Sailing into the Future: Manta’s Wyndham Sail Plaza Transforms Ecuador’s MICE Scene

Magazine:
HQ Global
12th Sep, 2024
Category:
Destination - Americas
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Wyndham Sail Plaza Hotel and Convention Center
Manta, a coastal city on Ecuador's Pacific shore, is gaining recognition as a promising destination for meetings and events. Located in the province of Manabí, Manta is known for its fishing industry and natural beauty, making it an appealing option for regional and international event planners. The Wyndham Sail Plaza Manta Hotel and Convention Center, in collaboration with the Manta Convention Bureau and local government, is at the forefront of positioning Manta for MICE. At FIEXPO 2024, Angelo Renato Teran Ratti, Commercial Director of the Sail Plaza, shared insights with HQ about how Manta is developing into an emerging destination for business events. Part of Ecuador's delegation, Manta also celebrated a win when Ecuador was awarded Best Stand at FIEXPO 2024.
 
Angelo Renato Teran RattiFor our readers who may not be familiar with Manta, Ecuador, can you tell us more about your city. What makes Manta an exciting destination to know about?
 
Manta is a charming coastal city located in the province of Manabí, right in the centre of the Ecuadorian Coast along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. With approximately 280,000 residents, Manta is known for being one of the country's most important ports. It is a crucial hub for trade and the fishing industry, the same industry where the city has earned the title of the 'World Capital of Tuna'. We are a young destination; we just celebrated our 100th anniversary. However, the growth of the last years and the natural beauty of the coast and beaches have drawn the attention of the country and the world to the city's development mainly because of their tourism, and the fantastic gastronomy. Manabí itself is known as a gastronomic experience in Ecuador. However, the beauty of Manta lies in the fact that the typical and ancestral recipes merge with the naturally delicious seafood of the port to create truly exceptional dishes for gourmets, such as corviche, a very traditional snack made of tuna and plantain, if you want to show some love and affection to a visitor there’s no better treat than a corviche.
 

“I am certain that food is always the best way to connect with the culture of a destination. Through local ingredients, we get to experience the nature, colours and traditions of the place and the people around it”.


The city's economy is vibrant, primarily based on fishing and the export of marine products. Additionally, Manta has experienced significant growth in real state and tourism thanks to its beautiful beaches, warm climate year-round, and a diverse range of water activities, such as surfing, diving, sailing and kite surfing. The destination, however, is more than just the ocean. 20 minutes away from the city, it is possible to visit the Pacoche Rain Forest, which offers many alternatives such as trekking, observing the famous Howling monkeys, and trying delicious typical food, coffee and other products, all of these in different weather which is a very short drive away from the warm beaches.
 
Manta is also an attractive destination for MICE, due to its modern infrastructure, which includes well-equipped convention centres in high-quality hotels, excellent air connectivity with other important cities in Ecuador and now an international connection through Copa Airlines, with direct flight Manta - Panama. Moreover, its strategic location near the Machalilla National Park and Isla de la Plata, known as the "Little Galapagos," allows visitors to explore the incredible natural landscapes and unique biodiversity of the province of Manabí.
 
Manta is an exciting and important destination because of its dynamic economy, natural beauty, and a growing array of services and amenities catering to business travellers and tourists. The hospitality of its people, the richness of its broad gastronomy and seafood-based cuisine, and the possibility of experiencing authentic and memorable adventures make this city worth knowing and enjoying for international visitors.
 
As an emerging meetings destination, what unique advantages does Manta offer that event organisers may not find in more established convention cities in the region?
 
One of the most significant advantages of the city is that we have a very strong coordination between the private sector (hotels, convention centre, and others), the public leaders, and the academy. So, when permits, information or support is needed, all the actors collaborate very efficiently to make the event happen in the city.
 
Strictly speaking about the venue, as an emerging meetings destination, Manta offers several unique advantages that event organisers might not find in more established convention cities in Ecuador and the region. The city's beautiful beaches and ocean views create an inviting atmosphere for attendees, making the scenery of the experience more enjoyable and memorable. It has rich cultural experiences with exotic local traditions, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. Our city is a place where event attendees can enjoy authentic Ecuadorian seafood cuisine and engage with the friendly local community, adding a unique cultural dimension to their visit, while being very close to natural attractions like Machalilla National Park and Isla de la Plata, an Island in Manabí Province that visitors call ‘Little Galapagos’. These natural wonders offer attendees the chance to explore biodiversity, enjoy eco-tourism activities, and experience the region's natural beauty during pre- and post-event excursions.
 
Despite being an emerging destination, Manta has modern, well-equipped convention centres and hotels. These facilities offer all the necessary amenities for successful meetings and conferences. Moreover, being a smaller venue, Manta experiences less congestion than bigger convention cities. This means less traffic, shorter wait times, and a more relaxed environment, which can enhance the overall attendee experience. As a citizen born and raised here, with considerable international experience, I would define Manta as the exact blend between a modern city and a peaceful coastal location.
 
