Playacar Convention Center opens in the Riviera Maya

According to several sources- Friday July 22nd the Playacar Convention Center, the hotel chain´s first center of its kind located in Mexico and also the first for Playa del Carmen (Riviera Maya). With this new opening, The center is committed to the hosting of conferences, conventions and events, diversifying its services and infrastructure in this paradisaical destination. 

Authorities of the State of Quintana Roo, the Municipality of Solidaridad, representatives and members of various educational institutions and tourism sector from the Riviera Maya attended the cocktail party.  The Official Inauguration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was officiated by (in the picture from left to right): Maria Jose Rincon, The convention center´s Delegate for the Riviera Maya; Melissa Lopez Guzman, General Director of Tourism of Solidaridad; Doris Arcila Martinez, President of DIF Solidaridad; Filiberto Martinez, Mayor of Solidaridad; Sergio López Villanueva, who represented Roberto Borge, the Governor of the State of Quintana Roo and Rafael Exposito, Director of Operations for the convention center.

Maria Jose Rincon, Delegate for the Riviera Maya said that "the commitment of the converntion ceneter in the Riviera Maya is stronger than ever and this latest investment demonstrates it. This time we are pening  Playacar Convention Center, with which we want to support the efforts of this wonderful destination in order to help its growth and diversify the services offered to tourism".

Following an investment of 2.5 million Dollars, the Playacar Convention Center offers an approximate area of 8070 square feet which is divisible in five rooms and has a capacity for up to 600 people (banquets). It has eight loading points on the roof and each can support up to 1102 pounds. The Center offers as well internet access, a kitchen banquet, cutting-edge technical equipment and  a professional and friendly staff. 

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The Riviera Maya is, after Cancun, the second most important and fastest growing touristic destination in Mexico. Thanks to its natural attractions, the Riviera Maya is considered a natural paradise for its crystalline Caribbean waters, dazzling white beaches and Mayan rich cultural heritage.

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Mexico´s Tourism Secretary visits the USA

According to Sectur- The Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, made a working visit to the cities of New York and Washington to promote Mexico's tourism market in the United States.  In New York the first point of this tour, the secretary met with executives from major travel agencies and tour operators to introduce the tourist attraction with which our country.  

The head of the Tourism Ministry will visit the Time Warner Center which will be attended by leaders of the tourism industry and the media in that country.  Accompanied by Deputy Director General of the Council of the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), Rodolfo López Negrete, the Ministry of Tourism will present the products offered by our country for international tourism, including the Maya world, including the cultural richness of the states in southeastern Mexico (Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatan), and the Routes of Mexico, the circuit of Colonial Treasures and Magical Towns.  

In this 2011, declared as the Year of Tourism, our country will host major international events like the World Cultural Tourism Fair to be held in Morelia 29 and September 30, and the World of Adventure Tourism, the 17 to 20 October in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.  This working visit aims to increase the number of visitors to our country, since we are the premier destination for American tourists, with a market share of 16.5 percent.  It is worth mentioning that last year nearly six million Americans traveled by air  to our country, representing an increase of 9.7 percent compared with 2009. 


The visit is part of a strategy to promote the Mexico Tourism Department that began in Chicago and in the coming days will also include Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta and Houston, the work plan of the Tourism Ministry includes the promotion campaigns to major cities in the United States.  The second point of this tour to the United States is the city of Washington, where Secretary of Tourism will meet with Mike McCormick, Executive Director of Global Business Travel Association, and Lisa Simon, President of NTA, association leader in services travel, in addition, the Mexican Cultural Institute will lead the Mexico Day, attended by leading tour operators and travel wholesalers.

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Playa is coming up on its 18th birthday

According to El Quintanrroense- ¨On the eve of the 18 years since the creation of the municipality of Solidaridad, the business of the Riviera Maya recognizes the work that each administration of government has taken to achieve that today, Solidaridad, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya Heart be the jewel in the Qur'an state of Quintana Roo. The president of the Business Coordinating Council of the Riviera Maya, Gerardo Valades Victorio, said that in view of the business, much remains to be done and will be crucial each actions taken towards achieving the continued promotion of tourism and the growth and development occur in an orderly and sustainable.


