Smart Meetings

The legendary destinations that line Mexico’s long, languorous west coast offer more options than ever to meeting attendees and incentive travelers. For in recent years, development has paired spanking new state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line resorts literally carved out of the desert, jungle or beach with history-rich cities and towns. That means total escape can go hand-in-hand with striking colonial architecture, vibrant culture and the arts, nature and adventure, in the four major resort areas of Los Cabos, Vallarta, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Acapulco.

The northernmost and best-known example of this two-in-one concept is Los Cabos, the two contrasting capes at the southern tip of the 2,000-mile long peninsula known as the Baja. Here a 20-mile corridor sprouting ever more fabulous resorts connects the once remote fishing grounds of Cabo San Lucas with the centuries-old colonial town of San Jose del Cabo.

While both capes and the connecting corridor now bustle with the ultimate in infrastructure, including the finest golf and spa facilities, they maintain their separate character and appeal. Thus, an event planner can choose from venues in Cabo San Lucas for hot and spicy nightlife, on San Jose’s historic tree-line central plaza for a more traditional romantic Mexican flavor, or at a tranquil beachside pavilion with scenic views of Lands End, where the wild Pacific Ocean meets the tamer, intensely blue Sea of Cortez.

Less well known are the changes happening north of Puerto Vallarta, where an entirely new destination, known as Riviera Nayarit, was named and announced March 27 at Tianguis Turistico, Mexico’s premier tourism event held annually in Acapulco. Riviera Nayarit shares an airport with Puerto Vallarta, a charm-exuding town with cobbled streets and flower-draped buildings that house art galleries, boutiques and fine-dining restaurants, yet extends the boundaries of tourism development north along 100 miles of pristine coastline.  

The same two-in-one concept was behind the creation, beginning in 1970, of Ixtapa, the master-planned resort built next to the authentic fishing village of Zihuatanejo. Each targets distinct clientele with clear preferences, and both benefit from the proximity and offerings of the other.

Finally, Acapulco, longtime glitz and glamour queen, is sprucing up her infrastructure in a serious way, especially in the luxury Diamante area. Close to the airport and 10 to 20 minutes from the heart of town, the Diamante is essentially a separate destination, where visitors can hide away, yet still enjoy the abundant offerings for which Acapulco is renowned.

Furthermore, within the next two years, the Mexican government will begin development of a “Tourism Corridor” of the coastal region between the destinations of Acapulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, 150 miles to the north.

The breathtaking pace of development goes hand-in-hand with a push to gain a larger share of the U.S. meetings market. The opening of a new marketing office by the Mexico Tourism Board in Washington, D.C. in June signals that intent, according to Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, who heads up the new facility. As reported in an interview with Chaillo in the June issue of Smart Meetings, Mexico currently is garnering about 12.5 percent of gatherings organized by U.S. businesses. As regional director, United States and Canada, for the MTB, Chaillo sees tremendous opportunity for that figure to grow substantially.

Meeting Place Mexico, positioned as the meetings industry market of Mexico, is fueling that growth, bringing buyers and suppliers face to face in a business environment.

MPM’s fifth anniversary drew 57 domestic and 103 international incentive and meeting professionals to the Sheraton Buganvilias Puerto Vallarta in early June. Seventy-six companies in 94 booths offered a variety of destinations and services catering to the high standards of the meeting and incentives buyers.

On the Exit Evaluation 2007, buyer participants said:

• 55% booked business with an exhibitor
• 85% expect to book business within the next 12 months
• 48% will hold an event in Puerto Vallarta  between 2007 and 2008

On the other hand, the Exhibitors Exit Evaluation shows that:

• 93% would return to Meeting Place Mexico 2008
• 55% booked business
• 78% expect to book business within 12 months

“This year we broke several of our previous records, including selling out the entire exhibit-floor booths two months before the event itself,” says Fernando Compeán, president of Meeting Place Mexico. “Also, we had our target quality buyer ready to participate one month before past editions. Although there were 94 booths, many companies and destinations had more than one, which brings us to the record buyer-to-supplier ratio of two buyers for each supplier organization represented on the floor,” he adds.        

Bob Jacques, general manager of California-based Advanced Incentive Travel concurs. “MPM was excellent once again. Rarely do you have the opportunity to meet so many quality suppliers in a concentrated period of time in one location. Many of our key clients are based on the West Coast, and Mexico is a frequent destination. Just in the last six months, we have had a large group (600) to Cabo and two separate programs (approximately 100 PAX) to Puerto Vallarta. We have a Riviera Cruise scheduled in November, and several new proposals quoted to various destinations for 2009 and beyond.”

