News Release
FOR RELEASE - December 16, 2008
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-684-5700

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

AAPA 2009 Cruise Seminar To Focus On Trends, Best Practices

Program Slated For Mazatlán, México, Feb. 18-20

Western Hemisphere cruise market trends, challenges, issues, opportunities and best practices are all on tap Feb. 18-20, 2009, in Mazatlán, México, when the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) hosts its 11^th annual Cruise Seminar.  Industry executives from cruise lines, associations and ports, together with presenters from the federal government and private industry will help participants gain a better understanding of what is going on throughout the cruise industry, including specific markets like Mexico and Latin America, and what is being done (and still needs to be done) to help the industry grow and thrive, even in tough economic times. 

Seaport security, destination management, embarkation efficiency, environmental protection and disaster recovery, along with creative uses of facilities between cruise calls are also on the agenda.

WHO:	American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA)
WHAT:	Seminar covering issues related to cruise ports, cruise lines and cruise facilities.
WHEN:	Feb. 18-20, 2009 (Days 1 & 2, 8:30am-4:30 pm; Day 3, 8:30am-noon)
WHERE:	El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel, Av. Camarón Sóbalo s/n, P.O. Box 813, Mazatlán, México, 82110; Phone 011-52-669-913-3333 or toll free at 1-888-733-7308 and ask for Reservations (ext. 3306 or 3307) and the AAPA room block; Fax: 011-52-669-914-0476.  To e-mail reservation requests use: reserve@elcid.com.mx
INFO:	More information about AAPA's Cruise Seminar is available at http://www.appa-ports.org/ (click on the "Programs & Events" tab) or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at 703- 684-5700.