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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

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

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.

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Medical Tourism in Mexico Appeals to Many

Tue, April 23, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Medical Tourism in Mexico Appeals to Many

President Enrique Peña Nieto recently revealed a new national tourism policy for Mexico, which aims to diversify tourism products for the future as well as to strengthen existing destinations. Among these segments is medical tourism – a growing component of Mexico’s tourism industry. …

Mexico already possesses all of the conditions necessary to be a market leader in medical tourism, largely thanks to state-of-the-art facilities and well-trained physicians. For example, Nuevo León is recognized for its first class medical infrastructure, with nearly 9,000 internationally recognized experts, and 50,000 people employed in the healthcare field. For this reason, Mexico held its first Health Tourism Forum in Monterrey, Nuevo León in August 2011. The primary goal of the forum was to secure Mexico’s place as a leader in the medical tourism industry and to implement a standardized system for measuring quality health care.

Mexico’s health tourism market caters to travelers from around the world looking to combine a health procedure and vacation at a reasonable cost. The industry promises continued growth in Mexico. Tourists from around the world are now traveling to Mexican destinations such as Cancun and Riviera Maya to receive everything from holistic treatments to cardiology and oncology care. Puerto Vallarta also has a growing reputation as a destination for medical tourism. Medical tourism in Puerto Vallarta provides state of art equipment, inexpensive services, bilingual physicians and low waiting times for patients.

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Mazatlán faces the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Fri, April 19, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mazatlán entices Mexico travelers as Cruise Ships Return

During the 38th edition of Tianguis Turistico last month in Puebla, national and international journalists alike flocked to the Marriott hotel for a breakfast hosted by the city of Mazatlán. Praised as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific,’ this colonial city is home to 15,000 expats and the… largest malécon on the Pacific.

Mazatlán has seen much growth in recent years. Carlos Berdegue, vice president of the Mazatlan Hotel & Tourism Association and CEO of El Cid Resorts, has long been an advocate for development within the region. As Berdegue mentioned, “This year marks the return of cruise lines to the port of Mazatlán: Princess Cruises, Norwegian, Holland America and Azamara Cruises.” Berdegue also confirmed that forty per cent more flights would be bringing travelers to Mazatlán within the next year as a result of his negotiations with various airlines.

When most people envision Mexico, sun and beach destinations typically come to mind. Though, as the draw of magical towns continues to grow, more visitors are looking to experience the culture of Mexico while travelling abroad. The government of President Enrique Peña Nieto, along with Secretary of Tourism Claudia Ruiz Massieu and the Mexican Tourism Board, is moving toward strengthening the tourism sector and promoting travel both domestically and internationally.

Home to theaters, galleries, a plethora of delectable seafood and a Centro Historico protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site; Mazatlán is a city most visitors find themselves not wanting to leave. Learn more first hand from some of the Canadian and American expats living in ‘the colonial city on the beach.’

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-106.407618

Mazatlan

Thu, April 18, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico City seeks tourism partnerships with New York, London and Madrid

At a breakfast held during Tianguis Turístico last month, the Mexico City Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Torruco Marqués, announced that he is signing agreements with key metropolitan cities to drive tourism internationally: New York, London and Madrid. Driving tourism in key metropolitan markets worldwide is essential to… the continued success of Mexico as a premier destination.

Secretary Torruco Marqués is not only focusing on international markets, he has also been developing national partnerships between states. The Secretary recently signed an agreement with the head of Michoacán’s Tourism Board, Mr. Roberto Enrique Monroy Garcia, which will propel Michoacán as a destination to experience.

High atop the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in the national butterfly sanctuaries, the eastern population of Monarch butterflies trek thousands of miles to their overwintering grounds in Michoacán each year. This program will help to drive tourism between the states as part of the “Enjoy Mexico City” initiative to mobilize tourists and nationals to experience Mexico’s capital, and the largest city in Latin America.

The campaign has already begun to positively impact hotel occupancy in Mexico City, with a four percent increase this March over last year’s volume. With millions of dollars being invested into the economy of the city, and international outreach, Mexico City will soon become a landmark destination for all who visit Mexico.

