MIE gives back to the community
MIE, established by CEO, Adam Lawhorne in 2003, is dedicated to advancing the lives of those less fortunate in the regions of Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico. Throughout these locations, we encourage and help facilitate impactful CSR programs partnering with community leaders to understand the needs of that area and how we can best provide assistance. In turn, we work with our clients to help organize the donations or manpower needed to achieve the CSR goal.
Research findings indicate that most of the differences in student learning and graduation, are due to socioeconomic factors. The families and children who utilize the public schools in Mexico come from a mix of lower income families. The government in Mexico only supplies school infrastructure and teacher salaries, which require the schools to seek cooperation and resources of the parents to provide food, school supplies, backpacks and uniforms to students.
For hundreds of companies this has become an important activity when planning their Incentives and Meetings. “MIE is fully committed to helping the Mexican communities grow within their Municipality by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. We appreciate everything our clients do to make a difference in their life” commented Adam Lawhorne, MIE CEO, CITE, CIS
For more information or ideas on planning your next CSR initiative, contact our Chicago headquarters at 312-842-3600 or visit our website at www.miexperts.com
Los Cabos looks to continue momentum in 2020 with new travel experiences
With an increase in arrivals year-to-date and over 2,420 new hotel rooms added in 2019, Los Cabos has become a preferred travel destination for North American travelers.
Ahead of the winter travel season, the Los Cabos Tourism Board is projecting to close 2019 with over 3.2 million travelers to the destination, a remarkable performance of 8 percent year over year growth. With upgraded hotel infrastructure, newly opened luxury properties, and curated natural and cultural experiences, Los Cabos is set to continue momentum in 2020 as more international travelers look for a fresh and unique hot spot in Mexico.
Located in the southern tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula, Los Cabos offers over 345 weekly flights from the United States, making it an easy destination to visit all year round. Two new routes from Dallas and Phoenix have already been announced for 2020, adding to the growing connectivity available from all major markets in the U.S.
“2019 marks an important milestone for Los Cabos as we have strengthened our position as the fastest growing destination in Mexico,” said Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director on the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “Over the last three years, I’ve had the privilege to witness Los Cabos’ growth and evolution, the arrival of world-renowned hotel brands, and the upgrade of hotel infrastructure ensuring Los Cabos continues to thrive as Mexico’s top luxury destination.”
For 2020, Los Cabos is projecting to add over 1,350 new hotel rooms increasing the growing inventory of luxury brands in the destination including Aman, Caesars Palace, Park Hyatt, St Regis, Soho House, S/O, and 1 Hotel & Homes Cabo, among many others. Whether travelers are looking for a unique natural and cultural experience or simply a sophisticated place to relax, Los Cabos offers a personalized experience for all type of travelers.
Below are few of the reasons why Los Cabos needs to be on your travel list for 2020:
- Unique travel experiences – Los Cabos’ inspiring desert in front of the Sea of Cortez showcases a stunning landscape to be enjoyed any time of the year. Outdoors travelers can venture to enjoy a day of “glamping,” the perfect experience for extreme sports and nature lovers. Travelers will get to experience the thrill of mountain biking and stay in glamping-style accommodations that will allow you to enjoy the Southern Baja California nights at their fullest.
- Natural encounters – Winter season is the perfect reason for a getaway to Los Cabos. The destination is one of the biggest hot spots for whale watching because its breeding waters attract humpback whales. From December to April, visitors are set to experience a unique and life-changing experience.
- A wellness retreat – Disconnect and recharge in Los Cabos, a preferred wellness spot due to its ideal location, sunny climate throughout the year, rich sea-water directly from the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, and internationally-renowned spas focused on providing premier service to all travelers.
- Sustainable approach – Traveling is no longer about the experiences but also about the ways we can contribute. Furthering its commitment with the environment, Los Cabos just announced a ban to limit the use of all plastic in the destination. With the new measure, many hotels are making travelers accountable for their environmental impact and some are gifting visitors with insulated water bottles that can be easily refilled at the properties to avoid the use of plastic elements.
- Gastronomic offering – When visiting Los Cabos, travelers are set for a treat to enjoy the incredible cuisine of the destination. Organic farms throughout Baja California Sur are creating holistic dining experiences that are transforming the cuisine of the destination. With authentic techniques and ingredients that can only be found in Los Cabos, travelers can connect with the region and feel the exquisite flavors of its culture.
