The organizers of the World Travel Market (WTM) estimate the 2013 event generated over £2 billion in business deals; some 50,000 delegates were at the event, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year.

The Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta has partnered with TUI Travel Group, the largest travel company in Europe, to invest in a major advertising campaign that has been running from July of 2013 through July of 2014.

TUI owns eight European airlines that operate from over 60 airports in 9 countries. They serve regular and charter flights to more than 150 destinations around the world.

Several fairs, promotional seminars and public relations efforts have already taken place to promote relations with Great Britain with the full support of the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) and Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR).

“There are currently several billboards on the streets of London touting the Vallarta-Nayarit ‘Live it to believe it’ joint campaign,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The campaign is also in the online and hard-copy magazines from the World Travel Market, not to mention other advertising already in place thanks to this major investment.”

During last year’s World Travel Market, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Claudia Ruiz Massieu, and Rodolfo López Negrete, Director of the MTB, were both present in order to consolidate several destinations in the UK.

The organizers of the WTM estimate the 2013 event generated over £2 billion in business deals; some 50,000 delegates were at the event, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year.

According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics the number of British tourists visiting Mexico in 2013 by plane directly from Great Britain increased by 22% ;the number of flight from the UK to Mexico also grew by 24%.

The numbers also indicate that Mexico represents 29% of the market within the British citizens’ preferences of places to vacation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition to the advertising investment, there have been trainings and workshops for tour operators and travel agents, press conferences, FAM trips and other promotional services in order to generate more tourism, more jobs and increase the economic impact for the region.

The hotels reported a 90% occupation rate and of the total number of tourists in the destination, 20% made aquatic and terrestrial tours

On the last weekend, Puerto Vallarta received more than 50 thousand tourists that came to enjoy the different events that were held in the city, informed the director of Municipal Tourism, Carlos Gerard Guzmán.

“It was a good weekend for Puerto Vallarta. Including Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the hotels reported an average occupation of 90 percent, even some hotels of gran turismo reported an occupation of 100 percent, which was something favorable for the destination”, said the head of Tourism.

He added that the visitors who took advantage of the long weekend and the "Buen Fin", also enjoyed the Fishing Tournament, the Fourth International Concentration of Motorcyclists, the Gourmet Festival, the Vochomanía, among other events that were carried out.

In addition to the hotels, said Gerard Guzmán, the tourists went to the commercial strip, and made use of the taxi services, of the tourist guides, and the terrestrial and aquatic excursions, “for example, the Port Administration reports that there were nearly six thousand people who made tours in small vessels and nearly six thousand people made terrestrial tours, which represents roughly 20 percent of the tourists, of the more than 50 thousand tourists who arrived to the destination this weekend and participated in tours”.

It is noteworthy that for the regional director of Tourism of the northern coast of Jalisco, José Ludwig Estrada Virgen, the arrival of this important flow of tourism, especially national tourism, was an anticipation of what is coming for the winter season.

He assured that Puerto Vallarta has worked a lot in regards to promotion, especially hand in hand with Riviera Nayarit, under the umbrella of the joint promotion campaign supported by the Federal Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) and the Council of Tourist Promotion of Mexico (CPTM).

“In Puerto Vallarta, and in general in the Vallarta-Nayarit region, I think that we have a very good outlook for the coming winter season because a lot of work has been done and an intense, joint promotion campaign has been carried out with excellent results”, he pointed out.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/19/llegaron-a-vallarta-poco-mas-de-50-mil-visitantes/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

During their stay in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, agents used social media to sell 10 trips each to the destination within a 24-hour period.

Seventy-four agents from the United States and Canada, each of whom sell more than $1 million a year in vacations to Mexico for a total of over $100 million in income for the country, had the opportunity to visit and enjoy the many attractions of the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

“It was a very successful FAM trip that exceeded the usual site inspection visit, focusing on unique experiences that help the agent sell the story of the destination to his or her clients,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit, Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This mega FAM trip for Travel Weekly took shape thanks to the strategic alliances formed by the Mexico Tourism Board as a key component of the marketing campaign with the joint promotion “Vallarta-Nayarit, Live it to believe it.”

“What’s most important for us is to bring over buyers and providers, that’s what creates big business and that’s exactly what we did with the help of United Airlines, the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta trusts and the hotels,” said Bruce Shulman, Associate Publisher for Travel Weekly and TravelAge West. “We were able to gather together the best sales agents for this destination.”