That is why we will be crucial each actions taken towards achieving the continued promotion of tourism, particularly the brand Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya Heart. Additionally, he cited a major challenge is to continue the growth and development in an orderly and sustainable to avoid future problems arise that are already in other municipalities and the state itself.


The business representative cited that each municipal government has been paid so Solidarity today, this is one of the most important tourist towns of Quintana Roo, Mexico and the Caribbean. Finally, he mentioned that the current administration should continue to promote sustainable development to achieve a green municipality having this issue today as it attracts tourism and to make this possible, it is important to the coordinated work between local government and business.


Meanwhile, the president of the National Restaurant and Food Industry Spicy (CANIRAC), César Navarro Medina explained that having his majority, Solidarity is heading towards maturity in every way. So far, only a few hours to meet its 18 anniversary has also proven to be a plural city in every sense of the word. Solidarity must now continue its development with a clear direction and looking for may be a diversification of economic activity for today is 100 percent tourist and therefore you must work towards other productive activities and, along with tourism will allow the municipality continue to grow and consolidate as a world class destination.

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Mexico´s upcoming presidential elections- The Questions that matter

According to the Economist- THE United States’ ambassador in Mexico notoriousy described presidential candidates of the ruling National Action Party as a “grey” sort of bunch. In a questionnaire last week in El Universal, a daily newspaper, the leading panistas show off their human side. Alongside serious questions about the campaign, we learn about their favourite films (ominously, The Godfather is a popular choice), smells (good earthy Mexican countryside ones prevail), and even which actor or actress they fancy most (two candidates boost their internationalist credentials by going for Jennifer Aniston and Juliette Binoche; the rest play it safe by sticking with mexicanas).

The final question is that classic interview killer: what is your greatest weakness? As a colleague on the Financial Times noted recently, the favoured technique is to list a weakness that is actually a strength. Three candidates deliver classics of the genre: “Persistence to the point of stubbornness,” boasts Santiago Creel, the current front-runner in most polls. “Being addicted to work,” claims Josefina Vázquez Mota, hot on his heels. “Perhaps I spend too much time reading,” admits Emilio González, governor of Jalisco.


A different tactic is employed by Ernesto Cordero and Alonso Lujambio, the secretaries of finance and education respectively, who both confess to taco-based weaknesses. Javier Lozano, the labour secretary, is a little more honest, if not modest, about his weaknesses: “Nothing in particular,” he says.

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World Economic Forum invites Mexico to participate in the Board of Aviation, Travel and Tourism Content Section

 
The World Economic Forum (WEF for its acronym in English), invited Mexico to join its Board of Aviation, Travel and Tourism for the corresponding period of 2011-2012. According to Sectur.gob.mx- The Council will hold its next annual meeting in the city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 10 to 11 October and the theme to be discussed at this meeting will be the analysis of the situation that keeps the international tourism. The World Economic Forum is an international organization involving top business leaders, politicians, government officials, intellectuals and journalists who discussed the issues that affect global development.

 With representation from Mexico, the Ministry of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, form the Board of Aviation, Travel and Tourism of the WEF, which currently consists of 13 representatives of the international tourism sector, including Giovanni Bisignani, IATA Director General and CEO , Marilyn Carlson, Director Carlson, Christian Dumas, Head of Sustainable Development of Airbus, Maurice Flanagan, Emirates Group Executive Vice President, Brian F. Havel, Paul Professor of Law University USA, Tom King, Executive Vice President of British Airways.

 Also part of the Council Gerald Lawless, CEO of Jumeirah Hotel Group of the UAE, Geoffrey Lipman, UNWTO Consultant, James C. May, President and CEO of Air Transport Association of America, Richard Prosser, Managing Director 1996-2010 in TUI Travel, Andreas Schafer, Director of the Martin Centre and Co-Director of the Institute for Aviation and the Environment at the University of Cambridge ; Sonu Shivdasani, CEO of Six Senses Resorts & Spa, Thailand, and Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism of South Africa.


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Interjet increases biofuel commercial flights

According to several sources- Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (21/JUL/2011) .- The airline Interjet held its first commercial flight on biofuel in a round trip to Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico. It plans to usethis type of operation efficiency. The CEO of the company, José Luis González Garza was assumed that the next flight will be to the Mexico-Veracruz, dated to be defined.

