Gold Rush: Exotismes Embarks 16 Agents to Riviera Maya


La 9e Ruée vers l’Or débute ce 25 mai 2026 - Depositphotos

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After Zanzibar, the grand finale of Exotismes’ flagship game will be held on the Riviera Maya, in Mexico.

The 16 travel agents who are among the best sellers in the tour operator’s commercial challenge will depart this Monday, May 25, 2026, for Mexico.

They are hundreds who tried their luck up to Wednesday, March 31, 2026, the closing date of the contest.

The hotel stock is renewing itself on the destination, mirroring the opening of the Bahia Principe Grand Tequila Hotel. Mexico is riding high. We are recording double-digit growth since the start of the year, in a context that is not easy for long-haul travel.

Mexico is standing out
“, we were told then by Didier Sylvestre, in October last, when launching the challenge.


The Gold Rush: Gold Coins to Win!

By combining interactive games with e-learning modules, the operation aims to train the travel operator’s production, knowledge of the destination, and the offers from partners. This year, Air Caraïbes, Amadeus and the DMC Colonial Tours accompany The Gold Rush.

The lucky participants will board a plane from Air Caraïbes, before discovering the must-sees of the Yucatán Peninsula. They will also immerse themselves in the heart of Maya culture, roaming the archaeological sites and the ruins of this civilization.



The more adventurous will also swim in the crystal-clear waters of cenotes. An excursion to Tulum is also on the program, as well as visits to lodges, hotels and resorts featured in Exotismes brochures.


To conclude, the three grand winners will be revealed and will receive a famous gold coin, at the organizer’s headquarters or during the Exotismes evening in September 2026.

TourMaG.com will be on the trip and will bring you the adventure! Stay tuned. In the meantime, you can watch the film of the previous edition.

The 9th Gold Rush: Exotismes Delivers an Unforgettable Riviera Maya Finale



A new adventure in the spirit of emotion and self-transcendence

Even before touching down in Mexico, the journey took on a distinctive dimension thanks to the carrier Air Caraïbes, which sought to offer travel agents an exceptional experience in the Caribbean Class cabin.

Accompanied by its representative Colonial Tours, the participants landed on the Riviera Maya to turn this destination into a life-size playground. The objective? To provide a unique experience blending relaxation, exploration of the famous cenotes, and immersion in Mayan culture, all punctuated by playful competitions…

The 16 travel agents chosen from Exotismes’ most loyal ambassadors were immersed in the dreamlike settings of the hotels Bahia Principe, Iberostar, Palladium and Riu. On the agenda: a thrilling week-long treasure hunt where each challenge helped build concrete selling arguments for the destination, with the cooperation of the new properties, such as the Bahia Principe Grand Tequila, which responds to the strong demand for adults-only hotels.


Gold Coins at stake for the 2026 talents

If the mood was relaxed, the competition was very real. Our top specialists gave their all to accumulate points and win the coveted gold coins. After daily challenges that validated their product and destination knowledge, the standings were established.


© Nathan Carayon - TourMaG

A huge congratulations to our 2026 laureates who depart with real gold coins:

1. Guillaume (Occitanie Region)

2. François (Hauts-de-France Region)

3. Alexandra (Paris Region)

• Jury Special Prize: Lisa (Provence Region), rewarded with a 100 % locally sourced gift for her commitment and creativity on social media.


A tradition of excellence that endures

Since its inception in 2015, the Gold Rush has been far more than a mere sales contest: it is a human adventure that celebrates the excellence of travel agents. After Mauritius in 2024, Zanzibar last year, Mexico managed to captivate this year with its authenticity and its dynamism.

Exotismes wishes to extend warm thanks to all its partners for the success of this fantastic journey, as well as to the participants for their energy and teamwork.

The destination of the 10th edition remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: the adventure will continue next year with new challenges and discoveries.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Gold Rush!