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Thu, 2012-05-17 23:48 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Robert Redford Talks About his Love of Mexico at the WTTC Americas Summit

Acclaimed American actor, director and environmentalist Robert Redford, an invited guest of the World Travel & Tourism Council Americas Summit, brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to Thursday morning’s sessions, entertaining the audience with stories of growing up as a rebellious kid in a… working-class Los Angeles neighborhood, his rise to superstardom and his longstanding connection to Mexico.

Redford, who was interviewed by Ogilvy Public Relations Global CEO Chris Graves, founder of Wall Street Journal Television, also shared his insight into the increasing importance between tourism and sustainability -- an issue to which he’s long been dedicated, evidenced in part by the solar-powered house he built in Utah in the 1970s. Striking a balance between economic development and protecting the environment -- without sacrificing either -- is crucial for government agencies and tourism organisations, he said.

“Tourism is a wonderful business, and it brings great adventure and experiences to people all over the world,” he said, noting that, historically, “there’s been a separation between tourism and sustainability, [a mentality to] just develop wherever you can, as much as you can, without any concern to what you’re doing to the environment.

However, he also noted that “the dialogue is changing to a more positive [notion] that you can have both sustainability and tourism.”

Redford also described his special connection to Mexico, which started when he was a “rebellious” young boy who “didn’t follow authority well” in a working-class Los Angeles neighborhood. Redford and his family lived in a largely Latin community, and he spent summers with his grandfather in Texas.

It was there, he said, that he’d listen to stories about Mexico from a man whom his grandfather had adopted, in order to prevent him from being deported back to Mexico.

With a nod to the dozens of travel industry executives in the audience, Graves also asked Redford what words of advice that he, as a successful storyteller via the film medium, had for telling the stories of their respective destinations in order to attract more visitors.

“There’s no greater marketing than word of mouth,” Redford responded. “The idea of someone coming to a place, experiencing it, and coming away with a good experience is the best you can do.”

The Oscar winner also provided a brief summary of a movie he’s scheduled to start shooting in Mexico in June, which is titled All is Lost, according to online reports. “It’s [about] a man alone on a boat -- and there’s no dialogue,” he said, followed by chuckles from the audience.

Thu, 2012-05-17 23:40 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

WTTC Delegates: Travel and Tourism Has Potential to Create 5 Million New Jobs

Travel and Tourism could create an additional five million new jobs worldwide — that was the message driven home in the opening sessions of today’s inaugural WTTC Americas Summit.

In the Presidential Perspective, CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg interviewed President Calderón, who spoke about his recent participation in T20, a conference that took place May 15 and 16 with tourism ministers from 20 of the most developed economies in the world. The objective of the T20 Meeting was to devise proposals, harnessing the tourism industry to fuel job creation, as part of the lead up to the G20 Leaders Summit which will take place in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, on June 18th and 19th.

David Scowsill, President and CEO of the WTTC noted that travel and tourism is responsible for 9% of the world’s GDP, 255 million jobs and $6 trillion in revenue — but potential must be exploited further. “An extra five million jobs could be created over a three-year period,” he said.

A key to enabling greater growth in the sector is visa reform, Scowsill noted. “The burdensome visa process is holding back tourism,” he told delegates.

During the session for the update of the T20, Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, noted the contradictory positions taken by many nations, who spend money to promote tourism “and then we spend more money in preventing people coming to our countries. It doesn’t make sense. Do we want people to come to our countries or don’t we want people to come?”

Wed, 2012-05-16 20:53 Aaron

Aaron
Joined: 09.08.2011

Mario Gutierrez Looks to Keep Triple Crown Hopes Alive at Preakness Stakes

Before the Kentucky Derby, Mario Gutierrez was largely unknown, a small market jockey making the rounds on the racing circuit. On the morning of May 5, the 25-year-old Mexican jockey was tasked with piloting Santa Anita Derby winner I’ll Have Another in the 138th Kentucky Derby, his first-ever… mount in a Triple Crown race. Today, he might be the most well known jockey in the world.

Now that Gutierrez has won the most illustrious of American classics, the once minor-league jockey will again be in the national spotlight. The native of Mexico knows the most pressing date on his calendar is May 19 when he and I’ll Have Another shoot for the second leg of the Triple Crown in the Preakness Stakes.

"It’s a little tiring and I try not to say no to anybody," Gutierrez said during a national teleconference last week. "It’s been a great experience so far and I’m just trying to enjoy it right now ... but we have another big race coming up so we’ll come back to reality.

