Investment in rural tourism to empower local communities and build a sustainable future was the main message promoted by the Los Cabos delegation during its participation in IMEX America 2024, one of the most important events in the meetings industry, which took place from October 8 to 10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Los Cabos' commitment to sustainable tourism was shared in more than 500 business meetings during the 2024 edition of IMEX America, in which more than 30 representatives of the tourism industry in Los Cabos participated, including hotels, service providers and DMCs. Of note was the attendance of the Consul of Mexico in Las Vegas, Patricia Cortes, who attended the ribbon cutting.

As part of the promotional activity for Los Cabos at IMEX America, a special presentation was held for 300 meeting planners in collaboration with MPI, as well as interviews with more than 10 media outlets, 15 meetings with 230 meeting planners, and a special collaboration with Site Nite IMEX America, among other activities.

Los Cabos has emphasized at IMEX America its commitment to authentic and immersive rural experiences to empower local communities and enhance its incentive travel offering. Maintaining its reputation for high-quality service, luxury accommodations, and MICHELIN-starred restaurants, Los Cabos is making significant investments in rural tourism to offer corporate groups the opportunity to interact with local communities and embrace sustainability, while enjoying the high-end services for which the destination is known.

“The future of meetings and incentive travel lies in authentic and purposeful experiences,” said Rodrigo Esponda, General Manager of the Los Cabos Tourism Trust. “By developing rural tourism, Los Cabos is diversifying its tourism experiences to include immersive, community-based activities that benefit local businesses and create a deeper connection between visitors and local people. This not only enhances the visitor experience, but also strengthens the positive impact tourism has on the region.”

Los Cabos has carefully selected diverse experiences to combine environmental sustainability with cultural engagement, ensuring a lasting impact on participants, under the following criteria:

• Enhance the participant experience: Itineraries are designed to foster team spirit through unique activities such as pottery workshops, guided nature walks, and cultural exchanges, providing a shared sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection through rich cultural and wellness experiences.
• Support community development: By engaging with local communities, incentive travel programs bring direct economic benefits to small businesses and artisans, promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving cultural heritage.
• Preserving Natural Heritage: Recognizing the importance of its unique ecosystems, Los Cabos is investing in green infrastructure and promoting responsible tourism practices that allow event planners to plan environmentally conscious retreats. This includes developing eco-lodges, supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives, and creating educational programs that highlight the importance of conservation.

The shift toward rural tourism allows meeting and event planners to incorporate environmental responsibility and social well-being into their itineraries, integrating corporate responsibility into the travel experience. By embracing these elements, Los Cabos is diversifying to offer a destination rich in culture and community-driven experiences, ideal for creating unique and unforgettable meetings and events. This approach also ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are more equitably distributed among the local community, while protecting the natural environment and preserving the cultural heritage that makes Los Cabos a unique place to visit.