Emphasizing a renewed vibrancy of beauty and culture in a city that offers something for everyone – from millennials to retirees, the city of Mazatlán held its 23rd annual Fiesta Amigos, a unified effort to educate and celebrate its tourism partners from the U.S. and Canada.
“You are witnessing the transformation of Mazatlán, a rebranding that has been long overdue,” said Quirino Ordaz Coppel, Governor, State of Sinaloa. “Today we are experiencing the ‘renaissance’ of Mazatlán, reflecting its new leadership role as not only a compelling beach getaway but also a cultural capital and tourism leader,” he added.
Marco Antonio García Castro, Secretary of Tourism, State of Sinaloa, highlighted many of the enhancements taking place across this beautiful beachside destination. Mazatlán visitors are enjoying many new amenities and improvements including a renovated Malecón with new bike paths; a restored Centro Histórico, preserving the French, Italian and German architectural roots; the refreshed Ángela Peralta Theater and Cultural Center; the renewal of the tallest working natural lighthouse in the world and the creation of new parks and city centers for families and visitors to enjoy. Mazatlán is truly a city in transformation.
Mazatlán welcomed Fiesta Amigos guests at the International Convention Center, which showcased the state-of-the-art multi-use facilities that businesses, conferences and meeting organizations can utilize year-round. The event coincided with Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a 500-year-old Mexican tradition that celebrates the people who have passed. In addition to personal remembrances and reflections people make on behalf of loved ones, Día de los Muertos is also a time for celebrations, parades, and feasts. This year’s events commenced at Plaza Machado, winding through the many blocks of the Centro Histórico. At the gala dinner in their honor, Fiesta Amigos guests enjoyed gourmet cuisine while witnessing the pageantry of the Carnivalesque gowns and intricate skeleton makeup designs before enjoying a spectacular fireworks display on the Malecón. Mazatlán also recognized and honored several contributing partners to the resurgence of tourism to the destination. Governor Quirino Ordaz Coppel and Secretary of Tourism, Marco Antonio García Castro, presented the prestigious Golden Deer Awards for 2017, a special recognition to top industry partners and journalists that have been instrumental in the growth of Mazatlán as an international tourism destination. This year’s award winners included:
• Expedia – Leading International OTA
• Sun Country Airlines – Leading U.S. Airline
• Sunwing Vacations – Leading Canada Tour Operator
• Vanessa Bernal, Univision, Colorado – Leading U.S. Journalist for 2017
“In addition to celebrating our marketing partners and thanking them for the important role they play in our continued success, Fiesta Amigos has prepared us for the next big event we have been honored to host for the industry, Tianguis Turístico Mexico 2018,” said García Castro.“Tianguis Turístico is a global tourism event where Mexico hosts hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, OTA’s, meeting planners, airline executives and travel media from more than 80 countries,” he added. Like Fiesta Amigos, Tianguis Turístico Mexico 2018, will be held at the International Convention Center from April 16-19, 2018.