"It has absolutely changed my life, all these press conferences. Hopefully everyone will understand that racing is my career and I want to be focused for the next big race coming up because this isn’t over yet. I don’t want this to bother me to perform well in the Preakness."

Gutierrez plans to arrive early this week at Pimlico to get acclimated, "but all the tracks are the same," Gutierrez said. "They have dirt and they are a circle. I’ll gallop a few horses and just prepare like I did for the Kentucky Derby. Hopefully everything goes right."

If everything goes right, the once upstart jockey from Mexico might be the center of the sports universe.

39.290385

-76.612189

Baltimore

Wed, 2012-05-16 18:16 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Sir James Paul McCartney Relives Beatle-mania in Mexico City

More than 200 thousand people attended Sir James Paul McCartney’s concert in Mexico City, and enjoyed a unique Mexican Mariachi version of the Beatles classic “Obi-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” which made it a great success. The English musician, singer-songwriter and composer and formerly… Beatles member performed at a free concert for three hours in Mexico City’s historic central square, the Zocalo.

An amateur video from one of the attendees posted on YouTube shows the excitement lived when McCartney performed his Beatles classic surrounded by the Mariachi band.

Waving the Mexican flag, McCartney enchanted attendees with his charm and great energy accompanied by a traditional Mexican mariachi band. The concert was part of his Latin American “On the Run” tour which also includes stops in Uruguay, Colombia and other cities in Mexico.

The performance landed on Mexico's Mother's Day and the ex-Beatle took the opportunity to congratulate all the Mexican mothers as well as his wife Nancy Shevell.

Two days before his free concert in the Zocalo, McCartney performed to 70 thousand attendees at a paid concert in the Azteca Stadium.

According to Hello Magazine, McCartney shared his feelings towards his free concert at the Zocalo, "It was quite emotional and exciting that people who might not be able to afford to come to our shows could come to this. It was like Beatlemania all over again.”

Tue, 2012-05-15 18:41 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Riu Hotels & Resorts Opens New Hotel in Cancun

Riu Hotels and Resorts - the Spanish chain with over 100 hotels in 16 counties - inaugurated its latest hotel, the Riu Palace Peninsula, in Cancun Mexico on May 4, 2012. The hotel is characterized by its contemporary architecture and modern decorations throughout its 562 rooms and 48 villas, all of which enjoy magnificent… views of the Caribbean ocean.

Guests at the resort enjoy from Riu’s renowned 24-hour all inclusive program which includes a huge variety of local and international dishes through its main restaurant and five specialty restaurants. Visitors also have access to seven different bars, each of which has an extensive selection of domestic and international cocktails.

In addition to white sand beaches and five different pools, the hotel also offers a variety of activity and entertainment option all of which are included in the All Inclusive package. Guest can participate in a number of water sports like windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. During the day and night, the hotel provides live shows, music, and other entertainment. And for those looking for some pampering, the hotel also offers a full Renova Spa with a gym, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

Visitors to the hotel would also benefit from exploring some of Cancun’s historical and natural attractions like the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá or the turtle protection and reproduction center on Isla Mujeres.

Tue, 2012-05-15 18:32 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Tourism officials of G20 Nations Convene T20 Summit in Merida

Ministers of Tourism from G-20 nations will convene in Merida, Yucatan from May 15-16 for the T20 Tourism Summit. The purpose of the T20 Summit is to exchange views towards strengthening the tourism sector, streamlining the flow of tourists between nations, increasing job creation and promoting sustainable… tourism.

The T20 Summit in Merida will also include representatives from several international organizations, including the International Labour Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the European Commission and the World Travel & Tourism Council.

As host of the T20 Summit, Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara will showcase Mexico’s robust tourism sector, including its Gastronomic Routes, Mundo Maya (“Mayan World”).

Following the T-20 meeting, the ministers and representatives of the participating international organizations will travel to Riviera Maya for the inaugural Regional Summit of the World Travel & Tourism Council, which will take place May 16th to 18th, bringing together more than 500 travel and tourism industry CEOs from throughout the Americas.

Sat, 2012-05-12 15:24 Julie Van Antwerpen

Julie Van Antwerpen
Joined: 09.08.2011

A New Mexico Hyatt to Replace Hotel Nikko Mexico City

The Hyatt Hotel has long held a reputation of excellence for travelers around the world. Now, a new Hyatt Regency will be coming to Mexico City, and will be the fourth of its kind for the country. Hyatt will purchase the hotel – which is currently Hotel Nikko Mexico – from Japan-Mexico Hotel… Investment Co. for nearly $190 million.