He recalled that the biofuel is five to six times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, but anticipated that prices tend to fall once these alternative fuels adoption increases, even in sectors such as automotive. He explained that the production of biofuels is still very limited and, therefore, quite expensive, 'so in economic terms is not profitable, nor the public could pay that premium. "

However, he stressed that in some European countries have announced Lufthansa and KLM flights to be 'green', that is biofuels, many people opt to pay a premium for such flights, "because they know that contribute to the environment Through this surcharge. " For its part, the director general of Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA), Gilberto Lopez Meyer, revealed that already works with Aeromexico to that airline in a few days make bio-fuels commercial flights.

'They (Aeromexico) corresponds to tell when they're ready, we have a stock of fuel will allow to make a lot of flights. We have a number of 100 thousand liters to be used. To get on the plane, if we say that if it is authorized by the FAA, I'm ready to make the fuel. Not just for Aeromexico, who wants it. " He said ASA is working with sources of potential suppliers of Jatropha oil, mainly from Chiapas, but also occurs in Puebla, Veracruz, Yucatan and Michoacan.

He explained that ASA does not subsidize the cost of biofuels, nor the passengers are paying a more expensive ticket. "The airline is paying the cost of fuel, and obviously there is a process of research in this area where the federal government has outlays on the development of this'.

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Isla Mujeres adds development to Rueda Ave and Lopez Ave

Accoring to El Quintanarroense- The mexican government gives strong impetus to the development of the island, with various actions and works to strengthen commercial and tourist activity. The Chief Executive noted, Roberto Borge Angulo, working on an intense tour in which Rueda Medina Avenue was reopened and thoroughly revamped with an investment of 46 million pesos.The governor also announced gave the green light for the modernization of Lopez Mateos Avenue and oversaw the progress of the restoration of the Casa de la Cultura.


In cutting the ribbon to reopen the work on Rueda Medina Avenue, Borge Angulo was accompanied by Hugo Sanchez Montalvo, Mayor, Mario Castro Basto, Secretary of Infrastructure and Transport (Sintra), Ángel Palomo Rivero, Social Development, the Representative Paul Carrillo de Cáceres and the director of the City Social Development, Athena Gomez Ricalde, among other officials.

Improvements were made which included underground utilities, sidewalks and stamped concrete bearing areas, street furniture, signage and fittings, with an investment of 46.1 million pesos, of which 30.5 come from the agreement reallocation of resources (federal and state), and 15.6 million pesos, the State Government.

The Chief Executive said that the work of beautifying the island is aimed at strengthening tourism. The new face today has the island, a dignified image for the islanders and tourists will undoubtedly have benefits in a more buoyant economy to benefit the entire population.

"As you know, since I took office, this was one of the most pressing demands. Rueda Medina Avenue was a delay in its construction and today we're reopening after its renovation, "he said. For its part, the mayor stressed that today the island is more attractive, thanks to the first day where the administration works closely with the governor, who at all times has shown willingness to promote development in this municipality.

At another point in the tour, the Governor presided over the presentation of projects to be invested 20 million pesos and include tourist infrastructure and modernization of Lopez Mateos Avenue. For its part, the holder of Sintra, Mario Castro, said that the reconstruction of Avenue Lopez Mateos 480 meters cover linear, for a total of 3 000 square 804 meters of hydraulic concrete stamping 15 inches thick, a thousand 564 meters square concrete sidewalks to 10 inches thick, and 930 linear feet of trim, also of concrete.

By giving the green light for starting the work, Borge Angulo offered "an avenue of which you all feel very proud and profitable for tourism." In this context, the Governor said that resources are managed to finish the last part of the Hospital General de Isla Mujeres, for which meetings are held with the Health Secretary José Ángel Córdova. Similarly, he said that among the steps being taken by his wife, President of DIF, Ms. Mariana Zorrilla de Borge, is to build a Municipal Children's Rehabilitation Center (CRIM), which will greatly benefit families in the locality.

