Mexico Meeting & Incentive Planner 2018 - 7

We spoke with a few of the most recognizable hotel
and resort brands in Mexico to gain a glimpse of what
planners and attendees can expect this year.

Q: What meetings and incentives trends
are you anticipating for 2018?
"Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of
the development and deployment of programs-whether for
communications, budgeting or operations. Many planners are using
'WhatsApp' to communicate directly with our operations teams
and using the group feature for multiple departments. We've also
noted that buyers identify sustainability and being 'green' as the top
condition that positively impacts incentive travel programs. As far
as trending incentive options go, a visit to a celebrity chef-operated
restaurant in Playa del Carmen for a cooking class and liquor tasting
is popular. This blends the foodies in your group, the celebrity factor
for bragging rights on social media and the classroom experience of
understanding the difference between tequila and mescal together."
John Iannini, VP of meetings & events for Melia Hotels International
"We are expecting an increase in incentive business this year as
companies that haven't held incentives are now holding them, and
doing them with less budget restraints. Shorter booking windows for
groups also shows us that companies have more flexibility than before
and are planning short-term meetings and rewards events. Lastly,
more focus is being placed on attendees enjoying the location; more
free time for individuals to plan their own excursions or relaxation.
With us, attendees can take the ferry to Cozumel and visit the second
most popular diving destination in the world, visit Xoximilco Theme
Park (in front of Moon Palace) for a reproduction of the genuine
Floating Gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City or experience the dance
of the flyers-danza de los voladores-everyday only steps away from
Playacar Palace."
Alan Doyle, VP of global & incentive sales for Palace Resorts
"The culinary scene in Mexico has evolved immensely, with resorts of
all sizes and scale offering a more sophisticated and authentic take
on cuisine. Formerly a place primarily visited for stunning beaches
and relaxation, Mexico has become a culinary destination, and groups
are increasingly visiting for gastronomic experiences. This is why we
created the annual 'Culinary Week' programs, where celebrity chefs
from throughout the region visit the all-inclusive Barcelo Maya Grand
Resort to debut their latest dishes, share insights on local cuisine and
mingle with guests. We've also noticed that more women are getting
PADI scuba certifications than ever before at many of our properties
that have on-site pro diving shops."
Juan Perez Sosa, senior VP of sales and marketing at Barcelo
Hotel Group

Cliff diving in Mazatlan (photo credit: Mazatlan Tourism Board)

prevuemeetings.com/mexico

For more on what's new and noteworthy this year and beyond, and to
see how the aforementioned trends are playing out in meeting and
incentive programs across the country, read on.
WELCOME TO MEXICO

7
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Mexico Meeting & Incentive Planner 2018