With an upcoming $40 million renovation over the next three years, the hotel chain says that it hopes to reinforce the hotel as the preferred business and leisure hotel in Mexico City.

“Our strategic investment in this hotel, which has a highly visible presence in Mexico City, will increase awareness of Hyatt in Latin America and will support our long-term goal of becoming the most preferred hospitality company in every segment we serve,” said Steve Haggerty, Hyatt’s global head of real estate and development.

Hotel Nikko Mexico City is one of over thirty existing or planned Nikko Hotels across the world, and is currently the only one in Mexico. The luxury establishment holds 756 rooms, and will move to 734 rooms after Hyatt’s rebrand turns several existing rooms into suites.

Upon completion, the new Hyatt Mexico will offer amenities such as two signature Japanese restaurants, a three-meal restaurant and lobby bar, business center, fitness center, tennis courts and pool. With its new Hyatt Regency coming to the city, investors and citizens alike hope that this will bring an appreciated boost to Mexico City, as well as a draw to tourists around the world!

19.432608

-99.133208

Mexico City

Fri, 2012-05-11 14:41 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

National Delegations Comprised of College Students Represent their Countries at the Y20 Youth Summit in Puebla

Puebla, Mexico, May 9, 2012 -- Mexican authorities launched the G20 Youth Summit (also known as the Y20 Summit), which looks to analyze the challenges that young people around the world will face and define solutions to these issues from a global perspective. …

Chancellor Patricia Espinosa Cantellano kicked off the forum at the William O. Jenkins Convention Center in Puebla and insisted that the participants focus on formulating proposals that address issues that will be discussed the G20 Summit.

She expressed her enthusiasm for the meeting, as it unites a vast multicultural mosaic of young people.

“The G20 is much more than an important global forum for addressing economic issues, it is also a process in the evolution of addressing social issues”, said the chancellor.

She highlighted that half of Mexico’s population – more than 50 million people – are under the age of 26, which reflects a young country that will have to face poverty, inequality, and lack of decent job opportunities.

At a global level, she said, an important percentage of the three million young people inhabiting the planet remain unemployed, which is why it is urgent to identify mechanisms, such as public policies, that permit their inclusion into the labor market.

On his end, Erick Clavel Benítez, president of the Planning Organization and a member of the Mexican Y20 Committee, emphasized that the national delegation will plan out realistic and concrete proposals for including all social sectors into an equitable growth dynamic.

Miguel Ángel Carreón, general director of the Mexican Youth Institute, stated that the global youth unemployment rate is over 12 percent, which is why their findings should not only foment the participation of the youth sector but also all social spheres to prevent the unemployment phenomenon.

On his end, poblano leader Rafael Moreno Valle emphasized the relevance of the forum, attributable to the discussion of issues such as youth employment, food security, and environmental policies, among others.

Throughout the Y20, each participating country has a delegation of seven college students and each group will work on developing a document addressing an economic and labor issue in the youth sector, which they will later present to their own government.

Fri, 2012-05-11 08:09 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

The Outlook for Growth in the Mexico Economy

Siemens Mesoamerica, Unilever Personal Care, and the Coca-Cola Company agree that the Mexico economy has a growth market and that there is… constant opportunity to develop along with the country. Find out more by watching the MexicoToday video above.

Thu, 2012-05-10 16:14 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Baroque Architecture, Cobblestone Street, Sidewalk Cafes, and Beautiful Churches Makes Guanajuato the Most Romantic City in Mexico for American Tourists

Guanajuato, the capital of the Guanajuato State is a historical and picturesque city full of agreeable little plazas, streets lined with stairs and houses of pastel-colored facades and balconies trimmed with iron work, and flower-filled window boxes. Certainly the type of city you would expect to be… filled with tourists seeking to soak in some colonial culture and expats looking for a taste of Mexico’s famous laid back lifestyle. But for some reason Guanajuato has remained relatively obscure compared to nearby popular expat destinations like San Miguel de Allende and Ajijic.

Perhaps the city’s steep canyon walls and twisted up-and-down alleyways have discouraged visitors that prefer to get around by car, but if that doesn’t deter you from wanting to visit the crown jewel of Mexico’s colonial cities then you should put Guanajuato on your to-do list.

