Incentive - December 2007 - (Page 70)

MEXICO TRAVEL Still Hot Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination for years, continues to thrive By Alex Palmer aving been a major tourist destination for decades has its advantages. Over the years, Puerto Vallarta has developed into a paragon of the traveler-friendly hotspot, with activities and accommodations well-suited to group travelers of all interests, incentive winners certainly among them. Though it competes with Los Cabos, Cancun and Acapulco, through its expanding hotel options and a variety of other offerings, the Puerto Vallarta area continues to have ever more for incentive planners. One of Puerto Vallarta’s greatest strengths is simply its practicality. The weather is pleasant almost year-round, though a little warm in July or August, allowing great flexibility in trip planning. For groups coming from the United States, it’s a short plane ride from major hubs like Chicago or Atlanta, so unlike trips to more far-flung locations, there’s no need to spend an entire day of the program in the air or to suffer jet lag after arrival. Another of its strengths is the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort. Recently named one of the Top 15 Hotels in Incentive H Mexico and Central America by Condé Nast Traveler, the resort has become the destination for incentive travelers in Puerto Vallarta. Besides its world-class spa and private terraces, it is especially popular with incentive planners because it offers an all-inclusive arrangement. “Anything you ask for they did for you: The food, the bar service, everything was all Photos: Grand Velas image courtesy of Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort; canopy image courtesy of Riviera Nayarit Tourism Board A visitor speeds through the rainforest on a zipline (above) The Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort (left) included, and [the Grand Velas] had great service,” says Marcia Colburn, corporate communications manager for Caterpillar Financial, in Nashville, Tenn. In February, a group of its top salespeople from several European countries stayed at the Grand Velas for an incentive trip planned by Atlanta-based USMotivation. “It works great for an incentive program, because you don’t have to worry about all of the expense books after the fact,” Colburn says. The all-inclusive option makes it easier to let participants have free time without having to make special arrangements for them. Trish Adams, director of industry relations for Maritz Travel, in St. Louis, points to results received from their Travel Insight research tool. “More and more we’re seeing…that people do want a little more downtime and don’t want to be overscheduled,” says Adams. “People live such hectic lives, when they are getting away, they want some R&R too.” Maritz Travel helped coordinate 22 incentive programs in Puerto Vallarta in 2006, many of which were at the Grand Velas. A few other 70 | | December 2007 | incentivemag.com http://incentivemag.com

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Incentive - December 2007 Contents Editor’s Note: Revved Up In the News Cover Story: Rolls-Royce Empowers Its Own Case Study: Booz Allen Hamilton Beating Your Best Incentive Primer: Add Value to Your Event Keeping Safety In Mind Incentive Interview Potentials Here and Now Research: Corporate Gifts Facts Report Tabletop Awards: Travel Gift Cards Travel News Viva Puerto Vallarta Indigenous Spas Advertiser Index Off the Cuff: Ambassador Christoph Bubb Luxury Brands Special Supplement

Incentive - December 2007

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