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Tue, April 09, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Sports Tourism Brings Fans to Mexico

Mexico plays host to the most ideal destinations for sports tourism. Whether you are an athlete or an avid follower, there is a place in… Mexico that is perfect for you. Between its prime locations for water skiing, mountain biking, gravel driving races and sailing, any sports fan would feel at home vacationing in Mexico.

Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco hosted the 2011 Pan American Games. The event is the world's second largest athletic competition, ranking behind the Summer Olympics, and had a significant economic impact on the state of Jalisco. 6,000 athletes competed in a variety of sports. Water skiers from across the Americas came to the beautiful lakeside town of Ajijic, with sport fans from across the globe gathering in the charming town to watch. Ajijic is perfect for water skiing. The venue for the games was Boca Laguna, an artificial lake adjoining Lake Chapala in this central Jalisco town. Ajijic’s draw to the adventurous has created a town perfect for an exhilarating vacation.

The Pan American Games’ sailing competition took place at the Vallarta Yacht Club in Nuevo Vallarta. Fans of windsurfing, laser radial, laser standard, J-24, hobit cat, snipe, lightning and sunfish gathered to watch the 140 athletes compete. Nuevo Vallarta is no stranger to tourism, with many Americans and Canadians choosing its white, sandy beaches as a vacation destination.

Tapalpa, a municipality within Jalisco, was the perfect location for a mountain biking venue in Mexico. As part of the Sierra de Tapalpa, it has an extremely mountainous terrain – 74 percent of Tapalpa is considered “hilly!” In addition to being a haven for mountain bikers and mountain hikers, this environment has made Tapalpa a home for hang-gliding and paragliding.

In March, Mexico hosted the third round of the World Rally Competition as the first gravel event. Mexico spread 23 stages across 397 kilometers. It took place in the mountains surrounding the towns of Leon, Silao, Irapuato and Guanajuato. The Rally Guanajuato Mexico was the longest at 54.9 kilometers. While the dust may have settled from the action-packed event, the excitement over it has not. The event has become increasingly popular, for both competitors and spectators, and is expected to only gather more and more followers every year.

Whether it’s the sport itself that calls to you or the excitement of watching, Mexico provides many unparalleled destinations for the avid sports fan. Come play in Mexico, and have the most exhilarating vacation of your lifetime!

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Mon, March 18, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico excels at ecotourism and adventure tourism

Mexico is a country filled with hidden gems. From its artisan towns to its ecotourism, from mountains to monarch sanctuaries, Mexico has an… adventure for everyone. Mexico is being recognized for its variety of tourism offerings. In Veracruz, Adventure Travel Trade Shows showcase Mexico’s best tour operators for adventure tourism. A few suggestions for a voyage geared towards adventure tourism or ecotourism include Tapijulapa, Capulalpam, and the monarch butterfly reserves.

Towns such as Tapijulapa and Capulalpam de Méndez are overflowing with culture. Tapijulapa, Tabasco, is renown for its crafts, tradition and nature. The picturesque cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs. Artisans make crafts that woven from regional vines called “matusay,” with the end products resembling wicker furniture. These crafts have been made for over half a century. Tapijulapa is also home to ecological reserves. Inside Yu-Balcah, tourists walk through the jungle and experience endangered animals, camping, biking and kayaking. The Kolem Jaa ecotourism center has a breathtaking collection of waterfalls with botanical gardens and nature trails scattered in-between.

The quiet Capulalpam de Méndez is nestled within the mountains of Oxaca. Originally settled a century ago, Capulalpam’s ecotourism center is equipped with zip lines that take visitors soaring over the Molinos River. Forest trails play home mountain bikes, horseback riding, and local foot tourists. A little off the beaten track, Capulalpam provides the quiet serenity of nature, along with the organic excitement of nature.

