At Publishing Perspectives much-travelled Chad Post (of Open Letter Books) argues: Want More Rights Deals and Translations ? Try Taking Editors and Publishers Overseas.
Hey, it seems to have worked on him -- both at Dalkey Archive and now Open Letter he's been responsible for introducing a wonderful variety of far-flung literature. Still, I have my doubts about the junket-solution: I don't doubt that publishing professionals would be receptive to the offers of free travel (and food, etc.) -- who wouldn't ? -- , but I do doubt that they're receptive to foreign literature, even on-site. (Cynic that I am, I also have my serious doubts about the locals and the crap they likely want to foist on the Americans .....) But then I've never gotten that whole 'personal touch' with regards to all of publishing (despite the fact that it is so widespread and common): printed communication -- e-mail, information, and, most importantly, actual texts -- should suffice.
Still, Chad's helpful list of 'Tips for Running the Best Editorial Trips' is a good starting point for those who want to try this kind of thing.

(I suppose I should also note that I'm a jaded old fogey, and I've been lucky enough to have been exposed to (I assume) more than most; I've gotten around over the years -- a lot. So maybe I've just gotten that out my system, and had my fill, and maybe this sort of thing actually is useful for those who haven't seen quite as much yet.)

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