Mazatlan launches virtual learning course for travel planners

MAZATLÁN, Mexico (September 4, 2008) – Mazatlán Hotel Association invites travel professionals to experience the real Mazatlán through its new Mazatlán Mazters online training program. Featuring interactive study courses and a digital travel library, this free program also offers a dedicated support hotline, educational credits, sales rewards and more. Mazatlán Mazters uncovers the abundant growth, warm hospitality, savory culinary traditions and vibrant heritage of this major destination on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Known as “The Pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlán boasts a thriving tourism community. With significant growth and development, the destination presents the best of both worlds. New resorts, gourmet restaurants, golden-sand beaches and dynamic nightlife in the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) bring a modern flair to the rich culture and charm of the city’s revitalized historic district, Old Mazatlán. This 180-block downtown area is packed with nearly 500 historic buildings. At the heart of the historic district is Plazuela Machado. Built in 1837, this town square bustles today with restaurants, sidewalk cafes, live music, galleries and boutiques. Overlooking the plaza, the revitalized, neoclassical Angela Peralta Theater houses art studios and a theater with performing arts schedule ranging from chamber music to children’s shows and contemporary theater, concerts and dance performances.

“We are extremely pleased to unveil Mazatlán Mazters as a valuable tool for travel professionals exploring our beautiful city,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board. “By offering in-depth courses and travel guides in a virtual format, the program provides a unique platform for experiencing all that Mazatlán offers. Travel agents can explore the destination from a local’s perspective at their own pace from anywhere in the world.”

To enroll in Mazatlán Mazters, travel planners can visit the program’s official Web site at www.Mazatlán-mazters.com. Agents can study 24/7 via a the series of free training courses, including “A Welcome to Mazatlán” and individual resort lessons. Each interactive course features virtual-tour maps of Mazatlán, as well as electronic reference materials that include a full-color, 30-page study guide and extensive insider tips. Students can take notes online, post class bulletins and chat with virtual classmates. For course study questions or technical support, a toll-free hotline is available to provide live assistance Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time.

The Mazatlán Mazters program also features a variety of benefits and exclusive offers. Course graduates will earn continuing education credits from The Travel Institute (US) and Canadian Institute of Travel Counselors (CITC) towards the professional Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) program. Coming in 2009, the “Camarón Credits” sales reward program will award each Mazatlán booking with points toward rewards that can be used, transferred or even sold. Also premiering next year, Mazatlán Mazters immersion trips to the destination and a comsumer lead program generated by The Mazatlán Hotel Association online database.

For more information on Mazatlán Mazters or to register for the online study course, log on to the official Web site at http://www.Mazatlán-mazters.com.