Riviera Archives - Com Namibia

Gold Rush: Exotismes Embarks 16 Agents to Riviera Maya

July 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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

CroisiEurope

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.

Destination: Athens and the Riviera by Grecotel

July 8, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

IFTM

Situated along the Athenian Riviera, less than an hour from the heart of Athens, Cape Sounio, a Grecotel group property, unfolds in a pristine seaside setting. Nestled within a pine forest and just a short distance from Poseidon’s temple, the property sits on a broad site that opens onto the Aegean Sea. From its terraces, the moonrise can be seen aligned with the temple’s columns, depending on astronomical cycles; this phenomenon is frequently described as extraordinarily singular within a mythic landscape that is truly one of a kind.

At Cape Sounio, an experience linked to a celestial year unlike any other

To accompany this calendar’s distinctive cadence, the resort offers a program built around lunar cycles, titled “13 Full Moons.” It brings together a series of nocturnal experiences: stargazing hikes, swims during Perseid meteor showers, themed dinners, and wellness rituals. New menus are introduced on full-moon nights. This approach fits the rising trend in luxury travel, focusing on original experiences anchored in natural cycles.

Cape Sounio, a profound architectural renovation

Cape Sounio has embarked on a gradual modernization of its facilities. Today the resort offers 139 rooms and bungalows, complemented by 24 villas perched on a hillside overlooking the sea. The accommodations are arranged in an amphitheater, following the slope of the terrain. Terracotta hues ensure a seamless visual link with the surrounding landscape. This layout provides panoramic sea views while preserving the residents’ privacy. In spring, new contemporary villas were added, distinguished by clean lines and the use of raw materials. The public areas have also undergone a redesign. Upon arrival, the renewed lobby welcomes guests into a space where art and contemporary design intersect.

Cape Sounio: A landscape sculpted by natural terrain

The estate spans ground carved by former waterways. Their natural traces still guide the paths to the beach and the Aegean Sea.

For over twenty years, chief gardener Sifis has enriched the grounds with native flora, shaping an authentic Mediterranean landscape in his own style.

The bungalows and villas, draped in greenery, now blend into the pine forest and are sometimes partially sheltered by surrounding shrubs and groves to maintain privacy.

Cape Sounio: A diversified culinary scene

The dining offer centers on eight restaurants and several bars. By the pool, one venue features an open kitchen where guests can observe the preparation of dishes in a live dining setting. The menu blends traditional Greek cuisine with Asian influences and seafood.

Meals can also be organized in the villas, especially around barbecue packages, creating a more intimate feast of refined flavors in an exclusive setting with loved ones.

Cape Sounio, a dream destination for a variety of profiles

Contact Grecotel Hotels & Resorts

Destination : Athènes et Riviera by Grecotel

Need information and/or training? contact us:
One address only:

[email protected]

Phones:

+352 27 94 19 46 | +33 3 10 03 50 01 | +32 4 396 07 07

Join us on our private professional Facebook group Grecotel Counter Club France & Luxembourg

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

June 8, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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.

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!