of the La Ronda district in Quito’s downtown.  Fourteen artisans have returned to live there and practice their crafts which range from traditional wood carving and iron work to musical instrument making and restoration.

In 2013, the city embarked on an intense international social media campaign that resulted in Quito being named South America's Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards. This is an important recognition, and reaffirmation that Quito is a must see international destination around the world and meets the needs of today’s travelers.

Currently, Quito is in the running to be named one of the New 7 Wonders Cities, a contest that seeks to pay tribute to the exceptional architectural and monumental beauty of cities.  An initial list of 77 cities has been narrowed down to 28 finalists, and Quito is representing Ecuador.  Voting for the New7Wonders Cities campaign will run through July 2014.

To request a meeting or to request more information on Quito, please contact Carlos Lopez, Account Director, at carlos@latitude-intl.com.

For further information about Quito, please visit:  www.quito.com.ec