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UFC expected to Expand In Mexico

Wed, June 19, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

UFC to capitalize on Latin American market with expansion to Mexico in 2014

The UFC, a popular Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports organization, is considering expansion to Mexico in 2014. Expansion to Mexico would greatly enhance their booming Latin American market, which is already thriving in Brazil. With an enormous MMA following, a growing circuit of regional fight… promotions and great local talent, Mexico has the essential pillars in place.

UFC President Dana White said he would like to take full advantage of this spike in MMA interest; he believes there is a great culture of Mexican MMA fighters who have developed a unique style of Mexican fighting.

These bright local talents include Mexican-American Cain Velasquez, the defending heavyweight champion, and Erik Perez, a rising bantam-weight contender. The success of the expansion efforts depends on whether the UFC is able to build and nurture these rising stars to bolster community support.

However, for now, the UFC is relying on a similar model it presented in Brazil--a joint-venture deal with a television network--to increase its TV presence in Mexico. This strategic partnership with Televisa Networks will give the organization a way to disseminate free UFC programming on existing channels. According to media reports, it could launch as early as September 2013.

Plans are also in the works to add a Spanish -language version of "The Ultimate Street Fighter" to the network, tentatively titled: "The Ultimate Street Fighter: Latin America." UFC executive Marshall Zelaznik, chief of international development, believes that having a regionally specific series and a live event in Mexico City would spearhead the UFC's business efforts in Mexico.

If the UFC can implement successful expansion efforts in Mexico in 2014, perhaps, a blueprint will be laid for future endeavors to help make the UFC a global sporting heavyweight!

Fri, June 14, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Ferrari's CEO Believes Mexico Is Primed To Be The 'Next China'

During a discussion held between Burgess Yachts CEO Jonathan Beckett and Gotham Jets CEO Gianpaolo De Felice, Ferrari North America CEO Marco Mattiacci made a bold statement saying that “Mexico is the next China.”

Mexico’s future is shaping up to make it the next contender in automotive production. This increase in production is due in some part to Ferrari with its upcoming production of La Ferrari as well as the entire automotive industry. Ferrari North America CEO Marco Mattiacci wants to reduce the production of Ferraris from last years’ numbers of 7,318 to less than 7,000 to preserve the brand’s exclusivity. While Ferrari production may be lessening because of exclusivity, other brands are having the reverse effect, pushing Mexico’s production to an all time high.

Production in Mexico is anticipated to steadily grow over the next 13 years due to increased wealth creation, desire for industry, and international investments. Mexico’s status has given indicators that manufacturing is indeed increasing due to exceptional quality of education for workers, and governmental reform. The future of Mexico’s automotive industry is looking promising!

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Thu, June 13, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

China expected to consume 10 million liters of tequila from Mexico in next five years

Thanks to an agreement signed by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will reduce trade barriers on the sale and import of Mexican tequila. Mexico is expected to export 10 million liters of tequila to China over the next 5 years. …

Ramón González, President of the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, predicted that by 2018 China will be the world’s second largest importer of tequila, behind only the United States. “China represents a golden opportunity for tequila and agave.”

The “tequila pact” was one of a series of trade agreements signed by the two presidents at a bilateral meeting in Mexico City. The accords span industries like food, energy, mining, tourism, infrastructure and education. As part of the education initiatives, China invite 100 Mexican youths to summer camps on Chinese soil and offer 300 government grants over the next three years to Mexican youths who want to study abroad there.

Mexico_Third_Worldwide_Social_Networks_Followers

Tue, June 11, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Mexico Ranks 3rd Worldwide in the Number of Followers on Social Networks

According to E-Tourism Monitor, the Mexico Tourism Board now ranks third in the world in Facebook likes. With approximately 965,000 likes on Facebook, Mexico is close behind the UK with 1.1 million likes Australia with 4.5 million. Social media is rapidly affecting the way citizens travel domestically, with… significant numbers of users making travel decisions based on their friends’ social media activity. Uploading images, declarations of excitement, and easy access to websites for travel information; social media is fast becoming the market place for tourism interest and growth globally.

As the third most-liked national tourism organization on Facebook, Mexico is well on its way to achieving its tourism goals. Tourism accounts for 9 percent of the gross domestic product of Mexico and salaries in the tourism sector are 30 percent above the national average. President Enrique Peña Nieto has stated that "We will open Mexico to the world, and the world will visit Mexico. Tourism is a fundamental component of our economy and a key driver of national development." And Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, highlighted Mexico as a trendsetter in the global tourism industry. "I have no doubt that tourism is the future of Mexico. Under the President's leadership, tourism will be used as an engine to drive development for all Mexicans," she said.

