Nov. 8, 2004 – The island of Cozumel, a premier golfing and travel destination, recognized its top travel partners at the fifth annual Gala Cozumel 2004, with an awards dinner and celebrations at the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, last month.
With the increased interest in travel to Cozumel, the event has grown considerably over the years, with the Gala 2004 being the largest ever, attended by more than 120 travel industry professionals. Members of the Cozumel Hotel Association were proud to present more than 45 awards to the island's top-selling tour operators, wholesalers and airlines in the U.S. and Mexico for their continued support of the destination. An awards dinner and ceremony was held at the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa's newly opened Alfredo di Roma restaurant, on Saturday evening, Oct. 16.
"Gala gives Cozumel the perfect opportunity to thank its travel partners for their continued support of the destination," said Gaston Cantarell Diaz, president of the Cozumel Hotel Association and private sector representative for the Cozumel Trust Fund. "We have had an amazing year, with increased air travel to Cozumel averaging more than 30 percent over 2003 each month, and recognize the vital role these individuals play in helping perpetuate tourism to the island and making Cozumel a premier destination."
Some of the different airlines and tour operators that attended the event were: Aerocaribe, Air Canada Vacations, American Airlines, American Express, Apple Vacations, Bay Adventures, Certified Vacations, Classic Custom Vacations, Expedia, GoGo Worldwide Vacations, MLT Worry Free Vacations, The Mark Travel Corporation, Mexicana Airlines, My Travel Group, Orbitz, Pleasant Holidays, TNT Vacations, Travelocity, Vacation Express, and U.S. Airways.
The island of Cozumel, named "The Land of the Swallows" by the Maya who inhabited it more than 2,000 years ago, is located in the state of Quintana Roo, east of the Yucatan Peninsula. Situated along the world's second-largest reef network and home to the famed Palancar Reef, discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1962, Cozumel boasts a first-class international dive and snorkel reputation. Cozumel has also established itself as a prime golf, honeymoon and family vacation destination. In a winter 2003 Money magazine survey, Cozumel was recognized as a top vacation destination, noted for its diversity, offering something for every traveler, and great vacation value. Visit Cozumel on the World Wide Web at www.islacozumel.com.mx