Tourism minister, Juan Carlos González Hernández, explained that included the rehabilitation of East and West Pier, to make room for the entertainment of visitors and locals. It considers the improvement of pedestrian walkways, street lighting, street furniture and landscaping, all with an investment of ten million dollars from a total fund of 202 million pesos for all the resorts of the state.

Already at the end of his tour, the chief executive made a tour to observe the progress of the restoration of the Casa de la Cultura, which invest three million pesos. The book will be of great support to students, to the local arts community and an attraction for visitors.

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Riviera Maya is in review for the 2012 Tourism Tianguis

 

The Tourism Ministry reported today that they have installed the Review Committee for the Selection of the headquarters of Tourism Tianguis 2012, which analyze the proposals of the 18 states that submitted its bid to host the next edition of the Mexico Tourism Tianguis. Between today and tomorrow, the Committee will review proposals from the states of Queretaro, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Quintana Roo, Mexico City, Colima, San Luis Potosi and the joint bid Jalisco Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta Riviera Nayarit). Also, Guerrero, Jalisco (Guadalajara), Chihuahua, Veracruz, Puebla, Yucatan, Nuevo Leon, Campeche, Durango.
 
The Review Committee is composed of representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Board of Mexico, the National Fund for Tourism Development and private sector leaders. In the process of site selection, the members of this Committee will analyze each of the proposals based on the provisions in the notice issued on April 15.

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Playa´s Ecology Commission issues first report

According to Playa City Hall- Members of the Ecology Commission of the City of Solidarity held the first meeting at which they gave to the progress of their work. Only three days of the "Reciclatón" have collected more than five tons of solid waste. Alberto Farfan Bravo, director general of Environment and Urban Development, said the task of planning implemented by Filiberto Martinez, mayor, aimed at protecting the health of the population and provide a better quality of life for all.


With the campaign "Reciclatón" recyclable material it receives, it meets the City policy that promotes awareness of environmental care in society, by separating materials. The meeting, chaired by Councilman Aguilar Jacinto Silva, announced that it has conducted three days of collection, through which collected five thousand 639 kilos of municipal waste such as paper, cardboard, alkaline batteries, plastic and other materials. The strategy takes place the first Friday of each month. The municipal government established six collection points: Plaza Centro Maya, fractionation Las Palmas, Civic Square "July 28", Puerto Aventuras, Colosio and Bosque Real.


This task prevents solid waste is concentrated in the streets, clogging drains and puddles encourage rainy season and floods. Thus, solidarenses are protected and improved quality of life and environment. Were also reported compliance with federal and state regulations on environmental matters, to implement other works, such as environmental management system. This program integrates the "Kilo Green" which promotes organic farming, through the exchange of material recycled by native plants. The commission consists of the City authorities, educational, civic associations, business and the federal government.

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Dragon Mart is in talks to come to Puerto Morelos

The news of Dragon Mart going in behind Cancunmesse near Puerto Morelos is in talks. According to several sources-  it is to be operating no later than November 2012 it will be the second biggest area of exhibition and sale of Chinese goods in the world outside of China, announced Hao Feng, Chairman of Chinamex. The other Dragonmart is in Dubai where its operation caused real estate prices in the area to sky rocket. With their initial investment of $150 million dollars it will generate 5,000 direct jobs, not counting the Chinese community workers who occupy the housing complex of 4,000 homes that are included within the 840,000 square metres. On top of that the Yucatan Government gave a green light last month  regarding the plan build to the very Fast Transpeninsular Train project to start early 2012, linking Merida and Punta Venado (between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras). Progreso has announced that they are building a shipping fuel terminal and the Quintana Roo government is expecting over US300 million in private investment in the next 6 months.

As this project develops, it could settle Mexico’s largest Chinese community, since it is estimated that inhabit this complex in a number not less than 5.000, said Francisco Armand Pimentel, Economic Development Secretary of Quintana Roo and one of the major driver of this plan.

The project, the officials said, should be viewed with a boost from the Chinese government to small and medium businesses to project their country internationally and to offer their goods directly, without intermediaries in a showcase such as Cancun, a destination with excellent international connectivity with Central America and the intermediary point between the south cone and the north of the continent, while providing a window towards Europe. It will be located on the highway Cancun-Playa del Carmen, near Puerto Morelos and 15 minutes from the Cancun airport.

