In cruising's early years, it didn't get much more glamorous than a cruise on the Mexican Riviera. The popular TV show “Love Boat” showed Princess ships and the B-list celebrities they carried stopping at then-exotic ports such as Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco.

Today, you'd be hard-pressed to find Acapulco on a mainstream cruise itinerary; in 2014, only a handful of luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Oceania, planned stops at the Pacific Ocean resort town. Concerns about the safety in some ports, along with negative perceptions and increased competition from destinations elsewhere, moved Mexican Riviera itineraries off some cruise line's calendars all together.

The numbers tell the story. Puerto Vallarta went from having a banner year in 2008, when 180 ships arrived, to a mere 82 in 2013. Mazatlan suffered a significant financial hit when a string of violent incidents prompted cruise lines to pull out completely in 2011, losing all of the 520,000 passengers that had visited in 2010.

Even Cabo San Lucas, which experienced a boom in tourists drawn to its hotels, resorts and bars, has seen its cruise business falter. In 2008, nearly 400 ships visited Cabo; this year, that number is down to 112.

Those figures sound dire. But this week, the region received a major boost when Carnival announced it would be sailing in the Mexican Riviera year-round in 2015, including several stops at Mazatlan. The ports have also been taking significant steps to attract more cruise business, including the following:

Working Together. With a large expat community and a thriving restaurant scene, Puerto Vallarta has avoided perception problems that have hampered other cities along the Pacific coast. But to keep ships arriving, tourism officials realized it was time to reach out beyond state and local borders.

Last year, the three states involved in cruising -- Baja Sur, Sinaloa and Jalisco -- formed an organization called Route Committee for the Pacific, said Carlos Gerard, the Puerto Vallarta director of tourism. The group met for the first time in December 2013 and again in March 2014 before the cruise industry's biggest conference, Cruise Shipping Miami. At the event, the ports took meetings as a group, working together to entice Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian to add more Mexican Riviera itineraries in 2015 and beyond.

“We used to see each other as competition, but now we need to see each other as a team. What happens to one port affects the entire team,” Gerard said. “We're willing to work as a whole.”

More Port Promotion. Besides developing a better relationship with the cruise lines, the three ports are actively working to promote the itinerary as a whole, Gerard said. This year, each port is contributing $200,000 for promotion and asking for a matching $600,000 from the federal government. “It's something we should have done before, but it's all about the will to do it,” Gerard said. “The ‘Mazatlan effect' did create consciousness between the states.”

Increasing Communication. When cruise lines left Mazatlan in 2011, getting them back within three years “seemed almost an impossible task,” said Frank Cordova, secretary of tourism for Sinaloa. “We sell fantasy. It's hard to sell fantasy when people have a negative perception.” Cruise lines told him it could be five years before they even considered returning.

Despite the bad news, Mazatlan and Sinaloa officials got to work. They hired more police, Cordova said, and paid them better to reduce crime rate. They worked with the Organization of American States in a program that specializes in helping destinations with image problems. And they sent cruise lines bulletins every month about improvements that were being made and increased press outreach.

The first cruise line to consider coming back was Norwegian, Cordova said. After an initial meeting in 2012, the line committed to bringing Norwegian Star to Mazatlan in late 2013 (although Holland America's Veendam was the first ship to return in November 2013). Azamara followed in 2014; in 2015, Princess and Carnival will join those lines.

“We've become a model in Mexico and Latin America in how we were able to turn things around,” Cordova said. “For every negative story that appears, we have 30 good stories.” Still, he doesn't think the port is out of the woods yet. “Whenever anything that could hurt us happens, no matter how small, people are biting their nails.”

Improving Passenger Experience. In Mazatlan, cruise passengers disembark in a busy cargo port, taking a shuttle past containers stacked several feet into the air. Port director Alfonso Gil Diaz envisions a complete revamp of the operation, with a new cruise terminal that provides easier access into the city for passengers.

In the meantime, the city developed the “blue line,” a painted stripe on the roads that directs passengers who want to walk into Mazatlan's colonial center. “Blue shirts” -- expats who speak English -- have volunteered their time and meet ships when they arrive to help passengers get their bearings.

