Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Aeromexico cancels remaining Sunport international flight

The Albuquerque International Sunport won't be so international come next week. Its only flight across the border to Mexico is coming to an end.

Less than one year of service to and from Chihuahua, Mexico, and Aeromexico is hitting turbulence. Soon, the airline will cancel its three day a week route which never gained much popularity.

"I think the average was about 20 percent on a 50 seat regional jet so the numbers were really not ever there," stated Daniel Jiron, a Sunport official.

The state was pitching in to subsidize the flight, setting $300,000 dollars aside to pay for up to 23 empty seats. According to state officials, about 175,000 taxpayer dollars will have been spent by the end of this month.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Passengers confused over plane security - Travel - NZ Herald News

You are now free to move about the cabin. Or not.

After a two-day security clampdown prompted by a thwarted attempt to bomb a plane, some airline officials said in-flight restrictions had been eased. And it was now up to the captain to decide whether passengers can have blankets and other items on their laps or can move around during the final phase of flight.

Confused? So were scores of passengers who flew yesterday on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

On some flights, passengers were told to keep their hands visible and not to listen to iPods. Even babies were frisked. But on other planes, security appeared no tighter than usual.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did little to explain the rules because what's confusing to passengers is also confusing to potential terrorists.

"It keeps them guessing," transportation expert Professor Joseph Schwieterman said.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Cielo Event at The BPM Festival in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

The legendary NYC house music club Cielo will be invading the sunny beaches of the Mayan Riviera on January 7th, 2010, for The 3rd annual BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This will be the first time Cielo has officially participated in an event at BPM, and it’s shaping up to be a top notch quality house music event. The event will be taking place at La Santanera, one of Playa’s clubbing hotspots in downtown’s fashionable Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). The club has a Mexican retro-tropical essence an open air rooftop encompassing facets of Mexican wrestling and “Santeria” (Caribbean voodoo). The lower level has a luminous bar in the middle of the main room with an excellent light show and always a packed dance floor.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

National buffoons' Mexican vacation

My New Year's resolution is for my family to get out more.

We've already made a good start. We spent the Christmas holiday in Mexico, partly because who wouldn't if they could -- but mainly because this was our first year without my parents, with whom we had almost always celebrated Christmas.

Puerto Vallarta is glorious. It was made even more so by reports that Edmonton had posted its lowest temperature ever, at minus 46. We Canadians get a whole lot of schadenfreude for our tropical vacation buck. Our travel ads should probably use it as a lure. "Your package includes complimentary continental breakfasts and bottomless delight in the abject misery of those you've left behind."

Honestly, you get to Mexico with its balmy air, its cacophony of birds, its clouds of bougainvillea and its blissed-out dolphins and have to wonder aloud, why did any European explorer ever forego the tropics in search of deadly northern climes? My 15-year-old son Bart, who is studying Canadian history, claimed explorers came here "for the beavers." Then he added bitterly, "I've never even seen a beaver."

And I've never eaten one. There you have it -- settling Canada was a huge mistake. I hereby proclaim that my family must try to rectify this catastrophic error yearly, from November through January.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

New DOT regulations are a win for air passengers

OVER THE VALENTINE'S Day holiday in 2007, a planeload of JetBlue passengers spent 11 hours aboard the jet, stranded on the tarmac in New York City, instead of on the beach at Cancun, Mexico.

The incident received wide publicity and blemished JetBlue's sterling reputation. Unfortunately, it was far from an isolated event. Hundreds of airplanes are stranded on airport tarmacs for more than three hours every year. Through October of this year, 582 planes spent that long on tarmacs around the country.

That is a small percentage of the total flights, but there is no excuse for stranding tens of thousands of passengers in a cramped space with inadequate food, water and lavatory facilities.

That is why the Department of Transportation has developed new regulations that will go into effect in the spring.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

First Flight out of Lansing to Cancun Takes off

Although there was snow on the runway, these travelers didn't care.  Because they were well on their way to trading the white stuff for white sand.

The Grasser's caught the first-ever flight from Lansing to Cancun. The family drove in from Detroit and it's their first time in Lansing's Capitol Region International  Airport.

Marie Grasser: "This was the only thing that was available so we took a shot at it and in fact we we're just talking and saying we actually prefer it."

Airport spokesperson Nicole Noll-Williams says this first flight to Cancun is just another way to get more people to fly Lansing.

Williams: "It opens up a whole new opportunity for customers to say lets check Lansing first."

And so far this first flight is a success.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Passengers notice enhanced security

Passengers at Denver International Airport may notice increased government safety measures, both in security lines and during their flights.

