Mazatlán, Mexico, Hosts Gran Fiesta Amigos

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Mazatlán will hold its 14th annual Gran Fiesta Amigos, Nov. 10 - Nov. 13. This four-day "Big Festival of Friends" honors travel partners, including wholesalers, tour operators, airlines and incentive companies, for their support in promoting Mazatlán as a vibrant and growing destination.

Presented by the City of Mazatlán, the Mazatlán Hotel Association and the State of Sinaloa, Gran Fiesta Amigos invites industry guests to enjoy the best of both worlds in this top destination along Mexico's Pacific Coast. Cultural performances, authentic cuisine and historical tours will showcase the city's modern resorts and rich cultural heritage. Mazatlán's golden-sand beaches will set the stage for dramatic outdoor celebrations. Guests also will enjoy contemporary luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants, world-class spas, golf and nightlife that bring a modern flair to this historic city.

This year's Fiesta kicks off with a cocktail reception and dinner at the lovingly restored Angela Peralta Theater in the heart of the city's historic district, Old Mazatlán. Festivities will continue in the theater courtyard overlooking Plazuela Machado, the lively town square. Here, guests will enjoy performances by local musicians and the internationally acclaimed Mazatlán Professional School of Contemporary Dance, which draws students from all over Mexico.

Known as El Centro Histórico, Old Mazatlán is a 180-block area with 479 buildings designated as national historic landmarks. The district has been refurbished by the city and its citizens to reclaim its grandeur. Today, Old Mazatlán's bustling streets are filled with travelers and locals who come for the boutique shops, museums, art galleries, outdoor cafes, jazz clubs, concert halls and unique examples of neoclassical architecture.

"Fiesta Amigos gives us the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our travel partners," says Carlos Berdegué, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board. "During this past year, tourism has continued to thrive as we welcome major developers, international sporting events and a growing number of visitors. Thanks to the support of our industry friends, Mazatlán has become one of Mexico's top destinations."

Golden Deer Awards

During the Fiesta's gala dinner, Mazatlán will present the Golden Deer Awards to airlines and tour operators for their contributions to the destination's growth. The awards ceremony will take place at the Luna Palace Hotel & Suites, located on the golden sands of Las Gaviotas beach in Mazatlán's Zona Dorada, Golden Zone, or oceanfront resort district. Receiving this year's awards will be:

- US Tour Operators: Apple Vacations

- Mexican Tour Operator: Viajes Liberación

- US Charter: MLT Vacations

- Canadian Charter: Signature Vacations

- Mexican Charter: Magnitur

- Online: Expedia

- US Airline: Viva Aerobus

- Amigo de Mazatlán Awards: Mary Schrage, Gabriela Chávez

- Promotor de Mazatlán Awards: Yolanda Calderón, Greg Custer

Scenic Excursions

Additionally, Fiesta Amigos will feature excursions to the surrounding rural towns of Cosala, El Quelite, La Noria and Trimaran Kolonahe. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, these Colonial towns are known for their panoramic views, authentic cuisine and historical sites dating from the 16th century.

Other festivities will include scheduled business meetings and one-on-one appointments for tour operators at the Los Sabalos Beach Resort & Spa, a Mediterranean-style luxury resort located in Zona Dorada. Guests will savor more of the destination's cuisine during a seaside brunch at the Golden Zone's all-suite Luna Palace Hotel & Suites, as well as a gala dinner at Seńor Frog's restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Additionally, Fiesta Amigos will offer tee times at two world-class courses, El Cid Golf & Country Club and Estrella Del Mar. The El Cid boasts an 18-hole championship course with stunning vistas and nine holes designed by Lee Travino. Estrella del Mar has a Robert Trent Jones-designed course located on picturesque Stone Island near Old Mazatlan.

Growth and Development

One of Mexico's top destinations, Mazatlán boasts more than 90 hotel and condominium properties, including nearly 50 four- and five-star resorts. The destination expects to have more than 10,000 hotel rooms available by yearend, compared to 9,400 in 2007. That's good news for travelers, with visitation to Mazatlan up for the fifth consecutive year.

About Mazatlán

Mazatlán is located on Mexico's Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico's second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation. Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world's second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local "pulmonías" or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city. Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.gomazatlan.com.