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Avocados_From_Mexico_Inc._Exotic_Everyday

Mon, June 10, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Avocados From Mexico Inc. Looks to Move Avocados From Exotic to Everyday

We have all seen them; the curious looking pear shaped green fruit that is sold in the produce isle of most grocery stores. That fruit, most likely to have come from Mexico, would be an avocado. Mexico contributes not only 60 percent of the US supply of avocados, but is the only producer to export… avocados year round.

The avocado industry has steadily increased over the past five years with sales climbing to a whopping 11% percent between 2010 and 2011 alone. While these numbers are impressive, there are still many consumers who do not buy avocados. Recently, a campaign led by Avocados From Mexico (AFM) has allocated $36 Million dollars to grow and brand avocados from Mexico. AFM carefully selected Arnold Worldwide and Ketchum to creatively market the avocado. Tasked with a unique market campaign; AFM alongside Arnold and Ketchum, aim to brand the avocado from exotic to everyday. A promising quote from Arnold’s president, "Engaging the hearts and minds of people and inspiring them to use avocados everyday is an incredible creative challenge. We're thrilled to get started and channel our passion into fueling the growth of the avocado marketplace.” Get ready for some creative market campaigns for the delicious green fruit!

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El Chileno is One of Five Blue Flag Eco-Friendly Beaches in Mexico

Fri, June 07, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

5 Beaches in Mexico Honored With Blue Flag Eco-Friendly Designation

Five Mexican beaches have been recognized as world-class eco-friendly destinations, according to the international environmental organization Blue Flag. According to a release from SEMARNAT, “These certifications show that Mexican beaches are able to compete with world-class destinations.” …

The Blue Flag Beaches recognized in Mexico are Playa Chahué in Huatulco, Oaxaca; El Chileno in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur; Playa Delfines in Cancún; El Palmar in Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Guerrero; and Nuevo Vallarta Norte, in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit. These beaches were selected by a panel of judges that included representatives from the United Nations Environmental Program and the World Tourism Organization.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-friendly designation. It has been awarded to more than 3800 beaches and marinas around the world. The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and Safety and Other Services. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and run by the non-government, non-profit organisation the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

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Planners_Forgotten_Spaces_Public_Spaces_Mexico_City

Fri, June 07, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Planners Transform Forgotten Spaces into Public Places in Mexico City

The vacant lots beneath Mexico’s highway overpasses are getting a makeover. Theses underpasses are being transformed into commercial and recreational space at no cost the Mexican government. …

The Under Bridges program specifies that 50 percent of the land remain as public space, with playgrounds, exercise areas, greenery and picnic tables; 30 percent is commercial and office space; and the remaining 20 percent is reserved for parking. Instead of spending money to develop the land, Mexico granted concessions to private developers allowing them to bear the cost of cleanup, construction and maintenance while leasing the commercial and retail space to business approved by city officials.

From resource drain to commercial real estate fame, four under bridge zones have been built, with twenty more in the works. The zones are improving the community, the economy, as well as public safety in Mexico City. As a result of development, pedestrian crosswalks, street lights, and trash cleanup, public safety has increased, ultimately resulting in more security, more people and revenue generated for Mexico.

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Mexico City

See video

Wed, June 05, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Pati Jinich Discusses her new cookbook of Mexican cuisine at Google Talks

Mexican chef Pati Jinich, host of Pati’s Mexican Table on PBS, discussed her inspirations behind Mexican cooking in a recent interview at Google. Jinich is the author of a new cookbook "Pati's Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking." …

You can hear the excitement in her voice and the light in her eyes whenever she mentions the indescribable taste of chipotles in adobo sauce or poblano peppers that she affectionately calls "vegetables with a load full of personality."

Jinich is packed with personality.

Realizing that she has strong roots to both countries, Jinich stated she is "happily torn between the United States and Mexico."

In fact, it was her nostalgia for Mexico while living and studying political science in Texas that awakened her insatiable desire to experiment with cooking. She admits at first, she was terrible, but that the process of rediscovering Mexican ingredients in her new country gave her a warm and cozy feeling.

Jinich toiled with the idea of cooking full time, but continued her academic studies relegating cooking to a hobby, until she finally enrolled in cooking school a second time to explore this burgeoning passion.

"It's funny because people say that you should do what you love and [cooking] is really taking over," Jinich said.

With cooking, Jinich is able to reconcile her two roots and with her book you will find these. She tried to show Mexican home cooking with recipes and ingredients familiar to Americans and reinventions of Mexican recipes to satisfy her diverse palette.

To Jinich, cooking "helps to find those links that are sometimes missing from [the] chain."

When talking about the power of cooking, Pati mentions she is humbled by how much she does not know about her new country's food and vice versa. The important thing she noted is that food tells a story and it is that story, she says, that makes things beautiful.

