Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO (March 27, 2012) – Excellence in travel writing comes in many forms and, in Mexico, recognition for these endeavors now comes in the form of the Nick Gallo Award, created by MexicoPremiere.com  and co- sponsored by Mexico Boutique Hotels four years ago in honor of one of the country’s fondest admirers.

Today, another Mexicophile and, coincidentally, a long time friend of Nick’s took home this prestigious award. Larry Dunmire, journalist and photographer, put together an extraordinary look at whale sharks in Cabo in his article “Gentle Giants of Baja” (Cabo Living Magazine), which was chosen from among dozens of Mexico articles as an excellent feat of storytelling that will surely bring this astonishing adventure to the top of visitors’ lists for years to come.
The 2012 Nick Gallo Award was handed out during a short ceremony hosted by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board during the Tianguis Convention, held for the first time in this exciting seaside city from March 25-28 in its new International Convention Center. This is Mexico tourism’s premier event, a gathering that brings together not only the industry’s buyers and providers, but also a brilliant roster of international and local travel journalists.

David Simmonds and Lisa Coleman of Mexico Premiere and Sylvie Laitre of Mexico Boutique Hotels accepted the award on Larry’s behalf. Dunmire will receive this engraved plaque created by Nick’s widow, Laurie Brown-Gallo, plus a three-night stay for two at the incomparable Casa de Mita, thanks to co-sponsor Mexico Boutique Hotels. Casa de Mita is an ultra-chic beachfront pad, and an ode to good taste and effortless elegance. Owner Marc Lindskog has elevated all-inclusive to a new level, where service is as five-star as the meals, and the only place you’ll need your wallet is at the tiny—but irresistible—boutique shop.
Congratulations, Larry! And, hey, Nick….We hope you’re having fun wherever you are.

About Nick Gallo
Nick Gallo, two-time winner of the Mexico Tourism Board’s prestigious Pluma de Plata award, regular contributor to such prestigious titles as Travel & Leisure, Alaska Airlines Magazine, United Airlines Hemispheres, Private Clubs, Northwest Airlines WorldTraveler, father, husband and matchless colleague, passed away in October 2007 while on assignment in Greece. The following year we at Mexico Premiere started the Nick Gallo Award, dedicated to Nick’s memory and the lofty standards he brought, yes, demanded, to travel writing.  The Gallo Award fills the void left when, at that same time, the yearly Pluma de Plata Award, presented every year at Tianguis by the Mexican government, was discontinued. A touching in memoriam written by fellow writers can be found at www.MexicoPremiere.com/?p=256

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