Jacques, who spoke to the Mexico Planners at their workshops on the Sunday before the opening event, continues: “Being able to spend time at MPM with the actual suppliers we’re using really pays off on site during the program. The personal relationships and familiarity with the DMC, resort, transportation or event coordinator helps to provide a seamless, professional experience for our clients.”

LOS CABOS
This desert-meets-sea destination—with stands of giant cactus rising in stark desert canyons, rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, and rich fishing grounds in shimmering seas—is the setting for an ever-more luxurious infrastructure that has made Los Cabos Mexico’s number one choice for upscale travel; (Los Cabos Tourism Board).

Among its stellar resorts are Casa del Mar, a classical Mexican hacienda; Pueblo Bonito, on golden-sand El Medano Beach; and The Westin Resort & Spa, whose striking architecture is a modern interpretation of Cabo's famous arch. Nearby is the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos, in the prestigious Cabo del Sol area. (Pueblo Bonito, The Westin and Fiesta Americana have other locations on the Pacific Coast, as well.)

December’s visitor count of 77,625 (up 3,000 from the prior year) is evidence of the significant growth in 2006. Annual hotel occupancy averaged 70 percent in 2006, a 4 percent gain even with an increase in room inventory, while the annual average room rate grew 21 percent, from $166 in 2005 to $201 in 2006.

While Los Cabos has grown into an unsupassed golf and evolving spa destination, the extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty of the region has turned ecotourism into a major draw. Hiking or biking the rugged desert landscape, kayaking, snorkeling or whale watching, are all part of the magic of an exotic escape within easy reach of most U.S. cities. Combine those assets with a dizzying array of meetings properties, and the reason Cabo is a leader in upscale group and incentive travel becomes clear.    

“Cabo is hot, new and very high quality,” says Wayne Wallgren, principal, Worldwide Incentives. He and other meeting professionals note it’s also the most expensive destination in Mexico, so it’s essential to know your client’s, or your, budget. And to keep in mind that San Jose del Cabo tends to be overlooked because Cabo San Lucas is so trendy, yet San Jose offers the opportunity for value as well as old-world charm. Its central plaza is a popular setting for cocktail receptions, followed by dine-arounds at some of the lovely flower-filled restaurants in the heart of town.

Evening events staged in a desert canyon are a favorite for Wallgren, complete with white linens, images projected on huge boulders and a great sound system. “Every detail is taken care of, so the 'wow' factor and the comfort level are both high.”
For private group excursions and events, Cabo-Adventures offers canopy tours, desert safaris and sailing adventures, as well as swim-with-the-dolphins encounters. Their Desert Safari is an off-road adventure utilizing Mercedes-Benz all-terrain Unimog vehicles, which safely navigate the desert while visiting villages in the heart of the Sierras.

Boat charters depart the Los Cabos marina for snorkeling, whale watching January through March, and other sailing adventures. Tropicat introduced a new sunset wine and jazz cruise, while Novia Mia, a new 80-foot Turkish schooner, offers high-end adventure sailing the Sea of Cortez. Operated by Marquis Los Cabos, the boat may be rented for private events, complete with Marquis butler and Michelin-star chef. Cabins accommodate eight overnight and 35 day guests.

VALLARTA
While the launch of Riviera Nayarit is garnering major press attention (see details under Vallarta News), the charming gem of Puerto Vallarta remains a favorite for visitors and event planners. This wonderful, walkable town has an art-lined malecon, a seaside promenade that leads from the historic cathedral on the central plaza south to the tree-lined Rio Cuale.

The art gallery and culinary scene is second to none, and meeting professionals agree the town offers one of the best values in Mexico, complete with fine service and a high quality experience.

Worldwide Incentives’ Wallgren says even his clients that are first timers to Mexico are smitten, despite their initial apprehension, adding the beautiful restaurants with innovative cuisine are a natural for dine-around events.  

Wallgren organized a board retreat in Puerto Vallarta for his colleagues in the Texas chapter of SITE, to precede the recent MPM, which he sees as one of the best executed events of its kind, an essential way to stay current on the diversity of experiences Mexico offers, beyond just sun and surf.

 Kitzia Morales, Meeting Place Mexico CEO, agrees. “With MPM, we intend to reinforce the indisputable positioning of Mexico and Puerto Vallarta as a top destination for congresses, conventions and incentive travel. All MPM strategies are focused to generate important business increases for our exhibitors and for Puerto Vallarta.”