And, when asked about her children's favorite foods Jinich said she always likes to compare food of a place to its people. French food is a little bit fussy and the people are similar to that. Mexican food, she told the audience member, is "super versatile and accommodating, like us Mexicans!"

In her book, Jinich describes ingredients to give people knowledge and believes connecting to the ingredients is different.

"[It is the] legends and the stories...that make the cooking experience more magical," Jinich said.

Puerto_Vallarta_Restaurant_Week_2013_Lifestyle

Wed, May 29, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Puerto Vallarta Lifestyles Sets Restaurant Week 2013 in Motion

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has announced that the 9th annual edition of the Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week will again take place from May 15 to the 31st. Cities around the world, from New York to London, set aside a week or two each year to encourage visitors and locals to experience the taste and ambiance of their… restaurants.

For this year’s edition the Restaurant Week will enjoy the participation of 35 restaurants, with seven of them participating for the first time. Established in 2005 by Grupo Editorial Vallarta Lifestyles, Restaurant Week is a two-week event in which during the festival all participant restaurant of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will introduce a special three-course menu, with three options to choose from for each course, at a reduced price.

This year’s participating restaurants are Cafe des Artistes, Le Kliff, La Leche, La Palapa, Vista Grill, Barcelona Tapas, Archie´s Wok, Trío, Vitea, Blanca Blue, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dicks, De Santos, Boca DOS stk, El Arrayán, Cocos Kitchen, Hacienda San Angel, La Bodeguita del Medio, Rancho 3 Puertas, Las Casitas, Ginger Garden Lounge, Porto Bello, River Cafe, Taste Restaurant, Prime 169, Nicksan, Tratoria Michel, Sí Señor, and The Blue Shrimp. Each restaurant assigns a price for their meal, and it will range from $199.00 to $299.00 pesos, depending on the restaurant.

$189 pesos

$299 Pesos

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Puerto Vallarta

Mexico_Large_Millimeter_Telescope_Business

Wed, May 22, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Mexico’s Large Millimeter Telescope Opens for Business

After detecting its first light spectrum from a distant galaxy in 2011, Mexico’s Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) is set to begin its first scientific observation season and gather the data for which it was constructed: how stars, galaxies, and planets are formed. …

As the world’s largest single dish, steerable, millimeter-wavelength telescope, the LMT is located in the central Mexican state of Puebla at the summit of Sierra Negra, a dormant volcano nearly three miles in height.

Despite its location and 70% of the LMT’s funding coming from Mexico, the astronomical initiative is actually a partnership between Mexico’s National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE) and the University of Massachusetts and Amherst College in the United States.

Once the telescope was constructed, building a staff to man the laboratory became the main challenge for David Hughes, the director of the LMT. A challenge indeed as Mexico’s astronomy community was centered on optical and infrared telescopes prior to the LMT.

Hughes was successful in this endeavor, however, as the group of M.Sc. and Ph D. students he trained not only helped train other members of the Mexican community, but they have also gone forth and taught others – forming the next generation of LMT scientists.

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Sierra Negra

Mexico_Adventure_Travel_Expo_Veracruz

Fri, May 17, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Mexico Adventure Travel Expo Coming to Veracruz

On August 14th-17th, Mexico will make a concentrated effort to brand itself as a premier adventure travel destination through the second annual Adventure Travel Mexico trade fair. …

This year’s ATMEX is hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), an organization that boasts 900 members focused on the sustainable development of adventure tourism, Visit Mexico, and the Mexican state of Veracruz.

The goal for the event is to prove the sustainable benefits of adventure travel for Mexico to the attendees, over 400 inbound Mexican operators, outbound tour operators, international buyers, media, industry leaders, and representatives of the government and private sectors.

To help attain this goal, several Mexican states will offer several expense-paid familiarization trips for qualified buyers and media to become better acquainted with some of the natural wonders and adventure activities available in the area.

Additionally, the momentum created from the success of ATMEX’s predecessor, the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit in Chiapas, will help the fair gain the traction it needs to boost this younger sector of the Mexican tourism industry.

Notably, the adventure travel industry, with its focus on building infrastructure, education, and brand awareness, will offer Mexico several economic and social advantages due to its increased emphasis on rural destinations often overlooked by the average tourist. According to Shannon Stowell, the president of the ATTA, ATMEX hopes to capitalize on the current positive trend among travelers electing to take “experiential” vacations; trips that offer a more substantial connection to the nature and culture of a destination.

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Veracruz

Enrique Peña Nieto and the Mexican Diplomatic Corps

Wed, May 15, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Enrique Peña Nieto Discusses Image of Mexico with Mexican Diplomatic Corps

President Enrique Peña Nieto met with Mexican ambassadors from around the world to discuss ways to promote Mexico's international image. …

In a private meeting in Los Pinos, President Peña Nieto requested that the Mexican diplomatic corps take steps to strenghen Mexico's presence in the world, expand international cooperation, promote the value of Mexico in the world and protec the interests of Mexico abroad.