It’s difficult to calculate exactly the number of sales this particular FAM trip will be able to produce, but he confirmed that during the second day of his stay each of the agents had already generated 10 sales using only social media.

“The more you sales experts are exposed to the destination, the higher the chances of them selling it,” he added.

The travel agents engaged in an immersion experience from November 12 – 15, with plenty of adventure activities within Caletas and Sayulita, including surfing, zip-lining, ATV, horseback riding and more.

They also enjoyed the unique experiences offered by different developments including Secrets, Residences, Grand Velas, St. Regis and Iberostar, which is ready to open soon, as well as a visit to three of the areas modern marinas: Marina Vallarta, the Paradise Village Marina and Marina Riviera Nayarit.

“They got to experience the attractions offered by Vallarta and Nayarit first-hand, now they can return to their offices to continue positioning these destinations in the minds of their clients as the best vacation option. We’re very grateful,” said Shulman.

The travel agents fell in love with the destination

The travel agents confirmed this was the best FAM they’d been on in years and they are certain that after this experiences they have the proper tools to sell these destinations.
The warmth of the locals, who truly love the tourists, charmed Lori French, owner of Lori French Travel Services in the United States.

“The people are wonderful, I love this place. I can’t wait to get home because all of the activities it offers are perfect for our clients,” said Lori. “I had never been to Sayulita or Punta de Mita and I just loved them. It’s a beautiful and safe place.”

Mercedes Becerra, a Peruvian agent based in Quebec, Canada, and owner of the Voyages Mercedes agency, had previously sold the destination without ever having been here. Now she predicts her sales will increase by 50%.

“I’ll be able to sell this destination much more easily,” she said, “especially to my clients in search of beach, mountains and adventure—it’s the perfect destination! The best selling point I’ve found is its diversity, different things that the other destinations simply don’t have.”

Over 40 business meetings with MICE specialists from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, the United States and Mexico took place during the 2013 ICOMEX Fair.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) was present at the ICOMEX Fair in Mexico City, which took place from November 6-8, 2013, in order to promote the destination within the meetings market.

This event is one of the premier exhibits for incentives, meetings and conventions in Latin America. It has tremendous national and international impact, bringing together industry professionals from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, the United States and Mexico, the host country.

ICOMEX unites experts in the meetings market with the main buyers from the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector in order to network and close on new business.

The Riviera Nayarit shared its booth with some of the destination’s top hotels, including the Four Seasons, Grand Velas, Grupo Vidanta, Decameron and Hard Rock. Vallarta Adventures was also part of the exhibit.

Forty pre-scheduled meetings took place with specialists from the sector, during which the representatives from the Riviera Nayarit presented the destination’s diverse attractions, as well the local accommodations.

“ICOMEX is a wonderful showcase for the many benefits we offer the meetings market,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director for the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “We also made sure to highlight the natural beauty of our region, the sun and sand, luxury, culture and the many other attractions the Riviera Nayarit offers its visitors.”

The attendees were also urged to bring their incentive, meetings and conventions groups to the Riviera Nayarit, which would generate increased income to the region.

For more details on the ICOMEX fair visit www.icomex-mexico.com

Travel Leaders Group is the largest travel agency in the United States with approximately 6,000 agencies under its wing. During the event that takes place November 14-15, the Riviera Nayarit will be able to negotiate with over 400 travel agents for the tourism corridor, which includes the area of Puerto Vallarta.

The Riviera Nayarit will represent the tourism corridor, which also includes Puerto Vallarta, during the annual sales meeting of the Travel Leaders Group consortium, the largest travel agency in the United States.

The meeting will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 14-15, 2013, where the destination will promote the joint campaign “Vallarta-Nayarit, Live it to believe it” under the aegis of the Mexico Tourism Board.

Travel Leaders offers personalized service with agents experienced in leisure and corporate travel through its more than 6,000 agencies, company-owned, franchised and affiliated throughout the United States, Big Business Expected With Travel Leaders Group.

Travel Leaders Group is the largest travel agency in the United States with approximately 6,000 agencies under its wing. During the event that takes place November 14-15, the Riviera Nayarit will be able to negotiate with over 400 travel agents for the tourism corridor, which includes the area of Puerto Vallarta.

