Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach Attains AAA’s Four Diamond Rating

Meetings, Travel

Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach has officially received the coveted Four Diamond Rating from AAA. Awarded to less than six percent of the more than 27,000 properties inspected and approved by AAA on an annual basis, this achievement ranks Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach among a select group of esteemed establishments.

“The attention to detail that went into this project by Summit Hospitality Management Group is evident by this prestigious honor,” stated property General Manager Androse Bell. “From guest rooms and meeting space to common areas, amenities and more, this property sets a new tone in Daytona Beach, which has been recognized on a national scale by AAA.”

Based on a scale of one to five, a Four Diamond Rating with AAA requires a property to represent a refined, stylish environment with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. The hotel must meet approval requirements through an unannounced on-site inspection by a team of AAA inspectors. Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach was notified on Sept. 28, 2018, of its official designation.

Opened in March 2018, the highly-anticipated Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach has taken center stage as the destination’s newest beachfront hotel and the fourth Hard Rock Hotel in Florida. The new music-inspired oceanfront property has introduced exclusive offerings, innovative programming and guest amenities previously unavailable in the Daytona Beach market.

For more information about Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, visit hardrockhoteldaytonabeach.com.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA® Names Jeff Guaracino President & CEO

Meetings, Travel

The Board of Directors of VISIT PHILADELPHIA® today announced that following an extensive national search, Jeff Guaracino, current president and CEO of Welcome America, Inc., has been selected to lead VISIT PHILADELPHIA and its talented staff as president and CEO beginning on October 29, 2018.

Guaracino has been part of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s growth since its early days. He joined the organization in September 2001 and spent more than a decade in leadership roles. In 2012, he left to serve as chief strategy and communications officer for the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA), a New Jersey-based destination marketing organization and later became that organization’s executive director. In 2016, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney recruited Guaracino to serve as president and CEO of Welcome America, Inc., a non-profit organization in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia to produce citywide events.

“After an extensive search that identified top-tier national candidates, Jeff was the unanimous choice of our search committee,” said Manuel N. Stamatakis, chair of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s Board of Directors. “With more than 20 years of national and international tourism industry experience, a proven track record and deep Philadelphia roots, Jeff is uniquely qualified for this position. He has built a remarkable career in destination marketing, and we are confident that Jeff’s leadership will further elevate Philadelphia’s stature for both U.S. and global audiences.”

“Jeff is passionate about Philadelphia, and I’m confident in his expertise to become the president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA,” said Mayor Kenney. “This new role is a natural expansion of his longstanding enthusiasm for Philadelphia and will enable him to leverage his expertise to drive tourism to our great city.”

SOURCE VISIT PHILADELPHIA

California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce prepare to welcome thousands of Business Leaders to LA

Meetings

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC), the premier organization promoting the development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and emerging Latino businesses in California, announced today highlights of its upcoming Annual Convention scheduled for August 22-24 in Los Angeles.

This year’s 39thAnnual convention theme “California’s Voice”, will celebrate the history of CHCC leadership, reflect on past accomplishments as well as promote the growth and contributions of Hispanic business to California’s economy.

Among this year’s convention speakers are: Richard Montanez; The Honorable Gaddi Vasquez; Actor Enrique Castillo; Carlos J. Valerrama – President at Center of Global Trade & Foreign Investment; Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher; Red. Lt. Col. Olga Custodio; Actor Pepe Serna; Mayor of Guaynabo Puerto Rico Mayor Angel Perez Otero; Mary Ann Gomez Orta – President at Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute; Marissa Solis – General Manager & Vice President-Hispanic Marketing for North America Beverages at PepsiCo; Alice Rodriguez – Regional Director, Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA; Lisa Stevens – Regional Banking Executive, Western Region at Wells Fargo & Company, and many more.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and California Gubernatorial Candidate John Cox will be participating in fireside chats with CHCC President/CEO.

“We are excited to bring the largest gathering of California business leaders to Los Angeles for our historic 40thyear celebration,” said Julian Canete, President and CEO of the CHCC.