Guanajuato was established in the 16th century when the Spanish found rich veins of silver and built a magnificent city over the mines. By the 18th century Guanajuato had become the world’s leading silver-extraction center. Thanks to this prosperity, the city built beautiful Baroque and neoclassical buildings that influenced the architecture of Central Mexico. The churches of La Compañia and La Valenciana are considered to be among the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America.

Today Guanajato is a city of incredible charm, considered by many to be the most romantic city in Mexico. In the 20th century, the city added to the already eye-pleasing structures left by the Spanish by erecting several architecturally outstanding monuments and buildings such as the Juarez theater, the government palace, and the Hidalgo market. In addition to the city’s stunning architecture, the University of Guanajuato serves as the city’s cultural nucleus. The University gives Guanajuato a vibrant cultural life where plays, concerts, dance and international movies take place year-round. Each October, Guanajuato plays host to the International Cervantino Festival where world-renowned music, dance and theater groups come from around the world to perform.

The city is a maze of cobblestone streets and alleys that wind around steep hillsides upon a small ravine, opening into vistas of beautiful churches and small plazas. The most famous of these alleys is the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss). The local romantic legend has it that this callejón is so narrow that lovers, each standing on a balcony of each side of the alley, can reach across the alley and exchange a kiss.

In the evenings, it is difficult to escape the street music in the center of town. In the social plaza, the Jardín Unión, the mariachis and norteños bands vie with each other for paying customers sitting in the sidewalk cafés. It's not uncommon to see two or three bands playing simultaneously just a few yards apart, a cacophony that the Mexicans seem to love. They dance among the tables.

Some expats compare Guanajuato to the small, medieval towns of Tuscany and Provence. However, Guanajuato is more animated and less expensive that other top choices for the romantic retiree. An expat couple can expect to live well in Guanajuato on a budget of about $1,300 to $1,700 per month, including rent, entertaining, and dining out. For American tourists Guanajuato is easy to reach, located just a two-hour flight from Dallas and Houston.

Tue, 2012-05-08 20:38 Aaron

Aaron
Joined: 09.08.2011

Veracruz Native, Mario Gutierrez, Rides to Victory at 2012 Kentucky Derby

Just one year ago, Mario Gutierrez was watching the Kentucky Derby, dreaming of winning America's most famous race. Cut to Cinco de Mayo 2012, riding the horse “I’ll Have Another,” the Mexican jockey raced to victory on his first Kentucky Derby mount. …

Gutierrez was born in Veracruz, Mexico but built his professional jockey career in Canada. Since 2006, Gutierrez has been one of the leading riders at Hasting Race Course in Vancouver, winning riding titles in 2007, 2008 before coming up short for a third on the final day of the meeting last year.

For Gutiérrez, the road to the Kentucky Derby has been an unexpected one. While every jockey dreams of riding in the sport’s biggest spectacle, the dream didn’t become reality for Gutiérrez until a couple of months ago.

“I come from a very small town, and my family didn’t have much money,” he explained. “I was racing quarter horses. I didn’t even know about thoroughbred racing really. I just knew I wanted to be a jockey like my dad.”

During his stint in Canada, Gutierrez was able to find rides in Northern California, and finally got a race at the famed Santa Anita. It was there that owner Paul Reddam first met Gutierrez and liked what he saw.

When Gutierrez was first introduced to I’ll Have Another, man and colt clicked. Trainer Doug O’Neill recognized the bond that seemed to form between the two and Reddam decided to give the pair a chance, a decision that paid off big time.

“As a jockey, you dream, you wish you’ll be there [at the Kentucky Derby], but you never expect it to happen,” Gutiérrez said. “Every jockey trains to go there and ride in that huge race. I’m so excited and so happy that it happened to me,” said Gutierrez.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who finished second in Saturday’s Derby aboard Bodemeister, rides with Gutierrez on the Southern California circuit.

“You know what, when you speak to him, there is nothing phony about this kid,” Smith said. “Probably one of the nicest kids you will meet. He is the kind of guy you root for. When I realized it was going to be him that was going to beat me, I was hoping no one would pass him. He’s that kind of guy. He’s a genuine, nice, good person. They’ll know him now, and you’ve not seen the best of him.”

I'll Have Another will now look to take the next step towards becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 when Affirmed swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes within a five-week span. The Preakness takes place Saturday, May 19.