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SECTUR Announces Investment of 207.7 million in the Magical Towns Program

Mexico D.F. Sunday July 17, 2011132/2011 Newsletter

 • The objective, strengthening the cultural identity of each region and grow the number of visitors.


 • To stimulate creativity and quality, annually award a prize of 10 million
   Best Tourist Product


 The Ministry of Tourism reports that the Federal Government has allocated 207.7 million pesos this year to program of Magical Peoples , resources that have enabled investments donated 448 million pesos to improve infrastructure and tourism to increase the number of visitors. Magical Towns are recognized tourism brand based on the cultural, historical, architectural, natural environment, as well as culinary diversity and environmental stewardship of our communities. 


The Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, stressed that the program is a key Magical Towns to strengthen the segment of cultural tourism in our country, so that all stakeholders have the commitment and responsibility to maintain the highest standards in quality service and warmth to the national and foreign tourism. Our country has 40 Magic Towns in 28 states. At the end of this year it is expected that the list will grow to 52, a figure that matches the number of weeks available per year, with the aim of promoting tourism weekend. The head of the Tourism Ministry he acknowledged the ongoing work by the authorities and providers of tourist services in the Magic Towns and mentioned that this Federal Government program to strengthen cultural identity and the path will lead us to place Mexico as the fifth tourist destination worldwide, is one of the goals of the National Agreement for Tourism.


He said the Federal Government's support to the tourism industry is unprecedented, and the proof is that from 2007 to 2011 the Ministry of Tourism spent 818.7 million pesos for the Magical Towns program, which allowed thousands detonate 862.8 million investment pesos for the benefit of tourism. Guevara Manzo recalled that last May was held in the state of Colima Fifth National Meeting of Magical Peoples, which helped to reinforce strategies to strengthen tourism in these communities.

It is noteworthy that for creativity, quality and the best deal for tourists, annually award a prize of 10 million pesos to Magic Town to develop the best tourist product. In addition, the tenth anniversary of this program will be held in Mexico City Expo Magical Towns, which will aim to present the diversity of tourism with these communities. To increase the number of visitors to the magical communities in the country, the Ministry of Tourism will launch the Passport Magic Towns through which the tourist stamp your document at each visit may participate in contests and sweepstakes.


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South Riviera Maya: Tropical Teasers near Tulum add a few new twists

If you’re planning a Mexican vacations why not pick a beautiful spot different from the usual destinations? According to orbitz- Riviera Maya, or Mayan Riviera, is a lush area of tropical beaches, wildlife and ancient ruins. Starting just south of Cancun’s airport and stretching along a coastal highway, this gorgeous coast continues beyond the town of Tulum into Costa Rica. The Mayan ruins at Tulum are the only archeological site near the ocean and there are good choices in hotels that offer easy access to Tulum ruins.


Dreams Tulum

Billed as a “vacation sanctuary,” Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa has the all-inclusive luxury you’d expect on any version of the Riviera. There are decadent spa services to enjoy after a swim. Seven international restaurants from which to choose after you’ve worked up an appetite exploring the Tulum Ruins – just five minutes away. Be pampered by 24-hour room and concierge services. You can also explore the nearby town of Playa de Carmen to soak up the warm Mexican culture.

Catalonia Beach Club

Maybe you’re in the mood for a romantic spot for couples only? Smaller in scale than many of the nearby resorts, you’ll find a more low-key vibe here with caribbean beach houses and island condos. The Catalonia Tulum is located in Xpu-Ha on the Riviera Maya and its beautiful beach. More secluded, this all-inclusive hotel (which includes a scuba lesson!) set among the mangroves is just the getaway you’ve been waiting for. So make your day trip to the exciting Tulum Ruins site and come back for a leisurely cocktail.

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The latest Hotel Occupancy Report

Play Del Carmen´s Tourist services reported an occupancy rate of 80 percent in the first week of summer vacation, with a tendency to an increase of more than 10 percent, the accumulated reflected in the month of July, is of 73.3 percent, according to the Tourism Promotion Trust in the Riviera Maya.

