Mexico turns to events to give tourism rebound a sporting chance

By: Laura Del Rosso, Travel Weekly, July 14, 2009.

Following months of often-grim news headlines, Mexico’s resorts are getting some positive media attention, thanks to the sports and entertainment industries.

Recently, former Dallas Cowboys’ stars Drew Pearson and Everson Walls, current Cowboys’ wide receiver Isaiah Stanback and former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Vince Papale, the subject of the 2006 film "Invincible," signed autographs and chatted with guests at the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun.

The NFL Legends Retreat, as the event was billed, was the brainchild of Fernando Garcia, the general director of Real Resorts, which owns the two Cancun properties. "Organizing and hosting the weekend with these fabulous sports heroes was yet another way for us to show that Cancun is open for fun, and it is a safe destination," he said.

The NFL players not only mingled with fans but met with Garcia; Gregorio Sanchez Martinez, the mayor of Benito Juarez; Enrique Zarate, the minister of tourism for Cancun; and Julian Balbuena, the director of Best Day Tours, to talk about the significance of Cancun hosting major events.

On the Pacific coast, a sporting event later this month will attract attention, as well. Boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., an undefeated, light middleweight championship contender from Mexico, will step into the ring on July 25 to take on Jason LeHoullier on the undercard of Latin Fury X. The main event that night in Riviera Nayarit is a World Boxing Association featherweight title bout between Yurirokis Gamboa and Wyber Garcia.

The event will be seen live across the U.S via pay-per-view.
"We are so pleased to host this fight and welcome Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a native Mexican championship boxer, to Riviera Nayarit," said Marc Murphy, director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We want our visitors to focus on the fun of our beautiful Pacific beach region, and this fight certainly promises to be exciting and entertaining."

Mexico will also be in the spotlight this summer in the MTV reality series "The Real World," which is set in the resort of Cancun this season.

About Real Resorts

Real Resorts is a privately owned hotel company in Mexico. It owns and operates four all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Playa del Carmen under THE ROYAL, and Gran brands, which appeal to a wide range of lifestyles. THE ROYAL in Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer luxurious accommodations and attentive service for couples. The Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and the Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen offer personal service and upscale accommodations appropriate for families and travelers seeking a casual vacation experience. The Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen was recently recognized with the Check Safety First Award, recognizing it as one of the most hygienic hotels in the region. Reservations for all Real Resorts can be made through a travel agent or online at: www.RealResorts.com