In the forests of central Mexico hides the winter home to monarch butterflies. The iconic monarch is truly a marvel of nature. Every fall, tens of millions of the nearly threatened species fly to Mexico to seek refuge in the warm weather. There are only a dozen sites in central Mexico that the monarchs can thrive in. They fill the trees and completely coat the branches in flurries of orange and black. Those lucky enough to see these clouds of monarchs say it is a marvelous phenomenon.

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Tue, March 12, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico Luxury Tourism Earns Global Recognition

Mexico is synonymous with luxury travel, whether for spa vacations, all-inclusive resorts, fine dining or world-class shopping.

The luxury travel network Virtuoso ranked Mexico number two in the world in luxury destinations, second only to Italy. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa de Carmen was named Best Spa in the World by Virtuoso and also earned a SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. In its 2013 Luxe Report, Mexico was ranked among the top five family luxury destinations in the world.

The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's leading luxury destinations, with ten of Mexico's sixteen AAA Five Diamond properties located in that region. Other premier luxury destinations include celebrity favorite Los Cabos, the beach resorts of the Riviera Nayarit and Mexico City which is home to several world class luxury hotels and two of the World's 50 Best Restaurants according to the San Pellegrino rankings.

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Fri, March 08, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Mexico’s Hippie Haven of Zipolite

Mexico’s laid-back tourist treasure Zipolite has become a favorite of old hippies, young adventure-seekers and locals who are looking for a quiet, tranquil getaway.

A sleepy town with one main street and no ATMs, Zipolite is one of many tiny coastal pueblos that dot the Pacific in Mexico’s Southern state of Oaxaca. Stretching from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco, the region is sometimes called the Oaxaca Riviera.

The hippie crowd discovered Zipolite in the 1960s and since then it has slowly evolved into an offbeat tourist spot for middle-class Mexicans and free-wheeling liberals from across the globe.

Unlike the party-all-night, Cancun-like atmosphere that Mexico has come to be associated with, Zipolite nightlife equates to gathering on the beach to watch brilliant sunsets, or posting up at a restaurant or bar for live music and entertainment.

“Zipolite after six is awesome with all the dreadlocked kids hoping to sell their creations along with a great choice of different restaurants,” said Mike Bolli, a retiree from Vancouver, Canada, who has been visiting the area for the last 10 years. “It’s not overcrowded but you can find a crowd if you want.”

It feels light years away from the areas of Mexico that tourists now avoid due to drug violence. The U.S. State Department spared Oaxaca from its travel warnings about Mexico, making Zipolite visitors feel safe about extending their visit or returning annually.

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Zipolite

Fri, March 01, 2013 Brooke

Brooke
Joined: 23.10.2012

Cultural Tourism Shines in Mexico

Mexico’s vast and diverse cultural heritages have made it a unique destination for cultural tourism. Between the historic architecture, unique culture, delicious food, and friendly people; it is apparent why Mexico remains high on the list of places to visit.

In addition to the beautiful beaches and resorts, Mexico has amazing villages. Comala, Real Del Monte, and Valle de Bravo are just a few that everyone should see. Each village presents its own distinctive experience. When visiting the magical village of Comala, tourists fall in love with hiking to Volcán de Fuego; Mexico’s most active volcano. Other popular activities include: horseback riding, camping, fishing and watching dancers perform their seasonal routines while wearing hand carved Suchitlán (animal) masks. The mining town of Real del Monte is one of the highest populated places in Mexico and a trendy location for vacation homes. It is known for its steep streets, high sloping roofs, and considered to be the home of the ‘paste’ (Cornish pastry stuffed with a variety of fillings; sweet and savory). Valle de Bravo, located on the shore of Lake Avándaro, is a common getaway for those who live in Mexico City because it is a short two-hour drive. The main attraction is the Municipal Boardwalk and Dock. On the weekends artists sell their work and tourists rent boats and go on the lake. In addition to enjoying the relaxing day, there are a number of restaurants to choose from when hungry.