The restaurateurs recorded in the first week of the holiday period, a rebound in sales of 12 percent, against what had been recording in the offseason, but is expected to continue to rise as the days progress.

"We have a balanced level of occupation, this period being longer than the Easter and winter, it spreads the flow of tourists in the month and a half last season, so it is very unlikely to see full were total as before, because in addition to the lengthy period, has to consider that not all tourists arrive in the same week, "said Gerardo Valades Victorio, president of the Business Coordinating Council.

Water service providers reported an occupancy rate of 10 percent more than last week, when they were at 65 percent level of services to tourists. Playa Del Carmen Properties and Vacation Condos are showing increasing signs of occupancy.

While in the shops in the tourist area, do not lift sales even as the affluent visitors who in other years saw the destination is no longer present, because the tourists who arrive with limited resources, but believe this is due to have changed the needs of consumers.

Meanwhile, Jose Angel Ortiz, a car rental agency, emphasized that the level of contracts signed every day in the car rental is 67 percent, which means at least 12 percentage points gained from that initiated school holidays in Mexico. "If tourists are coming in very low profile, seeking the most economical cars and have also reduced the number of rental days, which we should because we won by contract, not the volume," he said.

The statistics department of the Trust for Tourism Promotion of the Riviera Maya, reported that an offer of 38 thousand 517 rooms, the Riviera Maya disposed of 495 000 714 / 4-nights, which are occupied in the period from 1 to 13 July 363 000 320 / 4 nights.

In the same period last year, with 37 000 rooms, the availability was 488 000 532 / 4-nights, of which 337 000 636, were occupied, representing hotel occupancy of 69.1 percent.

What´s new in Playa Real Estate 2011

According to StockMarketReviews.com- ¨Buyers who have been watching Playa del Carmen real estate will be interested in knowing that 2011 has brought ongoing change to the area – change for the better of real estate buyers.  The following are changes or continuations of important changes that are likely to shape the market for 2011 and in years to follow.

Transformation of the south half of downtown – As Playa del Carmen grew from a fishing village on the beach, to a small town at a ferry dock, to a small tourist city, the original town retained much of its original development; while it was definitely small-townish, this was not always in a quaint or picturesque way.  This area now comprises the south half of downtown.  Starting in 2009 and seen more evidently during 2010 and even more so in 2011, the old homes and somewhat unplanned storefronts are being replaced by nice condos, boutique hotels and upscale shops.

Completion of highway bridges – Playa del Carmen does not yet have anything that resembles traffic – at least not to anyone who’s ever lived in a growing city.  Fortunately, however, the city is planning ahead and has built a series of bridges on the main highway over the main intersections heading into the town center.  These bridges make it faster for residents of both downtown and the gated communities north of town to get to Playa del Carmen’s new malls.

More affordable options – Since real estate in the U.S. has still not picked up very much, the market has responded by offering more low-priced options that nevertheless have a comfortable lifestyle.  On the other hand, since sales have picked up from Canada and Europe, it has been worthwhile for developers to continue putting new options on the market.  This combination means that there is a healthy range of property styles, prices and locations available to choose from.

The emergence of the condo-resort – Most people have heard of condo hotels.  A variation of this concept is to offer beautiful condos in five-star resort setting, with fully titled ownership.  This arrangement allows owners not only to enjoy a full resort lifestyle when they are in their vacation condo, but also to enjoy a real income, and sometimes even a profit, from their property.
 
Peninsular trains – These trains are still in the working, but 2011 and 2012 is supposed to see the first stages of new tourist trains connecting Playa del Carmen to places like Cancun, Tulum, Merida and Chichen Itza.

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Playa Del Carmen- July city hall session

According to the Playa Del Carmen Solidarity website- The Municipal Government meets commitments made to citizens to approve the hiring of a leasing to acquire property necessary for the proper functioning of public services, as well as the cleanup program vacant lots. During the eighth regular meeting of council, council members approved hiring a leasing line for up to 50 million pesos budget would be used to lease equipment and enhance public safety and public services in Solidarity.

