ASTA Destination Expo 2014

Discovering the world, one destination at a time. Join us in Merida.

ASTA .org/ADE

March 27-30 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

YUCATÁNTourism Board

TO TRULY APPRECIATE AND KNOW A DESTINATION, YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE IT.

Merida

Mexico City

Villahermosa

Cancun

Isla de Cozumel

MeridaCampeche

Mexico City Chetumal

Yucatan

Quintana Roo

Campeche

GASTRONOMY The culinary delights of a typical Yucatan kitchen are made of an exquisite blend of ingredients used by the ancient Mayans, with flavors brought by the Spanish during the Colonial times and later, with some influence from the Caribbean and Middle East. For a time, the Yucatan Peninsula was considered inaccessible land, as the moun-tainous terrain and few roads that existed isolated it from the rest of Mexico; however, the nearby ports facilitated cultural and commercial dealings with Europe, especially France, as well as New Orleans and Cuba. The Yucatan people were naturally influ-enced by many aspects of these countries and cities, thus forming the basis of one of the most renowned cuisines of Mexico and the world. And no wonder, since the Yucat-an food is internationally world famous due to the unique combination of condiments and spices such as pumpkin seed, oregano, onion, sour orange, sweet chili, tomato, achiote, chile Xcatic, chile Max, chile Haba-nero and cilantro, which combined, give a very special flavor to this region’s food.

Merida’s burgeoning gastronomy scene truly has something for everyone. Adventurous eaters, spice food addicts, vegetarians and everyone in between will return home raving about what is cooking in Merida.

OPENING NIGHT EVENTLa Quinta Montes Molina is a mansion in the heart of Merida that is open as a museum during the day and will be your first taste of the warm Yucatan culture in the evening. This is the perfect opportunity to see the inside of an elegant, authentic, fully and beautifully furnished Paseo Montejo mansion, with the original chandeliers, mirrors, antique furnishings, rugs, paintings, statues and sculptures, Limoge china and Chiristofle silverware.

SIGHTSEEING You will have the opportunity to select from one of these complimentary sightseeing excursions.

CHICHEN ITZA Chichen Itza, voted one of the new seven wonders, is a must see when traveling to the Yucatan. The Mayans took control of this area, which had originally been built by the Toltec’s, in the late 10th Century. After reaching its peak between the 11th and 12th centuries, the space was abandoned.

The dominant ruin in Chichen Itza is the towering Castle, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan. The Castle has 365 stairs, one for every day of the year, which archeolo-gists attribute to the Maya´s knowledge of the skies. The Castle is built over a series of previous constructions. An interior staircase leads to the Throne of the Red Jaguar, a chamber containing a Chac-Mool and a stunning, pop-eyed jaguar. The Temple of the Jaguar gives access to the sprawling Ball Game field where priests played religious ball games.

JOIN US NEXT MARCH IN MERIDA, THE ‘WHITE CITY’, LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE STUNNING YUCATAN PENINSULA.

Take a new adventure and discover the deep culture that immediately surrounds you in Merida, Yucatan. Immerse yourself in the local flavors and sounds as ASTA’s Destina-tion Expo gives you real life experiences you can share with your clients.

Choose from a variety of complimentary and pre- and post-tours to assist you in building your clients itinerary. You will take part in top-ranked training seminars that take you

beyond the classroom. The information you will gain from these education seminars and tours will be invaluable when selling this captivating city. With sessions focusing on the geography, gastronomy, culture and history of Merida, you will return home with an abundance of information to pass along.

ASTA’s Destination Expo 2014 will be a unique learning experience where you will learn the skills to market your business and increase sales.

JOIN US IN MERIDA. ASTA.ORG/ADE

Chichen Itza

CELESTUN Situated approximately one hour outside of Merida is the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve. A boat ride around the reserve will offer you the opportunity to observe and photograph the vast flocks of flamingos and hundreds of other birds that live in the area. You will have the chance to swim in the clear, cool fresh water springs that bubble to the surface and drain into the estuary; a stop to view the “petrified forest”; and a ride through the marshes that penetrate the dense mangrove forests that flank the estuary. You will be amazed by the hundreds of bird spe-cies that you will encounter in one place!

