The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is giving travel agents the chance to experience Merida, Yucatan, Mexico and learn how to sell this captivating city during the ASTA Destination Expo (ADE) 2014.
ADE is an immersive, onsite learning experience that provides agents with all the knowledge and skills they need to become a Yucatan Destination Specialist. While onsite, they will discover the engaging local traditions and distinct cultural and political identity of Merida, with education sessions focusing on the geography, gastronomy, and the culture and history of Merida.
While in Merida, attendees have the opportunity to earn a Merida Specialist Certificate by attending three education sessions; completing eight appointments with exhibitors at the trade show on Friday or Saturday; and attending one sightseeing tour. This certificate is only available at ADE.
The training seminars will feature local historians and business owners offering in-depth education on the accommodations, excursions, culture, gastronomy and natural wonders in Merida. Topics for seminars include Destination Weddings in the Yucatan; Experiencing the Mayan World: Sustainable Travel in the Yucatan; Merida Chic, where you’ll learn about the destination’s boutique hotels and haciendas, shopping, museums, performing arts and more; Nature and Adventure, where you’ll find out about the area’s diverse natural wonders, such as reefs, mangroves, cenotes and animals, and what type of experiences your clients can have; The Perfect Match: The Yucatan and Riviera Maya, where you can learn how both destinations can appeal to your clients; Tequila Tasting with a Tequila Master, where you’ll learn about tequila production, culture and tasting notes; Unique Gastronomy in the Yucatan, which focuses on what makes Yucatecan cuisine different from the rest of Mexican cuisine; and The Yucatan Experience…Where the Rubber Meets the Road or Where the Henequen Meets the Sac-be, a session featuring experts with insider tips that helps attract clients to the Yucatan Peninsula.
To find a full agenda of events and education sessions at the expo, click here.
To register for the event, click here. The first 300 travel agents who register for ASTA’s Destination Expo will receive $50 off the registration fee through a promotion from the Yucatan Tourism Board. Use the promo code YUCATAN to receive the offer when registering. For more on ASTA, visit asta.org.
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