It all started 35 years ago with a simple dream—connecting travelers to the best experiences and offering reliable, safe transportation to explore the world’s most stunning destinations. Today, that dream has evolved into a powerhouse of adventure, providing millions of people with unforgettable excursions and seamless transportation across breathtaking countries like: Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Aruba, Curacao, and St. Martin.
Now, as we celebrate 35 years of unforgettable adventures, we invite you to review our history and how we have changed along the years…
A Humble Beginning in Cancun (1989)
It all began on October 2nd, 1989, when Amstar kicked off its operations in the sunny paradise of Cancun, Mexico. Back then, Cancun was growing rapidly as a prime destination for beachgoers, adventure seekers, and vacationers from all over the world.
Amstar seized the opportunity to introduce a service that made travel easier, more enjoyable, and more personal for everyone visiting the region.
The company’s core mission was simple: provide unforgettable experiences while taking care of every detail. Whether it was welcoming guests at the airport, arranging transport to the hotel, or organizing tours to the most exciting local attractions, Amstar aimed to elevate every moment of the vacation.
The magic of Cancun’s beaches, combined with Amstar’s impeccable services, soon made the company a household name in the world of travel. By 1993, just four years after opening our doors, Amstar had already welcomed its one-millionth passenger in Cancun—a remarkable achievement that hinted at the growth to come.
The First Milestone: Celebrating 10 Years (1999)
After a decade of making travelers’ dreams come true, we reached a significant milestone in 1999—our 10th anniversary. In those 10 years, Amstar had already established as the go-to travel partner for countless guests, helping them discover the stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and adventurous activities that Mexico had to offer.
But Amstar wasn’t satisfied with just being great at what was already done; we wanted to be the best. And so, as we celebrated 10 years, the company began looking beyond Cancun, ready to expand to new destinations and bring our magical touch to even more travelers.
Expanding to the Dominican Republic (2002)
By 2002, Amstar had its sights set on the Caribbean. On December 12th of that year, we officially started operations in the Dominican Republic, offering the same high-quality services that had made us a success in Mexico. Guests visiting the island could now experience the seamless, personalized service that had become synonymous of Amstar.
New Horizons: Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Huatulco, and Cozumel (2003-2007)
Not content to stop at the Dominican Republic, Amstar continued to expand in Mexico. In 2003, we opened offices in Puerto Vallarta, one of the most picturesque beach towns on the Pacific coast. This destination was the perfect addition to the growing of our list.
Just four years later, in 2007, Amstar set its sights on Los Cabos, Huatulco, and Cozumel. Each of these locations offers something unique: Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Huatulco is home to lush jungles and pristine bays, and Cozumel is a diver’s paradise with some of the best coral reefs in the world.
By this point, Amstar was becoming the go-to DMC for travelers looking for the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and local culture. With every new destination, we brought our signature warmth, care, and professionalism, ensuring that guests felt like VIPs from the moment they arrived.
20 Years of Excellence (2009)
By 2009, we had been in the travel game for two decades, and what an incredible 20 years it had been! The company had grown from a small operation in Cancun to a regional powerhouse, with operations in multiple destinations across Mexico and the Caribbean.
But by this time, Amstar was looking to innovate, so in 2009, the company launched its Meetings & Events (M&E) division, recognizing the growing demand for corporate retreats, conferences, and group travel. Whether it was a beachfront wedding, a team-building retreat, or a large-scale conference, our M&E team was ready to help plan and execute every detail.
And that wasn’t the only exciting development in 2009. On October 28th, we officially began operations in Jamaica, adding yet another dreamy Caribbean destination to our portfolio.
Jamaica quickly became one of Amstar’s top destinations.
Partnerships with Top Travel Brands (2013-2015)
As Amstar entered the next decade, we continued to grow through key partnerships with some of the world’s leading travel brands. In 2013, we began welcoming guests from Cheap Caribbean and Travel Impressions, two companies known for offering luxurious vacations at affordable prices. This partnership helped us reach even more travelers, ensuring that our signature service reached a wider audience.
In 2015, Amstar earned its first Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence in the Dominican Republic, a prestigious award that recognizes businesses that consistently earn great reviews from travelers. This award was a testament to our commitment on providing top-tier service to every guest, every time.
Entering New Markets: Hawaii, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Aruba & St. Martin (2014-2020)
Between 2014 and 2020, we continued to expand at an impressive rate, launching operations in some of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world. In 2014, celebrating our 25th anniversary, we launched operations in Hawaii, offering guests the chance to experience the islands’ stunning landscapes, rich culture, and incredible adventure opportunities.
In 2016, Amstar opened its first offices in Costa Rica, and it quickly became one of our most popular destinations, offering guests a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
But the expansion didn’t stop there. By 2019, Amstar was operating in Curaçao, and by 2020, we had launched operations in both Aruba and St. Martin. Each of these destinations offers a unique Caribbean experience.
A Culture of Excellence and Recognition (2017-2021)
Throughout our history, Amstar has earned numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding service. In 2017, the company received the Site Global Crystal Award for our Meetings & Events services—a prestigious honor that recognizes excellence in the global events industry.
In 2021, Amstar and its parent company ALG earned the Great Place to Work certification for the first time. This certification highlights companies that prioritize employee satisfaction and foster a positive work culture. For us, it was a proud moment that underscored our commitment to not only delivering great service to guests but also creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our team, our family.
Leading the Way in Transportation and Celebrating 35 Years (2022-2024)
As we approach our 35th anniversary, we achieved yet another milestone: becoming the DMC with the largest transportation fleet in the Mexican Caribbean. This achievement reflects our dedication to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for guests traveling to and from their destinations. From luxury airport transfers to adventure tours, Amstar ensures that every journey is smooth and stress-free.
And now, in 2024, we are celebrating 35 years of creating magical travel experiences. From our humble beginning in Cancun to our presence in over 12 destinations across the Caribbean and the Pacific, Amstar continues to be a trusted partner for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.
So, we can surely say that as we look ahead to the next 35 years, Amstar will always remain committed to delivering top-tier services, exploring new destinations, and making every journey as magical as the first we ever had.
