News Briefs:
- Mexico’s Yucatan State Poised To Be Mexico’s Next “IT” Destination
- Natchez, MS LGTBQ Event Celebrates Inclusion This October
- Wild Terrains Launches New Women-Only Trips to Portugal This Fall
- Tourism Toronto Has Launched New Destination Campaign: Let Yourself In – Campaign Invites Travelers to Go All-in and Share in Toronto Pride Felt Across the City
- Puerto Vallarta to Host First National LGBTQ Media Association International Conference
- Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Debuts New Culinary Offerings for Groups, Launches Six New Chinese, Indian and Vegan Menus
Mexico’s Yucatan State Poised To Be Mexico’s Next “IT” Destination
Mexico’s Yucatán state is on the brink of becoming the next “it” travel destination in Mexico. A host of developments already underway, as well as future ones on the horizon, are taking this culturally rich destination on the rise and highlighting the features that make it a perfect microcosm of Mexico. It is important to note that the state of Yucatán is not the same thing as the Yucatán Peninsula. The Yucatán Peninsula is a region of Mexico comprising three states: Quintana Roo, home to popular resort cities such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen; the state of Campeche, known for its colonial cities and rich history; and the state of Yucatán, which sits between the other two. The state of Yucatán has been experiencing positive growth in tourism numbers since October 2018. Air connectivity continues to increase, and currently, there are direct flights from Miami, Houston and Toronto into state capital Mérida. Grupo Xcaret is expected to open a cenote park near the colonial city of Valladolid and Chichén Itzá, one of the state’s most important and beloved Mayan archaeological sites. Speaking of Mayan heritage, the state of Yucatán is shaping a program designed to immerse travelers into this ancient indigenous culture, which still thrives on the peninsula today. Through this one-, two- or three-day immersive experiences, visitors can live beside and learn from the Mayan people in the area. This program is expected to launch in 2020. Capital city Mérida has been selected to be the host the 2020 edition of Tianguis Turístico, Mexico’s largest annual tourism industry event. For more information on the State of Yucatan, please visit www.yucatan.travel
Natchez, MS LGTBQ Event Celebrates Inclusion This October
Coming off the heels of Pride celebrations across the country, Natchez, Mississippi released the schedule for its weekend-long event celebrating diversity, Y’all Means All Natchez. The weekend includes an evening reception, tours of antebellum homes, a pool party and the inaugural Y’all Means All Battle of the Belles featuring country music star Ty Herndon. Y’all Means All Natchez is comprised of a group of LGBTQ individuals and active supporters who offer aid and assistance to those living in isolation and battling depression within the LGBTQ community. Through fundraising, community activities, and working with similar organizations, they hope to develop a level of tolerance and understanding that can be achieved in the greater, surrounding area. For more information, visit www.yallmeansallnatchez.org/yall-means-all-ball. For more information on Natchez and an up-to-date calendar www.visitnatchez.org.
Wild Terrains Launches New Women-Only Trips to Portugal This Fall
Women-only travel is the fastest growing segment in the travel industry today. Whether they’re traveling with friends, families, partners or by themselves, women are a driving force behind an industry fueling the economy on a global scale. According to The George Washington School of Business, women account for nearly two-thirds of travelers today. With this steady rise in female travelers, there’s a new crop of travel companies offering unique experiences catering to this growing segment of women travelers. Washington, DC-based Wild Terrains is one of those companies, specializing in small group trips for women that support female-owned and operated businesses in its destinations. They’ve recently expanded their women-only group trips to Portugal, with trip dates starting in September 2019. The travel company’s mission is to connect creative women from around the world in dynamic destinations, while collaborating with local women entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and chefs. Wild Terrains is the only travel company leading women-only group trips that partner exclusively with local, female-owned businesses. Wild Terrains first launched trips to Mexico City in January 2019. To date, its Mexico City trips have been a huge success and are sold out for the remainder of 2019. The company plans to announce its Mexico City 2020 trip dates soon. After the success of Mexico City, Wild Terrains has expanded and launched their second destination – Portugal – with two group trips scheduled for fall 2019: September 4th – 11th and September 28th – October 5th. This eight day/seven-night journey takes women travelers to Lisbon, Alentejo, and Porto. Wild Terrains’ Portugal Experience is also packed with creative activities that support local, female-run businesses. For more information, visit http://www.wildterrains.com/portugal or email hello@wildterrains.com.
Tourism Toronto Has Launched New Destination Campaign: Let Yourself In – Campaign Invites Travelers to Go All-in and Share in Toronto Pride Felt Across the City
Tourism Toronto has launched a new destination marketing campaign, Let Yourself In – fresh on the heels of the Raptors capturing the NBA title and Toronto’s sense of welcome and diversity seizing the world’s attention. The campaign also arrives as Toronto celebrates another record year in visitation having welcomed 44 million travelers into the city in 2018. “Right now, Toronto’s having a real moment – you can feel the incredible sense of pride and energy here. Now, with the world watching, we’re inviting travelers to be a part of that pride and energy,” said Jon Mamela, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism Toronto. “Toronto is the front door to Canada, and our message to travelers is simple – Let Yourself In – be a part the excitement, diversity and unapologetic progressiveness that defines who we are.” Let Yourself In launched in select markets in the U.S. and Canada with an integrated digital strategy. The campaign is anchored by video, using a variety of digital channels and new digital tools to target potential travelers including original content, co-created stories with select publishers and influencers and social media featuring #openyourcuriosity. The campaign serves as the platform for Toronto’s sales and marketing programs over the next two years. Videos from the Let Yourself In campaign can be viewed on Tourism Toronto’s website See Toronto Now. Toronto’s meeting, conferences and events industry will also leverage Let Yourself In in global sales efforts. Business Events in Toronto have seen tremendous success in 2019 including tech conference Collision, Canada’s premier tourism marketplace Rendez-vous Canada, and Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress. “Let Yourself In is an open invitation to visitors from business event delegates and decision makers, to sports fans and leisure travelers, said Mamela. For more information visit SeeTorontoNow.com.