HACIENDA TOURS AT SOTUTA DE PEON Sotuta de Peon is the only henequen/sisal fiber hacienda in the area that continues to work as it did 100 years ago. A visit to Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, located 45 minutes from Merida, is an opportunity to travel into the past. During the 2.5 hour tour, the guests will learn about the origins of henequen and details of the henequen boom here in Yucatan. The process, which begins with the planting, continues on to the peeling, then drying and finally the packing, is interest-ingly explained and the transformation from threads to ropes to textiles is shown.

This is a walking tour and you will have the chance to see the centuries old machin-ery actually working. Don’t be shy about volunteering to help the workers – you may be surprised by the strength required! After seeing and participating in this interesting part of the process, the visitors will climb aboard mule drawn platforms, called trucks, and take a ride into the henequen fields. Along the way, they will stop off at a Mayan home where a Mayan gentleman will show you his home and the henequen plants. The sisal fiber played a fascinating role in the development of the Yucatan—this is your opportunity to participate in that history!

IZAMAL Mexico has 35 towns that are considered magical and one of them is located just 45 minutes from Merida. Izamal is Yucatan’s magical town. What makes a town magical? According to the requirements to be consid-ered magical by the Mexican government, the town or city must be small with rich his-torical tradition. The first thing that you will notice is that the town is painted yellow… all the colonial buildings, the market, the huge convent, everything! The next thing that stands out are the cobblestone streets and the iron lampposts that give the town a tranquil ambiance. The sound of the clippity-clop of the horses pulling calesas or carriages will surely make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

As you explore the city you will see a town that is alive with three cultures – the ancient Mayan, the colonial and the present day bustling Izamal. You will enjoy your time discovering the Mayan pyramids, colo-nial-style buildings, parks and plazas, horses and buggies and local eateries. See for your-self what makes a town magical!

PRE AND POST TOURSWhile you are in Merida, why not take the time to explore some other regions of Mexico?

Information on these opportunities will be announced soon and will be made available by visiting www.ASTA.org/ADE.

EXLPORE THE UNEXPECTED IN MERIDA

Celestun

Izamal

Hacienda Tours at Sotuta de Peon

REGISTER at www.ASTA.org/ADE

$409 } ASTA/NACTA Member Travel Agents

$509 } Non-Member Travel Agents

$609 } Guests

What’s included in your registration? ӹ Focused, destination education sessions you can’t find anywhere else ӹ Personal connections with local suppliers on the exhibition floor and throughout the event ӹ Admission to lavish evening networking events ӹ Complimentary sightseeing and specially priced pre- and post-tour options

There will be various opportunities for suppliers to network with the travel agency community.

AIR Merida is accessible via the Merida International Airport “Manuel Crescencio Rejon” and Cancun International Airport. Please note the transfer from Cancun to Merida is three hours and the Yucatan Tourism Board will provide complimentary transfers.

HOTELS Delegates can experience for themselves the hotels synonymous with Merida.

PROGRAMThursday, March 27

Half-day SightseeingAll Delegate General SessionOfficial Welcome

Filled with Fun and Local Flavors at the La Quinta Montes Molina

Friday, March 28

Destination SeminarsRegional ShowcaseHosted Evening

Saturday, March 29

Destination SeminarsRegional ShowcaseADE 2015 Host Gala Dinner

Sunday, March 30

Half/Full-day Sightseeing

Visit www.ASTA.org/ADE for an updated schedule of events and session descriptions.

EDUCATION SEMINARSLearn how to increase sales to Merida through a series of education workshops covering topics such as:

ӹ What makes the signs and sounds of Merida the perfect vacation spot for the well-traveled client.

ӹ Explore why Merida is not your typical Yucatan experience.

ӹ Discover the history and how the Mayans played such an integral part in the Yucatan architecture and culture.

DISCOVERING THE WORLD, ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME.

Fiesta AmericanaDeluxe Rooms

Hyatt RegencyDeluxe Rooms

Presidente InterContinentalDeluxe Rooms

ASTA .org/ADE

DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED.. .

ASTA .org/ADE

ASTA Destination Expo 2014

Discovering the world, one destination at a time. Join us in Merida.

ASTA .org/ADE

March 27-30 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

YUCATÁNTourism Board