After more than 30 years, Cancun has grown into Mexico’s most well-known tourism brand, showcasing the best the country has to offer: natural beauty, warm hospitality, multicultur- al traditions, and facilities and services that fit every meeting planner’s budget. With more than 34,000 hotel rooms — including some of the world’s foremost hospitality brands, such as Ritz-Carlton, Palace Resorts, and Marriott — Cancun offers incentive groups accommoda- tions in every category along with abundant airlift, a favorable peso-dollar exchange rate, and zero-percent Value Added Tax. “When you combine Cancun’s connectiv-
ity and infrastructure with its hospitality and high level of service, there is no comparison,” said Fernando Cervantes, groups and con- ventions director for the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Cancun is the obvious choice.” Cancun’s biggest asset may not be its
warm weather, but rather the warmth of its culture and people, which Bridget Sypolt, director of meetings and vendor relations for Gold’s Gym, experienced firsthand when she brought her group here. “The hotel, restau- rant, and venue staffs are Cancun’s biggest treasures,” she said. “The Cancun CVB staff and all of the hospitality staffs we encoun- tered were amazing. They will do whatever it takes to ensure that a group is happy and satisfied.” When it’s time to play, water sports — from
snorkeling through serene lagoons to scu- ba diving in caves at night — are a must for groups looking to explore Cancun’s natural wonders. “There are many team-building activities that groups can do in Cancun’s eco- parks — ziplining through the jungle or swim- ming in underground rivers or with dolphins,” Cervantes said. “And for spectacular diving, the largest barrier reef in North America runs along our coast.” Groups with golf enthusiasts will love that
Cancun has 13 golf courses of international stature, such as El Camaleón, home of the
96 PCMA CONVENE OCTOBER 2012
Mayakoba Classic, the only oficial PGA Tour event held outside of the United States or Canada. Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Rob- ert Trent Jones Jr., and other legends have also lent their design expertise to many of Cancun’s courses. After a few holes, attend- ees can wind down with a spa treatment that incorporates native ingredients and customs, like a Temazcal steam bath or a traditional Mayan massage.
For more information: Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau — +52 (998) 881-2745; cancun.travel/groups
History and heritage Cancun is the doorway to the Mayan world and an excellent jumping- off point for exploring many of the area’s archaeological sites, including Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, and Ek’ Balam.