Talking travel: tourism growth analyzed at Acapulco fair.

Over 2,500 buyers and sellers gathered at Acapulco's Convention Center this spring to negotiate travel deals at Mexico's biggest travel fair.

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Scores of travel stands outfitted in folkloric and modern themes welcomed delegates

Some examples of this growth were evident at the Tianguis. Punta Mita, an area of 1,200 acres with nine miles of beachfront north of Puerto Vallarta, announced it had been designated a travel destination for the first time. In other words, it is considered a destination separate from Puerto Vallarta.

"It's emerging as a destination for high-end luxury travel," Lynn Baristow, head of marketing for the new Punta Mita Tourism Board, said. "We expect a lot of development in the next five years."

Among the projects being developed for Punta Mita: a future 70-suite Rosewood La Solana; a 120-room Starwood brand, which most likely will carry a St. Regis flag; and a Pueblo Bonito. Starwood will also build a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course to be inaugurated in 2007. Punta Mita was also singled out for ecological excellence by the Mexican government in 2004 for its sustainable development program.

Starwood also revealed that it is installing a US$12 million fitness program in all Westin Hotels in partnership with Reebok. The program is called Westin Workout Powered by Reebok and it includes custom-designed workout rooms with LifeFitness and Precor strength and cardio equipment. In addition, Starwood will set aside US$10 million to go toward remodeling its 22 Mexican properties. The company also opened the Hacienda Puerto Campeche, a new member of the Luxury Collection, in Campeche City.

AMResorts, based in Philadelphia, is converting its Sunscape Tulum along the Riviera Maya into a Dream's brand with a top-to-bottom renovation. The project will expand the room count to 220 junior suites, add another pool, enlarge the spa, add new specialty restaurants, install a new lobby and includes placing robes and slippers in guest rooms. AM's newest properties are the Sunscape Puerto Adventuras and Secrets Excellence Riviera Cancun.