Loreto, host of the 8th edition of ATMEX

Loreto, Baja California Sur, August 26, 2020. From October 25 to 28, Loreto, “Pueblo Mágico” of Baja California Sur will host the eighth edition of the most important Adventure and Nature Tourism industry event in Mexico and Latin America, ATMEX® (Adventure Travel Mexico).

ATMEX Loreto 2020 will have a 100% virtual format and as a central theme Plan B: Reimagining Tourism, based on 3 main strategic pillars: Inspiration, business and strategic information for the regeneration and strengthening and growth of the industry.

ATMEX Loreto 2020 in its virtual format, will include keynote conferences given by worldwide recognized experts; an academic program that has been recognized by the “Instituto de Competitividad Turística (ICTUR)” since 2017, with official validity for the endorsement of the credential for tourist guides, and its traditional MARKETPLACE, where more than 1,200 business meetings will be held between national and international buyers, media and suppliers.

In a virtual press conference with national media, the Secretary of Tourism, Economy and Sustainability of Baja California Sur, Mtro. Luis Humberto Araiza López, mentioned that for Baja California Sur, and especially for Loreto, hosting ATMEX, the most important fair in its segment, is an unbeatable opportunity to promote the state’s nature and adventure offer.

“We are pleased to be part of an event that promotes a reflection on how we should reimagine tourism; I agree that we must strengthen adventure and nature tourism, which is the one that has gained greater strength by favoring outdoors activities ”, he commented. “In Baja California Sur we bet on responsible tourism, and sustainability is one of our priorities, since we have more than 43% of National Protected Areas and tourism is our main engine,” emphasized the Secretary.

Baja California Sur is the state with the largest number of Blue Flag certified beaches, in addition, it has the Safe Travels seal that represents high international quality standards, and a great number of its tour operators already have the federal Clean Point certification.

For his matter, the general director of Genuine Experiences and ATMEX Coordinator, Antonio del Rosal Stanford, presented to the media the relevance of adventure tourism at both national and international level and the importance of ATMEX 2020 to reinvent adventure tourism: ” In this edition, we created the Plan B concept, reimagining tourism where specialists will give us recommendations on how we can get ahead and speed up tourism growth ”.

Likewise, he said that this virtual format, compared to face-to-face editions, allows the participation of more attendees as buyers, students, media and strategic allies, in addition to becoming a bridge between tour operators and destinations of adventure and nature and more than 80,000 North American travel agents and buyers, representing more than two billion dollars in annual sales.

Loreto’s wide tourist offer, which combines adventure and nature activities thanks to its contrasting sea and desert scenarios, was one of the main characteristics that made it the venue for the eighth edition of ATMEX 2020, as well as the necessary infrastructure to receive future events of international stature, being the only “Pueblo Mágico” in Baja California Sur that has an International Airport.

Norma Beatríz García Gordillo, director of the Loreto Tourism Trust reiterated that for Loreto, it is really important to host the event, even if it is virtual, with the promise of receiving them physically soon. “In Loreto we love travelers with an explorer spirit, those who respect the environment and those who seek to treasure experiences. Loreto is the gateway to one of the most impressive regions to explore ”.

From 2015 to March 2020, Loreto has presented an approximate growth of 50% with new national and international arrivals; in addition to having an infrastructure of around a thousand rooms, and soon the path will be resumed to continue with the development of the destination.

Cesar Daniel González Madruga, general director of Sustainable Tourism Planning, of the “Secretaría de Turismo” (SECTUR), said that adventure tourism represents a great alternative to overcome the impacts of Covid-19, in addition to making tourism a tool to balance the new normal. “Sustainable tourism experiences are on the rise, and now, natural places will be the favorites among tourists seeking to have a travel purpose.”

The SECTUR representative recognized ATMEX for its leadership and proactive vision in seeking alliances in favor of sustainability. “That adventure tourism means an improvement in life in the communities, and any adventurer can have a memorable experience,” he concluded.

The ATMEX Loreto 2020 program will consist of more than 20 expert speakers, recognized nationally and internationally like Chris Seek, CEO of Solimar International, Natalia Bayona, Expert in Innovation and Digital Transformation of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ; Carlos Romero, I + D + I Director of SEGITTUR; Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC); Virginia Messina, Executive Director of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Sarah Miginiac, General Manager of G-Adventures for Latin America, among others.

In addition to being an event with a broad academic program, special activities will be added such as the celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the Mission of Loreto and cocktails that will allow interaction and networking among the guests.

ATMEX Loreto 2020 will have the participation of delegates from Chiapas, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, Estado de México, Yucatán, Durango, Puebla, Morelos, Quintana Roo, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Baja California Sur , as well as countries like the United States, Canada, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and especially Argentina as a guest country.

With the realization of this international event, Loreto reinforces its position as one of the favorite destinations for nature lovers, finding in the destination a quiet place to enjoy water sports such as kayaking, diving or snorkeling in the National Park Marino de Loreto or a tour of one of its islands; as well as the opportunity to watch birds and marine mammals and adventures in the desert; historical places and delicious gastronomy, among many other attractions.

For more information please go to www.atmex.org.