38.252665

-85.758456

Louisville

Mon, 2012-05-07 19:43 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Wilson Center Hosts Panel to Discuss Priority Issues for the G-20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico

As Mexico prepares to host the upcoming G-20 Summit in June, the Wilson Center in Washington, DC convened a panel of experts to identify and discuss several priority issues. These issues include the eurozone crisis, strengthening the global financial architecture, promoting sustainable development, and financial… inclusion. The distinguished panel was comprised of:

• Gerardo Rodríguez Regordosa – Undersecretary of Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit

• Mark Sobel – Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Monetary and Financial Policy, US Department of Treasury

• Arturo Sarukhan – Mexico Institute, Advisory Board Member; Mexican Ambassador to the United States

• Andrés Rozental – Mexico Institute, Advisory Board Member; President, Rozental & Associates; Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution

• Colin I. Bradford – Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development

• John W. Sewell – Senior Scholar Author, Former President of the Overseas Development Council (OCD)

The Group of Twenty, or G20, is the premier forum for international cooperation on the most important aspects of the international economic and financial agenda. It brings together the world’s major advanced and emerging economies. The G20 includes 19 country members and the European Union, which together represent around 90% of global GDP, 80% of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

Mon, 2012-05-07 13:45 Aaron

Aaron
Joined: 09.08.2011

Lonely Planet Travel Writer Provides Facts About Safety in Mexico

Is Mexico safe for tourists? Lonely Planet Travel Writer Robert Reid addressed that question recently in an article reprinted by the Huffington Post. In fact, after reviewing the facts, Reid turned the question on its head, asking “Are Americans Safer in Mexico than at Home?” …

Reid noted “What you don’t get from most reports in the US is statistical evidence that Americans are less likely to face violence on average in Mexico than at home, particularly when you zero in on Mexico’s most popular travel destinations.”

For example, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have far fewer murders than Orlando, home of Walt Disney World. Texans are twice as safe in Mexico, and three times safer than in Houston. According to CNN, violence in Ciudad Juarez dropped by 45 percent in 2011, and the first six weeks of 2012 saw an additional 57% drop, per this BBC story.

Reid even quotes from the US State Department travel warning, which says, “millions of US citizens safely visit Mexico each year.” The travel warning advises warns against non-essential travel to just four of Mexico’s 31 states. Meanwhile, 13 states are fully free from the State Department’s warning, including top Mexico tourist destinations such as Baja California Sur, Yucatan, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guanajuato.

Thu, 2012-05-03 19:36 Megan

Megan
Joined: 09.08.2011

Mexico Remains a Top Spring Break Location

Mexico has retained its position as a top Spring Break location for American students, as well as students from around the world. This year alone, 600,000 tourists visited Mexico, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism. 382,376 Americans traveled to Mexico during the recent Spring Break period of 2012. The… most popular Mexican destinations for Spring Break travel this year were Cancun and Riviera Maya. These resort and beach locations alone accounted for 50,000 individuals traveling on Spring Break. Other popular Spring Break destinations included Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Rosarito Beach, and Playa del Carmen.

Mexican beach destinations are most popular with individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 years old. These sweeping statistics are principally explained by Mexico’s brilliantly pristine waters, spotless sand Mexican beaches, delicious food, and culturally diverse history. It’s estimated that Spring Break visitors will continue flocking to Mexico in vast numbers for years to come to experience its renowned beauty and diversity.

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Thu, 2012-05-03 19:30 Megan

Megan
Joined: 09.08.2011

Yaxchilán: A Remote and Beautiful Mayan City in Chiapas, Mexico

There’s something beautifully mystifying about a location that’s so estranged from society that you feel like you’re being transported back in time. This is the feeling you get in the Mayan city of Yaxchilán in the southern part of Mexico. Symbolically meaning “green… stones”, Yaxchilán is located on the southern most part of Mexico along the Usumacinta River, bordering Guatemala. It is only accessible by boat because of its remote location. Yaxchilán is completely removed from modernity and technology, but is full of expansive green landscapes deep within the Chiapas jungle. Yaxchilán is also the home to picturesque waterfalls, canyons, rivers, and old pasture lands.

The Mayan history of Yaxchilán makes the city even more intriguing to the common visitor. The Mayan city still has reminiscences of ancient Mayan culture in the form of archaeological ruins and sacred Mayan temples. One can explore intricate mural paintings, ceramic materials, and old terraces built of stone. Visiting the Chiapas region of the southern most part of Mexico can be an utterly enchanting, and not to mention unique experience, for both Mexicans and international visitors from all over the world.