Convention panels and discussions surrounding business and Latinas will include the following:
• The State of Latinos in Hollywood: Taking Our Place at the Table
• Decoding International Trade
• The Future and Impact of Hispanic Chambers
• Are you prepared for the Cybersecurity Challenge?
• Building Resiliency: Managing the Impact of Increased Wildfires
• How robotics and AI will disrupt the Latino labor market and how prepare for it
This year’s convention will feature Procurement Matchmaking – where major corporations, government agencies and minority-owned business executives can meet.

As the CHCC celebrates 40 years-the CHCC has developed an aggressive strategic plan to address the needs of its membership and diverse small businesses across the state. The CHCC plans to embrace advocacy through identification and assessment of issues to combat through legislation with the help of grassroots strategies. Additionally, the CHCC will strive to share a compelling and vivid story of its members’ efforts through events and programs such as this major annual convention. Membership and branding goals have also been set, including more rigorous recruiting efforts, an accreditation program, and more comprehensive involvement of regional chambers.

“The conference will honor the accomplishments of Hispanic-owned businesses, while helping many small-business owners with the information and other critical details they need to survive and thrive,” added, Julian Canete, President and CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

For more information, including registration, convention agenda, sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, please visit www.chccconvention.com or call (916) 444-2221.

About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has a network of over 65 Hispanic chambers and business associations throughout the State of California. Through its network of Hispanic chambers and business associations, the CHCC represents the interest of over 800,000 Hispanic business owners in California. The CHCC is the premier and largest regional ethnic business organization in the nation that promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and California’s Emerging Businesses. For more information, please visit our website at www.cahcc.com

Source: CHCC

Visit KC announces new President & CEO

Meetings

The Board of Directors of Visit KC announced that it has selected industry veteran Jason Fulvi as its new President and CEO. With more than 32 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries, Fulvi comes to Kansas City from VisitPITTSBURGH, where he has served for 16 years and most recently as the organization’s Executive Vice President. A Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Fulvi begins his new role at Visit KC on Sept. 12.

Visit KC Board Chairwoman CiCi Rojas and Kevin Pistilli, immediate past chair, led the six-month search process with the assistance of the recruitment firm Fenaroli & Associates and a committee within the Board.

“We achieved our goal of conducting a thorough, nationwide search to find the right person to lead Visit KC forward in promoting our great city and region,” said Rojas. “We were drawn to Mr. Fulvi because of his extensive background in hospitality, widespread industry knowledge and proven ability to lead and empower. I am excited and inspired by his selection.”

Fulvi grew up in a small town in Western Pennsylvania and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. He began his hospitality career as a hotel dishwasher, working his way up through the industry and serving companies such as Hilton Worldwide and Holiday Inn, before joining VisitPITTSBURGH in May 2002.

“I’ve never forgotten where I started and carry a strong, humble work ethic that matches well with Kansas City,” he said. “My wife, who is also a hospitality professional, and I were so impressed with how welcoming and inclusive everyone was when we visited.”

Key to his interest in the position was the city’s Downtown renaissance and convention momentum, Fulvi said.

“As a destination marketing professional, I am impressed by the commitment the city’s leadership has shown to make Kansas City a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions. This is one of the best, well thought-out convention packages in the industry, and the city and local hospitality leadership should be proud of what they have accomplished,” Fulvi said. “The icing on the cake is the city’s continued momentum, including developments such as the Loews KC Convention Center Hotel and the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport.”

In his role at VisitPITTSBURGH, Fulvi was responsible for key operations within the organization, overseeing several departments including convention sales, destination services, partnership development, sports and research. Prior to that position, Fulvi served as the executive director of convention sales.

“Congratulations to Jason and to Visit KC,” said Craig Davis, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “This is another milestone in what has been an outstanding career, and a long-time goal for Jason. Over the last 16 years he has been a dedicated and hardworking leader whose contributions have been essential to our success. He has overseen his teams with determination and professionalism, and as a passionate advocate for the mission of this organization. Without a doubt, Kansas City is gaining a proven, dynamic leader.”

City Manager Troy Schulte spent time meeting one on one with Fulvi, and said he was impressed with Fulvi’s knowledge of the industry and his commitment to serving as a collaborative community leader.

“Visit KC’s work is important to the economic vitality of our city and region,” said Schulte. “With Jason at the helm, I feel confident that we have ensured the organization’s continued success and a fruitful partnership with the city.”