Mexico is not only a great place to visit; it is the home of two men who are leaders in their fields. The first is world famous Mexican chocolatier José Ramón Castillo and the second is renowned ballet dancer Isaac Hernández. José Ramón Castillo was recently the first Mexican to be selected for the most prestigious international chocolate guide, “Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat!” and owns the famous chocolate shop “Que Bo!” located in Mexico City. Isaac Hernández began dancing at the young age of 12 and has dominated the industry ever since. He currently dances for the San Francisco Ballet and hopes to revolutionize ballet in Mexico. Both men are stars and proud to call Mexico “home.”

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Fri, March 01, 2013 John Ganjei

John Ganjei
Joined: 24.08.2011

Cancun Steps Up Security Ahead of Spring Breakers' Arrival

As Spring Breakers descend on Cancun, Mexican officials are on hand to make sure they have a safe vacation.

"Operation Spring Breakers 2013" calls for the deployment of 138 Tourism Police officers from the city of Benito Juarez, where Cancun is located, more than 100 federal law enforcement agents, 86 marines and 80 army troops to maintain order.

"The federal forces are there for support" and will help patrol the hotel zone, nightclubs and shopping centers, "especially at night," the city officials said.

The security operation will last until April 15 in Cancun, where at least 60,000 college students from the United States and Canada are expected to arrive over the next few weeks to enjoy their spring breaks from school.

Spring Break chaos has arrived early in Mexico's Cancun this year with American college students already beginning their revelry across the resort.

Hundreds of students have been starting the party early in the Mexican city today, drinking heavily and dancing the night away with marines on patrol to ensure no one gets too carried away.

This year Cancun was found to be the number one destination for students looking to enjoy the typically wild week-long holiday which doesn't usually get going until March.

'Spring break is a week of rest and relaxation. You get away from tests, midterms, homework, work, anything,' Sean Wells, a senior at Indiana State University said.

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-86.845937

Cancun

Thu, February 28, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

National Tourism Policy: Sustainability and Social Benefit

A key component of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s national tourism policy for Mexico is sustainability and social benefit …

“We are going to create instruments to ensure that tourism in Mexico is a clean industry that cares for and preserves our natural heritage, history and culture," said Peña Nieto in a recent specch outlining the National Tourism Policy.

Peña Nieto also stressed affordability of tourism, stating that "tourism cannot be considered as simply an activity for the privileged few or certain sectors."

Mexico already has a strong ecotourism sector and is a world leader in renewable energy and climate change. Mexico has made strides in the promotion of geotermal, wind and biofuels. Last year, Mexico passed a new climate law setting a target of 35 percent of electricity generation coming from renewable sources by 2024.

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Wed, February 27, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

National Tourism Policy: Development and Promotion

As part of the recently unveiled national tourism policy for Mexico, President Enrique Peña Nieto emphasized development and promotion of tourism infrastructure. …

"We must build and strengthen the confidence of investors in our country," said Peña Nieto.“We must project an image of reliability, infrastructure, modernity, and of the various services offered today to international tourism."

President Peña Nieto has instructed the Secretariats of Tourism and Economics to develop a competitiveness agenda for each of the country's different tourist destinations. He also asked the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation to ensure that the National Infrastructure Program, to be presented shortly, includes a clear approach to tourism.

The national tourism policy, as outlined in a recent speech, includes infrastructure projects such as the trans-peninsular train in the Yucatan, the Puerto Vallarta cruise ship terminal, the Manzanillo railroad tunnel, the Chetumal airport, and five new highways in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Jalisco and Nayarit.

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Wed, February 27, 2013 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

National Tourism Policy: Innovation and Competitiveness

As part of a Mexico's national tourism policy, President Enrique Peña Nieto has pledged to stress innovation and competitiveness. …

"Mexico is much more than sun and beach resorts; diversification of tourist products is key to leveraging our many attractions and competing in the global era," said Peña Nieto. The President noted Mexico's many tourism advantages, including a privileged geographical location, a great potential for connectivity, and a large stock of natural, historical and cultural attractions.

Mexico's tourist diversification strategy is composed of six segments: sun and beach tourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism and adventure tourism, health tourism, sports tourism, and luxury tourism.

Furthermore, Mexico will implement the National Tourism Certification System in order to ensure the quality of tourist services.

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