Meetings augmented by natural beauty, luxurious resorts and an abundance of adventures By Nicole Vera the USA, we have an impressive hotel infrastructure and very competitive rates, wonderful offsite venues, high-quality tourism services, social responsibility and professional and very friendly people.” The people, she believes, are what really set the city apart. “You can ask any meeting planner who had a program here and they will tell you our people are some of the kindest in any meetings and incentive destination.” Puerto Vallarta recently signed on to become a “Preferred Partner” of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) in an effort to attract more business travelers from the U.S. and Canada, and is participating in both the MPI World Education Congress in August and IMEX America in October. The city has had little trouble attracting general tourism as of late: Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism reports that Puerto Vallarta had an average hotel room occupancy of 8,612 rooms from January to April, 2014, 10 percent more when compared to the same period in 2013. Resort Rooms With a View
Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for planners that prefer all-inclusive resorts to make the budgeting process easier since meals and other amenities are included the rate. Casa Velas is an all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotel located in Puerto Vallarta’s Cruising off Mexico’s Pacific coast (above) and paddling the exclusive Marina district just five minutes crystal-clear ocean lagoon at Costa Sur Resort & Spa (inset). from Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport. Casa Velas offers 80 suites and the best of both worlds, since the hotel overlooks are more than 2,188 in total, is because we have the beauty, the rich marine life, the Sierra Madre Moun- Marina Vallarta Golf Club, yet also offers exclusive beach access. The hotel’s private Ocean Club tains surrounding the Bay and wonderful subtropiis located just minutes away via a complimentary cal weather that allows you to swim year round.” hotel shuttle that runs continuously throughout She lists some of the city’s other advantages. “We the day. And if the lushly landscaped grounds and are three hours away from almost any gateway in pool at Casa Velas aren’t relaxing enough, guests Facilities & destinations 2014 summer
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