Mexico City To Host 2010 Virtuoso(R) Symposium

PERSONAL INVITATIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT OF MEXICO & MAYOR OF MEXICO CITY WELCOME VIRTUOSO TO THE CAPITAL CITY'S FINEST

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Jan 12, 2010, 09:30 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- For centuries, Mexico's famous El Camino Real has served as a welcoming trail for the world to discover the heart of the country, Mexico City. In April, that historic path will transform into a red carpet welcoming the world's top leaders of luxury travel for what will be an unprecedented gathering. Virtuoso®, proudly announces today that its next Overseas Symposium, an annual event that brings together the most prominent executives in the luxury travel industry, will take place in Mexico City on April 15-18, 2010. With extraordinary outreach from the highest levels, Virtuoso CEO Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, received personal invitations to hold the Symposium in Mexico City from the Honorable Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, president of Mexico, as well as from:

The Honorable Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, Mayor, Ciudad de Mexico
The Honorable Rodolfo Elizondo Torres, Minister of Tourism, Mexico Federal Government
Mr. Oscar Fitch Gomez, Director General, Consejo Promocion Turistica de Mexico
The Honorable Alejandro Rojas Diaz Duran, Secretary of Tourism, Ciudad de Mexico
Mr. Arturo Mendicuti Narro, President, Mexico City Chamber Of Commerce
Mr. Carlos Mackinlay G., Executive Director, Oficina de Congresos y Convenciones de la Ciudad de Mexico

Following a challenging year, Mexico recognizes that the Virtuoso meeting will highlight the destination internationally and generate interest in the many beautiful, unique aspects the country offers travelers. In his invitation letter, Mexico President Felipe Calderon stated, "I am certain that Virtuoso's distinguished members will confirm the enormous potential that our country offers. We know that Virtuoso, as a leader in luxury travel, will be able to increase its presence in the Mexican market, bring value to the industry and our local economies, and take advantage of what Mexico has to offer to global companies."

For Upchurch, who was born and spent his childhood in Mexico, there is a personal interest in supporting Mexico and showcasing the destination. Said Upchurch, "Symposium attendees will experience firsthand the legendary hospitality and the partnership we have so long enjoyed while promoting Mexico tourism. I was born in Mexico City and have always believed Mexico has so many hidden jewels for sophisticated travelers to discover. I am particularly proud to present Mexico as a wonderful destination for travelers looking for true life experiences. There could not be a more ideal time than now to bring the leaders of our network to the land of my birth."

Upchurch continued, "The full support of the Mexican Government, including their personal expressions of support, has been a major factor in our decision to hold the event in Mexico. We are extremely honored."

Although details are being kept a secret, Symposium participants can expect to enjoy private tours of historic landmarks many not open to the public – as well as a privileged sampling of authentic Mexican cuisine prepared by top celebrity chefs, tequilas and spirits from the most prestigious makers, and entertainment by some of the country's top performers.

Virtuoso has 25 member travel agency locations throughout Mexico. Following the success of Virtuoso's 2009 Symposium, held in Sydney, Australia, where the network has more than 28 member agency locations, Virtuoso prefers to showcase destinations where it has member support as well. Virtuoso preferred supplier hotels, Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. and The St. Regis Mexico City, will host the conference and its 400 anticipated attendees.

In addition to holding a forum that allows its members and preferred suppliers to discuss timely industry topics and work towards mutually beneficial solutions, Virtuoso also takes the opportunity to educate attendees about the destination with the intent to bolster sales. Previous destinations that have hosted Virtuoso's Overseas Symposium include Sydney, Athens, St. Petersburg, Hong Kong, Lake Como, Cape Town and Cairo.

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso® is the industry's leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world's best travel providers and premier destinations. The network's member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network's affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

SOURCE Virtuoso