Much is new for visitors to this seaside town, where value and authenticity go hand-in-hand.  In the limelight at this year's Fiesta: the debut of a spectacular convention center, new golf offerings, oceanfront accommodations and more.

As part of the festivities, Mazatlán will also extend a warm greeting to travel partners, including wholesalers, tour operators, airlines and incentive companies, in recognition of their ongoing support for this vibrant and thriving tourism hotspot on Mexico's Pacific coast.

Presented by the City of Mazatlán, the Mazatlán Hotel Association and the State of Sinaloa, Gran Fiesta Amigos invites industry guests to experience the full flavor of this top destination.  Cultural performances, authentic cuisine and historical tours will showcase the city's modern resorts and rich cultural heritage.  Mazatlán's golden-sand beaches will set the stage for dramatic outdoor celebrations.  Guests also will enjoy contemporary luxury resorts, gourmet restaurants, world-class spas, golf and nightlife that bring a modern flair to this historic city.

This year's Fiesta kicks off with a cocktail reception and dinner at the Oceano Palace Hotel, located on the golden sands of El Sábalo beach in Mazatlán's oceanfront resort district.  Guests will savor world-class cuisine and local specialties that showcase the city's renowned seafood, all while enjoying panoramic ocean views.

Spotlighting Mazatlán's newest development, Fiesta Amigos will treat attendees to an exclusive preview of the soon-to-open Mazatlán International Center. Personal tours of the state-of-the-art convention center will feature 17 spacious exhibition halls and meeting rooms that offer more than 62,000 square feet of flexible event space. Spanning 95,400 square feet, the Mazatlán International Center will accommodate groups of up to 4,500 convention attendees.  Additional destination updates will showcase a new 18-hole golf course in the works, along with recent hotel openings that have added more than 1,100 new rooms to the destination's oceanfront accommodations.

 "We are delighted to welcome our valued travel partners to Fiesta Amigos," says Carlos Berdegué, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board.  "This celebration allows us to show our appreciation for those who have contributed to Mazatlán's continued growth as one of Mexico's top destinations. During the past year, the city has attracted major developers, international sporting events and a growing number of visitors - a milestone that would not have been possible without the support of our industry friends."

Golden Deer Awards

During the Fiesta's gala dinner, Mazatlán will present the Golden Deer Awards to airlines and tour operators for their contributions to the destination's growth. The awards ceremony will take place at the El Cid Marina Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, a luxurious Mediterranean-style hotel overlooking the cosmopolitan Marina Mazatlán.  Receiving this year's awards will be:

•           MLT Vacations - Top Producer, USA Tour Operator                               

•           Expedia           - Top Producer, USA Online Travel Agency                             

•           WestJet Airlines - Top Canadian Airline                       

•           US Airways - Top USA Airline

•           Volaris Airlines - Top Mexico Airline                                        

•           LINUSA - Top Producer Mexico Tour Operator                                    

•           Best Day - Top Producer Mexico Online Travel Agency                       

•           Oscar Fitch Gomez - 2009 Amigo de Mazatlán                                                

•           Antonio Ibarra Salgado (Secretary of Tourism, Sinaloa) - 2009 Supporter of Mazatlán  

•           Carolyn Patten - Mazatlan Travel Writing Award, English

•           Gretel Zanella - Mazatlan Travel Writing Award, Spanish           

Mazatlán is pleased to appoint Mr. Yehudi Altman special ambassador for Mazatlán in Canada for his unconditional support and friendship of more than 30 years. This honor is given from the people of Mazatlán with deep gratitude and respect.

Scenic Excursions

Additionally, Fiesta Amigos will feature an excursion to the surrounding rural village of El Quelite, where guests will enjoy authentic cuisine during a luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Tourism. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, this Colonial town is known as a "living" museum of architecture and historical sites dating from the 16th century. Visitors admire old churches and 17th-century artworks, shop for traditional handcrafts and watch Ulama, an ancient sport resembling soccer.

On Friday, Nov. 6, Fiesta Amigos will treat attendees to their choice of outings that shine the spotlight on Mazatlán's unique mix of ecological adventure, vibrant heritage and new development. The Huana Coa Canopy Adventure features a treetop zipline tour through the Los Osuna Blue Agave Plantation, as well as a tour of the Los Osuna Blue Agave Distillery and guided all-terrain vehicle journeys through tropical forest. For a more grounded view of the region's picturesque setting, guests can visit the mining town of Copala. This charming mountain village offers scenic views, colonial churches and a rich history of the explorers, adventurers and colonists who came before. Adding a touch of modern flair, a golf outing showcases the Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course at the world-class Estrella del Mar, located on picturesque Stone Island near Old Mazatlán.  A guided Stone Island Tour showcases the island's natural mangrove estuaries and varied wildlife.

Back in Mazatlán, guests will savor more of the destination's gourmet cuisine during a farewell dinner on Thursday, Nov. 5.  The evening will feature a stunning backdrop at the newly opened Crowne Plaza Mazatlán, a luxurious high-rise property spanning private oceanfront near the Marina.  Other festivities taking place during Fiesta Amigos will include scheduled business meetings and one-on-one appointments for tour operators at Hotel Playa Mazatlán.

About Mazatlán

Mazatlán is located on Mexico's Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico's second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two.  Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation. Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world's second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local "pulmonías" or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city. Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.gomazatlan.com/.