To accommodate this business, a state-of-the-art convention center is targeted to open its first phase by year’s end, which will include 54,000 sq. ft. of event space. The airport has completed the first phase of its modernization and expansion and the cruise port now has two docks with the capacity to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously. A third and final dock is currently being built. All of the access roads leading to the cruise terminal as well as the main boulevard leading from the airport to downtown Puerto Vallarta have been upgraded and expanded.

Patricia Flores, group sales executive with the DMC Amstar, says the town’s location, on the expansive Bay of Banderas and backdropped by the dramatic Sierra Madre mountain range, is a ready-made stage set for events, whether held on torchlit beaches or cliffside restaurants watered by mountain streams. Flores suggests the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a birding hotspot, as a wonderful venue for events and corporate meetings. Set high in the Sierras, the botanical collection of 3,000 plant species are arranged in palm, rose and agave gardens, an orchid house and tree fern grotto. The Plantation House Restaurant, overlooking the River Los Horcones, is a premier events venue with a capacity of 300.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO
Many regular visitors to Zihuatanejo know what Tim Robbins is talking about when he tells jail buddy Morgan Freeman of his escape fantasy in the film Shawshank Redemption: “It’s a little place on the Pacific Ocean...That’s where I want to live the rest of my life...Open up a little hotel right on the beach. Buy some worthless old boat and fix it up new. Take my guests out charter fishing...”

Zihuatanejo (Z for short) has grown since the film, and a lot more since its early days as a matriarchy known as Cihuatlan, which means “place governed by women” in the indigenous Nahuatl language. So, too, has neighboring Ixtapa, in the more than three decades since it was developed out of the palm groves and lagoons that have been artfully incorporated into its master plan. Yet this two-in-one destination, nestled between the Sierra foothills and the sparkling sea, has lost none of its allure, as evidenced by increasing numbers of infatuated visitors returning as residents.

Recognized as one of Mexico’s premier billfishing destinations, the neighboring resorts are also known for the many lovely beaches that curve around their expansive bays. Each beach offers its own charm and activities, from parasailing to kayaking, horseback riding to toes-in-the-sand dining in simple palapa (thatch) restaurants serving items fresh from the sea. The coral reefs have been ranked among the richest in the American Pacific by Oaxaca’s University of the Sea, so snorkeling and diving are rewarding. Catamarans like Picante can be chartered for group outings to snorkel, dine, survey the coastline and enjoy a signature fiery sunset.    

A favorite eco-focused group activity begins with a four-mile bike ride along Ixtapa’s cycle path surrounded by exotic flora and fauna. The ride ends at the crocodile reserve at Playa Linda, where participants board boats to Ixtapa Island for kayaking, snorkeling and lunch. The return trip retraces the route from boat to bike back to the start.

ACAPULCO
Transformation is the buzzword in Acapulco, the historic resort that continues to reinvent itself since the Jet Set stayed and played in the ’50s and ’60s. Stars like Gable and Taylor and Hayworth brought glamour and the world’s attention, and the tourists followed. Though its fortunes have waxed and waned, Acapulco’s glittering nightlife, vibrant and full of romance, has remained unmatched.     

Upscale once again is the clear direction of development, as ambitious new projects are built into the hills of the sparkling Diamante district, on the Scenic Highway between the airport and Puerto Marques Bay, just minutes south of town.

Mundo Imperial is a cornerstone of the rebirth in Acapulco. When complete it will have one of Mexico’s largest ballroom and convention spaces, an important exhibition hall, an international performing arts theatre, a new concept spa featuring traditional Chinese medicine, a high-tech luxury group hotel with more than 800 rooms and eight different dining concepts.

“We are certain that Mundo Imperial will raise the bar in hospitality and will elevate Acapulco’s position in the meetings  industry. Our colleagues will guarantee world-class service through a constant investment of training and innovative HR practices,” says Seyed Rezvani, who will lead the project.

A $2-million renovation of the existing Acapulco Convention Center, the largest conference facility in Latin America, includes upgraded technological equipment as well as enhancements to its terraces and principal entrance. The center is located in the heart of Acapulco’s Golden Zone, along the Costera Miguel Aleman, the main hotel-lined avenue that winds along the grand sweep of Acapulco Bay.