Mayor Sly James echoed Schulte’s sentiment, saying “I’m pleased to welcome Jason to Kansas City. The team at Visit KC does a fantastic job promoting our city to the world, and Jason’s impressive track record and dedication will certainly help lead that organization—and our region—forward.”

Fulvi is active within several industry organizations, including the American Society of Association Executives and the Professional Convention Management Association. In July, he was appointed Chairman of the Destinations International Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering destination marketers. Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, described Fulvi as “a natural leader who will bring a high level of energy, passion and professionalism to his appointment in Kansas City.”

Based in Downtown Kansas City, Visit KC is a non-profit organization of 47 employees whose mission is to ignite global passion for Kansas City and its 1,000 hospitality partners. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, Visit KC supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating nearly 48,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about the organization, go to VisitKC.com.

Source: Visit KC

Top Mexican Chefs Star with Traditional Cuisine in Best of Mexico 2018 at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, October 10 – 14th

Meetings

Five of Mexico’s top chefs are coming together for The Best of Mexico´s Culinary Traditions Riviera Maya at Grand Velas Riviera Maya from October 10th to 14th. Focusing on traditional Mexican flavors, cooking techniques and ingredients, the culinary event features a seven-course dinner, paired with beer and mezcal. Featured chefs in-clude Reyna Mendoza, an authority on traditional food from Oaxaca; Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, considered an authority on Mexican cuisine having authored an encyclopedia on the topic; David Cetina, renowned for Yucatecan food; Joel Ornelas, known for contemporary presentations of traditional dishes; and Pablo Salas, whose restaurant in To-luca has been named among the Top 50 Restaurants in Latin America. The chefs will team up with chefs Humberto May Tamay and Laura Avalos of Grand Velas’ Mayan restaurant, Chaka. The Best of Mexico´s Culinary Traditions Rivi-era Maya at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is included for guests staying at the resort.

For the fourth consecutive year, the resort invites renowned chefs based on a special culinary theme to prepare a standout dining experience alongside the top chefs at the resort. Past guest chefs include Carlos Gaytan, the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star; Josean Alija, executive chef of Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao, a one star Michelin restaurant ranked annually among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants; Mikel Alonso, disciple of Spanish su-perstar Juan Arzak and owner of Biko in Mexico City; Sidney Schutte, pupil of Dutch top chef Richard Ekkebus and two star Michelin chef; Christian Têtedoie, whose namesake Lyon restaurant has been continuously awarded one Michelin star since 2000; Claude Le-Tohic, former James Beard Foundation Best Chef; Mexico TV celeb chef Zahie Tellez; and Paco Ruana, owner of Alcalde restaurant, considered the best in Guadalajara; among others.

With 22 Diamonds by AAA, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has set new standards in the All-Inclusive World – its food, creativity and presentation comparable to top restaurants in world capitals. Under the direction of Maître Cui-sinier de France Michel Mustiere, Culinary Director of Mexico’s Velas Resorts, The Best Of series is part of the re-sort’s commitment to promote local and international gastronomy.

Nightly rates start at $434 USD. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include luxury suite accom-modations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

About The Best of Mexico´s Culinary Traditions Riviera Maya Participating Chefs:

  • One of Oaxaca’s most renowned traditional cooks, Reyna Mendoza is owner of El Sabor Zapoteco’s cooking where she shares first-hand knowledge of Teotitlan del Valle’s rich culinary history. She has participated in many regional and international Mexican festivals, including the 4th World Forum of Gastronomy in Thailand.
  • Ricardo Muñoz Zurita is one of Mexico’s most well-regarded chefs with several restaurants in Mexico City as well as eleven books, including Diccionario Enciclopédico de la Gastronomía Mexicana, under his name. The encyclopedia aims to code every ingredient and technique in the vast gastronomic canon of Mexico. He attend-ed Le Cordon Bleu before returning to Mexico to focus on Mexican cuisine.
  • David Cetin is a highly awarded and recognized chef. In addition to judging culinary competitions, he was hon-ored Morelia en Boca – the International Gastronomy and Wine Festival of Mexico in 2014 for his Yucatan cui-sine. Earlier this year Food & Wine called him “The Traditionalist” for his authentic cuisine. Cetin has a grand culinary heritage through his family, owners of La Prosperidad, one of the most highly-regarded restaurants in the Yucatan.
  • Joel Ornelas, originally from Puerto Vallarta, began his culinary career as an apprentice in renowned local res-taurant Café des Artistes. Later, he studied gastronomy and worked in restaurants in Guadalajara. After complet-ing his studies, he traveled to London to work for a season in the renowned Spanish cuisine restaurant group Cambio de Tercio (rated with a star by the Michelin Guide). Later he worked with Chef Martín Berasategui at his namesake restaurant (three stars by the Michelin Guide) in San Sebastian, Spain. Before returning to Puerto Val-larta and opening his own kitchen, he worked as the creative chef of the Pangea restaurant group, owned by the consecrated Mexican chef Guillermo González Beristáin in the city of Monterrey.
  • Pablo Salas began his culinary career at Ambrosía Culinary Institute in 1998, where he met the chef Federico López. His constant work and continuous commitment as a representative of Mexican gastronomy led him to be appointed delegate of the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture (CCGM). In addition to his restaurant Amaranta in Toluca (ranked 15th on the 2017 list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants), Salas operates Pueblo in Chicago in cooperation with Richard Sandoval and Lona in Fort Lauderdale.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya. Guests can choose accommoda-tions among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, L’Occitane amenities, arti-sanal mezcal, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Se Spa is the region’s largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; wa-ter sports; innovative Kids’ Clubs and Teens’ Club; baby concierge; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide, including Virtuoso’s Best Spa and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Re-sorts Program, Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.

SOURCE Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Brand USA’s Chris Thompson Receives First Skal International USA National Tourism Leadership Award

Meetings

“The leaders of Skal International in the United States want to recognize annually major contributions by an individual who has helped to grow tourism to and within the United States as part of our role as a tourism leadership group comprised of members from all segments of the travel industry,” said Burcin Turkkan, president of Skal International USA and a member of the Skal Club of Atlanta, Georgia.

“Fortunately, we did not have to look too far to find the right first recipient,” she said. “Chris Thompson has distinguished himself by guiding a first-class team of professionals at Brand USA, who promote the United States around the globe. Under his leadership, Brand USA has produced two outstanding IMAX® movies with global distribution: ‘National Park Adventure’ and ‘America’s Musical Journey.’ Chris is a consummate leader and well respected throughout the tourism world, both here and abroad.”

“We are very proud of him and are thrilled that this first award goes to a long time Skal member, as Chris has been a “Skalleague” in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida and now in Washington, DC. His recognition will set the standard at the level we seek for future awardees. Having Chris with us at the North American Skal Congress, where he shared his message of welcoming the world to the United States, could not have been better.”

On hand for the award presentation were Susanna Saari, Skal International president from Turku, Finland, and Daniela Otero, Skal International CEO, from Torremolinos, Spain.

“It’s an honor to have my peers recognize me in this way,” Thompson said. “The members of the North American Skal club have supported me and guided me in so many ways throughout my career, and to be the first recipient of the National Tourism Leadership Award is humbling.”

“I am proud of the work we are doing at Brand USA to promote the United States as a premier travel destination.,” Thompson added. “The USA remains as aspirational as ever, and I look forward to welcoming all of you to the USA next year for the 2019 Skal North American Congress.”

Thompson has guided the expansion of Brand USA in its role as the coordinating force behind the marketing of the United States as a premiere travel destination in the global marketplace. Brand USA, which began with 14 founding partners and today has a network of more than 800 worldwide partner organizations.

During his more than 30-year career, Thompson served as president and CEO of the Tallahassee (Florida) Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and he later joined Visit Florida, where he became its chief operating officer in 2003, and president and CEO, six years later.

Thompson is currently on the board of Destinations International, and he is a member of the Advisory Board for the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, a part of the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Florida.

 

Source: Skal International

Three Rosen Scholarship Recipients to enter Rollins

Eductation

The first recipients of the Harris Rosen – Rollins College Scholarship have been selected. Donayja Gates, Tylyiah Andrews and Samijah Butler, high school seniors from Orlando’s Tangelo Park and Parramore neighborhoods, received the scholarships and will enter Rollins this Fall.