In response to the suspected terrorism incident Friday on Northwest Flight 253 into Detroit, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced additional screening measures for all domestic and international flights.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Monday, December 28, 2009

Beke, Van Vlerken take inaugural Cozumel titles

Rutger Beke was strong throughout the day and cruisied to a win in the inaugural Ironman Cozumel. The Belgian was 16th out of the water in 46:38, suggesting the swim leg was short of the advertised 2.4 miles. But his bike ride was the day's third fastest at 4:37:27, and his race-best 2:53:56 marathon sealed the deal for the win in 8:18:40. Leading up to the race Beke carefully said during an Ironman.com interview: "With everything that has happened over the year I'm glad to be fit and hoping for a great race." It appears that his hopes certainly came true.

Ukraine's Viktor Zyemstev finished second in 8:29:10 and Sebastian Pedraza from Italy was third in 8:33:28.

Yvonne Van Vlerken exited the water 4 minutes off the lead, but put the race out of reach with the day's fastest bike and run. This win gave Van Vlerken her first Ironman Championship title after having won the Quelle Challenge Roth in Germany in 2007 and 2008.

Bella Bayliss had another strong race, coming out of the water a minute up on Van Vlerken and posting the race's second fastest bike and run. Her 9:22:34 got her second, with Edith Niederfriniger third in 9:30:34.

Van Vlerken's race placed her 10th overall.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Journalist killed in Mexico, 12th case in 2009

MEXICO CITY -- A journalist was gunned down this week as he left a holiday party in the Mexican Caribbean resort town of Tulum, human rights officials and an international media group said Friday, bringing to 12 the number of reporters killed this year in the country.

Alberto Velazquez of the newspaper Expresiones de Tulum was killed on Tuesday.

Velazquez had written articles critical of local officials, and his paper had received threats, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. In a statement, the group quoted colleagues as saying Velazquez was shot by a gunman on a motorcycle, and they believed it was related to his reporting.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Largest Underwater Museum on Earth

When picturing Cancun, visitors to Mexico will think of beach life, water sports and maybe spring break; not necessarily environmental protection and the area’s underwater beauty. But in fact, both go hand-in-hand: the new Subaquatic Sculpture Museum aims at drawing visitors to the world’s largest underwater museum, while at the same time keeping them away from existing coral reefs.

The museum is still a work in progress, set to open to the public not before 2011. However, four sculptures were already submerged on November 19 in the Caribbean waters, a mere 1% of the 400 that are planned. Snorkelers and scuba divers already got a preview of the underwater museum that will be the world’s largest once finished.

via:
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/the-largest-underwater-museum-on-earth/18259

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Valentin Hotels Introduces Riviera Maya Resort

Surrounded by ecological reserves, emerald-green jungle, and turquoise blue water, Riviera Maya is a destination where visitors can indulge in nature's splendor. Valentin Imperial Maya Resort, a luxurious all-inclusive, adult-only resort property, encompasses these incredible natural surroundings and masterfully incorporates them into the resort's beautiful landscape. Nestled along a pristine half-mile stretch of white sand coastline aptly named Playa Del Secreto (Secret Beach), Valentin Imperial Maya Resort offers its guests the sense of a secluded island paradise.

Opened in November 2007, Valentin Imperial Maya is the first resort developed outside of Europe by Valentin Hotels, a family-run hotel business that began in 1966 in Mallorca, Spain. The company currently owns and operates six resorts in Mallorca, two in Menorca, one in Costa de la Luz and one in Gran Canaria of the Canary Islands. Inspired by the grand haciendas of Spain, the magnificent 540-suite Valentin Imperial Maya Resort presents a unique blend of classic style and contemporary sensibility.

"By offering guests a high level of elegant and personalized service, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort is setting new standards of quality for all-inclusive resorts," says Dirk Urban, General Manager Valentin Imperial Maya, "What sets Valentin apart from other hotel brands is our attention to detail and the unique ability of our staff to make guests feel comfortable and taken care of, as if they were among family."

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

DIF Concerned at Quintana Roo's high incidence of child abuse

The system for Integral Family Development expressed concern about the incidence of sexual abuse and rape against minors in this state, where is the crime of greater impact.

According to the report of the direction of social protection and prevention of the state, 36 percent of the interns from the social rehabilitation center are in prison for those crimes, second is theft and property crime, on third degree murder and crimes against health .

In a prison population of eleven hundred prisoners, 396 were serving sentences of eight to 16 years for the crime of rape or abuse children, both boys and girls.

Last week two cases raised a wave of social indignation in the population in one of them a boy of 13 years complained of having been violated by the physical education teacher Juan de Dios Gomez Aguilar, repeatedly for three months.

