Acapulco. It’s hard to think of a place that more defined international tourism’s 20th-century emergence. Cliff divers, Hollywood and Rat-Pack romps, golden beaches and the disco were part of how Americans grew to love and embrace the Mexico beach vacation.

If you were selling travel in the 1960s and 1970s, Acapulco was your ‘A’ list destination for sun and fun. Seasoned Mexico-sellers will no doubt recall Taxco’s fame as the country’s original silver city, and a popular stop for tour buses that once moved the masses south from Mexico City to Acapulco. In the 70’s, an arc of golden sand near the fishing village of Zihuatanejo was groomed to become Ixtapa, adding a second Guerrero coastal resort for visitors. And for almost 40 years, Guerrero state stayed in the lead, hosting Mexico’s annual Tianguis Turístico conference.

But vacation and leisure trends inevitably shift. Mexico diversified its tourism offerings (opening the Baja and Yucatan regions) and stiff competition redirected the spotlight (and international air service) away from coastal Guerrero State. Taxco appreciation faded as well, and Guerrero’s three main attractions saw fewer and fewer international visitors. Even the Tianguis event began moving from town to town in 2012, leaving Guerrero without its marquee tourism forum.

Today, Guerrero State is reestablishing its tourism credentials and relevance to North American visitors. An initiative called the Sun Triangle aims to put Acapulco, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco back into client conversations. Equally important, the Tianguis Turístico event returns to Acapulco in 2015 (March 26-29).

This rebirth can happen only when agents become convinced Guerrero is safe, accessible and dedicated to the needs of the 21st-century traveler. So Travel Agent Academy has just launched a new Sun Specialist training and sales engagement program, found at www.sun-specialist.com

Think about it: What other Mexico state has two internationally known coastal resorts, a world-renowned, 16th-century Spanish silver mining town, and lays claim to inventing the “swim-up bar”?

In Guerrero, cultural wonders are savored within easy reach of legendary and nostalgic comforts, embodied by a triangle of places that some call the best of Mexico.

Throughout the Sun Specialist course you’ll be challenged to rethink Guerrero’s assets and recognize new potential business. Coverage includes these topics:

1. Welcome to Guerrero and the Sun Triangle: Learn key features about Guerrero State – Mexico’s original vacationland. Interactive maps and exercises will help you come away with geographical insights, client motivators and suggestions for great Sun Triangle experiences.

2. Guerrero’s Past: Guerrero is a land rich in ancient history, where centuries ago human civilization first emerged in North America. Cultural traditions, archaeological sites, gastronomy and festivals are all within reach, unfurling in places like colonial Taxco and surrounding indigenous villages.

3. Guerrero Today: In decades past, Guerrero introduced Mexico to millions of visitors. Acapulco became a hedonist’s playground and leisure pioneer, while Ixtapa and adjacent Zihuatanejo have had an ideal culture + comfort blend. You’ll achieve sales success by accessing critical trip-planning resources and information on profit points.

4. Guerrero of Tomorrow: Guerrero is poised and pointed to expand its offering of high-quality, culturally enhanced visitor experiences. New luxury hotels, infrastructure, air service, and visitor amenities are infused with unique Guerrero sun, fun and flavor.

Wherever your clients start, Guerrero is filled with discovery: 300 miles of golden, tropical seacoast backed by the pine-covered Sierra Madre del Sur. Guerrero is today an underappreciated land of ancient relics, indigenous communities, unhurried villages, and modern comforts. Start your discovery today at www.sun-specialist.com.