I'M NOT A TOURIST, …I'M A TRAVELER

If there is not enough money in selling airfares, why not concentrate on the land arrangements?

Of course, in order to do that, the travel agent must have thorough knowledge and preferably first hand experience of the "product", to be an efficient consultant to his client. Still, if you consider that fretting about airlines and their crazy quilt of fares is wasted time and money, getting acquainted with tourism destinations and local services is much more rewarding …and it certainly is financially more awarding as well.

Too many agents worry about whether to sell what's on the GDS or if they should use consolidators or try to book more fares on the Web on behalf of their clients. Should they join a major travel agent group in order to be part of a volume negotiation or should they sign long-term contracts to subsidize airlines GDS fees just so Web fares will be displayed?

But the airfare need not be the centerpiece of the agency's concern; it can and should be an incidental consideration. Far less time should be spent pondering over fares and far more time should be applied to helping clients maximizing their experiences once they get wherever they are going. Agencies should be in the "being there" business instead of the business of "getting there".

When it comes to dedicating efforts towards the goal of preparing travel agents in regard to "being there", Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has the leverage on other Mexican resorts. For the last three years, the towns CVB has been holding regular events in different Canadian cities, inviting interested travel agents to be part of the specialized group of agents that not only have a greater knowledge of the resort, but also have direct contacts to service providers there. The purpose of these Educational Workshops is to improve travel agency profitability through destination knowledge. This concept allows travel agencies to engage in partnership with vendors in their city (whole sellers, charter operators, airlines), but also with hotels and destination management companies directly from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. By attending one of the workshops, travel agents learn to improve profitability through a partnership with the destination and get the opportunity to partner with major destination hoteliers and service providers. On top of that, "Hot Leads" are given to all certified travel professionals that attend the workshops. The tools prepared for the travel trade include a comprehensive reference manual with an incredible amount of useful and detailed information, lead postcards, an emblem for the agency door or desk and continued updates for the reference manual.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is catering to market segments that appreciate not only the natural beauty of the resort and the surrounding area, but also to visitors who favor destinations, which invest into the conservation of the ecological balance. Within the country, the resort is considered as an example for environmental consciousness. It blends two very unique places into one: Zihuatanejo, the ancient fishing village, hiding place for pirates, adventurers and the rich and famous throughout history, with the folklore and appeal of a traditional Mexican coastal town, its harbor, market, town square, beaches and charming hotels. Joined by a highway, only 3 miles away is Ixtapa, a modern beach resort with perfectly maintained landscaping, vanguard architectural design and facilities, a luxurious Marina with yachts from all over the world, exclusive residential areas and two fabulous, world-class golf courses. The Canadian Professional Golf Tour chose Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo as the first Mexican resort to hold an annual PGA tournament.

You are looking for repeat business? For the romance segment (honey moon, anniversary and any special occasion for couples), there is no better place than Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Add exceptional boutique hotels, such as world famous Villa del Sol and La Casa que Canta to the beautiful scenery, tranquil and warm waters all year around, the most romantic sunsets and the relaxed and secure atmosphere of a small size destination and you know your clients will return to Canada and recommend your agency to friends, colleagues and family. Besides reserving the right hotel for your client, you may arrange for one or several of the more relaxed excursions and activities, so he and she can relish the barefoot sophistication, look at some of the inspired landscaping and architecture for future investment or spark his imagination for the design of their next vacation home. Or how about offering the fulfilling experience of creating an exquisite Mexican meal at a private home? This comprises shopping at the local market, the preparation and, of course, the delight of savoring it. Or maybe some exercise to burn those extra calories? Choose between a bicycle picnic tour through the ecological reserve or a journey on horseback along the beach. You and your clients will find plenty that suits their interests and if you are still looking for something different, in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo you will find the infrastructure, service and variety for the right program "a la Carte".

Other sporting activities that have made the destination famous are its international Triathlon competitions, surfing and world-class deep sea fishing tournaments. The Zihuatanejo Annual International Sailfish Tournament, for example, is held on the first full weekend in May. Committed to conservation, the CVB is devoting major efforts to educate local captains and to achieve higher percentages of catch-and-release. Recently ranked by Sportfishing Magazine as the second most popular deep sea fishing destination in the world, as evaluated according to 11 separate criteria, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has achieved recognition as a truly unique sportfishing destination.

All arrangements are easily booked and coordinated with reliable and caring destination experts. With good reason, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has proved itself with an impressively high ratio of repeat business. info@leekraft.com

Some useful contacts and websites:

CVB: www.ixtapa-zihuatanejo.org or other sites:
www.zihua-ixtapa.com www.ixtapa-zihuatanejo.com

Hotels:

• Villa del Sol www.hotelvilladelsol.net
• La Casa que Canta: www.lacasaquecanta.com
• Las Brisas Resort: www.brisas.com.mx
• Club Med: www.clubmed.com

DMC:

Intermar Ixtapa Viajes (www.intermar-ixtapa.com), the destination's most experienced DMC specializes in FIT's, as well as small groups. Contact: nacho@intermar-ixtapa.com