How accessible is Manta for international attendees regarding flight connections and transportation options? What makes the city a convenient hub for regional and global events?
 
Manta is relatively accessible for international attendees, offering convenient flight connections and transportation options that make it a practical hub for regional and global events:
 
Manta is served by the Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC), which offers domestic flights to major cities in Ecuador, like Quito, and an international flight to Panama with four frequencies per week. The city will soon be getting a fifth frequency that could start operating by the end of the year, depending on airplane availability.
 
These flight connections make it relatively easy for international attendees to reach Manta with a single or connecting flight, keeping in mind that Panama is a hub that connects international visitors with the rest of the continent and the world.
 
As I mentioned, Manta's strategic location on Ecuador's central coast is within a reasonable distance from major cities like Quito and Guayaquil. This proximity allows for convenient travel arrangements for attendees from different parts of the country or region. The city has a well-maintained road network and transportation infrastructure. The city also has a modern bus terminal for national travel, which is very comfortable and well-equipped with pharmacies, grocery stores, restaurants, and even banking services.
 
Manta is known as the ‘World Capital of the Tuna’. Can you tell us more about the city's expertise in hosting major fishing events and how event organisers can leverage these water-based activities for their conferences and meetings?
 
Manta's reputation as the "World Capital of Tuna" comes from its prominent role in the tuna fishing industry. The tuna business was a venture between Ecuadorians and foreign investors, Italians and Japanese, who started the first canning and fresh fish facilities, industries that later developed the large Ecuadorian fishing business and the vessels fleet, considered the most important in the oriental Pacific.
 
Organisers have leveraged their events in the past through this industry, enhancing the relevance of the conferences and meetings. The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) Annual Meeting has been held in Manta for the last two years. This is an event for fishing authorities and big private players in the business, and attendees come from all the different continents worldwide. It consists of 11 days, and the event occurred at the Wyndham Sail Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.
 
Organisers design conference themes or networking events around Manta's marine heritage and their robust tuna and fishing industry, the same industry that is always actively participating in the organisation of the event, and that offers experts and leaders in the business who are always attractive networking contacts for international visitors. Incorporating elements such as seafood tastings, fishing excursions, or educational sessions on sustainable fishing practices is always attractive to event organisers. The name of the city around Marine practices is internationally known.
 
At the moment, I don not think Manta has important fishing tournaments that we could mention, but I believe there is a market for it, and it should be developed. However, by incorporating Manta's expertise around fishing and water-based activities into the conferences and meetings, event organisers can create unique, engaging, and memorable experiences for attendees. Leveraging the city's marine heritage enhances the event agenda and showcases Manta's identity as a leading destination for maritime events and activities.
 
 
 

What makes the Wyndham Manta Sail Plaza Hotel & Convention Center and its meeting facilities ideal for international associations and event organisers looking to host their next conference or meeting in Manta?
 
The Wyndham Manta Sail Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is the largest hotel facility on the Ecuadorian Coast. It boasts the country’s largest ballroom, making it an ideal choice for international associations and event organisers planning conferences or meetings in Manta. Owned by the Aray-Ratti group, local investors in Manta, the hotel is situated in the city's prime area, offering ocean views and a striking design inspired by the sails of a vessel.
 
The Sail Plaza features a modern, well-equipped convention centre with state-of-the-art facilities, including meeting rooms, conference halls, and exhibition spaces. These facilities can accommodate various event sizes, from small gatherings to large-scale events. We have successfully hosted events for up to 2,000 attendees in our main ballroom, the Golden Sail. Whether for a large international conference or a more intimate meeting, the venue can be customised to meet the specific needs of the organisers.
 
Due to its extensive infrastructure, events are a core focus of The Sail Plaza. Over the years, we have developed a dedicated event planning team experienced in coordinating all aspects of events, including logistics, catering, accommodation, and on-site support. This expertise streamlines the planning process and ensures successful event execution. We also maintain strong connections with trusted partners such as travel agencies, planners, decorators, and artists, ensuring high-quality events at the Wyndham Sail Plaza.
 
Overall, the Wyndham Manta Sail Plaza Hotel & Convention Center is an excellent choice for international associations and event organisers.
 

"I am proud that the Aray-Ratti Group invested in their home city with a facility as significant as the Sail Plaza, giving Manta a chance to shine on national and international stages. The events hosted here not only belong to the hotel but also to the people of Manta."


The Sail Plaza has transformed the MICE industry in the city, hosting numerous large-scale international events and contributing to Manta’s emergence as the national capital of sports. Each year, the city attracts up to 1,800 athletes and visitors who come to experience its vibrant atmosphere. Similarly, other industries have thrived here, including motor racing and medical associations. We remain dedicated to promoting incredible experiences and welcoming people to Manta, working hard as ambassadors for this wonderful city.
 
The Gold Sail
The Gold Sail Ballroom
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Latin America

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