Rosarito’s recent “Rosarito Extraordinario” destination showcase helped strengthen connections between local tourism businesses and the travel professionals who market and sell vacation experiences, according to city tourism officials.

The event brought together more than 50 travel agencies, media outlets and government representatives from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, creating new opportunities for collaboration between tourism operators and potential business partners.

Irán Leonardo Verdugo Contreras, Rosarito’s secretary of Economic Development and Tourism, said one of the event’s biggest successes was introducing local tourism experiences directly to members of the Baja California Tour Operators Association.

“During previous meetings, they told us they wanted to become more familiar with Rosarito’s tourism offerings,” Verdugo said. “Many of them hadn’t experienced the packages we were presenting. After sampling our gastronomy, ultralight flights and other attractions, they’ll be in a much better position to include those experiences in the travel packages they offer. We served as a bridge between local providers and the buyers.”

The showcase also welcomed officials from Chula Vista and tourism-focused media outlets from Southern California, giving them an opportunity to experience attractions beyond the city’s traditional nightlife.

“For many of them, Rosarito had always been associated with its nightlife,” Verdugo said. “Now they’ve discovered our culinary scene, romance experiences, adventure tourism and ecotourism. That firsthand experience will help them promote everything Rosarito has to offer in the Southern California market, which remains our primary visitor base.”

Verdugo said organizers plan to meet regularly with local tourism providers to evaluate new business agreements resulting from the event and measure the impact of media coverage and promotional efforts in California.