Love was in the air once again for the 11th Annual Romance Travel Forum. This year we were at the new Secrets Playa Blanca Resort in Costa Mujeres, Mexico. Whether you weren’t able to join us this year or if you just want to relive the event - keep reading for a little recap of everything.
Travel Show Marketing Group made their way to Cancun on the Friday before, spending some time that afternoon exploring the resort and getting the lay of the land. On Saturday morning we met with the event team at the resort to walk through all the final details of the schedule, A/V, and food. And, we walked through a few more of the spaces in the convention center area before everything was set up to our specifications. The team was able to sneak in some beach time before calling it a night!
Sunday was our big set-up day where we sorted, collated, and stuffed all the envelopes needed for registration. We got our signs ready, we set up tables, and we made sure everything down to the last detail was perfect. Before we knew it, set up was complete.
Monday morning we staged the registration area and Amstar, Secrets, and Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt also set up their stations as part of the registration process. Registration officially opened shortly after, and we enjoyed welcoming each and every one of our Advisors and Suppliers to Secrets Playa Blanca!
After the theater sound system was checked, and we helped direct Suppliers to the one-to-one showcase for their table set up, we called it a day and headed back to our rooms to get ready for the Welcome Mixer on the Infinity Pool Terrace. We embraced the night with casual elegance in shades of silver and white. The night was themed after a Silver & White Wedding Soiree - and it did not disappoint. After a few cocktails and appetizers, we explored all the dining options the resort had to offer. It was a great way to kick off the event!
The first full day kicked off with our Welcome Session in the resort’s theater. Travel Advisors learned so much about everything that Hyatt and Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt offer. Then they learned a quick “10 in 10” top ten tips for Successful Bridal Planning. Robyn Basso, Senior Director Travel Industry Partnerships at Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau spoke about each of the gorgeous Hawaiian Islands and all the activities, culture, and natural beauty the islands have to offer. The rest of the day was spent networking through one-to-one meetings and peer-to-peer exchanges. A fulfilling day of education!
That evening we experienced a Romantic Mexican Fiesta! After a networking trade show with Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, Secrets Playa Blanca took us on a journey through the vibrant streets of Mexico. We were treated to irresistible flavors & spirits of Mexico.
Day 3 - what a day! The morning kicked off with the Forever in Love Series with presentations from Amstar, Casa de Campo, Lomas Hospitality, Sandals, Hilton All-Inclusive, and RIU Hotel & Resorts. The morning presentations wrapped up with all the latest from Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt. The afternoon continued with another round of one-to-one meetings and peer-to-peer exchanges. But after such a fulfilling day of networking, it was time to say farewell to 2024’s Romance Travel Forum and get lost in the golden tropics.Travel Suppliers and Advisors experienced the best farewell cocktail and dinner reception. We stepped into a world where tropical allure met modern elegance. We reflected on shared experiences and forged lasting connections. It was a fitting finale. Capped off by a beautiful display of fireworks.
While Romance Travel Forum had come to an end, the next day Advisors took part in resort site inspections throughout the area. These tours give Advisors an incredible amount of first-hand knowledge on the best places to stay, what they offer, and the opportunity to grab some photos & video to share with their clients. After several busy days it was then time to return home.
Stay tuned for announcements on the 2025 Romance Travel Forum dates and location! You can watch our full recap video here and our Behind the Scenes Video here.