In this regard, Filiberto Martinez, mayor, explained that this lease will only be applied during the period covered by the current administration 2011-2013. It was also approved to implement the cleanup program Solidarity and vacant lots in these areas represent foci of infection, incubators vermin, a haven for gangsters and give the city a bad name. On this issue, the mayor said at the time were located more than 900 abandoned properties in this city, "the cleanup of these areas has been a recurring application of all citizens over the Solidarity programs and ways to keep the city clean."

For this purpose, require the owners to proceed with the clean-up of land, will have five days to do the job. After that period, a fine will be imposed, owners will have 72 hours to pay and the City will be responsible for carrying out the cleanup of the property lender becoming the owner of the land, another fine for the payment of such work. Finally, for general matters observed a minute of applause for Carlos Lizama Chuc Solidarity government partner, who died Friday in a car accident.

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US and Mexico join ranks for promoting tourism

 
According to SECTUR- The Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, met with representatives of the leading tour operators in the United States specializing in cultural tourism, which announced its interest to increase the promotion of Mexico as a cultural destination. The head of the Tourism Ministry said that this segment is key to the economic flow of our country- Mexico. So they invited industry players to promote this activity and create differentiated products that help increase the competitiveness of tourism in Mexico.


These actions, he explained, will allow the country to achieve the goals outlined in the National Agreement for the Tourism for Mexico to become a tourist power. During the meeting, Guevara Manzo noted that Mexico is a country rich in traditions and globally ranks first in archaeological reserves, to have more than 30 000, also has 110 000 historical monuments and ranks as the sixth country with more sites declared World Heritage Site.


U.S. tour operators expressed interest in increasing their packages to Mexico, as a destination rich in culture.For example, the president of Alumni Holiday International (AHI Travel), Joseph Small, said that in 2012 his company will offer a tour to the fate of colonial San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato. Meanwhile, the Associate Director of the Commission's Travel Art Institute of Chicago, Aleksandra Matik, said that next year will hold a cultural program in the state of Oaxaca and Mexico City. The meeting was also attended by representatives from Travel Learning Connections, Classic Escapes, Heritage Travel, Travel Insurance Services, Travel for the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, Sierra Club, Thomson Family Adventures, Alumni Continuing Education and Travel and Princeton Journeys, among other companies specializing in cultural tourism.


Tour operators expressed great interest in the calendar of the Maya world and said that it is a great event that generated international interest. The Ministry of Tourism said that the Federal Government is working to strengthen this segment as an example he mentioned the Mundo Maya cult that promote the legacy he left this important civilization in southeastern Mexico. "We know the enormous tourism potential that has this part of the country and we want to give renewed impetus, with the Mundo Maya Mexico will be positioned as a privileged destination in the world," he said. 

In addition, Guevara Manzo said that this year will be the second edition of the World Cultural Tourism Fair, an event which last year took place in Morelia, Michoacan, and brought together specialists, tour operators, promoters of culture and academics different nations. This fair allowed together in the same cultural space tourism market both in Mexico and elsewhere, while diversifying the product of our country's traditional sun and beach destination.

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Las Vegas Casinos Come to the Riviera

 

According to Jorge Wasi Curi, General Manager Of the Dubai Palace "Yes, there are now Casinos in Cancun. The financial problems the US is facing are actually helping the Mexican economy." Americans and Canadians have been challenged with a high cost of living and fuel.

This is forcing many to "stay at home" That puts a halt on the lifestyle many are accustomed to. Mexico offers another option. A close to home vacation can cost more then a trip to the Caribbean. Many are also choosing Cancun as their permanent residence, with low cost housing and living. Many retirees "just cant make it" on their retirement income back at home.

The Mexican government owns Premix which operates all the gas stations in the country. It accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the income that supports the government. However, Mexico has a problem with the dwindling supply of oil. Taxes from the Casinos could help fill that deficit. The Dubai Casino was one of the first to open in Cancun. The Playboy Club quickly followed by opening a casino on the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is a white shelled beach "peninsular" that stretches 22 kilometers from old Cancun centro. Numerous people opposed Casinos being built on the Zone, they wanted to keep development for hotels and condominiums. The city of Cancun responded with a plan to put the casinos close to the downtown district.

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Landmark US-Mexico trucking agreement resolves 15-year conflict

After years of wrangling, US and Mexican officials signed an agreement Wednesday that allows trucks from each nation to travel on the other country’s highways – a key provision of NAFTA.

