Los Cabos, Mexico, played host to ASTA’s joint meeting of its Board of Directors and Chapter Presidents Council (Nov. 18-19). The Board met with the Los Cabos Convention and Visitors Bureau to brainstorm new ways market the region to consumers and the travel industry.
 
“Los Cabos has so much to offer even the most seasoned traveler. I am proud ASTA’s Board was able discuss new ideas and work with Los Cabos on a public relations campaign to further Mexico’s tourism goals. I would like to thank Ella Messerli, general manager of the Marquis Los Cabos Hotel and vice president of marketing for Los Cabos CVB, for her role in making this all possible. Thanks to her efforts, we had the chance to see for ourselves some of the many great offerings that await our clients,” said ASTA President and Chairman Chris Russo. “Not only did we have a wonderful destination in which to meet, but we as travel professionals had the chance to work together to revitalize and discover new features and offerings at a familiar destination. As travel agents we all recognize the importance of Mexico  to our business mix as it continues to be a favorite among clients, no matter what type of vacation they are looking for.“
 
In the brainstorming session, ASTA’s Board and the Los Cabos CVB worked together to develop a plan to promote Los Cabos to consumers and fellow ASTA members. Among the ideas were that Los Cabos host targeted FAM trips for the media, create and run a Los Cabos Expert program to educate travel professionals and more. To further these plans, Board members suggested that Los Cabos will be offering travel specials through airlines and their local transportation systems to grow tourism in the region, among other initiatives.
 
ASTA would like to thank Gabriela Ibarra with the Mexico Tourism Board, Ibonhe Buch with Solmar Hotels and Resorts, the Westin in Los Cabos and Enrique Lopez with Terramar for hosting the Board meetings.