ACAPULCO, Mexico -- This Pacific Coast resort city has hosted
1,000 agents from various countries on fam trips since it was hit
by Hurricane Pauline last October, according to Alejandro
Gonzalez-Molina, general director of the Acapulco Convention and
Visitors Bureau.
With support from agencies and tour operators, Gonzalez-Molina
said, he is optimistic that the downswing in visitor arrivals the
city has experienced will be eased. "We are crossing our fingers
and expecting a good season, but we need the understanding of the
travel trade," he said.
The general director added that the bureau will help arrange
additional fam trips for agents who want a firsthand look at the
destination. He said interested retailers should contact the board
at (011) 52-74 847-630.
The ACVB, along with Sectur, Mexico's Ministry of Tourism, and
several tour operators and hotels funded a $250 million campaign
that was launched in November.
In addition to financing the fam visits, the campaign funded
clean-up efforts immediately following the hurricane, an agent
seminar series in 11 U.S. cities and advertising efforts.
Gonzalez-Molina said some 900 U.S. agents attended the seminar
series.
The bureau also launched a promotional program on CNN showing
testimonials from the region, he said.