Each port is also doing more to make sure cruisers understand what makes them special. In Puerto Vallarta, cruise ships are greeted with mariachi bands, a signature of Jalisco (the Mexican state is also the birthplace of tequila). Next year, all tour operators and taxi drivers will wear the same logo to promote customer confidence, Gerard said.

Highlighting the Culture. Even in Cabo, cruiser tastes are changing; on cruise line comment forms, some people are complaining that Cabo isn't “Mexican” enough, said Fernando Hoyos Romero, port facility security officer. The comment makes sense when you consider 20 percent of the population in Cabo is from the United States or Canada. “Cabo's local dish is fish tacos,” he noted, wryly.

To counter that backlash, Romero said he expects operators will start looking into tours that tap into greater Baja culture. That's particularly important as Cabo's Asian tourism base continues to grow; 10 percent of the area's visitors are from Asia, and they are less likely to indulge in Cabo's drinking and party culture.

In Mazatlan, officials know many people come for the beach, but it's the history that makes it special. “We're a real city with roots, tradition and culture,” Cordova said. “If you have enough money, you can build a Los Cabos or a Cancun. You can't build a Mazatlan. How do you build a center square that's 400 years old?”

One thing is for sure: The city will celebrate every ship that does arrive. “It's like when you take your wife for granted. We didn't take care of (cruise tourists),” Cordova said. “We didn't take action until it was too late”

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Casa Velas' signature fine-dining restaurant, Emiliano, was awarded American Automobile Association's prestigious (AAA) Four Diamond award for restaurants. Only six restaurants in the Vallarta-Nayarit area hold the Four Diamond distinction, four of them owned by Velas Resort, including Piaf, Lucca and Frida, three restaurants located in Casa Velas' sister resort, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Emiliano, serving gourmet Mexican and international cuisine by Executive Chef Juan Luis Ruelas, is known for its unique Mexican and Asian ingredients, as well as an Authentic Mexican Street Food menu from all regions of Mexico. This is the first AAA Diamond Award for Emiliano, while Casa Velas has received nine consecutive Four Diamond awards for hospitality since opening in 2006.

The casually elegant restaurant, Emiliano, features gourmet Mexican cuisine served indoor or at outdoor tables located on a romantic terrace surrounded by Koi ponds. Often using herbs from Casa Velas' on-site organic botanical garden, stand-out dishes at Emiliano include thinly sliced fresh tuna sashimi with lines of chipotle citrus, avocado aioli and wonton crisp and grilled Portobello mushroom roll with marinated shrimp and baby greens dressed in vinaigrette of avocado, tomatillo and fresh cilantro. The restaurant also offers a menu of traditional street food from each region of Mexico and fresh Herbal Cocktails such as the Cilantro Margarita, Hibiscus Martini and Lemon Refresher, all with herbs and flowers grown on the property.

"We are honored our signature restaurant, Emiliano, has received the prestigious Four Diamond award from AAA. We thank our dedicated Chefs and staff for offering guests a distinctive fine-dining experience marked by high quality ingredients, creative presentation and attentive service," said Eduardo Vela Ruiz, President of Velas Resorts Group.

At Casa Velas luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, premium liquor and wine, 24-hour suite service, use of the fitness center facilities, WIFI, and taxes and gratuities are included in a single price. As part of the all-inclusive rate, guests can also dine at the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, home to three additional AAA four-diamond restaurants.

Casa Velas, owned by Eduardo Vela Ruiz and operated by Vice President Juan Vela, is located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course in Puerto Vallarta and offers guests a serene and exclusive setting, with the look and feel of a private hacienda. Its 80 suites are decorated in traditional Mexican colors and furnishings, as well as goose-down comforters and L´Occitane amenities. Each suite boasts a private terrace with plunge pool or in-suite Jacuzzi and original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante. Casa Velas Spa offers a wide array of services and treatments, including a hydrotherapy areas for men and women.