The child and a brother aged 14, escaped from the house of his mother, one of them reported the facts to the police, said the teacher took advantage of his mom had to leave in September to attend to a sick family in Monterrey, they were left alone.

via:
http://www.milenio.com/node/337395

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Virgin venerated in Caribbean Sea

Hundreds of Catholic faithful accompanied the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of Isla Mujeres, on the land and sea procession that took place shortly after 15:00 pm yesterday, first by the bay and then through the main streets of the island.

The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception was also escorted by over 150 children who confirmed their faith in the confirmations and first communions, during the holy mass he celebrated the pastor Jesús Martínez Penilla during the morning.

As a preliminary figure handled more than three thousand faithful who made the procession, which left the church bearing the name of the Virgin.
   
The route followed the procession was as follows: toured the main avenues of the first frame of the city to reach the pier, where they boarded a vessel of deep draft to begin with the procession of boats.

During the procession were about 60 smaller craft that escorted the tour boat in which was the Virgin by the bay.

This event was supported by staff from the Port Captain, Civil Protection and Public Security and Traffic.

via:
http://www.chetumail.com/?c=120&a=8101

Posted via email from Cancun Mexico News

Quintana Roo promote Legitimate Use of Force and the Protection of Human Rights

The international seminar on “The Legitimate Use of Force and the Protection of Human Rights” was held on December 3-4 in Cancun, Quintana Roo. The seminar was organized by the Foreign Ministry with the assistance of the Public Safety Ministry of the state of Quintana Roo and was part of the Mexico-European Union human rights program.

The aim of the seminar was to encourage a constructive dialog between the institutions in charge of public safety, law enforcement officials, legislators, academic institutions and national and international civil society organizations on issues related to the use of force and human rights with a view towards future legislation on the issue.

The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Quintana Roo Governor Félix González Canto. Also participating were the Quintana Roo Public Safety Minister, Vice Admiral Miguel Ángel Ramos; State Attorney General Bello Melchor Rodríguez Carrillo; the Foreign Ministry’s Director General of Human Rights and Democracy, Minister Alejandro Negrín; the Executive Secretary of the Quintana Roo Public Safety System, Juan Ignacio Hernández Mora; and the head of the Cooperation Section of the European Commission delegation in Mexico, Olivier Lévy, in representation of the delegation head, Ambassador Marie-Anne Coninsx.

In his speech, Minister Alejandro Negrín said that the United Nations, the Supreme Court and international legal organs such as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights have established clear criteria on the legitimate use of force by security forces. He also applauded the Quintana Roo government’s decision to draft a law to regulate the use of force in the state and he said that this complements and permits the important Constitutional amendment on criminal justice and public safety to evolve as it should.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Cancun Beach Recovery Update

December 7, 2009 - Cancun - known for the majestic beauty of its shoreline-, has successfully begun the beach recovery project with an investment of more than USD $71 million dollars ($957 million pesos), throughout the state of Quintana Roo. The project began on September 4th, 2009 with the delivery of more than two thousand tons of pipeline material to Cancun; the project will deliver 1.3 billion gallons (6.1 million cubic meters) of sand to replenish Cancun’s Hotel Zone seashore.

Although the project has endured some unforeseen delays, due to weather conditions, the venture resumed on November 15th and continues with great advancement, already creating a very noticeable difference.

As of December 1st, 2009, more than 227,020 gallons (1’191,550 cubic meters) had been poured onto 1.28 miles (2,047 meters) of Cancun’s beaches. This represents a 23% advance for the whole project.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Hopes of New Drugs, Vaccines for Tuberculosis

In Uganda, health experts are getting laboratories ready and preparing villagers in two districts for a large clinical trial to test the world's first experimental tuberculosis vaccine in nearly a century.

For Anne Wajja, a doctor who heads TB vaccine studies in Uganda, this could be the start of a turning point.

"New TB drugs and vaccines will be important, they will change the lives of ordinary people, it is definitely important to have a new vaccine," said Wajja, who spoke at a conference on lung health in Cancun, Mexico, Sunday.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Monday, December 7, 2009

World's Largest Cruise Ship Ready For Cozumel

The Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, was delivered to its homeport in Florida, last week.

The new record-breaking vessel from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines sets sail on Caribbean cruises next month and will first visit Cozumel Island on December 16th.

Cozumel cruises.
Giant Cozumel cruise ship.

An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms.

Via:
http://thisiscozumel.com/content/view/927/2/

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

200 Mayan Peasants Arrested for Blocking Road

CANCUN – More than 200 Mayan peasants were arrested during a clash with police who tried to prevent them from blocking the highway between the southeastern Mexican cities of Chetumal and Cancun, officials said.

