S&R to cover Mexico’s National Tourism Convention

The Convention is organized by the National Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce and will take place on January 25th and 26th at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico City.  Featured guests and keynote speakers include, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara.

 Vancouver, B.C. – January 24th, 2011-  Sinclair and Ruiz Consulting will provide international public relations services  for Mexico’s the third annual National Tourism Convention. The Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO SERVYTUR), presided by Jorge E. Dávila Flores,  will host the convention on January 25th and 26th, 2011 in Mexico City.

This year’s event is the first to bring together national and international stakeholders in Mexico’s tourism industry, as well as government representatives, and academia. Special guests include Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo and Joint Director for the Mexico Tourism Board Rodolfo Lopez Negrete Coppel.   Industry speakers include Royal Caribbean Cruises Vice President of Government Relations for Caribbean, Latin America and Asia Michael Ronan; and Softec Mexico’s Associate Director Gene Towle; among others.  The Tourism Industry has great expectations for President Calderon’s address  as well as the presentation by the Secretary of Tourism and  Mr. Davila Flores’ address on behalf of the private sector.

The magnitude of the 2011 convention is the brainchild of Mr. Davila Flores, who as president of the National Confederation of Chambers of commerce, has encouraged positive engagement of all tourism-related issues. Among other initiatives, Mr. Davila Flores promotes the “Let’s speak positively about Mexico, because we are all Mexico” slogan among the organization’s members. The slogan aims to motivate the nation’s private sector to focus and build on the country’s positive attributes. Through support for the National Tourism Convention the Confederation of Mexican Chambers shows its commitment to developing concrete actions to back-up the slogan.

S&R is thrilled to collaborate with the Confederation of Mexican Chambers on this high profile event that will influence the international tourism industry.

Selling a Destination in Less Than Ideal Conditions

Many travel and tourism destinations face challenges because of  the ongoing economic downturn. Others additionally face negative press regarding environmental issues, violence, and civil unrest; as well as misinformation.  Therefore destinations must  constantly evaluate their situations and take the necessary measures required to survive and thrive at any given time. The following are a few points that should be considered:

 New Markets – When a traditional market does not respond, destinations must adapt and reach-out to new markets. While traditional markets should not be ignored or forgotten, destinations need to expand their reach.

 Focus Budgets- It is important to target limited funds on very specific areas. Destinations and private organizations must resist diluting their investments by trying to cover as much market as possible. It is amazing what can be achieved with limited budgets if they are applied effectively and consistently.

 A Balanced Approach – Marketing efforts should be directed to the consumer. Tourism and recreational real estate marketing strategies often rely heavily on third parties such as tour operators, travel agents, and brokers to connect with consumers. Though third parties continue to be essential players, consumers increasingly make purchasing decisions based on their own research and peer reviews. Therefore communicating directly with existing and potential clients is a key element in any successful campaign, as are great customer service and ongoing client care.

Education – Destinations should reach out to consumers and educate them about the competitive advantages of their brand. Inform consumers what the destination offers and clarify misinformation.  In addition, communicate what the destination is doing to correct issues that displease consumers.

Speak the Consumers’ Language – Take into account language and cultural nuances to make sure the message being heard by the market is the one you are trying to transmit.

Elements of Successful Marketing Campaigns

I’d like to share some elements that have made marketing campaigns successful in our experience:

• Effective communication and promotions that are attractive to the target audience. In addition to a new audience, the communication strategy should motivate contacts who have known about the company for over a year – but had not done business with the company – to finally respond to the call to action.
• The strategy should take into account past strategies that worked as well as strategies that  may been good ideas originally – but weren’t implemented properly. They should be modified to fit into the objectives of the current campaign if it is thought they can meet the needs of the target market.
• The campaign execution should include plenty of follow-up with  prospects along the way.
• The strategy design and execution phases need to run their course without being rushed. Each phase should be implemented without cutting corners. Once the campaign ends, it is importante for the client’s staff to continue to engage the segments of brand new audiences who were not ready to act right away.

Your Mazatlan Brings Events to Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton

El Cid Real Estate and Walfre Real Estate will bring a taste of Mazatlan to Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton on October 14, 15 and 16, respectively.

El Cid Real Estate and Walfre Real Estate will kick-off the  “YourMazatlan” campaign in Saskatchewan and Alberta this October. The campaign – which is also sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board and the State Tourism Board – will provide a platform for Americans and Canadians who travel to Mazatlan to share their experiences. Thus, travelers who are new to the resort can learn about it through their peers; and Snow Birds will have the opportunity to share their thoughts.

The cocktail receptions, organized by Sinclair and Ruiz, will be a social medium for guests to meet new people and learn about wintering in Mazatlan. A brief presentation will discuss cost of living, healthcare and investment in the city. Several prizes will be raffled  – including accommodation at El Cid Resorts. For further information and to register for the events, please visit www.yourmazatlan.com.

If you don’t live in one of the city’s where the cocktail receptions are taking place, check the website after October 18^th for promotions open to residents across North America and your opportunity to share your experiences.