Emiliano received a 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, while Casa Velas was recently named the 8th best hotel in the world on Expedia® 2013 Insiders' Select™, won a Condé Nast Traveler's 2013 Readers' Choice Award and was ranked the #1 Hotel on the Beach and #1 Luxury Hotel in Puerto Vallarta in TripAdvisor 2013.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Puerto Vallarta aims to promote tourism development in the region and meet the social needs of the community to bring about opportunities for improvement and wellbeing, generating synergies between the destination’s private sector, three sectors of government and social sector; and promote tourism in Puerto Vallarta, through the participation of all economic sectors, implementing efforts at the national and international levels which complement those performed institutionally.

On April 29th of this year, its cadre led by Mr. CANTU LUIS ANGEL TREVINO and the appointment of the Board of Directors whose members aim to create a plural and inclusive team in accordance with the needs of a world-renowned tourist destination such as Puerto Vallarta. Today the CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU is strengthened and promises to renew tourism in the region. The proposed mission: to revitalize competitiveness through promotion and integrated marketing, with the vision to become a leading organization that combines the efforts of all tourism sectors in this international destination.

The Board of Directors is comprised as follows, namely: President: CANTU LUIS ANGEL TREVINO; Secretary: LUDWIG ESTRADA VIRGIN; Treasurer: IGNACIO BERAUD CHAIN. Similarly, ANNE PATRICIA FARIAS will provide her expertise in the field of business tourism; Mr. FRANCISCO VILLASEÑOR, his experience in airport operations and air connectivity; MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA BELTRAN, in the field of cruises; CARLOS GERARD, his knowledge of cruises and activities within the Municipal Tourism Office; Mr. JOSEPH MARTIN PUEBLA will be the voice of the businessmen; Mr. MARCELO ALCATRAZ will bring his vast knowledge in tourism investments; Mr. LUIS ANGARITA, his career in the tourism market and diversification of supply in new segments; Mr. FRANCISCO BELTRAN will be spokesman for travel agents representing the AMAV; Mr. SANTIAGO PLASCENCIA, ADAVPTUR President, will also provide his expertise in service and passenger service; Ms. EVANGELINA SANCHEZ, President of CANIRAC, will represent the gastronomy that has brought such fame to Puerto Vallarta; Mr. ENRIQUE GARCIA ENCARNACIÓN will be the collections specialist to certify the incoming financial resources; Mr. MAURICIO MARTINEZ, General Manager of the "Secrets & Now Amber” Hotels will bring his extensive experience in hotels; Mr. ANDRES GONZALEZ PALOMERA will bring with him a consistent relationship with the government sector; Dr. JORGE VILLANUEVA, CMQ Premier Hospital Director will provide expertise in medical tourism; Dr. ALFREDO CESAR DACHARY, known and renowned researcher on global tourism, will be an invaluable source of information; Mr. JOSE LUIS DIAZ BORIOLI will incorporate his experience of having been involved in various governmental activities and the business sector for over 20 years; Mr. ALEJANDRO LEMUS will share his experience in marketing and residential tourism.

The professionalism and participation of the members of the Board of Directors is clear. The commitment and responsibility belongs to everyone.

To run and bring order to the actions of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Puerto Vallarta, the renowned Mr. MIGUEL HERNANDEZ ANDRES ARTEAGA has been unanimously appointed as General Manager, bringing his experience as a hotelier,  marketer, tourism specialist, university professor and one who has dedicated his life to the travel industry, tourism, gastronomy, branding, marketing, synergy creation, quality processes and international certifications with dynamic work teams focused on specific results placed at CVB Puerto Vallarta’s service.

The Puerto Vallarta CVB aims to foster tourism in Puerto Vallarta, through the participation of the different economic sectors, in the design and implementation of efforts to promote tourism at national and international levels; implementing media campaigns and strategies, MICE, participation, penetration, direct marketing and sales promotion to broaden the channels of information and induction to the marketing of tourism that Puerto Vallarta offers as one of the leading destinations in Mexico.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, has announced the completion of the renovation of its Lobby, providing  a greater sense of arrival to its guests, The resort has always characterized itself for offering impressive architectural details, complemented with unique visual and sensorial  elements, which intensify each visitors experience.

DCM Design Company was in charge of the renovation; it was completed within a two month period. The new lobby design provides a fresh and modern style to the Westin, the design includes organic elements such as a living wall, that combines several textures such as wood and marble.  An art piece from the well known artist Gerardo Noriega, was placed as the main decorative element in the middle of the lobby, this piece is in the shape of a tree called “Egregora” which means energy fusion.

