Earlier this year, Tradewinds took eight managers from Going Places on an educational to Mexico. The group spent four nights in Cancun and one night at Playa del Carmen. They swam with dolphins, floated through water-filled caves and tunnels, went snorkelling, experienced a jungle safari and took an excursion to historic Mayan sites. We asked three of them for their impressions before and after the trip.
Before: I had been to the northern part of Mexico while on a cruise and that was a bit of a hell-raising area where everyone seemed to live on the edge. I wondered whether everywhere in Mexico was like that. But some friends who had been to Cancun said it was a great holiday destination. Clients didn’t often ask for Mexico and it wasn’t a place I pushed because I knew very little about it. But I wanted to get an idea of what type of client might like to go there.
After: I loved Cancun and have already booked to return next year for a holiday with friends. The beaches are superb with good water sports and lots of things to do. The nightlife is lively, even boisterous – but it’s tremendous fun. I am selling Mexico a lot now, and not just to younger people. The resort has some quieter areas and I have also booked a friend’s honeymoon there.
STEVEN BRACEY, MANAGER, GOING PLACES, WATFORD, Age: 27
Before: Having made one trip to Mexico, I thought the resorts were very Americanised – there were lots of big flash hotels in highly built-up tourist areas. Although I knew it had good beaches, it wasn’t a destination that sold very well, especially when rivalled with the Caribbean.
After: Cancun is very built up, busy and lively, but the beaches are certainly a match for the Caribbean, and the many activities mean Mexico suits a wide range of clients. There are quieter parts to Cancun, and Playa del Carmen – the newer resort – is far more upmarket. The quality of the hotels is unbelievable eg at the all-inclusive Royal Hideaway, meals are cooked to order and served at the table. There are also some great excursions to explore the Mayan culture, swim with dolphins and dive the biggest coral reef in the northern hemisphere. I am now recommending Mexico as an alternative to the Caribbean or even to the Maldives.
HELEN DURRANT, MANAGER, GOING PLACES, EVESHAM, Age: 31
Before: I didn’t really know what to expect. I had studied the brochures and knew it was a place with some great beaches and plenty of hotels. I knew Mexico was popular with Americans, who have quite high expectations and want a good standard of hotel.
After: The atmosphere in Cancun is really great and the hotels are excellent – everyone is so friendly and helpful. I would love to go back for my own holiday and am recommending it now. Buying food and drink outside the hotels can be expensive so I am recommending all-inclusive properties which are excellent value. I can’t think of any negatives about the place – it’s excellent.
VICKI BLYTHE, MANAGER, GOING PLACES, RAF LAKENHEATH, BRANDON, AGE: 23