The opening of a Banyan Tree Hotel in the Diamante area, one of the Singapore-based luxury hotel group’s first forays into Mexico, will also raise the bar. Its restaurant, aptly named Vertigo for its rock-clamping cliff-side construction, will augment the city’s remarkable inventory of restaurants with sublime views.  

It’s these views, especially at night when millions of lights twinkle along the cliffs and across the sweep of the ink-black bay, combined with the glamour and pulse of this vibrant port city, that distinguish Acapulco from Mexico’s other coastal resorts.

Carol Canter, has been writing about Mexico for both national and international publications since her first trip in 1967. She writes with passion about the people and their history, culture, art and architecture, music and food, and returns as often as she can.

 

NEWS

LOS CABOS

• Cabo Azul, scheduled to open in September 2007, is an elegantly designed vacation ownership development and resort with 332 villas.
  
  
• Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort. The resort has been completely remodeled in lavish style and features authentic Mexican artistry.  A pavilion sets the standard for private beach parties.
  
  
• Casa del Mar boutique hotel, newly redesigned for 2007, premiers Mexico’s first Guerlain Spa.
  
  
• Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa will complete a total remodel this year and debut its new state-of-the-art convention facility featuring eight ballrooms with cutting edge technology.

VALLARTA

• Riviera Nayarit. Launch of the Riviera Nayarit is the region’s big news. With over 12,000 hotel rooms, two-thirds of which are four-star to five-diamond, four major golf courses and protected ecotourism, the destination, located in the Mexican state of Nayarit [next to Puerto Vallarta’s state of Jalisco] now has an identity, with name, boundaries and a web site.
  
  Development will continue over the next decade, within boundaries that extend from the Rio Ameca at Nuevo Vallarta north along 100 miles of pristine coastline to the colonial town of San Blas. Included is the exclusive resort enclave of Punta Mita. The gateway to the region is Puerto Vallarta International Airport, just ten minutes from Nuevo Vallarta.
  
  Two additional golf courses will open by year’s end, including a Greg Norman course in Litibu, a high-end development in progress near Punta Mita and 45 minutes from the airport. Estimated number of rooms in Litibu by the year 2010 is 3,800, along with 1,000 in Punta Mita and 2,000 in Nuevo Vallarta & Flamingos.
  
  
• The ultra-luxe 120-room St. Regis Resort and Residences will open in Punta Mita in 2008.
  
  
• The Marina and seaside promenade in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle featuring 400 slips, hotels, condominiums, shops and restaurants, will be built 2008 – 2010.
  
  
• Governor Ney Gonzalez recently inaugurated Los Veneros, a new resort area on the Banderas Bay coast between La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta Mita. The $126-million investment entails 251 condominiums, a small boutique hotel, beach club, spa, and conference rooms. The resort area is due for completion in 2009.

PUERTA VALLARTA

• Plaza Peninsula, a new complex of shops, restaurants and galleries, features works of art with larger than life sculptures by contemporary Mexican artists like the late Juan Soriano. Mexican jewelry designer Daniel Espinosa has opened a branch in the complex, while Mata Ortiz Pottery Gallery presents its sought-after collection of contemporary Mexican pottery.
  
  
• Bird Copter, provides quick and convenient air taxi service for small groups looking to make a quick jaunt to Careyes, Manzanillo or Isla Navidad. The new company uses Bell 206 helicopters with a capacity for four passengers and a range of 370 miles.
  
  
• Vallarta Adventures offers a 2- and 3-day Survivor program for groups looking to develop team-building skills.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO

• Las Brisas Ixtapa is in year two of a major $16-million renovation that will give the resort a new contemporary look, with an upgrade to guest rooms, restaurants and meeting space.
  
  
• A new adventure park, Parque Aventura offers zip lines over the jungle canopy at heights from 13 to 26 feet. Just north of Ixtapa, this wilderness park is an original rancho with wild animals.

ACAPULCO

• The big news in Acapulco is the master-planned Mundo Imperial Project, a mega-development with construction of the Expo Imperial and Imperial Forum underway. With exhibit and meeting space totaling more than 360,000 sq. ft., Expo Imperial  is  designed to host various exhibitions and conventions, while the adjacent Imperial  Forum, a 4,000-seat performing arts theater, will bring the best cultural, sports and artistic shows in Mexico to Acapulco.
  
  
• Also part of the project is Sol Imperial, a 15,000 square foot spa; Casa Imperial, a high tech luxury group hotel resort complex with more than 800 rooms; and  Paseo Imperial, with more than eight different dining options to choose from.
  
