Dora Luz Villarino presents an innovative proposal with a 2030 vision
Ensenada Baja California, February 19, 2024 – The Women’s Association of Executives of Tourism Companies, B.C (AFEET) successfully carried out the Installation of the Board of Directors 2024 with a great event in the prestigious Sala de Tintos de Santo Tomás.
Norma Lamadrid, Master of Ceremonies, led the inauguration and extended a cordial welcome to guests of honor. Among the distinguished guests were: Mr. José de Jesús Quiñones representing Mr. Miguel Aguiñiga Rodríguez of the Secretariat of Tourism of the Government of Baja California, Lic. Lucia Aguirre, Director of Economic Development of Ensenada on behalf of the Municipal President of Ensenada Armando Ayala Robles, Lic. Michelle Guerrero Undersecretary of Economic Development of Baja California, Karin Baldamus , President of the Women’s Association of Executives of Tourism Companies of the Mexican Republic, A.C. Lic. Miriam Elizabeth Cano Nuñez, Secretary of social inclusion and gender equality of the State of BC, Lic, Norma Elvía Martínez Santos Cabinet Coordinator in Ensenada, Lic Gloria Romo Secretariat of Tourism of Aguascalientes, Cap. Alt. Manuel F. Gutierréz Navarro General Director of ASIPONA, Lic. Amador Arteaga Sahagun Marketing Manager of ASIPONA, Lic. Cecilia Cruz Urquiza Director of Corporate Tour and Travel of City Express Hotels, Lic. Keiko Nishikawa Public Relations Manager of Santo Tomás , José Edgardo Vázquez Acosta General Director of Azteca Ferries and Karen Higareda of CBX USA.
During the ceremony, Ms. Cecilia Urquiza, Director of Corporate Tour and Travel at City Express Hotels, highlighted the importance of being present at this protest and expressed being a great ally of #AFEET since the beginning of the subsidiary. B.C. and that they will continue joining to continue working for women in tourism. She mentioned that Hoteles City Express by Marriot is the hotel chain with the greatest presence in Mexico and Latin America in its market segment, with a presence in 75 destinations; With the alliance with Marriot Bonboy they are integrated into the loyalty program so that their guests can enjoy the benefits it offers.
Keiko Nishikawa, Public Relations Manager of Santo Tomás, welcomed the venue and recognized the importance of women in the tourism industry, especially she recognized that Santo Tomas is run by a woman. She congratulated Dora on her election as the new President of AFEET Baja California and reiterated that tourism activity is teamwork and the union of talents, aspects that AFEET members manage perfectly.
Mr. José de Jesús Quiñones Under Secretary of Tourism of the Secretary of Tourism of the Government of B.C., offered a message of support for the importance of women in the tourism industry. He spoke about the important events coming to Baja California and invited AFEET to work together to promote actions to empower rural and indigenous women. He mentioned that without a doubt women in the tourism industry play a very important role.
The outgoing President Patricia San Roman spoke about the achievements that were made during this first year of the B.C chapter and I wish the new president and her new board of directors much success in their management.
She thanked the members for their participation and enthusiasm in this first year of the association’s existence.
For her part, the new President Dora Villarino expressed that “The commitment is great but the desire to achieve it is greater” spoke about the evolution of inbound tourism in Baja California and the role of women within it.
She commented that her work plan is focused on 4 strategic lines:
- Strengthening the subsidiary.
- Increase ties between partners and subsidiaries
- Constant Training and Networking
- Social responsability
The new Board of Directors is made up as follows:
▪ President – Dora Luz Villarino León
▪ Advisor – Patricia San Román
▪ Vice President- Gloria Medina Mendoza
▪ Treasurer -Belbeth Navarrete
▪ Secretary – Karla Sing Plascencia and Guadalupe Cordero
▪ Honor and Justice Committee – Martha Paredes and Edith Tornero
▪ Finance Committee- Aracelí Ramírez
The inauguration took place with a unique thematic event in which all the details were taken care of; The event began very emotional with the singing of the National Anthem by member Lic. Zaida López in the company of the War Band and Escort of the Secretary of Public Security of Ensenada.
After the celebration of the Installation of the new board of directors and newly affiliated members, the CINESIS air show company participated, air sports athletes who have participated and won since 2021 regional, national and and to close with a flourish, a mapping show was held with specialized technology that sets the tone for innovation in the sector; transformed the place into color and movement.
Immediately afterwards, a cocktail was offered where the wines of Valle de Guadalupe as well as regional products such as cheeses, artisan bread and strawberries gave the touch of our destination to this great celebration.
In this significant event for our region, 200 people gathered, including BC associates and other affiliates, as well as sponsors, presidents of the different tourism associations in the State and special guests to celebrate the commitment and continued leadership in the tourism industry.
About AFEET
The Women’s Association of Executives of Tourism Companies of the Mexican Republic, A.C. (AFEET), dedicated to promoting female leadership in the tourism sector.
With more than 52 years of history, AFEET has established itself as a benchmark for female leadership in the Mexican tourism industry. Its mission is to bring together women in management positions and business owners in the segment, promoting unity, cooperation, friendship and networking.
The Baja California chapter of AFEET works in various areas to promote the state, highlighting its beaches, valleys, oenology, gastronomy, ecotourism and the cultural wealth of each municipality, as well as the talent of its people.
This subsidiary joins the 11 already existing in the country: Baja California Sur, Campeche, Coahuila, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Monterrey, Oaxaca, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and now, Baja California.
With more than 390 members nationwide and international representation, AFEET continues to strengthen female empowerment and demonstrate that quality and success know no gender.
About Dora Luz Villarino
She is a native of Ensenada and widely recognized in the Baja California Tourism field due to her distinguished career as a Tourism Professional specializing as a Tour Operator. Graduated from the School of Tourism of the Autonomous University of Baja California (U.A.B.C.), Dora Luz has been characterized as an entrepreneurial woman who has managed to overcome various obstacles and adversities that she has faced thanks to her passion and courage, her tenacity as well as its innovation and creativity. Through her company “BAJA WINE TOURS”, Dora Luz is a master creator of “tourist experiences”. Thanks to her professionalism and attention to the details of each tour and each group she serves, Dora Luz has won various regional and international awards. nationals including on 2 occasions the Award for the Diversification of the National Tourism Product awarded by the Federal Secretary of Tourism as well as the Tourism Merit awarded by the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions Committee. Her leadership in the tourism sector has also led her to found organizations such as the Association of Hosts and Tour Operators of Baja California (AATOPBC).
In this significant event for our region, 200 people gathered, including BC associates and other affiliates, as well as sponsors, presidents of the different tourism associations in the State and special guests to celebrate the commitment and continued leadership in the tourism industry.