The Riviera Nayarit will represent the tourism corridor, which also includes Puerto Vallarta, during the annual sales meeting of the Travel Leaders Group consortium, the largest travel agency in the United States.

The meeting will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 14-15, 2013, where the destination will promote the joint campaign “Vallarta-Nayarit, Live it to believe it” under the aegis of the Mexico Tourism Board.

Travel Leaders offers personalized service with agents experienced in leisure and corporate travel through its more than 6,000 agencies, company-owned, franchised and affiliated throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

Together the travel agencies that make up Travel Leaders represent 30 percent of the agencies in all of North America. Its entire team—from their expert agents all the way to their executives—is dedicated to offering the best travel experience possible.

“We’ll have the opportunity to make one-on-one presentations to over 400 travel agents that already specialize in selling international tourism services,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This is an excellent occasion to train them so they can continue to sell the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.”

Travel Leaders has over 1,250 full-service franchised locations that produce annual sales of over $5 billion dollars.

“Many of these agents are located in states that are based in our natural markets, such as California, Texas, Colorado and Minnesota,” Murphy added.

According to a poll conducted by the Riviera Nayarit CVB during August of 2013, California is number one of the main U.S. markets visiting the Riviera Nayarit at 30 percent, followed by Illinois with 21 percent and Texas with 18 percent.

Travel Leaders has been the top travel agency in the industry for the past 14 years, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. It also took first place in the “2011 Business Travel Survey” and placed among the Top 10 travel agencies in America according Travel Weekly’s “2011 Power List.”

Travel Leaders group has been working exclusively with leisure or corporate travel for nearly 30 years with many of their sales headed to the Riviera Nayarit. For more information, please visit their website at www.travelleadersgroup.com

The consumer will have an incentive from November 15 to 18 when the third edition of "El Buen Fin" 2013 takes place, which is expected to involve 650 local businesses and have an economic impact of 30 million pesos.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Services (Canaco Servitur), Martín Puebla Ontiveros, urged local businesses and consumers to participate in the program which will offer more discounts on various products and services, of in between 10 and 80 percent, months without interest, points for new purchases and incentive giveaways for refunds.

The tourism sector also participates as hotels, restaurants and travel agencies are offering reductions at different rates, extra nights, discounts on various services and incentives in general that are already being publicized so that they are used in the coming weeks for travel, consumption or for use of tourist spaces for residents and visitors.

REFUND POSIBILITIES

Martin Puebla noted that, this time, the program will include a drawing for "El Buen Fin", which will distribute 250 million pesos in prizes to final consumers who make their purchases at formally established businesses. He clarified that buyers can get a full refund of their purchases, with a cap of 10 thousand billed dollars.

The refund will be given through the Ministry of Finance between December 9 and 20 which would make the refund on the same credit or debit card used.

BOOSTING THE MARKET

The leader of organized businesses said that "El Buen Fin" has become a benchmark for Mexican families as the cheapest weekend of the year and as an effective tool to stimulate the domestic market, revive the economy and create job sources.

Nationally, the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce (Concanaco) will be coordinating the business sector for "El Buen Fin", which is expected to involve 255 Chambers of Commerce, exceeding the figures of 2012, when total sales were estimated for more than 148 billion pesos.

He also noted that the Federal Government, some state governments and private companies will advance part of the bonuses and year-end bonuses to their workers, to reap great benefits when purchasing appliances, furniture, clothing, footwear, travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, car dealerships, culture, entertainment, among many other items.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/08/esperan-derrama-de-30-mdp-con-el-buen-fin-en-vallarta/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

Authorities and hoteliers foresee an occupancy that is close to full from Friday night until noon of next Monday.

Puerto Vallarta's hotels expect an occupancy very near the top during the long weekend beginning tomorrow, on the commemoration of the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.

The regional director of tourism of the north coast of Jalisco, Ludwig Estrada Virgen, said that up to now, the records in the reservation books of the hotels of the city are pretty good, signaling a close to full occupancy from Friday night until noon on Monday.

"The long weekend is looking pretty good and will get better because it coincides with the holiday in the schools, that is a situation that many people from Guadalajara and from all of the Bajio area will use to travel and relax", he said.

