POCONOS -  The Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau (PMCVB) announced an opportunity for area lodging properties to participate in an International Hotel Training Seminar on July 21, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Great Wolf Lodge, in the Pocono Mountains.

“This is a rare time in history where traveling to the United States is considered a bargain,” said David Jackson, director of sales for the PMCVB.  “It’s actually cheaper for many international tourists to lodge, dine and seek entertainment here in America than it is for them to stay home.”

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office will be conducting the International Hotel Training for all lodging (hotel, country inn, motor inns, resort and B&B) interested in gaining a greater insight into the FIT and Group International Market.  Topics include an update on the International Markets and Working with the Receptive Operators.

Speakers for this seminar are as following:

• Terese Balzereit, Director of International Marketing PA Tourism Office
• Rita Hille, German Representative PA Tourism Office
• Marian DiPietro, Co-Owner Tourco

The United States Department of Commerce Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) recently announced Pennsylvania as the second highest State increase in international visitation in 2007.  Seventy-five percent of the new visitation was driven by a sharp increase in the number of travelers primary target markets of the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

To reserve your spot and attend this training, contact Dawn DeMaria, sales coordinator at PMCVB at 800.722.9199 or meetings@poconos.org by Thursday, July 17.