The Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum (LVTAF), held from March 30 to April 2, 2025, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, served as a vibrant hub for thousands of travel professionals eager to reconnect, share experiences, and explore new opportunities within the industry. Among the standout contributors was the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board, which made a resounding impact by showcasing transformative developments across its 12 unique destinations. Their active participation highlighted a firm commitment to strengthening ties with the U.S. travel trade community.
Leading the Mexican Caribbean delegation was Andrés Martínez, CEO of the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board, alongside key figures such as Danae Makrygiannis, Director of Marketing & Communications, and Sam Combs, Director of Trade & Product at PTG Consulting. Their energetic presence at this premier B2B leisure travel agency event was marked by efforts to re-engage U.S. travel advisors, introduce considerable infrastructure advancements—including the newly operational Tulum International Airport and the Mayan Train—and spotlight the evolving tourism landscape across the Mexican Caribbean’s 12 vibrant destinations.
The Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board hosts the Ultimate Breakfast Boardroom meeting for attendees of the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum. (Photo Credit: Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board)
Kicking off the week, the Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board hosted an Ultimate Boardroom Breakfast, a specially curated event for 30 top-performing travel advisors. This intimate setting allowed for meaningful exchanges of ideas and highlighted significant regional developments. Martínez also took the stage during two key educational sessions: the panel “Growth Strategies to Maximize Your Destination Partnerships” and the global-themed presentation “Around the World – Explore a World of Travel & Global Experiences.” Through these sessions, the Mexican Caribbean was positioned not only as a sought-after destination but also as a proactive partner in the global tourism landscape.
Andres Martinez speaks during the “Growth Strategies to Maximize Your Destination Partnerships” hosted by Stacey Cabell, owner of Starstuff Travel, LLC. (Photo Credit: Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board)
Beyond providing thought leadership, the Tourism Board maintained a robust presence on the tradeshow floor throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. Engaging directly with advisors and industry peers, these interactions reinforced the Board’s dedication to equipping advisors with the latest tools, insights, and knowledge necessary for effective engagement. By focusing on innovation and partnership, the Mexican Caribbean is setting a high standard for tourism development and trade collaboration heading into 2025 and beyond.
The Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board meets with hundreds of advisors on the Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum Exhibit Floor. (Photo Credit: Travel Show Marketing Group)
Reflecting on the forum, Martínez expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We were excited to reconnect with our partners and share the momentum unfolding across our destinations. With new infrastructure and expanding access, there’s never been a better time to experience the new era of the Mexican Caribbean.”
Indeed, the updates shared were monumental. The Tulum International Airport (TQO), officially named Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, has begun welcoming direct flights from major U.S. cities, substantially easing access to the Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Bacalar. This advancement allows travelers to reach these southern hotspots up to two hours faster than flying into Cancun, effectively cutting down on ground transfer times. Additionally, the Mayan Train project is operational in various parts of the region, enhancing ground mobility and promoting eco-tourism by linking crucial cultural and natural attractions across the Yucatán Peninsula.
These significant infrastructure enhancements are unlocking new potential across the Mexican Caribbean, which encompasses twelve unique destinations: Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Costa Mujeres, Cancun, and Riviera Maya (including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum); Isla Cozumel, Maya Ka’an, and Grand Costa Maya (comprising Mahahual, Bacalar, and Chetumal – a Magical Neighborhood). Each destination offers a captivating blend of beaches, jungles, culture, and cuisine, catering to a range of experiences from luxury getaways and eco-adventures to family holidays and heritage tourism.
The coordinated efforts between trade show engagement and timely destination insights clearly emphasized the value of robust trade partnerships while unveiling the rich experiences awaiting travelers across the Mexican Caribbean.
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