The Riviera Nayarit hosts North America’s largest travel writers’ association

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  • The Canadian chapter of the SATW visited Mexico’s Pacific Treasure from Saturday, November 23 to Saturday, November 30.

The Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) chose the Riviera Nayarit as the venue for its yearly convention, which went on from November 23 though 30 in different locations of this tourist destination.

The public relations office of the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association and the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)—hosts of this prestigious group of writers—prepared an itinerary that included the best of Mexico’s Pacific Treasure along with an intense work schedule.

The event, featuring special guest Catherine Hamm, travel editor for the LA Times, was held at the Marival Luxury Resort & Suites.

Marc Murphy, Richard Zarkin, Maureen Littlejohn and Silvia Duarte.

Treasure hunting…

The list of activities allowed the travelers the opportunity to experience the area’s famous hospitality, as well as its cultural diversity and natural attractions.

The visitors enjoyed several of the destination’s treasures, from the crown jewel—Punta de Mita—to the simple beauty of historic San Blas, plus both the area’s traditional cuisine and the exquisite gourmet creations of its world-class chefs, leaving no doubt the Riviera Nayarit is a destination of incredible contrasts.

Before their meeting, the 31 attendees enjoyed the hospitality of Nuevo Vallarta’s hotels and a spectacular dinner at the Mozzamare Beach Club. Sixteen of them experienced a “fishing day” at the traditional Mercado del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, followed by a trip to San Pancho, the Riviera Nayarit’s “Culture Captial,” where they visited the La Patrona Polo Club. Sayulita and its boho-chic ambiance was also on their itinerary, along with a taste of its seafood cuisine. Another group of 15 writers embarked on an adventure to Lo de Marcos and hiked to Majahuas, where they enjoyed a magnificent view of the coast and the One & Only Mandarina, set to open soon.

On their last day the group visited the Lo de Perla orchidarium.

The group’s culinary experience included restaurants such as Hector’s Kitchen in Punta de Mita and El Delfín at the Garza Canela Hotel in San Blas, culminating in a delicious gala dinner at The Vent in Marival Armony. On their last day the group visited the Lo de Perla orchidarium in the town of Las Lomas, where they were surrounded by the jungle of the Sierra de Vallejo in the more northern region of Mexico.

Among the list of attendees were: Anna Hobbs; Gillian Hall; Anita Draycott; Judi Cohen; Ursula Beamish-Mader; Margaret Swaine; Martha Chapman; Bruce Sach; Carole Jobin; Grant Fraser; Dale Dunlop; Alison Scott; Maureen Littlejohn; Cosmo Condina; Jackie Kevill; Jacqueline Swartz; Doreen Kerby; Jane Mundy; Stuart Dee; Cathy Senecal; Maureen Fitzhenry; Paule Bergeron; Barb Sligl; Mike Holdham; Elizabeth Rose; Kerrick James; Gregory Vaughn; Penelope Jones-Vaughn; Barbara Barrielle; Laura Guimond; Peter Petersen; Karin Leperi; David DeVoss; Roberta Sotonoff; CharlesDouglas Peebles; Susan McKee; Evelyn Kanter; Joanne Hudson; Jen Leo; Catherine Hamm; and Gary Arndt, among others.

The visitors enjoyed several of the

destination’s treasures.

International promotion

Upon their return home, each one of these writers will have enough material to wax eloquent about the wonders of this destination according to their different points of view and various platforms (photos, videos, blogs, etc.)

“We’re very pleased to have brought our conference to the Riviera Nayarit, a destination that’s already very popular among our members,” said Maureen Littlejohn, president of the Canada chapter. “We’re sure their experience here will result in great articles.”

In turn, Marc Murphy, general manager of the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association and the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), said:

“We wanted to ensure this group of journalists had the chance to not only complete their business in one of the destination’s many five-star hotels, but also the opportunity to explore the best of it, as well.” “The articles and images they publish as a result of their visit to the Riviera Nayarit practically guarantee millions of impressions and excellent exposure for the destination,” he added.

MORE INFO:

+ Founded in 1955, the SATW is an association founded in 1955 by a group of esteemed writers and public relations professionals whose purpose is to promote responsible journalist, provide professional support and development for their members, and encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.

+ The contributions of this association include articles, photographs, video, audio, and other forms of expression. It has over 1,100 members including bloggers, film lecturers, broadcast/video/film producers, and travel industry representatives.

+ They hold yearly meetings and conventions, accepting bids from different cities from around the world to serve as hosts.

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The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Bahía de Banderas Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB) work intensely to promote the destination with the support of the Government of the State of Nayarit via its Tourism Promotional Trust (Fiprotur).