About 20 peasants sustained minor injuries and a police officer underwent surgery for a head injury suffered in Tuesday’s clash, Quintana Roo state Deputy Public Safety Secretary Didier Vazquez said.

Police arrested 228 of the 400 peasants who blocked the highway near the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Vazquez told Efe.

The peasants were taken to the federal jail in Chetumal and will be handed over to federal prosecutors because blocking a highway is a federal crime, Vazquez said.

The peasants blocked the highway to demand payment of insurance and subsidies for crops lost in the drought affecting the region.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Mexican Riviera offers top deals

You still might be able to snag some bargains this winter on trips to the Caribbean and Mexico, but the discounts being offered earlier this year are beginning to evaporate as the economy improves.

"There are a lot of bargains out there for winter 2010," says Cricket Hile, leisure specialist at Travel Time Travel Agency in Lancaster. "The special rates are for next year, but a lot of the promotions are expiring before the end of 2009. It is difficult to say what will be extended or added."

"As the economy improves, the high discounts we have seen in the past will slowly disappear as we get closer to the peak winter travel season," says Barry Richcreek, co-owner of Richcreek Vacation Center in Lower Paxton Twp. "Most indicators suggest the travel industry has hit bottom. Travelers looking for bargains on winter and spring vacations should contact their travel agent now."

For the Caribbean and Mexico, agents agree that the best deals this winter will be found in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the Riviera Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Royal Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya Finishes Expansion

The Royal Playa del Carmen, a Real Resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya, has opened the doors to its new expansion and is now ready for the winter surge.

The new addition to this luxury all-inclusive resort includes 44 suites in the upper and deluxe categories, a new restaurant and coffee bar and a 25 meter junior-Olympic pool.

The new 44 suites include four Junior, 20 Ocean View Junior, 15 Master with Ocean View and five Presidential. The Presidential Suites offer 360 degree views of the Caribbean sea and Playa del Carmen. These suites also have a roof top terrace and private plunge pool.

el Mediterraneo, the new restaurant, will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving fresh fish, seafood and meat. The addition of this and Coffee Bar gives guests a selection of 11 dining options.

Via:
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/playa-del-carmen/royal-playa-del-carmen-completes-expansion-18506

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Interview with the General Manager of Villa Rolandi, Isla Mujeres

A conversation with Giancarlo Frigerio, General Manager of Villa Rolandi, Isla Mujeres, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Chaine des Rotisseurs, and Condé Nast Johansen's.

What is unique about your hotel's location?

Villa Rolandi is located in the middle zone of Isla Mujeres, overlooking the impressive Mexican Caribbean Sea and the breathtaking views of Cancun. Located barely five minutes away from downtown Isla Mujeres and 20 minutes across from mainland.

The hotel lies in a privileged location between the beach with its powder-like white sand and the exuberant Lagoon Makax surrounded by a tropical forest of mangroves.

Continued...

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Is Mexico safe for travelers?

Between Mexico's drug war entering its fourth year and its H1N1 flu outbreak beginning with dozens of deaths and global headlines last spring, travelers have at least two reasons to study up before booking that trip to Mexico.

But it doesn't necessarily mean staying home.

Mexico's drug-war death toll reached more than 9,900 by early October, according to a count by the University of San Diego's Trans-Border Institute. Many of the deaths have been near the U.S. border and far from the resorts and cities that draw thousands of Americans every year.

Robert Reid, who has contributed to Lonely Planet's Mexico volumes and serves as the New York-based U.S. travel editor for the guidebook publisher, likes to remind people that Mexico is about the size of France, Spain, Germany and Italy -- combined.

Before you let trouble in one corner of the country affect your travel to another corner, he said, "Imagine a shootout in Sicily forcing a canceled vacation in Germany."

Also, as Mexican officials are quick to note, most drug-war victims so far have been active partisans -- that is, drug traffickers and law enforcement officials.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Providing ‘seed’ money for island women

The richly textured, multihued beaded necklace Karen Rosenberg wears is more than beautiful; it represents a lifeline for the indigenous Mayan and Spanish women living on Isla Mujeres (Island of Women).

For the past nine years, Rosenberg, a clinical social worker, and colleague Ceci McDonnell have journeyed to Isla Mujeres, a small island off the Yucatan coast of Mexico. There they lead the women’s retreat “Portals to the Self: A Women’s Circle by the Sea.”

