CMV Travel & Leisure Group Limited has announced the positioning of the Magellan on Mexico's Pacific coast in the winter of 2019 as part of the launch of its new brand Maritime Vacation Cruises, aimed especially at the Mexican domestic market.
The Magellan will begin operations on February 3, 2019, with an inaugural season of eight weekly departures from Acapulco on Sundays and Manzanillo every Friday. The season will end on March 31, 2019, and trips to/from the United Kingdom will be marketed internationally.
Christian Verhounig, CEO, explained, “CMV specializes in developing source markets and has successfully established markets and programs in the UK and Ireland, Germany, Australia, and France. CMV will be the only product exclusively for the Mexican domestic market. The Mexican market has great potential, and we hope to extend the season into 2020. This exciting initiative is part of the group’s international development strategy to achieve our long-term growth objectives.”.
The route will include stops in Manzanillo and Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula, in addition to two days at sea. Acapulco will be the home port for the Guerrero region and Mexico City. Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, besides being transit ports, will serve as embarkation ports for the cities of Guadalajara, León, and the northern states of Mexico.
John Dennis, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at CMV's Fort Lauderdale offices, will assume responsibility for the commercial and business development of the Mexican operation, which has an inaugural season capacity of 12,000 passengers.
John Dennis explained, “Following up on our development work over the past year, which included numerous visits and meetings with key stakeholders and government officials, I am delighted that the board has approved this exciting new venture. We will open a sales office in Mexico City and officially launch Maritime Vacation Cruises and the inaugural season during the first quarter of 2018 with major trade events in Mexico City, Acapulco, Guadalajara, and Mazatlán, at the Tianguis Turístico, the most important event in the tourism sector in Mexico.”
John added, “The marketing strategy will include national press and online digital campaigns, as well as a strong social media and public relations presence, supported by key business partners. During the launch, we will unveil a catalog in Spanish, a website, and an online booking system.”
Special introductory rates will be offered, with great deals for children and only a 25% surcharge for the singles market. Attractive honeymoon packages will also be available.
Chris Coates, Group Commercial Director, added, “With the recent growth in domestic tourism in Mexico, we firmly believe that market conditions are right for launching an authentic Mexican cruise product. It will be specially designed to suit local tastes and aspirations. We believe the Magellan is the right ship for this project.”
John Dennis, who speaks fluent Spanish, and his sales team will target the growing ABC1 middle class, aged 30 to 55, couples, families, single travelers, groups, and the honeymoon market.