The reception area was redesigned with three new modules, allowing the associates to interact and have more contact with the guests.  In this area of the resort Japanese grass was planted, transmiting a fresh and relaxing atmosphere.
The furniture was specifically designed for this new space, using materials in light and elegant colors, which lead to comfort and relaxation.  The floor was totally replaced using marble. Special and cozier spaces were created using white dividers simulating coral.

As a finishing touch wooden art pieces from the renowned local Artist Mariano Perez, decorate the Lobby.

With this renovated sensorial environment The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, is like breath of fresh air from the strain of traveling, the resort offers a welcoming place with soothing elements where guests can breathe easier and are gently induced to relaxation. ‏

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines submitted its application today to begin two new nonstop flights from Portland, Ore., to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The flights are pending approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Mexico Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).

The planned seasonal service will operate between Portland and Los Cabos from Nov. 3 through April 27, 2015, and between Portland and Puerto Vallarta from Nov. 4 through April 26, 2015.

"Alaska Airlines is committed to offering the most nonstop service from the Pacific Northwest to places our customers want to explore, and Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta are hot spots," said Joe Sprague, senior vice president of communications and external relations. "We're happy to expand our longtime flying to Mexico with new flights to these two popular leisure resorts for Rose City travelers, who can take advantage of our award-winning service and low fares for their adventures."

Alaska Airlines began flying to Mexico a quarter century ago and operates 240 flights a week during the winter between the West Coast and Mexico—more than any other carrier. Alaska flies an average of 1.5 million passengers a year to six Mexico beach destinations—Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Loreto, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta—in addition to Guadalajara and Mexico City. Alaska is seeking government approval to begin flights between Seattle and Cancún on Nov. 6.

The new flights between Portland and Mexico will be operated with Boeing 737 aircraft, which offer passengers dual 110-volt and USB power outlets at every seat. The flights will also offer Alaska's inflight entertainment system, a handheld video-on-demand device featuring more than 70 hit movies, along with television programs and other entertainment. The inflight entertainment players are complimentary in first class and available for $8 in the main cabin. Customers can also enjoy onboard meal service, including a hot meal or the airline's Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter.

Flight times and introductory fares will be available on alaskaair.com once the DOT approves Alaska Airlines' request for service, which takes up to four weeks.

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves nearly 100 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has signed on to become a “Preferred Partner” of Meeting Professionals International, the premier global association community for meeting and event professionals, as part of its proactive campaign to attract more business travelers from the US and Canada to Mexico’s most Mexican destination.

In 2013, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board headed a delegation of hoteliers and the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center in a partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board and participated in key industry events including AIBTM, WEC and IMEX. In November 2013, Puerto Vallarta also hosted its first Vallarta Meetings educational trip with 12 meetings planners from the US, Canada and China.

As a Preferred Partner, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board’s participation at this year’s World Education Congress in Minneapolis will also include promotion of the destination and its business travel offerings through special editorials, highlighted presence in the MarketSquare where representatives will be able to meet with buyers and introduce them to the destination, present at the Past President’s & Chairman’s Breakfast.

Puerto Vallarta will also host a Focus Group with meeting planners at IMEX America where the destination’s infrastructure, offerings and reputation will be analyzed by the professionals in the industry as a way of obtaining constructive criticism.  

Coordinated by LATITUDE, the tourism board's PR agency in the United States and Canada, this partnership makes Puerto Vallarta the only destination to have an alliance with MPI at this level confirming its commitment to this segment.  
 

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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is prepared for the second Business Matchmaking Pacific Alliance will bring together in one place, 480 exporting companies from NATO countries and about 240 buyers from Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, China, Korea and Japan.

During the two days of Matchmaking, is expected to generate nearly 3,840 business appointments that will benefit entrepreneurs exporting sectors of agribusiness, manufacturing, and clothing .services

Such scenarios serve to further strengthen the intra trade growth - regional and new in this occasion with the participation of buyers from Asia - Pacific.

For more information and registration visit: Second Pacific Alliance Matchmaking Exports

No later than May 15 will be ready the study carried out by the private sector in all states, to determine the damage that could cause the Dragon Mart project, said the leader of the industrial state, Juan Alonso Niño Cota.

