Mexico Reinforces Its Status As Top Destination For Weddings With Love Mexico Events In New York And Dallas

NEW YORK, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mexico Tourism Board has brought together representatives from Mexico's most romantic resorts and leading wedding suppliers to showcase Mexico's world class destination wedding offering at Love Mexico events in Dallas and New York.

As destination weddings become increasingly popular, accounting for around 24 percent of US weddings each year, thanks to its year round sunshine, world class hotels and resorts and outstanding value for money Mexico continues to be the top international destination for US couples, receiving 9 percent of all destination weddings of US couples.

This year's Love Mexico events were attended by more than 40 leading Mexican vendors, representing the premier destinations, resorts and wedding suppliers in Mexico. Over the course of the two events they engaged with more than 180 wedding planners and travel specialists through one to one meetings, presentations and seminars.

Highlights of this year's events included a special focus on the luxury market, and an insight into the emerging gay and lesbian wedding market provided by Bernadette Coveney, President of 14 Stories and the Gay Wedding Institute. Citing a recent study by Forbes, it was estimated that gay marriages can potentially boost the overall wedding industry by $9.5 billion per year; Ms. Coveney provided helpful advice to wedding planners on how to expand their business and catering to same-sex couples.  She also pointed out that Puerto Vallarta and Cancun continue to be Mexico's most popular destinations for gay-friendly travel. 

Celebrity wedding planner and lifestyle expert Colin Cowie provided the keynote address at the New York event discussing his experience in creating the most memorable moments and a "statement of style" for wedding couples.  During an open discussion presentation, Mr. Cowie shared what inspires his work, how he creates the perfect wedding and showcased a variety of photos from weddings he planned in Mexico through his partnership with Palace Resorts to bring these stories to life. 

Eduardo Chaillo, Executive Meetings Unit Director, Mexico Tourism Board said:

"We were delighted with the response to this year's Love Mexico events; all of the vendors and buyers that I spoke to had great feedback. With its combination of natural beauty, rich culture, world class hotels and resorts and outstanding service Mexico is the ultimate destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways. As the destination weddings market grows and changes Mexico will continue to develop its offering."

Mexico offers many of the characteristics that couples are looking for including: uniqueness, variety, proximity to U.S. and overall value. Many celebrities have chosen Mexico to wed, honeymoon or even get engaged. Recently it has been reported that Kourtney Kardashian is planning to wed partner Scott Disick in Puerto Vallarta this summer after the birth of their second child, singer Leann Rimes and actor Eddie Cibrian recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary and renewed their wedding vows in Los Cabos, and Mario Lopez proposed to girlfriend Courtney Mazza in Ixtapa earlier this year and the couple plans to wed in Mexico.

For more information on weddings in Mexico, please contact weddings@visitmexico.com

SOURCE Mexico Tourism Board