“Investing in rural tourism to empower local communities and build a sustainable future” was the main message the Los Cabos delegation promoted during its participation in IMEX America 2024, one of the most prominent events in the meetings industry. The event occurred October 8-10, 2024, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Los Cabos showcased its dedication to sustainable tourism during the 2024 edition of IMEX America, with over 500 business appointments. More than 30 representatives from the Los Cabos tourism industry, including hotels, service providers, and DMCs, participated in the event. The Mexican Consul in Las Vegas, Patricia Cortes, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
During the promotional activities for Los Cabos at IMEX America, a grand presentation was held for 300 meeting planners in collaboration with MPI. Additionally, there were interviews with more than ten media outlets, 15 meetings with 230 meeting planners, and a unique partnership with Site Nite IMEX America, among other activities.
At IMEX America, Los Cabos has showcased its dedication to providing authentic and immersive rural experiences. The primary goal is to empower local communities and enhance incentive travel offerings. While maintaining its reputation for high-quality service, luxury accommodations, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Los Cabos also makes substantial investments in rural tourism. This will allow corporate groups to engage with local communities and promote sustainability, a fundamental commitment of Los Cabos.
“The future of meetings and incentive travel lies in authentic and purposeful experiences,” said Rodrigo Esponda, General Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Trust. By developing rural tourism, Los Cabos is diversifying its tourism experiences to include immersive, community-based activities that benefit local businesses and create a deeper connection between visitors and local people. This enhances the visitor experience and strengthens tourism’s positive impact on the region.”
Los Cabos has carefully selected diverse experiences to combine environmental sustainability with cultural engagement, ensuring a lasting impact on participants under the following criteria:
- Enhance the participants’ experience: Our itineraries are meticulously designed to promote team spirit through exclusive activities such as pottery workshops, guided nature walks, and cultural exchanges. These activities foster a shared sense of achievement and a deeper connection through immersive cultural and wellness experiences, making your team feel truly privileged.
- Support community development: By interacting with local communities, incentive travel programs bring direct economic benefits to small businesses and artisans, promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving cultural heritage.
- Preserving natural heritage: Los Cabos is investing in green infrastructure and promoting responsible tourism practices to allow event planners to organize environmentally conscious retreats. This includes developing eco-lodges, supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives, and creating educational programs highlighting the importance of conservation.
The shift toward rural tourism empowers meeting and event planners to play a crucial role in promoting environmental responsibility and social wellness. They integrate corporate responsibility into the travel experience by incorporating these elements into their itineraries. Los Cabos, in turn, is diversifying to offer a destination rich in culture and community-driven experiences, ideal for creating unique and unforgettable meetings and events. This approach ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed more equitably among the local community while protecting the natural environment and preserving the cultural heritage that makes Los Cabos a unique place to visit.