In an interview, the coordinator of the Council of Industrial Chambers of Jalisco ( CCIJ ) emphasized that the study will be presented to the National Confederation of Chambers Industrial ( CONCAMIN ), which in turn will lead to the results Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo.

He stressed that the goal is to add to more productive sectors to target curb Drangon Mart project, which has 10 percent of its construction in Cancun, Quintana Roo.

He said that according to the analysis already done by CONCAMIN, Dragon Mart affect the social, economic and foreign trade in Mexico theme, with an impact on the first year of a five per cent in industry, in the second of seven and the third of 10 percent.

Juan Alonso Niño Cota said that for every percentage point increase purchases from China , there is a reduction of 0.125 percent in the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) Mexican domestic product, which translates to about 1.25 billion dollars or almost 17 ​​billion pesos.

There are only 2 more shopping Saturdays this season as the market is closing on May 17th! So grab your eco-friendly bags and scoop up all your favorite “make it, bake it, grow it” products. From custom-made clothing to freshly baked breads and cookies, we’re doing it up right as we wrap up our 5th and most successful season.
 
Here are just some of this season’s highlights:

The Big Move – We kicked off Season #5 with a move to Vallarta's most notable town square, Lazaro Cárdenas Park. Not only did our shoppers enjoy the wide open spaces and proximity to the ocean, but our producer-only vendors were delighted by great increases in their sales. Congrats to all of the 80+ vendors!

The Young Entrepreneurs Program – This new program celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of youths between 10 and 16 years of age. Our first program member – and the one to cut our opening day ribbon – is 12-year-old Mireya Amaral Uribe. She designs and sews her own clothing line – Poder de Niña/Girl Power – for girls and their 18-inch dolls. Joining Mireya as team support was her older brother Abraham. But it didn’t take long before he caught the spirit too. Seeing a niche in the market, Abraham began making and selling doll furniture. His company is Casa de Muñeca/The Doll House. (Both businesses are open year-round for custom orders.)

A Rockin’ Season – This season shoppers were “eatin’ to the beat” with lip-smackin’ international favorites and toe-tappin’ tunes from national and international musicians. And this Saturday, we’re doing it all over again.

Endless “Thanks” – So many people contributed to the success of this year’s OTFM-TC, and we want to say “gracias” to our vendors, volunteers and entertainers for their endless support. We’d also like to extend special thanks to the City of Puerto Vallarta, the Licensing Regimentos Tourism and Transito Department and the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood business association. We couldn’t have done it without you!

And don’t forget that Sunday is Mother’s Day, the day that we express our gratitude with “make it, bake it, grow it” goodness. Highlight your celebration with just-picked produce, elegant pastries, chic hobo bags, greeting cards, whiskey, well-being services and so much more.

Season 5 at the OTFM

Twenty travel agents from several cities in Colombia took part in different activities and site inspections in order to familiarize themselves with the destination. Their verdict: Plenty of sales in the near future.
Twenty Colombia travel agents recently enjoyed a FAM trip as part of the promotional plan the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is undertaking in that country’s emerging market.

During Easter Week the agents enjoyed the Riviera Nayarit and agreed the Mexican and Colombian cultures have much in common, while also stating the destination is well within economic reach of Colombians.

Amparo Leal, General Manager for Boyaca Tours, was surprised both by the hotel infrastructure in the region and the warmth of Mexican hospitality.

“I honestly did not expect such a spectacular hotel infrastructure,” commented Leal. “Mexicans are excellent hosts and this new destination serves to expand our knowledge and offerings to our clients. We can send plenty of tourism this way because Colombians love Mexico!”

“I’d like to point out that the destination really does preserve the authenticity of the Mexican culture. The Colombians that have already visited the Caribbean need to see how beautiful the Pacific is, because there is certainly a market for this region,” declared Lina María Arcila, Medellin’s Director for Pelícanos Tours.

She also added that the rates were very competitive and accessible for Colombians and wished there was a direct flight sometime soon from Colombia to the Vallarta-Nayarit International Airport.

