OYSTER BAY, NY – As South America rises as an in-demand destination, the top agencies affiliated with American Marketing Group networks experienced its culture and sights during their recent Elite Retreat. The agency owners cruised from Rio de Janeiro to Montevideo October 27 to November 3 on board a private charter of the Atlas World Navigator in recognition of their sales success.

The cruise highlighted some of Brazil and Uruguay’s top destinations at a time when traveler interest in South America is growing. The continent’s tourism market is worth $320 billion and is projected to grow by four percent a year until 2032, according to Future Market Insights. As well, ocean cruising continues its unabated popularity among clients of AMG affiliated agencies, with sales up 14 percent from 2023.

An AMG survey found that two of 2024’s top trends are off-the-beaten-path travel to exotic destinations and authentic travel. From cosmopolitan cities to historic towns, the Elite advisors enjoyed immersive experiences throughout Brazil and Uruguay. In the resort town of Buzios, they enjoyed a day at a celebrated beach club, with a local barbecue lunch and high-energy music. The former gold rush town of Paraty offered colonial charm and lush natural scenery. Ilhabela and Punta del Este are renowned as tropical paradises, which provided opportunities for water sports as well as pure relaxation.μιμι

As culinary travel soars in demand as a way to sample the flavor of a destination, the advisors mingled on board with a special guest: Brazil native Luciana Berry, a former Top Chef winner. Berry conducted food tastings and cooking demonstrations that brought alive the exotic flavors and ingredients of Brazilian cuisine with creative flair.

“The Elite Retreat is such an exciting event for so many reasons,” said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, American Marketing Group Chief Sales Officer. “We’re honoring our most successful travel affiliates and their incredible sales accomplishments. We’re showcasing rising destinations that clients are requesting more frequently. And we’re providing advisors with firsthand experiences in today’s hottest niches such as small-ship cruising, culinary travel and cultural tourism. They’ll now be able to create even more outstanding trips for their clients.”

AMG chartered the small-ship yacht exclusively for the event, which was an ideal venue for building all-important bonds between advisors and preferred partners. During 1:1 meetings, advisors discovered the latest product and trend developments from suppliers. The itinerary also offered many opportunities for informal networking, including tours, hands-on experiences and evening events, which included a Carnival-themed tropical barbecue party poolside.