Gates is currently in the medical program at Jones High School and hopes to pursue a career in cognitive behavioral therapy. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a scholar-athlete, pitching on the softball team. Andrews is captain of the softball team and a varsity volleyball player at Jones High School. She recently received the Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Award from her local club. She hopes to study computer science at Rollins. Butler plays on the varsity basketball team and the flag football team at Dr. Phillips High School. She also plays the piano and drums.

“We are grateful to have The Harris Rosen Foundation as a partner in identifying and supporting outstanding students from the Parramore and Tangelo Park communities to attend Rollins,” said Faye Tydlaska, vice president for enrollment management at Rollins.  “Our selection committee was impressed with the accomplishments of our new Rosen Scholars, and we look forward to welcoming them on campus this fall.”

For the last 25 years in Tangelo Park, and the last two years in Parramore, Rosen has partnered with local community organizations and Florida public colleges and universities to assist students from those neighborhoods to attend and graduate college. He provides scholarship funding that includes tuition, room, board and books and collaborates with community organizations to ensure the students receive the mentoring and other support they need to help them succeed. This year, Rollins College was added as an option from which the students whom Rosen supports can choose.

Studies have shown that low-income students who attend more selective colleges such as Rollins have higher rates of retention and graduation than those who attend less selective institutions. The Rollins College mission of educating students for global citizenship and responsible leadership means that students from Tangelo Park and Parramore not only will have opportunities to attain an outstanding Rollins education, but also will have increased chances of becoming leaders who will give back to their communities.

Under the agreement between The Harris Rosen Foundation and Rollins College, Rosen will fund the remainder of participating students’ costs of attendance at Rollins after the College applies available federal, state, and internal financial aid dollars. The students will take advantage of existing mentoring and other non-financial support in the Rosen Foundation’s Tangelo Park and Parramore scholarship programs, in addition to experiencing the world-class academic preparation, career planning, and other support services at Rollins.

 

Source Rosen

Jamaica Tourist Board Groups & Convention Team Network in Midwest

Meetings

The Jamaica Tourist Board Groups & Conventions Department led by John Woolcock, Manager and Margaret Clarke-Wheatley, Business Development Officer converged on the U.S. Midwest region with an impressive team catering to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market. A number of key supplier partners including hoteliers, DMC’s and representatives from the Montego Bay Convention Center joined the JTB sales blitz travelling through Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Louis where they met with approximately 150 meeting planners in an effort to promote and position Jamaica as the destination of choice for their groups, conventions and incentive programs.

Honduras Presents Distinct Destinations and New Spaces for Group Gatherings

Meetings, Travel

From Copán – with its world-famous archaeological sites and a convention center set to debut in 2018 – to Roatan, an idyllic Bay Island offering group activities such as swimming with jaguars and world-class diving: Honduras is ready to set the stage for world class events that offer a unique experience attendees will not soon forget. The Honduras Institute of Tourism is working to solidify the Central American country’s position as a leading destination for group travel planners seeking an alternative from the status quo.

“Honduras’ most valuable differentiator as a destination for the meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition segment, is its ability to cater to a wide variety of groups with ranging options in terms of setting, including mountainous regions, colonial cities and Caribbean seascapes, to group activities including above and under water, archaeology, wellness and relaxation,” said Honduras Institute of Tourism’s Minister-Director Emilio Silvestri. “Our country is eager to serve as a setting for unforgettable events and has the infrastructure, including region-leading conference centers and luxury hotels that are ready to host intimate groups and large-scale events.”

Maya Ruins & A New Convention Center in Copán

In mountainous western Honduras lies Copán. With neoclassical architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, travelers can enjoy a picturesque setting conveniently located 10 minutes away from Copán’s Maya Ruins, regarded as the “Athens of the Maya World.” In addition to this impressive archaeological site travelers can experience the Honduran Coffee Route, that allows easy access to tours of local coffee farms or visit the exotic birds at Macaw Mountain Bird Park.

