Las Vegas, Nevada – The Mexico Tourism Board was honored by renowned luxury travel network, Virtuoso, with the first-ever "Virtuoso Tourism Board of the Year" award. Mexico was bestowed the award for its bold diversification and promotion strategy, creative advertising campaigns, and robust industry partnerships.

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara, accompanied by Mexico Tourism Board Chief Operating Officer, Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, accepted the award at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas yesterday evening. The ceremony formed the centerpiece of "Virtuoso Travel Week," a major luxury travel trade fair attended by more than four thousand industry experts from 85 countries hosting approximately 350,000 business meetings, representing the largest attendance at this event in the past 24 years.

The award recognizes Mexico’s strong engagement with the travel industry. Within the Virtuoso network, the Mexico Tourism Board has demonstrated deep involvement through advisor development efforts, press events, marketing programs, and sales campaigns, while also hosting educational trips and participating in events and meetings.

"Mexico has been an integral part of the Virtuoso destination family throughout the years and continues to show its commitment to this network from the highest levels," said Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO.

"Mexico is a unique destination, close to my heart, and I am thrilled to see that our members and their clients share my passion for the diverse beauty, proud heritage, stunning cuisine and a rich experience Mexico offers upscale travelers."

Upchurch acknowledged Mexican President Felipe Calderon for elevating tourism at a government policy level.

Upon receiving the award, Secretary Guevara said, "We are very proud of our relationship with Virtuoso. 2011 was a record-breaking year in terms of tourism to Mexico. Achieving this was a team effort. We continue to value the expertise of Virtuoso and Virtuoso’s advisors. The Virtuoso network will always will have friends in Mexico."

Mexico is the first tourism board to be awarded 'Virtuoso Tourism Board of the Year.'