“Actually, when we were at Anato we talked about this (a direct flight) and we feel it’s very important because clients like flights with few or no stops,” said Arcila.

The agents were lodged at the Hotel Iberostar Playa Mita, Riu Jalisco and Hard Rock Hotel; they experienced an ecotourism adventure at Rancho Mi Chaparrita and were accompanied by Vallarta Adventures to the Marietas Islands.

Site inspections were held at each of the hotels they stayed, as well as Marival Residences, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Occidental Grand. They also visited Sayulita, where they took surfing lessons and ate at Don Pedro’s.

“We’re very grateful to the Riviera Nayarit CVB for this invitation,” said William Díaz, General Manager of Turismo Seis Continentes in Bucaramanga, Colombia. “I didn’t know anything about this destination and now we can recommend it to all Colombians who want to visit, especially because of its hotel infrastructure, its tourism and its handicrafts.”

The Hard Rock Hotel is the eighth hotel to receive this certificate, awarded to businesses that exemplify a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The Riviera Nayarit, which prides itself on being a destination that’s pro the environment and the community, recently received its eight EarthCheck certificate.

This time it was the Hard Rock Hotel that recently received a 2014 Silver Certificate from EarthCheck, which it obtained once it passed all of the sustainability procedures needed to achieve accreditation.

EarthCheck is the top environmental benchmarking and certification program in the world.

“I think this gives us one more attribute to add to our list when it comes to selling. It also demonstrates to both the domestic and international tourist that nowadays there are hotels in the Riviera Nayarit which are sensitive to the conservation of the environment, especially since climate change is a global issue,” said Luis Entrala Fábregas, Director of the Hard Rock Hotel.

In order to become certified the interested party must first conduct a check of the environmental health of the company, undergo several benchmarking programs and evaluate its environmental and social impact.

Afterwards it must follow a sustainable plan of action, implement changes in its procedures and its personnel training, verification and compensation, as well as in its monitoring and marketing.

Seven hotels in the Riviera Nayarit have already obtained an EarthCheck certification; the recently inaugurated Iberostar Playa Mita is currently undergoing the procedures necessary to obtain its own certificate.

The list of hotels that are already certified includes Mayan Palace, Grand Mayan, Ocean Breeze, Grand Bliss, Grand Luxxe, Grand Palladium and Hotel Cinco.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau would like to congratulate the Hard Rock Hotel for this achievement, which serves to create an even more attractive destination for tourists visiting Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.

Seventy-two sales and travel agents were trained in Manchester and London and they’re ready to sell Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit; they also received complimentary stays so they can get to know the product up close and personal.

The Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta convention and visitors bureaus’ tour through England during the second week of April included interviews and press conferences with the media, but they also held a couple of seminars aimed at promoting the destinations.

The joint campaign under the aegis of the Mexico Tourism Board, “Vallarta-Nayarit, Live it to believe it,” visited Manchester and London to train a total of 72 sales and travel agents.

Together with Milko Rivera, UK Director for the MTB, they updated agents in everything new about the destination with the hopes of facilitating the sales of the properties that are part of the TUI UK program for the upcoming flights departing from both cities.

At the beginning of each event they held a cocktail party for the participants so they could network with hotel representatives from both destinations that included in the TUI UK program. From there they held a Trade Show where the participants had access to all kinds of promotional material from the region. The team trained 51 agents in London and 21 in Manchester.

After the general introduction and as part of their program the team gave presentations for both destinations as well as the participating hotels, each of which raffled off a 7-day stay for the attendees.

The Riviera Nayarit hotels within the program include Dreams Villamagna, Royal Decameron, Hard Rock Hotel, Iberostar Playa Mita, Grand Palladium and all three Riu properties; AM Resorts, Buenaventura and Canto del Sol were present for Puerto Vallarta.

The Vallarta Adventures tour company was also present and added the same number of raffle items to the pot, allowing the winners to choose four of their hottest tours.

These types of complimentary offerings open up sales possibilities for the agents—once they experience the destinations for themselves, they are able to offer the products to their customers along with their own personal recommendations, which, in the end, is the best kind of advertising.

The promotional tour through England taken by the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta focused on reinforcing support for the new flights from the UK to the region, which will begin next May 1st.