Funjet Vacations Hosts Interactive Panel Discussion to Educate Travel Agents on the Reality of Travel to Mexico

Agents visit Cancun to experience first-hand safe travel to the resort area of Mexico

MILWAUKEE, April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 200 travel agents from across the United States have convened in Cancun to enjoy the tropical weather and unique excursions as well as participate in an interactive panel discussion on the safety facts about the resort areas of Mexico. The travel agents have been brought together by Funjet Vacations as part of the company's 500 Club, a group of top performing travel agents from across the country. The all-inclusive Iberostar Paraiso Beach Hotel is hosting the group from April 3-6.  

"I get questions every day from my clients asking about the safety in Mexico, which is why this trip was so important to me. I can now share my own personal experience with them, including the fact it was so wonderful – I wish I would have brought my 79-year-old mother," said Kathy Morrison, owner of Morrison Travel in St. Louis. "I'm certain when I share details of this trip, I'll ease their apprehension. When it comes to value, there is simply no better destination right now than the resort areas like Cancun, Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta."

Many companies, both in the U.S. and Mexico, are joining forces to combat and educate consumers against negative stories that have found their way to the media. On April 4 the interactive panel, which consisted of Mike Going, president of Funjet Vacations; Javier Aranda, executive director of partnerships with the Mexico Tourism Board; Joe Martinez, president of Lomas Tours; Terry Denton, president of Travel Leaders of Fort Worth and three presidents of hotel associations in Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya, spoke about the true crime and safety situations in their area, and discussed new highlights and excursions for travelers to enjoy in the resort towns.

"Travel agents are an important element to our business and we find that by bringing travel agents to the destination, they are able to experience for themselves the warmth of the people and the amazing culture of the country," said Mike Going, president of Funjet Vacations and one of the participants of the interactive panel.  "Events like the 500 Club are a win-win for both the agents and Funjet: the agents can now offer firsthand testimonials about their recent visit to Cancun, while Funjet takes advantage of the opportunity to interact with the agents and share what makes our travel packages unique."

Following a successful year of travel in 2010 with over 22.4 million visiting Mexico by air, Funjet Vacations and the Mexico Tourism Board jointly announced an increase of travel from Texas to Mexico during December and January, a number that saw a 12% increase from the previous year. The state is an important market for companies like Funjet Vacations due to the close proximity and convenient air travel to resort areas.

"It is very important for the Mexico Tourism Board to be here as part of the Funjet Vacations 500 Club meeting. We appreciate the support of Funjet and thank them for this opportunity," said Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, chief operating officer of the Mexico Tourism Board. "Cancun and Riviera Maya are excellent tourist destinations and we at the tourism board are here to continue to promote them and the rest of our beautiful country, as well as to answer any questions regarding travel to the area."

About Funjet Vacations

Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Funjet Vacations specializes in providing vacation packages filled with exceptional value and "The Best Experience Under the Sun." As the flagship brand of family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, Funjet Vacations is a top resource, offering travel agents nationwide outstanding personalized service and customer care. Individual and group Funjet vacations are nonstop charter flights and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida and Europe. For added value and convenience, travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions, shows and more to their vacation package. Funjet Vacations is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, Tour Operator Program, and United States Tour Operations Association. For more information visit www.funjet.com.

SOURCE Funjet Vacations