In the heart of town, the 49-room Marina Copán hotel offers a quaint setting for an impactful meeting, with capacity for up to 120 people. Additionally, in early 2019, Marina Copán Convention Center will open its doors to larger groups, with a capacity of up to 800 guests. The convention center will offer transportation to and from the hotel and will be located just minutes away from the ruins. Aside from the Marina Copán, other hotel options in the area include the Clarion Hotel Copan Ruinas and the Hotel Camino Maya.

Modern Meetings in San Pedro Sula

Located in the Sula Valley, San Pedro Sula is Honduras’ industrial capital. Guests can visit history and anthropology museums, which detail the country’s transition from pre-Columbian times to today, or experience its natural offerings at Lake Yojoa, a hotspot for adventure seekers and birdwatchers.

San Pedro Sula’s Copántl Convention Center has been recognized as the most modern convention center in Central America by Forbes Mexico. With two floors offering 19 rooms, this impressive space offers capacity for up to 7,000, including 5,000 in an auditorium setting downstairs. It also offers a hotel with 191 rooms allowing convenient accommodation options for attendees. Additionally, there are a number of international hotel franchises in the area including Intercontinental Real San Pedro Sula and Hilton Princess San Pedro Sula.

Intimate Island Meetings in Roatán

Roatán is the largest of Honduras’ three Bay Islands. This destination is popular for its proximity to the Mesoamerican Reef – the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. At the capital, Coxen Hole, visitors can enjoy unique shops filled with authentic souvenirs and experience the island culture.

Meeting planners seeking a venue surrounded by the striking Caribbean waters should look no further than the events center at Pristine Bay Resort. This property offers three conference rooms, including a 4,000-square-foot oceanfront room that can host up to 60 people. Meeting planners can create diverse itineraries with plenty of group activity options. The resort is home to The Black Pearl, an 18-hole championship golf course, and located a short boat ride away from the Mesoamerican Reef. Other day time excursions can include a visit to Little French Key, a private island offering horseback riding and an animal rescue center where guests can swim with jaguars.

Relaxation and Luxury in Tela

For meeting planners seeking a location that offers opportunities for attendees to relax, Honduras’ northern coast offers a quiet respite. Tela is home to Lancetilla Botanical Gardens where guests can traverse through a bamboo tunnel and spot exotic birds, Jeannette Kawas National Park offering jungle scenery and Punta Izopo National Park, where visitors can kayak alongside howler monkeys.

One of the country’s most sought-after destinations for meetings and incentive gatherings can be found here. Indura Beach & Golf Resort, part of the CURIO Collection by Hilton, offers a state-of-the-art conference center that can welcome up to 400 guests. After meetings, attendings can relax at the hotel’s private beach or enjoy one of the most country’s most famous spas, Maina Spa, that offers signature Honduran-inspired treatments like coconut scrubs and Mayan cacao massages.

Planning an Event

Group planners have plenty options for DMO’s in the area that can assist with logistics, such as Kakaw & Sapphire, a full-service destination and event management company and Viaventure, specializing in creating out-of-the-ordinary MICE experiences in Central America. From the U.S., there are direct flights to Honduras from major city gateways including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Miami.

About Honduras

Set in the heart of Central America is Honduras, one of the region’s less discovered gems that is ready to be explored. Boasting a variety of ecosystems and a vast amount of protected land, Honduras is home to a wealth of nature and wildlife both above land and under the ocean. The country presents numerous unparalleled experiences: nature, including the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve designated a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO; several archaeological sites such as Copán, declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO; adventure with river rafting and rappelling through the protected jungles; diving in pristine reefs on the Caribbean coast; and connecting with authentic culture including several indigenous groups who have preserved their customs and tradition. Honduras, love outright. For more information, visit https://honduras.travel.

Source: Honduras Travel

The Association of Latino Professionals for America Latina Summit

Uncategorized

The Association of Latino Professionals for America will host “The Most Powerful Latina” Summit on April 23, 2018 in New York City with Fortune Magazine, Columbia University, People en Español and Latino Leaders Magazine. They will bring together leading women from across the globe.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from top national speakers, experience one-on-one interviews, panel discussions and interactive small group discussions.

This summit will focus on Building a Legacy and Developing the Next Generation of Latinas. The day-long Summit convenes 150 of the most powerful Latinas in corporate America and Rising Stars, which represent the next generation of Latinas.

Source: ALPFA

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