New York - Mexico's Tourism Board has brought together representatives from its most romantic resorts and leading wedding suppliers to showcase their country as a world class destination for weddings at the "Love Mexico" events in Dallas and New York.

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular, accounting for around 24 percent of US weddings each year. Mexico continues to be the top choice for international weddings by US couples, thanks to its year round sunshine, world class hotels and resorts, and outstanding value for money.

This year's Love Mexico events were attended by more than 40 of the country's leading vendors, representing its premier destinations, resorts, and wedding suppliers. Over the course of the two events they engaged with more than 180 wedding planners and travel specialists through meetings, presentations, and seminars.

Highlights of this year's events included a special focus on the luxury market, and an insight into the emerging gay and lesbian wedding market provided by Bernadette Coveney, president of 14 Stories, a LGBT wedding planning service, and the Gay Wedding Institute.

Citing a recent study by Forbes, it was estimated that gay marriages can potentially boost the overall wedding industry by $9.5 billion per year. Ms. Coveney provided helpful advice to wedding planners on how to expand their business by catering to same-sex couples. She also pointed out that Puerto Vallarta and Cancun continue to be Mexico's most popular destinations for gay-friendly travel.

Celebrity wedding planner and lifestyle expert Colin Cowie provided the keynote address at the New York event discussing his experience in creating the most memorable moments and a "statement of style" for wedding couples.

During an open discussion presentation, Mr. Cowie shared what inspires his work, how he creates the perfect wedding, and showcased a variety of photos from weddings he planned in Mexico through his partnership with Palace Resorts to bring these stories to life.

"We were delighted with the response to this year's Love Mexico events," said Eduardo Chaillo, Executive Meetings Director of the Mexico Tourism Board. "All of the vendors and buyers that I spoke to had great feedback."

"Mexico offers many of the characteristics that couples are looking for including uniqueness, variety, proximity to US, and overall value. With its combination of natural beauty, rich culture, world class hotels and resorts, and outstanding service, Mexico is the ultimate destination for weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways. As the destination weddings market grows and changes Mexico will continue to develop its offerings," stated Chaillo.

Many celebrities have chosen Mexico to wed, honeymoon, or even get engaged.

Recently it has been reported that Kourtney Kardashian is planning to wed partner Scott Disick in Puerto Vallarta this summer, after the birth of their second child. Singer Leann Rimes and actor Eddie Cibrian recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary and renewed their wedding vows in Los Cabos, and Mario Lopez proposed to girlfriend Courtney Mazza in Ixtapa earlier this year. The couple plans to wed in Mexico.

Source: Mexico Tourism Board