  
• Along with the new cliff-top Banyan Tree hotel, other upscale resort projects currently under development  in the Diamante zone include the Mansion Imperial with 334 suites and the 360-room Palace Imperial.
  
  
• On the entertainment front, Puerto Paraiso plaza will debut in the coming year with 12 movie theaters, an ice-skating rink, designer boutiques, as well as lively nightclubs and restaurants.

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Getting There

Principal carriers serve the following airports, some on a seasonal basis. Charter airlines also serve these destinations, on a regular or seasonal basis.

LOS CABOS
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is approximately 10 miles north of San Jose del Cabo; 30 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. Served by: Aeromexico, Alaska, America West, American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Mexicana, Northwest and United.

PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarta International Airport, also known as Gustava Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), is four miles north of downtown, one mile south of Marina Vallarta, 10 miles south of Nuevo Vallarta and 26 miles south of Punta Mita. Served by: Aeromexico, Alaska, America West, American, Continental, Frontier, Northwest and Mexicana.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO
Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH) is 15 minutes from Zihuatanejo, 20–25 minutes from Ixtapa. Served by: Aeromexico, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Mexicana, Northwest, United and US Airways.

ACAPULCO
Acapulco International Airport (ACA), also known as General Juan N. Alvarez International Airport or Acapulco-Alvarez International Airport, is 20–25 minutes from the Costera, the hotel-lined avenue that curves along the bay. Revolcadero Beach and the upscale Diamante development are closer to the airport. Served by: Aeromexico, America West, American, Aviacsa, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest and Mexicana.
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Not To Be Missed

LOS CABOS

• Book a panga (small boat) to visit El Arco, the iconic arched rock that marks Lands End where two seas merge.  Get dropped off for several hours (arrange for pickup) to enjoy Playa del Amor (Lovers’ Beach), with its stunning rock formations.  Watch the thundering surf on the Pacific, but swim and snorkel in the gentler Sea of Cortez.
  
  
• Book a guided day hike and ecotour to backcountry sites, including desert canyons, hot springs and caves.
  
  
• Explore the historic town of San Jose del Cabo, and dine in one of its lovely restaurants in converted homes with shaded patios.
  
  
• Take a drive to Todos Santos, an artist oasis 45 miles north of Cabo San Lucas; book a meal in advance at Café Santa Fe, for wonderful healthful Italian food in a lovely setting.

PUERTO VALLARTA

• Explore hidden beaches and towns like Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Sayulitas for a flavor of the emerging destination of Riviera Nayarit.
  
  
• Survey the vibrant folk arts and fine arts on display in Puerto Vallarta’s many stunning galleries.
  
  
• Take a sunset walk along the seaside Malecon to enjoy sculpture with the Bay of Banderas vistas.
  
  
• Visit private homes open for fund-raising tours November through April.
  
  
• Book a cultural or nature excursion into the Sierra Madres.
  
  
• Visit the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO

• Watch for the breaching of humpback whales in season while dining by the sea.
  
  
• Watch for crocodiles and iguanas while playing a round of golf at Palma Real Golf Course, a former coconut plantation with natural lakes and lagoons.
  
  
• Enjoy the nautical ambience over a sunset cocktail or dinner at Marina Ixtapa, where yachts from all over the world are harbored.
  
  
• Early risers can watch fishermen arrive with their catch every morning at Zihuatanejo’s municipal pier.
  
  
• Late risers can book a panga for the 10-minute crossing to Las Gatas, a palm-fringed beach with palapa restaurants and reef-protected swimming and snorkeling.
  
  
• Browse the boutiques in both towns for beautiful, handcrafted silver from Taxco, colorful handicrafts and tropical clothing.

ACAPULCO

• Take a jungle boat tour through the mangroves of Coyuca Lagoon, with a stop at Mama Polita’s for a clay mask treatment.  Her earthy abode displays photos of the many celebs that come for her rejuvenating masks. Excellent birding along the way.
  
  
• Stay for sunset on the beach at Pie de la Cuesta.  The setting, 25 minutes west of downtown, is near the convergence of the lagoon, river and ocean.
  
  
• No matter how many times you’ve watched them dive, the thrill is renewed with every plunge these daring clavadistas take from high on the cliffs of La Quebrada into a narrow finger of sea.
  
  
• Nightlife is Acapulco’s calling card, so dine alfresco at a romantic restaurant with a view, then dance the night away in a glass-enclosed cliff-top disco. Both will dazzle with the glittering lights of Acapulco bay far below.

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