He explained that until now, the hotels showing the highest rates of reservations for the long weekend are the five-star and Gran Turismo, which until Wednesday reported occupations between 85 and 90 percent from Friday to next Monday at noon.

He noted that many hotels of four and three stars are receiving at this time small conferences and conventions, which added to the reservations for this weekend have enough to report, up to now, an intention to occupy of in between 80 and 85 percent.

"Definitely the long weekend looks great in the books, the reservations are unbeatable and the daily poll that we apply to the hotels tells us that it will be a very good weekend, close to 100 percent for most hotels of Puerto Vallarta", said Estrada Virgen.

He said that this will be a preview of things to come for the winter season, since Puerto Vallarta has worked hard in promoting; especially going hand in hand with Riviera Nayarit, under the umbrella of the joint promotion campaign supported by the Federal Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) and the Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico (CPTM).

"In Puerto Vallarta and generally in the Vallarta-Nayarit region, we have great expectations for the coming winter season because there has been hard work and a joint and intense promotional campaign has been done with excellent results", he said.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/14/hoteles-de-vallarta-estaran-al-tope-en-el-puente-largo/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

They foster the integration of businesses related to the service of this sector

With the goal of establishing a space which will analyze the opportunities of medical tourism from a business perspective, as well as defining the strategies, services, and processes required to integrate a value chain and a long-term benefit to this tourist segment and to the country, Coparmex, through its National Tourism Committee will carry out this Wednesday the First National Forum on Medical Tourism.

In this regard the CMQ hospital CEO, Jorge Villanueva Hernandez informed to Vallarta Opina that this region as a whole has a huge potential to attract medical tourists, commenting that U.S. tourists from Canada and Mexico have found an alternative service that is good and affordable, so that more and more people come to private hospitals and clinics.

He said that the most requested treatments are dental, vision correction with laser techniques, orthopedic procedures, gastric bands and transplants.

The topics to be addressed are: The Mexico Brand, Strategies by geographical area, target markets and services, vision and strategy of the Federal Government, integration and synergy opportunities for companies in the tourism sector and the health sector, participation of the State Governments in Medical Tourism and Strategies for the dissemination and marketing in the U.S. and Canada, among others.

PROMOTION MODEL

He said that during the event of today, a model for promoting medical tourism through Coparmex business centers will be announced, this will allow the integration of different types of companies related to the sector and to drive the development, through a comprehensive vision, designed and monitored by the national Coparmex to assess progress.

A study from the Deloitte consulting company, reveals that 9% of the U.S. population considers the possibility of traveling abroad to perform a medical procedure, representing approximately a 50% savings against the same medical procedure in their own country. Of this market of 30 million Americans, if Mexico could only capture 20%, this would represent an estimated 1,100 million dollars.

He said that Canada and the U.S. have become major exporters of patients for medical tourism, searching various parts of the world for more affordable care and lower waiting times, without sacrificing the quality of hospital services they receive. This migration represented 1 million 621 thousand patients who traveled to different countries looking for savings and a better service.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/13/vallarta-y-riviera-van-juntos-tambien-por-turismo-medico/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

The next April 20, 2014 the new owners will take possession of the property

The Hyatt hotel chain acquired the Dreams Puerto Vallarta hotel, closing a millionaire dollar operation, which was not disclosed by the board of directors of the company.

The Dreams Puerto Vallarta hotel was acquired in July 2004 by this brand and operated by the company AM Resorts, from the then owners who for 35 years had kept alive the name of Camino Real, receiving $ 50 million for the property.

With that transaction one of the most important chapters in the history of the hotel in this city closed, as the Camino Real Hotel operated for more than three decades with excellent quality and occupation standards, as well as quality services in a privileged area of southern Puerto Vallarta.

For 35 years, the Camino Real became an icon and one of the most distinguished hotels in Puerto Vallarta, which not only promoted the destination but also shared with it various tourist and cultural events.

Years later, the acquisition and operation of the Dreams hotel was left to the company Playa Hoteles & Resort, which a few days ago decided to sell the property to the Hyatt hotel chain, that on April 20, 2014 will take possession of the property.
The company Playa Hotels & Resorts operates other hotels in Mexico with the brand Dreams (among other brands) in tourist destinations like Cancún and Playa del Carmen, in addition to operating the Hyatt brand in Los Cabos, Cancun and Jamaica (which will open in 2014), as well as other brands of hotels located in the Caribbean.

