Velas Resorts, Host of Honor for Events Celebrated During World Economic Forum on Latin America
by Vanessa Martínez del Río
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (April 18, 2012) — Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum, or WEF, culminated its Latin American meetings yesterday in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The event hosted approximately 900 leaders in the worlds of business, academia, politics and NGO’s from 70 countries to discuss development and growth opportunities in the region. The meeting addressed Latin America’s role in the governance of the global economy during Mexico’s chairmanship of the G20 and as the country prepares for presidential elections.
Several meetings were held throughout the Forum, including the Opening Plenary Session on Responses to the Global Economic Slowdown with President Calderon at Casa Velas Hotel Boutique. The Session, also attended by Otto Perez Molina, President of Guatemala; Desire Bouterse, president of Surinam; Mariano Rajoy, President of Spain, and Haakon Magnus, Prince of Norway, was held to discuss the importance of Latin America and worldwide economic growth. Also as part of the Forum, 250 notables from the business world convened at the Young Global Leaders Annual Summit at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit to address global challenges. Attendees presented their conclusions at the closing ceremony to Mexican President Felipe Calderon. President Calderon, at the age of 32, participated in the very same forum in 1997 in Davos, Switzerland. On April 17th, Velas Vallarta hosted the Business 20 Meeting (B20) with the Presidency of the G20, where the business leaders of the B20 presented, for the first time, to Mexican President, Felipe Calderón, the results of the deliberations and preliminary proposals of the different work groups.
Another highlight of the WEF was the cultural event offered by the Mexican government for all of the invitees of the WEF at Velas Vallarta hotel. During this event, attended by 800 people, the beauty of Mexico’s color, traditions, art and culture was showcased with an extraordinary presentation by the renowned Mexican tenor Jesus Leon accompanied by the National Symphonic Orchestra. Mexican Presidential Candidate, Enrique Peña Nieto also visited Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for breakfast in the resort’s lush gardens alongside the Bay of Banderas.
While not part of the WEF Program on Latin America, the G20 Trade Ministerial Meeting takes place today and tomorrow, April 20th, at Casa Velas. Mexican Economy Minister, Bruno Ferrari will lead Bilateral Sessions with Karel de Gucht, European Union Trade Commissioner; Deming Chen, Chinese Minister of Commerce, and Mehmet Zafer Caglayan, Turkish Minister of Economy, for the Economy and Commerce Ministers of the G20 in the boutique hotel’s recently built 3,663 square foot conference center adjacent to the resorts’ garden area and the Marina Vallarta 18-hole championship golf course.
About Velas Resorts:
With 26 total AAA diamonds, Velas Resorts has redefined the All Inclusive concept by offering suites designed for ultimate rest and comfort, gourmet options on par with the most renowned restaurants in the world, premium beverages, fine domestic and imported wines, 24-hour suite service with an exceptional selection of dishes, daily replenished minibars, high performance gymnasiums, personal training programs, recreational activities, non-motorized water sports ranging from scuba-diving classes to kayaktours and innovative Kids Clubs; all provided with the distinctive service and hospitality they are recognized for worldwide.