Fifteen Editions of Celebrating Love and Romance Travel Business at the Riviera Maya

The World Romance Travel Conference – Love Mexico successfully convened at the stunning Paradisus La Perla in Playa del Carmen from October 28th to 31st, attracting over 250 travel agents and destination wedding professionals from 17 countries.

This exclusive event featured invaluable networking opportunities, a comprehensive educational program focused on the "Day of the Dead," and hands-on experiences designed to immerse attendees in the local culture. During the opening ceremony, Kitzia Morales, IADWP President, emphasized the significance of the theme: “We gather under the theme of the Day of the Dead, a deeply meaningful celebration in Mexican culture that reminds us of the value of memory, family unity, and the celebration of life itself. This aligns perfectly with the heart of destination weddings: unique and unforgettable experiences that transcend time, uniting cultures, families, and traditions.” The ceremony took place in the Will Medina Auditorium, honoring one of the industry's most beloved figures.

The IADWP has always believed in the power of alliances to connect people and build bridges across the globe. Special thanks were extended to our partners in the WRTC-Love Mexico edition, including WPIC, Kelly Mortimer, Angela Hughes, The Resorts of the Riviera Maya, Caribbean Weddings and Event Professionals (CWEP), Association of Black Travel Professionals (ABTP), The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals (NSBWEP), Tracy French, and local organizations such as ACIBEP, Club de Bodas del Caribe Mexicano, and DWSA.

The educational program featured insightful sessions from a roster of industry leaders, including Pervez Taufiq (USA), Sarah Young (Malta), Monica Balli (Italy), Angela Proffitt (USA), Glenda Beagle (Canada), Mark Chesnut (USA), Chris J. Evans (USA), and Angela Hughes (USA), among others. Attendees also had the opportunity to partake in various hands-on experiences before and after the conference, including stays at Secrets Aura Cozumel, Hilton Cancún Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, Holbox Villas Flamingo Hotel, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Live Aqua Cancún, and Merida The Haciendas.

A highlight of the event was the third edition of the Ed Cotton Award, celebrating Destination Wedding Excellence. Winners included:

- Christina Maddox, owner of Heaven Sent Weddings and Travel, recognized for her 23 years of experience and impactful leadership as IADWP Delaware chapter head.

- Paola Medina, owner of Paola Medina Planner & Eventos Grupos Medina, honored for her commitment to excellence and leadership in the industry.

“Today, we introduce a new honor that will become an annual tradition—the IADWP Person of the Year Award. This award recognizes an individual whose work has made a significant, positive impact on our industry, fostering growth, knowledge-sharing, and community. We are incredibly proud to name Lori Gold as the 2024 IADWP Person of the Year,” stated Ed Cotton, IADWP Co-Founder. Lori’s journey embodies vision, passion, and unwavering dedication to connection and education. Originally from Canada, she embraced life in Playa del Carmen, quickly becoming an influential figure in the travel industry. In 2020, she founded “The Resorts of the Riviera Maya,” a Facebook group designed to connect travel agents to the region. What started as a small community has blossomed into a powerful network of nearly 25,000 agents, facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. Recognizing the need for specialized knowledge, Lori launched a second group, “Mexperts,” which now boasts over 3,000 paid members. This initiative has been pivotal in empowering both new and seasoned agents to enhance their expertise and confidence in delivering exceptional destination experiences. Through her commitment, Lori has uplifted an entire community, providing a platform for education and inspiration. Her tireless efforts to support the professional growth of travel agents highlight her invaluable role in the industry and exemplify true community service. “We are thrilled to honor Lori Gold as the 2024 IADWP Person of the Year and eagerly anticipate her continued impact in the years to come,” concluded Cotton.

Social events included the IADWP Mystery Society welcome event, a members’ gathering titled Harmony in White, and the farewell party, Viva la Vida: Colors of the Afterlife, showcasing local talent and creativity. The event was made possible by our main sponsors: Paradisus La Perla, Minimal, The Socials, Freddy Ku, Pipe Gaber, GIO, Silk Bloom, Ambar Films, and Weddings by Melia, with special thanks to Ambassadors Ilse Diamant and Walter Vazquez for their local support.

About Destination Weddings The destination wedding market is projected to surpass $100 billion USD in the next five years, adapting to the evolving needs and preferences of today’s couples.

Celebrations are diversifying beyond weddings to include engagements, anniversaries, vow renewals, and more, reflecting a desire for unique, culturally rich experiences.

About IADWP: Founded in 2008, IADWP is dedicated to providing innovative education and fostering global business within the wedding tourism industry, serving a community that spans over 40 countries. As the only 100% multicultural association in the industry, IADWP is committed to empowering and connecting professionals through marketing resources and educational initiatives.

Thank you to our Amazing photographers and Videographers!

Check out their incredible work on the World Romance Travel Conference at Paradisus La Perla:

Pipe Gaber Photography CLICK HERE

Freddy Ku Photography CLICK HERE