Destination now has Canadian representation
IAN STALKER
The popular Baja California Sur destination of Los Cabos isn’t the only Baja destination happy to host us on vacations.
Jesus Ordoñez, general director for the Board of Tourism of Baja California Sur, is happy to promote water-fronting Loreto as a vacation retreat that can provide a different type of holiday than larger Los Cabos generally does.
“The main difference between Los Cabos and Loreto is the size of the community,” Orodnez says. “Loreto is smaller in that everybody knows each other, everybody takes care of each other, and our visitors really get the chance to mingle with the locals.
“Even though we share the Gulf of California, the animal sightings and activities feel completely different. In Cabo, you can see humpback whales, but here we have the biggest mammal in the world, the blue whale,” he says. “There is also sport fishing and scuba diving as offered in Cabo, but in Loreto it feels more personal and closer. Loreto does not have large-scale resorts or well-known brands. Our hotels are small boutique, family owned and operated, but with great amenities and services.”
Toronto-based LMA Communications was recently hired to represent Loreto in this country, part of an effort to boost awareness of the destination in this country.
Ordonez acknowledges that Loreto has a much lower profile in this country than Los Cabos but doesn’t view that as a handicap when promoting the smaller destination.
“We see it more as an opportunity,” he continues. “People that already know Los Cabos or are planning on coming to Los Cabos are aware of what Baja is about, and Loreto offers a different experience for those who already love and visit Los Cabos.
“I can guarantee you that as soon as people learn more about Loreto, it won’t take any convincing — they will want to come on their own because of how beautiful and amazing Loreto is.”
Ordonez praises Loreto’s accessibility, noting there are direct flights from Calgary and “also great connectivity through the United States — making it easy for Canadians to travel to this hidden gem of Mexico.”
He says the cultural heritage of Loreto is “one of the most outstanding features of the destination. This is where California started, our mission was the first one and from there the Jesuits began their evangelization all the way up to San Francisco, California, and to the south all the way to Los Cabos. Loreto has kept its small-town status and charm, making it easy for travelers to really immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the Baja Peninsula.
“And of course, the natural resources that Loreto has, on one side, the Gulf of California and its islands that are UNESCO Heritage Sites and their vast marine life; while on the other side is the magnificent Sierra de la Giganta.
“We want Canadians to know that they will find a destination that is proud of its culture and aware of the importance of maintaining the natural resources, pristine beaches and charm of this authentic, magical town. We want them to visit us and enjoy this paradise we are privileged to call home.”
Ordonez says those who do vacation in Loreto will “find water- and land-based activities for the entire family. I’ll start by saying that all of our beaches are swimmable and perfect for the entire family. But you can also enjoy world-class sportfishing, over 100 dive sites, birdwatching, open-water kayaking, snorkeling, island hopping and sailing.
“On land activities, you can do extraordinary hikes through the desert and the Sierra de la Giganta, visit the near-by 9,000-year-old cave paintings, go to a hidden mission in the middle of the mountains and visit the local ranches to learn how to make goat cheese and handmade tortillas.
“We also have world-class golf with two amazing golf courses, the Loreto Bay and the TPA Danzante Bay at Villas del Palmar.
“And of course, we have amazing food, ranging from local taco stands to fine dining by renowned Baja chefs.”
Ordonez adds that Loreto “is a small town with intimate hotels — the average hotels have 12 rooms. They can be as small as four, but also as big as the Villas del Palmar Resort (which has over 300 suites). But the true beauty and charm lies in the fact that these small properties are family owned and operated. The owners of the hotels will become your friends, you will see them in the mornings while you enjoy your coffee in the common areas, and they can recommend the best local dining spots or tell you the local stories and legends.”
He adds that the airport is just a five minute drive from downtown, and there are destination management companies, taxis, tour companies and certified tour guides to help travellers with their visits.
