La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico - Over 3,000 tourism industry professionals from around the world enjoyed a magical and unforgettable evening at the 2012 Tianguis Turístico Welcome Cocktail, which took place at Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle on March 25th.

A wonderful boat ride at sunset among lively conversation and cocktails marked the beginning of this celebration, which was created to allow professionals of the touristic industry to enjoy all the aspects of the experience of vacationing in the Banderas Bay region of Mexico.

The Ambassador of Mexican Cuisine, Patricia Quintana, along with 18 local chefs designed the menu, which included Duck Torta Ahogada, Novillero-style Scallops in green aguachile, Shrimp Paté, and Tostadas de Lechón, along with specially designed drinks.

A fundamental part of the experience was "The Ceremony of Color," a show that featured talented artists presenting theatrical, musical and dance performances inspired by the colorful traditions and spirituality of the Huichol culture.

"Tianguis Turístico is a great opportunity to promote all of Mexico, to show the world the best of our country, to share what we are doing for the tourism sector, and to speak well of Mexico," Nayarit Governor Roberto Sandoval said in his address to the travel agents, professionals and representatives of the international press that attended the opening event.

Throughout the evening, the delighted participants also enjoyed Mariachi music, folk dancing, fireworks, and the presentation of Eugenia León singing Mexican music.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Nayarit praises the teamwork undertaken by the State Tourism Bureau of the Federal Government and the State Governments of Jalisco and Nayarit, who have been jointly planning the event since the beginning, in order to show the best face of Mexico to the world.