Mexico awarded Tourism Board of the Year

The Mexico Tourism Board was named "Virtuoso Tourism Board of the Year" Monday by Virtuoso a well-known travel network.

According to PR Newswire, Mexico received this prestigious award based on factors such as its commitment toward its travel sector, creative advertising promotions and campaigns of its travel industry.

Mexico's secretary of tourism Gloria Guevara, along with Mexico Tourism Board chief operating officer Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, accepted the award at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

According to Reuters, the ceremony was part of the "Virtuoso Travel Week, "a travel trade fair attended by more than 4,000 industry experts from 85 countries; giving it the largest attendance in the past 24 years.

PR Newswire reports that Mexico is the first tourism board to be awarded the "Virtuoso Tourism Board of the Year" title.

"Mexico is a unique destination, close to my heart, and I am thrilled to see that our members and their clients share my passion for the diverse beauty, proud heritage, stunning cuisine and a rich experience Mexico offers upscale travelers," Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO said to PR Newswire.

Upchurch acknowledged Mexican President Felipe Calderon for elevating tourism to a government policy level.

"We are very proud of our relationship with Virtuoso. 2011 was a record-breaking year in terms of tourism to Mexico," Guevara told PR Newswire after receiving the award. "Achieving this was a team effort. We continue to value the expertise of Virtuoso and Virtuoso's advisers. The Virtuoso network will always have friends in Mexico."