Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 52)

DESTINATIONS MEXICO This Riviera Maya destination is picking up steam BY JOE PIKE TULUM A guest room at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa THERE’S MORE TO MEXICO THAN JUST CANCUN, AND THERE’S MORE TO THE RIVIERA MAYA THAN PLAYA DEL CARMEN. At the other end of Quintana Roo lies the hidden gem of Tulum. This destination is home to the third-most-visited archaeological site in Mexico. Tulum’s Mayan ruins, coupled with the destination’s beaches and a plethora of cenotes (underwater caves), make it one of the most aesthetically pleasing spots in Mexico. With news of ongoing refurbishments and a new airport, which is expected to open there between 2009 and 2010, Tulum could be your biggest Mexico sell within a year or two. “This used to be hippy land, a place for backpackers to hang out and they would stay at some hut,” says Terry McCabe of Altour Travel, a member of Signature Travel Network. “But I think it’s getting on everyone’s radar now.” Because the Riviera Maya Tourism Board doesn’t break down statistics by specific destinations in the region, only general numbers on the Riviera Maya as a whole are available (see charts on page 56). But needless to say, Tulum has seen a chunk of the increase. “Tulum, like the rest of the Riviera Maya, has been growing over the past five years from small hostels to magnificent five-star resorts located along the coastal area,” says Javier Aranda Pedrero, director of the Riviera Maya Tourism Board. “Like Playa del Carmen a few years ago, many Europeans, Argentinians and young dreamers moved to Tulum to open intimate gourmet restaurants, boutiques and other small businesses. “Every day you can find extraordinary places similar to those on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Just minutes from the town of Tulum, you 52 | TravelAgent April 28, 2008 have some of the most extraordinary archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization, as well as the largest protected area of Sian Ka’an and the largest inlet and natural aquarium of our country, Xel-Ha, which make this area unique.” Attractions Dos Palmas (www.dospalmas.info) features a Mayan Ceremonial Night, wherein the community offers visitors an experience in the heart of the Riviera Maya jungle as they take part in ancient Mayan rituals at the temazcal (sweat lodge). This is great for your eco-friendly clients. It maintains a commitment to ecotourism and ensures that guests experience the traditions and customs of ancient tribes in their natural environment while supporting the communities and preserving their existence for generations to come. Mayan Archaeological Sites and Ruins Experience Mayan culture at the sites and ruins of Tulum. The wellpreserved walls, temples, foundations and other structures were built by the Mayans out of rock, circa 1200 to 1500 A.D., and are set on a cliff right next to the beach. Xel-Ha (www.xel-ha.com) theme park has the most spectacular natural aquarium of the world for your clients to experience a real aquatic adventure. There, they can enjoy adventure activities; natural, ecological attractions; and water activities like diving or snorkeling in creeks, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers, which flow to CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 http://www.dospalmas.info http://www.xel-ha.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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