As part of the celebrations commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Mexican Resort Development Association (AMDETUR), in a unique and historic event, at full capacity and in a spirit of camaraderie, the organization held its 31st annual Convention, its 27th annual Expo entitled “Three Decades Transforming Tourism in Mexico” and the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Marketing and Sales Forum entitled “Awakening and Transcending.” The Association of Tourism Timeshare Developers and Promoters (ADEPROTUR), is not only one of AMDETUR’s founders, but has been fundamental to the timeshare and vacation ownership industry’s development in the Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit region. Its support in the organization, operation and logistics of this great event made this year’s conference one of the most successful on record.
Jorge Herrera Rivadeneyra, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AMDETUR, recounted how AMDETUR has gradually positioned itself as a leading organization in Mexico over the past three decades, propelled by the dedication and commitment of the 16 people who have chaired the organization since its founding. “Each and every one of these,” he said, “has faced challenges in defending the interests of our industry.” He recognized the support of resort owners, local associations and authorities, with special mention of the current head of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, Rafael Ochoa, and his work with the Senate Committee and Trade and Industrial Promotion on drafting the new Federal Consumer Protection Law. In drafting this legislation, Mr. Ochoa was able to maintain the 5-business-day cancellation period and avoid obligating timeshare companies to enter a new Public Registry, similar to what pawnbrokers must do. AMDETUR, he added, will continue to work in a united, inclusive manner to achieve each and every one of the goals it has set for itself.
One of the main panels was “Pioneers: Evolution of a Vision,” which was moderated by Ricardo Montaudon Corry, Chairman of the Board and CEO of RCI Latin America, included speakers Pablo González Carbonell, Chairman of the Board of Royal Holiday; Fernando González Corona, Chairman of the Board of Grupo Villa; Ernesto Coppel Kelly, Chairman of the Board of Grupo Pueblo Bonito and Kemil Assad Rizk Aziz, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Resorts. Panelists spoke about the evolution and transformation of the Vacation Ownership Industry. They recalled that when it first came to Mexico, it began with the fixed unit, followed by the introduction of the floating unit. One interesting fact they mentioned was that Mexico is the second leading country in the world in terms of sales, basically because of the leader, the United States, is a larger economy, but in proportional terms, thanks to its innovation and value, Mexico is actually number one. The panelists agreed that over more than 30 years the industry has worked hard to position itself as one of outstanding quality, both in products and in services, in addition to the fact that consumer satisfaction is the most important thing for the industry to work at top capacity.
The panel on “New Focuses on the Vacation Ownership Industry,” sponsored by Concord and moderated by Gerardo Rioseco Orihuela, Vice President of Provac-Grupo Posadas, involved panelists like Alejandro Zozaya, President of Apple Leisure Group; Alejandro Martín, CEO of Palladium Travel Club; Luis Lara González, CEO of Travel Smart VIP Vacations; and Marcos Agostini, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Commercial Development at Interval International. These professionals argued that the vacation ownership product has evolved because today’s clients have different needs, so companies have been adapting themselves to what their customers require. They also said that the floating-week project has been very successful in terms of sales, and that companies must reinvent themselves with benefits and products that can add more value to the sales process.
The first day of activities was topped off by a spectacular Gala Dinner, where recognitions were presented to local associations, to executives with an outstanding track record in the industry, and resort developers who have shaped the industry from its beginnings. Special mention should be made of the fact that, for the first time in AMDETUR’s history, this year’s convention included the presentation of the 2017 “Golden Palm” awards, recognizing major companies whose initiatives and programs promote the development and growth of the Timeshare and Vacation Ownership Industry.
Recognition of Local Clubs:
Twenty-year+ badges for Executives
Thirty-year badges for Executives
Twenty-year+ badges for Resort Developers
Thirty-year badges for Resort Developers
“Golden Palm” Recognitions
Mariano Fernández for his work on “Timeshare in the Age of Twitter”
The presentation of the awards was attended by Jesús Enrique Ramos Flores, Secretary of Tourism for the state of Jalisco, Álvaro Garciarce Monraz, President of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust; Fernando González Ortega, President of the Riviera Nayarit Visitors and Conventions Office; María de Lourdes Ayala Ochoa, Chairman of the Board of ADEPROTUR, and Jorge Herrera Rivadeneyra, Chairman of the Board of AMDETUR.
Parallel to the Convention activities, a Marketing and Sales Forum entitled “Awakening and Transcending” was held, sponsored by Mas Vacations, Resort Condominiums International and Interval International. Two well-known presenters headed up the event: Alejandra Llamas, from the marketing side, spoke of leadership, productivity, and a good workplace environment, which depends on communication capacity. On the sales side, Jeffrey Gitomer addressed issues such as personal growth, professional preparation and training in companies to take advantage of opportunities in world tourism, particularly in Mexico.
Attended by a little over 550 people, the training session was offered to promoters, sellers, coordinators, managers and directors working in strategic areas of the main timeshare and vacation ownership hotel complexes in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.
Interval International extended a special recognition to AMDETUR in commemoration of its 30th anniversary. THANK YOU, INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL!
This magnificent annual event was held on June 20, 21 and 22 in the Hotel Sheraton Buganvillas Resorts & Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and it brought together leading personalities from the timeshare and vacation ownership industry. Resort developers like Abelardo Garciarce Ramírez, Ernesto Coppel Kelly, Fernando González Corona, Kemil Assad Rizk Aziz, Pablo González Carbonell, Pablo and José Carlos Azcárraga, Owen Perry, Gabriel Macías Dueñas and Alejandro Zozaya were all present to share their experiences with participants.
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