Regional tourism board leaders Alfonso Ventura, Dario Flota and Artemio Santos will present “Mexico Embraces Luxury - A Perfect Fit for Your Demanding Clients Dreaming of Mexico.” The event Thursday, June 22, day one of the Mexico Luxury Travel Expo.

Mr. Ventura serves the Mexico Tourism Board as Deputy Director for USA & Canada, Mr. Flota is Director of the Riviera Maya Tourism Promotion Board and Mr. Santos is Director of the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau. Together, these three leaders will discuss the specific experiences, attractions and suppliers at the center of the emerging luxury destinations of Mexico. This presentation will follow that of Jennifer Hamer, Public Relations Manager for Grupo Ultrafemme, who will focus on luxury shopping available in Cancun. Ultrafemme will also sponsor breakfast and opening remarks.

A tradeshow will follow “Mexico Embraces Luxury,” as well as lunch sponsored by Palace Resorts. Guests will then have the opportunity to choose between two educational sessions. One session will help participants effectively utilize Mexican luxury tour operators to create a win-win for both agents and clients. Led by Federico Moreno-Nickerson, Product Development Director of Classic Vacations - Mexico, Frank Samson, President & CEO of Creative Leisure International, LLC, and Gary Perotin, Senior Director of Sales, GOGO Worldwide Vacations, this program will focus on the value proposition of wholesalers selling Mexico; understanding how the best Mexican tour companies can assist you in accommodating all facets of client travel requests and how a good tour operator can help you in knowing how and what to sell to your clients.

The second session, “Undiscovered Gems,” presented by Cristina Baker, General Director and Co-owner of Hacienda Xcanatun, and Slyvie Laitre, Director of Mexico Boutique Hotels, will concentrate on the latest trends in alternative lodging, amenities and services available, historical and cultural benefits and financial benefits of booking haciendas and other alternative options.

Participants can also choose between two later sessions including a tequila tasting sponsored by Mundo Cuervo or “Yucatan: A True Luxury Destination,” which will be led by Carolina Cardenas, Secretary of Tourism with the State of Yucatan. Ms. Cardenas will look at the support needed by travel agents to sell Yucatan, such as the efforts of Yucatan to educate consumers to enhance demand; practical information on luxury accommodations, transfers and local guides; specific attractions, events and activities pertinent to the upscale market and the resources to support customized itinerary development.

To end the day, Mexico Tourism Board will sponsor a welcome dinner; and guests can later enjoy a party in Playa Del Carmen, sponsored by Riviera Maya Tourism Board.

Friday, June 23 will begin with a tradeshow and continental breakfast served in the exhibit hall. Hotel site inspections will follow lunch, including Paraiso de la Bonita Resort and Thalasso, Paradisus Riviera Cancun and Hacienda Vista Real. An evening function for participants will be sponsored by Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Post-event FAM tours in Yucatan and Cancun will begin Saturday, June 24, during which participants can experience Mexico first-hand. Participation is limited and will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. To register for FAM tours, the Mexico Luxury Travel Expo or to make room reservations at the host hotel, Aventura Spa Palace, please visit www.mexicoluxurytravelexpo.com. Also visit the website for the most current schedule information. 
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