New Mexico Tourism industry officials, including Tourism Department staff, traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada September for La Cumbre – the premier marketplace for travel professionals from the Americas – to promote New Mexico and all…
New Mexico Tourism industry officials, including Tourism Department staff, traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada September for La Cumbre – the premier marketplace for travel professionals from the Americas – to promote New Mexico and all it has to offer.
The principals of every Visit USA Committee in Latin America, and the market`s leading air carriers and general sales agents participated at La Cumbre. Nearly 30 countries are represented with the largest delegations traditionally from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
“This was a record breaking year for La Cumbre,” said Efrain Villa, Mexico promotions manager for the Tourism Department, “with more buyers and suppliers than in any previous year.” Delegate attendance was approximately 1,400, including 100 of America’s top journalists.
Villa said interest in New Mexico from Latin America appears to be at “an all-time high,” as appointment slots were booked two weeks before the show started. He said a second appointment book was requested to accommodate demand.
“Mexico remains one of New Mexico’s top international markets,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the Tourism Department. “La Cumbre is an incredible event, bustling with activity. Our presence there again this year keeps us in touch with our neighbors to the south. We are pleased to have been a major player with our sponsorship of the annual Continental Airlines Golf Tournament and thank our industry partners for their participation in helping keep New Mexico on the minds of potential visitors.”
For the second year, the Tourism Department helped sponsor the Continental Airlines Golf Tournament, with the help of industry partners. More than 150 golfers participated, including corporate senior executives, tour operator directors, and government delegates.
Joining Villa in Las Vegas were Cecilia Marquez (Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce), Larry Sutton and Ken Mompellier (Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau), Adriana Blake (Ski New Mexico) and Joshua Rosen, Tourism Department Deputy Secretary. Acoma-Sky City Industries was also represented as an industry partner.
“I was quite impressed with the number of buyers who scheduled appointments, and the efforts and contacts of Efrain and Adriana,” Mompellier said. “They represented the state well. I was also impressed with the potential this event offers. I would definitely like to do it again.”
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