16.895641

-90.966024

Yaxchilan

Wed, 2012-05-02 18:45 Megan

Megan
Joined: 09.08.2011

Cinco de Mayo: Best Places to Celebrate the Landmark in Mexican History in the United States

This year on Cinco de Mayo, many symbolic places in the United States are celebrating not only the food and drinks of Mexico but also its rich culture and history. While Americans usually commemorate the holiday by indulging in Mexican food and margaritas, the day actually marks an imperative… landmark in the history of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo represents the day of the Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican military forces fought and won against the imposing French army on May 5, 1862.

One of the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is at the Misión San Antonio de Valero in San Antonio, Texas. The Misión San Antonio de Valero in San Antonio is also referred to as the Alamo for its emblematic role in Mexico’s revolutionary and defining history. The Market Square is a perfect place to visit on Cinco de Mayo for its diverse array of Mexican markets containing jewelry, clothes, mariachi music, art, and food.

Another festive place to visit on Cinco de Mayo is Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This location holds a significant place in Mexican history as well. It is known as the first Spanish settlement on the western coast of the United States during the times of colonization. When Mexico fought for independence from the ruling forces of Spain, they marched upon and claimed the downtown part of San Diego. In addition to the apparent cultural importance of the whole area in Mexican history, today individuals can visit the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. The Center celebrates the different aspects of Mexico’s changing culture and people.

Other landmarks of Mexico’s influence in the United States include Pueblo in Colorado and the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park in Arizona. However, a colorfully quaint and virtually hidden street in downtown Los Angeles called Olvera Street might prove to be one of the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo if you find yourself on the west coast. Olvera Street is home to many brick restaurants, charming shops, and authentic Mexican carts selling vibrant products and novelties straight from Mexico. The street is full of life and vigor, especially on Cinco de Mayo.

Tue, 2012-05-01 04:00 Aaron

Aaron
Joined: 09.08.2011

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Visit Riviera Maya for 2013 Calendar Shoot

The world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders recently enjoyed the sun and surf of the beaches of the Riviera Maya. Despite a recent travel warning from the State of Texas, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders spent a week at the Iberostar Paraíso Maya for their 2013 calendar photo shoot. …

“Iberostar Hotels & Resorts is proud to have a strong partnership with Riviera Maya and one of the most celebrated football teams in the nation, the Dallas Cowboys,” said John Long, Iberostar’s vice president of sales and marketing, in a written release. “As we kick off our year-long strategic partnership, we look forward to hosting the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders at the IBEROSTAR Paraíso Maya for their 2013 Calendar shoot and engaging activities planned for our guests.”

The 2013 calendar marks the third consecutive year that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have chosen Mexico's beaches for the production of their promotional calendar. During their time in the Riviera Maya, the 29 cheerleaders recorded two programs which will be broadcast on national television as well as local TV stations in Dallas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

The Cheerleaders were just some of the more than 562,000 foreign tourists who visited Mexico's sun and beach destinations over the recent Spring Break period, according to Mexico's Ministry of Tourism. This figure includes nearly 77,000 spring breakers which marks a 7.2 percent increase in spring breakers, year over year.

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Mon, 2012-04-30 23:37 Aaron

Aaron
Joined: 09.08.2011

Mexican Diving Star, Paola Espinosa, Eyes Gold in London Olympics

For Mexico’s Paola Espinosa, diving in the London Olympics will come with a lot of pressure as well as pride. Espinosa, world champion at the Rome Worlds in 2009, is Mexico's great hope to win a gold medal from the London Olympic Games, where she will try to seize first place from China's Chen Roulin. …

"These games are to be enjoyed but with an eye towards something big, an individual medal," Espinosa said in an interview with Xinhua.

Espinosa is used to the pressures that come with the international competition, as she won the bronze medal in 10m synchronized platform with her teammate Tatiana Ortiz, in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Rome left me with a desire to dream. It gave me the opportunity to beat the Chinese divers and realize they aren't invincible. If I did it once, why not do it twice," she said.

Espinosa, born in 1987 in the northern city of Mexicali, on the border with the U.S., is confident her talent and sound coaching will carry her past the world’s best divers.

"With the talent I have and the experience she has, I think we make a good team. If I didn't have a coach who knew me and gave me confidence, I wouldn't have achieved any of this. She arrived at the most difficult moment in my career, when I wanted to retire before Athens 2004," Espinosa said.