About the Hosts:

El Cid was one of the first master- planned resorts in Mexico and now boasts 4 hotels, a gated community, 27-hole golf course, Marina and Country Club in Mazatlan; and hotel resorts in Cancun and Cozumel. El Cid is home to the largest community of Americans and Canadians in Mazatlan and continues to be the most exclusive area in Mazatlan.

Walfre Real Estate is the most respected real estate service in Mazatlan with over 30 years of experience serving Americans and Canadians.  Professional services include: sales and leasing, legal and fiscal consulting, property management and rental referrals, translations and interpreter assistance.

El Cid and Walfre, the two most recognized names for Mazatlan’s luxury real estate, have come together to share Mazatlan with North America. There is no better time to experience Mazatlan.

Mazatlan Will Build On Successes Of September’s Western Canada Tour

Mazatlan Hotel Association representatives will return to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver in October to meet with travel agents and trade media; as well as provide a training seminar to WestJet Vacations reservations staff.

Vancouver, B.C. – September 27^th, 2010 – A delegation of Mazatlan’s tourism industry executives and government officials recently concluded a tour of Western Canada within the framework of Mexico Fest and the Addison Travel Trade Shows. In an effort to build on the successes of the September tour, Mazatlan Hotel Association representatives will return to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver on October 13, 14, and 15 respectively.

During the recent tour, the delegation met with travel agents and Canadian travel industry partners. “Travel agents and our travel partners were very interested to learn more about Mazatlan’s infrastructure and the new travel circuits we are promoting to the surrounding magical towns,” said Francisco de la Vega Aragon, State Secretary of Tourism.  In response, Mazatlan Hotel Association representatives will host breakfast seminars for travel agents and trade media. The group will also host a training seminar for WestJet Vacations reservations staff.

“Just as our Canadian travel partners have expressed their commitment to Mazatlan as an important holiday destination, we are committed to sharing the best of Mazatlan with Canadians,” Said Julio Birrueta, Director of Marketing for the Mazatlan Hotel Association. “We will continue to work towards strengthening our relationship with the Canadian travel industry.”  For more information about the October events for travel agents and travel media please visit: www.clearingcalendar.ca

About Mazatlan:

Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16^th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travelers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Canada as a preview to the winter season. For more information visit: www.gomazatlan.com

Mazatlan Concludes Its Western Canada Tour

Francisco de la Vega Aragon, State Secretary of Tourism, led a delegation that invited Canadians to visit Mazatlan and the Copper Canyon.

Vancouver, B.C. – Sept. 22^nd, 2010- The Mazatlan delegation concluded its visit to Western Canada this past week. The group of travel industry executives and Tourism Board officials traveled to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. The tour took place within the framework of Mexico Fest and the annual Addison Travel Trade Shows; and aimed to promote the Mazatlan and Copper Canyon Getaway.

“Mazatlan’s tourism industry representatives spoke enthusiastically to travel agents and travelers,” Said the State Secretary of Tourism. “Our goal is to encourage Western Canadians to explore the myriad of attractions that the destination offers.”

Mazatlan’s seminars encouraged guests to explore Cosalá and El Quelite – the magical towns that surround Mazatlan, in addition to cultural and historic attractions. Paul Beckman invited guests to participate in the upcoming Sustainable Nature Tourism Symposium & Expo taking place in Mazatlan in December 2010. Mr. Beckman, President of the event’s organizing committee, noted that the expo will bring together universities, entrepreneurs, governments and environmental authorities to discuss the development of sustainable tourism in the region.

Thousands of Canadians travel to Mazatlan each year and many return multiple times to the city known as the Pearl of the Pacific.  Throughout the tour, the delegation expressed the diversity of activities available, which provide new and exciting experiences to Canadians who choose Mazatlan as their holiday destination.

About Mazatlan:

Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16^th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travelers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Canada as a preview to the winter season. For more information visit: www.gomazatlan.com.

Thousands of Vancouverites Embraced Mazatlan at Mexico’s Ultimate Fiesta

 The Mexico Independence Fiesta, a part of Mexico Fest, took place on Saturday September 11^th at Thurlow Plaza and featured Mazatlan. As the rain fell on the dramatic stage framed by the North Shore Mountains, the event inspired nostalgia in Snow Birds and Mexican-Canadians alike.

Michael and Helen Peligal

 Michael Peligal and Helen Wong started going to Mazatlan thirty years ago. They returned to Mazatlan year after year as they became close friends with many locals. Now they own a place in Mazatlan.

 “The local people are phenomenal,” says Michael. “The climate is great, the food is wonderful and it’s just relaxing. All the things you read about that are going on in Mexico, you just don’t feel them when you are there … Mazatlan is a great city.”

 Michael and Helen stay informed about Mazatlan while they are in Vancouver. They participate in events Mexico organizes on the Lower Mainland and they are not alone. Thousands of Vancouverites flocked to the Fiesta and many donned traditional Mexican embroidered clothing and sombreros. Partygoers braved the evening rain to sing the Canadian and Mexican national anthems as both countries’ flags stood side by side on the main stage. The crowd sang, danced, ate and cheered as anyone would at a good Mexican fiesta.   

Celebrating at Thurlow Plaza in Vancouver, B.C.

About Mazatlan:

 Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16^th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travellers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Vancouver as a preview to the winter season. For more information visit: www.gomazatlan.com