Puerto Vallarta to Host First National LGBTQ Media Association International Conference
The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board announced that the National Equality Media Association (NEMA), America’s sole non-profit organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ media, will hold its annual conference in Puerto Vallarta from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30, 2019. It will mark the first time in NEMA’s history that member LGBTQ publishers and owners will convene outside the U.S. to discuss the important issues facing LGBTQ publishing. Puerto Vallarta is renowned as the premier LGBT vacation destination in Mexico. The country’s first International Gay Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) member, joining in 2014, the city was also honored as the first in Mexico to be granted Gay Travel Approved status by GayTravel.com. The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has previously partnered with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), in addition to IGLTA, to promote the destination to the LGBTQ+ market. Luis Villaseñor, Public Relations Director for the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, worked closely with the NEMA conference committee to bring the conference to Puerto Vallarta, believing those who have never been to the destination will see how special a place Puerto Vallarta is, and how welcoming it is for the LGBTQ community. Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta will serve as host hotels for the conference. Both hotels have a long history of service with the LGBTQ community, and the Marriott was granted LGBTQ certification by the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat and Talento Consultores in 2017. Speaking at this year’s conference will be Bob Witeck, from Washington, D.C.-based Witeck Communications, on the importance of legacy and local LGBTQ publications and their impact on the communities which they serve; Matt Skallerud of Pink Banana Media in New York, on how to better engage with readers through digital platforms; and Jerry Cunningham, owner and publisher of OUT FRONT magazine in Denver, on how to develop and grow tertiary revenue streams. NEMA’s membership ranks serve the content demands of LGBTQ markets by delivering relevant, personal and authentic content via traditional print media as well as in integrated digital and social media. NEMA is the access point for opening the door to a $900 billion market. With an established presence in highly sought-after media markets such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Nashville, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Chicago, New York and Orlando, NEMA is the tuning fork and connection point to the thriving and lucrative LGBTQ market. For more information on Puerto Vallarta, please go to www.visitpuertovallarta.com.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Debuts New Culinary Offerings for Groups, Launches Six New Chinese, Indian and Vegan Menus
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is transporting guests’ taste buds to paradise with the debut of six new Chinese, Indian and Vegan menus, available for groups upon request onboard both Grand Celebration and Grand Classica. Two new Chinese menus celebrated the arrival of Chinese New Year on February 5, while two new vegan menus and two new Indian menus offer healthy, unique and globally-inspired options. Groups can choose from a vast selection of new dishes, available in addition to Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s existing lineup of premier dining options at the likes of The Rock Grill, Admiral’s Steak & Seafood and The Bull Gourmet Burgers. Guests can choose from a variety of sweet and spicy dishes available on two new Chinese menus such as Hunan Style Crispy Whole Red Snapper, Crispy Tangerine Beef and Sichuan Eggplant. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is also catering to the 300 percent increase in the number of people who identified themselves as vegans in the U.S. from 2017 to 2018 (according to a Foodable Labs study) by offering a medley of plant-based offerings with appetizers like Crispy Hearts of Palm Cakes, Caramelized Parsnip & Coconut Soup and Confit of Fennel and Orange Quinoa Salad. Guests can also indulge in healthy yet hearty entrees like Zucchini Lasagna, Thai Green Curry and Green Lentil, Potato and Mushroom Burgers. Guests can also enjoy dishes from Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s two new Indian menus like Paneer Tikki Masala, Tandoori Chicken and Pan seared Prawns with Chilli Kokum Curry and special Indian desserts like Kheer (Indian rice & raisin pudding) and Warm Gajar Halwa (carrot-cardamom pudding). Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s new menus will be available for groups on a requested basis, as well as for guests when requested in advance, either when making their reservations or at the front desk once onboard the ship. From fast casual to elevated fine dining, guests can choose from over nine dining options onboard each ship including interactive lava rock dining at The Rock Grill, succulent steaks and seafood at Admiral’s Steak & Seafood, mouthwatering barbecue at the Ocean Breeze Bar and delectable Italian favorites at A Slice Above, to name a few. For more information on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and its dining options, visit www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.
About This Newsletter
Multicultural Travel News newsletter (MTN) covers travel news of interest to ethnic and niche travelers and those who market to them. We write about destinations that interest multicultural travelers or have outreach campaigns to travelers of Hispanic, African American, Asian American and other cultural backgrounds; women; LGBT travelers and people with disabilities.
Multicultural Travel News is also written for leisure and business travelers looking for what to see and do and for marketing executives interested in ideas, best practices and the business case for targeting so-called “minority” travelers. We cover cities and countries, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operators and other travel marketers with a multicultural angle. Multicultural Travel News is written and edited by Lisa Skriloff.
Multicultural Travel News is published by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. (MMR). To view past editions click here.
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