Espinosa first burst onto the scene at the Barcelona Worlds in 2003, where the 16-year-old took the bronze in the 3m springboard synchronized.

Since then, Espinosa's triumphs have been practically uninterrupted and some of them have been memorable, such as the first world championship won by a Mexican woman in Rome 2009.

32.645570

-115.445342

Mexicali

Mon, 2012-04-30 23:30 Aaron

Aaron
Joined: 09.08.2011

China Dominates at Diving World Series in Tijuana

All eyes were on Baja California’s High Performance Sports Center when FINA Diving World Series came to Tijuana, as this competition set the stage for this summer at the 2012 Olympics in London. Diving’s most elite athletes made the trip to Mexico to compete in this international event, with China as… the odds on favorite to win nearly every category.

China has a legacy of diving excellence, as they have won six of the eight diving gold medals at the 2004 Olympics, and seven of eight in 2008. In the first three Diving World Series events this year – in Dubai, Beijing and Moscow – China won 22 of 24 events, and in one of those they didn’t enter anybody.

In Tijuana, China's Kai Qin swept the men's 3m springboard and Great Britain's Thomas Daley delivering an outstanding performance and taking gold in the men's 10m platform. China did not take part in all events but still managed to earn five titles.

The Diving World Series started in 2007 and also came to Tijuana in 2008. The Chinese were there as well, but the big story was podium finishes by Mexico’s Yahel Castillo and Paola Espinosa in individual events. Mexico carried the momentum into the Olympics a few months later, with Espinosa and partner Tatiana Ortiz taking the bronze in the 10-meter synchronized platform event – one of only three medals Mexico won in Beijing.

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Mon, 2012-04-30 18:03 Julie Van Antwerpen

Julie Van Antwerpen
Joined: 09.08.2011

Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, One of Mexico’s Most Historic Cities

While often overlooked as a top travel destination for tourists visiting Mexico, Puebla is considered one of the countries hidden gems. A colorful city packed with rich traditions and history, stunning architecture, fine cuisines and a culture that is all its own.

Now, with Cinco de Mayo just days away, there’s no better time to become acquainted with the city – as Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, during which an underdog Mexican force took down a large French army in 1862. May 5 grew into a symbol of triumph over foreign oppression, and the city of Puebla each year honors the event with a parade and battle re-enactment.

As citizens ramps up to celebrate this year’s 150th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, the city is more than ever polishing its top draws and attractions, and a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle highlighted the top reasons to visit Puebla.

Leading the list is the rich cuisine the city has to offer. Puebla’s “distinctive blend of pre-Hispanic and European cooking techniques is Mexico’s proudest cuisine,” the article proclaims. From its comida típica (typical foods) such as chiles en nogada and chicken mole poblano, to the variety of options served at the Festival Internacional del Mole – the city offers a host of culinary options that are bound to appeal to any traveler.

After you’ve feasted on the rich culinary traditions of the city, most travelers will enjoy soaking in the endless amounts of history that defines Puebla. In addition to Cinco de Mayo, the colonial city is home to a multitude of significant events to Mexico’s history. Puebla was used as a buffer between rival kingdoms, was a stopover for pre-Hispanic trade, and was part of Cortés’ campaign against the Aztecs. One aspect of the city’s history that is a major draw in and of itself is the stunning architecture, which includes more than 5,000 colonial buildings scattered throughout the city.

Puebla’s public spaces – such as the Plaza de la Constitucion – also add to its charm. The Plaza de la Constitucion was once the location of public hangings and bullfights, and is now considered the city’s cultural and political center.

Finally, it is the city’s broad display of art and museums that are considered one of its top attractions. In the late 17th and 18th century Puebla was known for its Indian pottery, and the city to this day is dotted with colorful tiles in different hues. The many museums of Puebla should also not be overlooked – from religious and colonial art, to the architecture of many of the museums themselves – the city offers no shortage of fine museums. The Amparo Museum (Sugar Candy House) and The Casa de los Muñecos (House of Dolls) are considered two of the best, and both house a display that captures much of the city’s life and culture.

From the delicious cuisine, to the deep history and traditions brought to life around Cinco de Mayo, to the architecture and cultural diversity of the city, Puebla offers no shortage of experiences for travelers and locals alike, and Cinco de Mayo is at the heart of Puebla’s culture.

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