Lomas Travel: Overcoming Challenges and Leading Mexican Tourism
Lomas Travel, one of the most influential hotel consortiums in the Mexican Caribbean, is celebrating its long-standing success at the Cancun Travel Mart 2024. Founded nearly 43 years ago by Dolores López Lira and José Luis López Alday, the company has built a solid portfolio that includes travel agencies, loyalty programs, and a diverse collection of luxury hotels.
The Lomas Travel brand has become a cornerstone in the region’s tourism industry, offering everything from hotels and resorts to transportation services. Its impressive hotel portfolio includes renowned properties such as El Dorado Royale, Generations Riviera Maya, Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya, and Palafitos-Overwater Bungalows, among others.
Building Success from Humble Beginnings
Lomas Travel began as a Destination Management Company (DMC), managing ground operations, and quickly expanded into other areas of tourism such as transportation, ships, and even aviation. The company once operated MAYAir, an airline connecting major cities across Mexico, including Cancun, Mérida, Villahermosa, and Cozumel.
Dolores López Lira recalls that the company started with just three rooms but has grown steadily over the years thanks to travel agents. The growth has been driven by the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction and offering exceptional experiences at an accessible price. “We’re not the most expensive, but we give our guests more than they expect,” says Lira.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Lomas Travel has always maintained a strong commitment to sustainability, even before it became a trend. The company’s founder, José Luis López, installed solar panels and used ozone-based laundry systems in the early days. This commitment to eco-friendly operations has not only helped preserve the environment but also resulted in cost savings for the business.
Another key to Lomas Travel’s success has been its high-quality gastronomy. With a focus on local sourcing, the company works with cooperatives of fishermen to ensure its restaurants feature fresh, high-quality ingredients, setting it apart in the competitive tourism market.
Focus on Equity and Inclusion
Lomas Travel is also committed to promoting gender equity within the company, with a particular emphasis on supporting female talent. Recently, HSBC recognized the company for its efforts in advancing gender equity, solidifying its reputation as a leader in both business and social responsibility.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Like many businesses in the tourism industry, Lomas Travel has faced significant challenges, including fluctuations in the Mexican peso, rising operational costs, and the impact of global crises such as the H1N1 epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a 20-30% decline in income due to currency devaluation, operating costs increased by over 40%. The pandemic, however, proved to be a turning point, as Lomas Travel successfully navigated the crisis with the support of its dedicated team and a strong local network of travel agents.
Looking Toward the Future
Lomas Travel remains optimistic about the future, with expectations for a strong winter season and a rebound in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector in 2025. The company’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing market conditions have solidified its position as one of the top players in Mexico’s tourism industry.
As Lomas Travel celebrates over four decades of success, its continued focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and innovation ensures that it will remain a key player in shaping the future of the Mexican Caribbean’s tourism landscape.
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