Noteworthy Quintana Roo resort openings for 2020
What a difference a year makes.
Quintana Roo is succeeding is in hotel development. Going into 2020, the state is leading the charge with hotel development for Mexico. According to STR’s hotel pipeline data, Mexico has 16,303 rooms in construction, with the most active development market being the Yucatan Peninsula, with 6,737 rooms in 25 projects under construction.
2020 is bringing some major openings to Quintana Roo, with more than 10 long-awaited brands on the horizon. In fact, there is so much development, that it begs the question is the supply going to outweigh demand? That said, the Cancun International Airport ended 2018 with more than 25 million arrivals, and is on track to surpass that in 2019, with January-to-June numbers showing 200,000 more arrivals year over year.
“There is so much product to choose from that is four to five stars,” said Robert Whorrall, Vice President Sales & Marketing for BeachBum Vacations. “We appreciate more hotels and resorts coming to the area as it gives our clients options that fit their needs, wants and budget. We all love good options when considering any decision in life.”
At a glance, here are some of the major openings coming to Quintana Roo in 2020.
The end of January will see the opening of the Now Natura Riviera Cancun. The AMResorts property will have 553 rooms just 10 miles from the Cancun International Airport. Guests can upgrade to the Preferred Club at Now Natura, which includes suite accommodations, access to a private lounge and other exclusive amenities. There will be 10 bars and restaurants to choose from as well as 24-hour room service. Other services include four swimming pools, including an activities pool and a children’s splash pool. An Explorer’s Club is available for kids, while a Core Zone Teens Club is available for older ones.
As of Feb. 1, the Sunscape Star Cancun will be renamed the Dreams Vista Cancun Resort & Spa. The family resort, located next to the Puerto Cancun Golf Course, will have 232 rooms and suites. Additional amenities include eight dining options, 24-hour room service and private dinner experiences like a Chef’s Table or a dinner in the Cava de Vinos.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun is slated for its debut in March. The beachfront property in the recently developed Costa Mujeres area will feature Hollywood memorabilia, themed experiences, a spa, dining venues, bars, and more. The all-inclusive resort will have 898 suites, a Stars Kids Club, and a New Jump trampoline park.
Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma is also eyeing a March opening for the very first Margaritaville in Mexico. The new resort will open in the former Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya by Karisma. The 148-room resort will have four pools, four restaurants, six bars, a spa, and family facilities, like the Parakeets Kid’s Club.
The Kasa Hotel Collection, a new collection of boutique luxury hotels, has a slew of properties opening under its umbrella in 2020 as well. Opening dates are pending, but there are four properties slated to open in Tulum and one that will open in Mahahual.
Next June, The Fives will be opening The Fives Oceanfront — Puerto Morelos. The 115-suite resort will have one, two, and three-bedroom suites, as well as a Private Beach Club. The hotel will have an outdoor infinity pool and several restaurants, the details of which are yet to be confirmed. The resort sits on a stretch of powdery beach walking distance to Puerto Morelos.
Riviera Maya is expecting the opening of another master planned community as well, similar to the Mayakoba complex that is home to Andaz, Rosewood, Banyan Tree and Fairmont. The new masterplan, the Kanai Resort, will be located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen and will include four hotels. Two have been confirmed as a W Hotel and a St. Regis, which are slated to open starting in 2020.
MIE improved Apple App for Program Planning in Mexico
MEETING INCENTIVE EXPERTS has kicked off 2020 with a new and improved Apple App. Meeting planners and customers can take advantage of detailed destination information with the touch of a button. With offices in Chicago, Los Cabos, Cancun/Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta, choosing your next incentive destination has now become even easier.
The App features resort recommendations, activity options and entertainment ideas in each destination in addition to overviews about the regions and what each city is best known for. The content also covers corporate social responsibility programs that have been achieved, teaser videos and what sets MIE apart from other destination management companies.
MIE is currently the only DMC In Mexico to have an Apple App to assist in the planning process and allows users to contact our Chicago executives directly to assist with any questions or request for proposals. Our CEO, Adam Lawhorne CIS, CITE commented “We designed the App after many planners wanted additional information prior to conducting unnecessary site inspections. We listened and are helping them manage their time in Cancun – Riviera Maya, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta in order to select the best resort for their meeting or incentive program”
Be sure to check your update or download our MIExperts app on the Apple App Store today! For inquiries please contact [email protected] – 312 842 3600 USA