• 

Trucks barrel down Interstate 95 during the morning rush hour in this 2002 file photo. A new agreement, signed Wednesday by representatives of the US and Mexican governments, will allow cross-border trucking for the first time in 15 years – if Congress signs off.

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According to several sources, The accord, signed in Mexico City by US and Mexican transportation officials, would end a 15-year-old controversy that on the US side featured fears of unsafe Mexican trucks barreling along US highways, driven by unprofessional Mexican truckers.On the Mexican side, outrage over the American disregard for a NAFTA provision led to retaliatory tariffs on US goods ranging from pork to consumer care products – which cost the US as much as $2 billion in exports.


The accord was greeted warmly by US trade, farm, and business organizations – but condemned by US trucking organizations, a sign the agreement could face trouble in Congress.Under the agreement, the US will reinstate a pilot program for Mexican truck certification that was introduced under the Bush administration – and defunded by an angry Congress in 2009. Mexico, in turn, will immediately drop half of the tariffs on about 100 US products, with the rest to be removed when Mexican trucks actually start rolling across the border.
“The agreements signed today are a win for roadway safety and they are a win for trade,” said US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood after signing the document.


The accord requires all Mexican trucks operating in the US to comply with US safety standards, and it mandates the installation of monitoring devices to track truck usage and compliance with service requirements.
Recognizing the potential for a negative response from Congress, some supporters of Wednesday’s agreement wasted little time with praise and got right on to warnings against attempts to once again sidetrack the resolution.“We are encouraged there is finally a positive end in sight,” said Bill Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council in Washington. But he added, “We urge Congress to refrain from any action that would derail the program or fall short of our commitments under NAFTA.”Some, who oppose any trucking accord allowing Mexican trucks to come north, continue to hammer at safety concerns.

“Opening the border to dangerous trucks at a time of high unemployment and rampant drug violence is a shameful abandonment of the Department of Transportation’s duty to protect American citizens from harm and to spend American tax dollars responsibly,” said Jim Hoffa, general president of the Teamsters, in a statement. He said the accord “endangers American motorists.”

Mexican trucks are already allowed to circulate in the US within 25 miles of the border. The new agreement will allow Mexican trucks to deliver goods into the US and to return goods to Mexico, but it bars the transport of goods between US destinations.Both sides in the debate over Mexican trucks are latching onto the issue of the day – jobs – to make their case for or against the agreement.Secretary LaHood said that by “opening the door to long-haul trucking between the US and Mexico … we will create jobs and opportunity for our people and support economic development in both nations.”


Farmers are particularly happy: Mexico is the second-largest purchaser of US pork after Japan, for example, but pork sales to Mexico have sagged in recent years under the retaliatory tariffs.But the Teamsters’ Mr. Hoffa says the deal will be a job killer. “The so-called pilot program [for certifying Mexican trucks] is a concession to multinational corporations that send jobs to Mexico,” he said. “It lowers wages and robs jobs from hard-working American truck drivers and warehouse workers.”The opposing arguments reveal the trucking dispute to be a microcosm of the larger debate in the US over trade. How Congress responds may suggest which way the trade winds are blowing.

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Research Support to Strengthen Tourism Sector

According to sector- The Ministry of Tourism (Tourism Ministry) and the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) report to improve the competitiveness of tourism in our country, support research in the academic sector, through the Sectoral Fund for Research, Development and Technological Innovation in Tourism (FSIDITT).

 This measure progress on goals outlined in the National Tourism Agreement, which provides support for research which contributes to the formulation of public policies that promote growth in sector investment and return our country more competitive in tourism.
   
The call is aimed at universities and public and private higher education, schools, laboratories, public and private companies and individuals who are registered in the National Register of Institutions and Scientific and Technological who can provide solutions to the problems of the sector tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism and CONACYT provide that as a result of the first call FSIDITT currently supports the Institute for Economic Research at the Autonomous University of Mexico in a project called "Community enterprises of nature tourism: Factors of success and failure" , and the Center for Biological Research with the project "Model sustainable measures in the hotel industry in Mexico."

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