"We are committed to a peaceful and inclusive Mexico," Peña Nieto said. "We want to build a prosperous Mexico with quality education for all. From internal reforms, our goal is a Mexico as an actor with global responsibilities."

Peña Nieto outlined goals for Mexico with different regions of the world. In North America, he seeks the elimination of the visa requirement for Mexicans in Canada; foster greater cooperation on security and attract greater investment flows in the automotive, aerospace, energy and telecommunications sectors. In Latin America, Mexico wants to promote greater regional integration of the region.

Peña Nieto's goals in Europe are to promote the positive image of Mexico as a safe destination for investment, trade and tourism, strengthen strategic relationships, promote greater academic and business exchanges and encourage cooperation on global issues like human rights, the fight against poverty and hunger. In Asia, his priorities are to strengthen and deepen dialogue and political relationship; intensify tourism exchanges, trade and investment, as well as an expansion of programs of scientific and technological cooperation. In the case of the Middle East, the President Peña Nieto stressed the need to promote tourism and cultural exchanges as well as boost trade and mutual investment.

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2013_Chrysler_Town_&_Country

Tue, May 14, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Chrysler launches Mexican-inspired luxury minivan for first time in history with Tanya Moss

For the first time in its history, Chrysler has launched its luxury Town & Country minivan with an exclusive limited edition for the Mexican market. Chrysler, in collaboration with Mexican jeweler Tanya Moss, will produce 150 limited edition 2013 Town & Country Minivans featuring unique design elements created… especially for the vehicle.

Tanya Moss is one of the most important jewelry designers in Mexico. She studied graphic design at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City and specialized in design and manufacture of jewelry at Southern Illinois University. After completing her studies in 1993, she began her career as a professional designer and business woman.

In 1995, after several years of selling his pieces "door to door", Moss opened her first boutique in Mexico City. Tanya’s jewelry creations exclusively use silver and gold, alone or combined with stones, pearls and diamonds. The pieces are unique and exclusive design. In 2003, Moss designs her iconic butterfly, which represents Tanya’s freedom in her designs and becomes the symbol and identity of the brand.

Mexico_Japan_Bolster_Tourism

Fri, May 10, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Mexico & Japan Agree to Bolster Tourism

Mexico is Japan’s most popular Latin American travel destination. Now the Mexican and Japanese governments have inked a deal to jointly promote tourism between their two countries. This recent agreement is part of a larger economic partnership between the Mexico and Japan that dates back to… 2005.

As part of the agreement, Mexico and Japan will educate Japanese travel agents on Mexican cultural heritage and tourism destinations. The two nations also agreed that boosting air connectivity will increase ease of travel and ultimately increase the influx of tourists.

85,678 Japanese travelers visited Mexico in 2012, up 18.5 percent from the year before, according to official figures. Increasing tourism from Asian nations is a priority for President Enrique Peña Nieto. In a recent speech in Nayarit where he unveiled a new national tourism policy for Mexico, Peña Nieto said "We will open Mexico to the world, and the world will visit Mexico. Tourism is a fundamental component of our economy and a key driver of national development."

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Mexico City

Cancun

Thu, May 09, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Sun and Beach Tourism in Mexico is a Win-Win for All

Mexico’s beautiful beaches and resorts receive special attention under President Enrique Peña Nieto’s robust tourism plan. This new initiative aims to strengthen existing destinations and highlight the country’s rich diversity. …

Mexico is already recognized as a top family destination with its luxurious spas and exclusive getaways. From hosting Hollywood’s elite as part of the “Oscars Swag Bag” earlier this year, to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders for their swimsuit calendar shoot, Mexico has long since been recognized as an optimal beach destination.

Apart from maintaining luxury hotspots, the goals of sun and beach tourism also involve strengthening security at beaches as well as promoting lesser-known resorts. In April, the Mexican government launched “Operation Spring Breakers 2013” to ensure safety in Cancun for college students who descend upon sandy beaches. And for those who desire a more laid-back vacation, the tourism plan highlights quaint resort areas such as Tulum. Though removed from the popular destinations Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Tulum is both a luxury and cultural oasis for the bohemian-spirited.

With a privileged geographic location and a vast array of cultural, natural, and historical attractions, Mexico is a dream destination for any tourist. President Peña Nieto has made significant strides towards a burgeoning tourism industry by recognizing this wealth as well as its potential for growth. His plan not only keeps tourists safe and happy, but also contributes to the Mexico’s economic and social prosperity.