For its part, the Hyatt hotel chain operates properties at the highest level of luxury and quality in its services and facilities in Mexico City, Cancun, Los Cabos, Merida and Villahermosa.

The Hyatt hotel guests enjoy personalized service and luxurious accommodation in all destinations. This uniform excellence is accompanied by unique touches, from architecture inspired by local characteristics to a kitchen that captures the flavor of the destination.

The Hyatt Resorts are located in spectacular locations that offer the perfect getaway. The services and facilities include innovative spa treatments, sports and family activities, and distinctive meeting places.

HYATT REGENCY

The Hyatt Regency hotels are located in major cities and are key destinations for both business travelers and tourists. The services and facilities include a large meeting space, fitness gyms with the latest technology and innovative restaurants and bars.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/12/hyatt-compra-el-hotel-dreams-puerto-vallarta-ex-camino-real/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

This Thursday the plaque that identifies the Matel Hacienda San Sebastian del Oeste as part of the group of Boutique Hotels of Mexico was unveiled.

The event was headed by the regional director of tourism, Virgin Estrada Ludwin, the Director of the Municipal Tourism of Puerto Vallarta, Carlos Gerard, the municipal president Yesenia Pulido, the hotel manager, Iliana González de Bravo, company representatives of the Boutique Hotels of Mexico and special guests

During the event the importance that the municipality is made known through local companies was highlighted, as in this case, by belonging to a list of 42 hotels that are promoted in and out of Mexico under that concept.

Similarly through this broadcast, the brand San Sebastian del Oeste will go as a Magic Town.

Boutiques Hotels of Mexico is responsible for evaluating, certifying and promoting that each of its affiliates holds a unique atmosphere theme, and above all, that it is related to the Mexican culture.

In the case of Hacienda Matel, owned by businessman Arturo Bravo Rodríguez, is nestled in the mountains, its high walls and clay tile that replicates the style used at the time of the Mexican Revolution, allow it to belong to this collection of hotels.

[readon1 url="http://www.prensaglobal.com/notas/59232.htm"]Source: Prensaglobal.com Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

The successful investor is also a marquee speaker; he is already on the advisory board and will be looking for investment opportunities.

 In response to his very successful participation in the MITA TechTalks 2012, organized by the MITA Institute, Mike Maples is once again invited as a marquee speaker for 2013. He is also on the advisory board of a new capital fund organized by the founders of the MITA Institute and will be on the lookout for new investment opportunities.

Maples is one of the first investors in Twitter and founder of the “Angel Investor” fund, Floodgate, located in Silicon Valley, California.

Lynne Bairstow, founding partner and director of MITA Institute, commented that MITA’s association with Maples would attract international attention and recognition to the Riviera Nayarit region, with a focus on the development of innovative technologies.

“It also provides the resources and additional connections for students and high tech entrepreneurs in our area,” she said, “thus creating the possibility of creating new businesses and even a new industry in the Riviera Nayarit.”

She commented the TechTalks include not only work sessions, but also a variety of recreational and social activities that spotlight the beauty and attractions of Punta Mita and the Riviera Nayarit.

“The 2012 event was also streamed live on the Internet on a worldwide level, which offered an unprecedented reach for the promotion of the Riviera Nayarit as an important player in the development of tech innovation in Mexico, as well as a great destination for conferences and vacations,” added Bairstow.

She also thanked the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau and all of the attendees that made the event possible, many of who have returned to visit the destination after the TechTalks ended.

“The participation of local tech students from Nayarit in the MITA TechTalks 2013 will encourage their development with a view to a successful future,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This will help create a generation of more highly evolved professionals for this region.”

The tech industry is the only one that has presented gains both before and during the current global crisis. The MITA TechTalks 2013 will take place November 18-21 in Punta Mita.

Click the links below for additional information:
http://mitainstitute.com/es/
http://mitainstitute.com/es/mike-maples/
http://mitainstitute.com/techtalks/techtalks-12/video-gallery/?catid=techtalks-12&slg=thunder-lizards-in-latin-america-mike-maples-jr

Global customer appreciation EVENT!

The important resort MARRIOTT Hotel Casa Magna, recently held a thank you party for its clients, sponsors and all who collaborate in one way or another for the growth of this prestigious hotel in Puerto Vallarta and the world.