As part of the mind-body-spirit week, participants visit their amigas at the Artesania de Mujeres, a Mayan Women’s Beading Cooperative on the island. “On our first visit in 2000, we saw eight native women working in a small shop making beaded objects for tourists,” notes Rosenberg. “These women supported themselves and their children by selling their crafts in a tiny shop and in the town square during fiestas and holidays.”

As retreat members scooped up beaded bracelets, necklaces and medicine bags, which range in price from a few dollars to $25, Rosenberg, who speaks Spanish, learned about the island women’s lack of access to higher quality seed beads. “Several of us promised on our return visit to bring them back sacks of seed beads from the States,” she says.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Cancun’s Beach Recovery Project Continues With Great Progress

There’s already a very noticeable advance in the project
Cancun, Quintana Roo, December 4th, 2009- Cancun - known for the majestic beauty of its shoreline-, has successfully begun the beach recovery project with an investment of more than USD $71 million dollars ($957 million pesos), throughout the state of Quintana Roo.

The project began on September 4th, 2009 with the delivery of more than two thousand tons of pipeline material to Cancun; the project will deliver 1.3 billion gallons (6.1 million cubic meters) of sand to replenish Cancun’s Hotel Zone seashore.

Although the project has endured some unforeseen delays, due to weather conditions, the venture resumed on November 15th and continues with great advancement, already creating a very noticeable difference.
As of December 1st, 2009, more than 227,020 gallons (1’191,550 cubic meters) had been poured onto 1.28 miles (2,047 meters) of Cancun’s beaches. This represents a 23% advance for the whole project.

via:
http://cancun.travel/en/2009/12/04/cancun%E2%80%99s-beach-recovery-project-continues-with-great-progress/

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

More funds needed for TB tests, drugs, vaccines

CANCUN, Mexico, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Health experts on Thursday called for more research funding to develop better diagnostic tests, vaccines and drugs for tuberculosis, which killed 1.8 million people around the world last year.

While diseases like AIDS and malaria can be diagnosed in minutes by applying a drop of blood to a rapid test kit, confirming active tuberculosis, or TB, is a laborious procedure.

It requires a patient to cough up sputum, which is smeared on a slide, stained and examined under a microscope.

And the 100-year-old test misses up to 70 percent of otherwise positive cases in some places, experts say.

In Africa, where the scourge of TB is most keenly felt, many people delay follow-up testing because of cost.

"A lot of people die before a TB diagnosis is even made," Dr Jeremiah Chakaya of the Kenya Medical Research Institute told reporters at an international conference on lung health in Cancun, Mexico.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Friday, December 4, 2009

Local athletes plan to take part in 2010 Goodwill Games in Cancun

Sponsorships are being sought for local athletes heading to Cancun this March for the World Congress of Ama­teur Athletes 2010 Good­will Games.

Last weekend’s Kata-thon had members collect pledges to help team members attend.

Jessica Verbakel is just one of those heading to Mexico, representing Canada.

The event is held once a year and the cost of competing and travel falls upon the competitor. This year that is estimated to be $1,800.

With competitors from around the world ranging from ages 6 to 18, and a few older competitors, it is expected to be a lifelong experience for the amateur athletes.

Team Canada, in partnership with the World Congress of Amateur Athletes, is committed to the everyday martial artist.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Cancun To Host its First Celebrity Golf Invitational Tournament

The 2009 Cancun Golf Invitational will take place December 3rd thru December 6th at Playa Mujeres Golf Club, one of Mexico’s top golf courses. 

The event will feature more than 30 sports and entertainment personalities from Mexico, the United States and Canada.

                                                                  

“The Cancun Celebrity Golf Invitational sanction Cancun and Isla Mujeres to promote themselves as not only one of Mexico’s most important tourism centers, but also as golf’s newest paradise destination,” said Jesus Almaguer Salazar Director of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

 “In this part of the country not only are impressive hotels and beautiful beaches institutes, more over exceptional challenging golf courses, such as Playa Mujeres are ever present.   There are very attractive packages offered throughout the year providing tourist with variety when visiting Cancun and the possibility to enjoy the destination’s treasures,” said Mr. Almaguer.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Opening night for "Click" and "Muse" photo exhibits

Dresses of coral and sapphire blue and lime green flutter beneath palm trees in Isla Mujeres, near Cancun, Mexico.

In the next room of Galeria 409, a bleach-white church sits nestled against a hillside in Real de Catorce.

These photos by G. Daniel Lopez and Brad Doherty are part of the exhibit "Click," which opens 6 p.m. this evening at Galeria 409, at 409 E. 13th St.

"Muse" will also open upstairs with photo exhibits by two other photographers, Bruce Lee Smith and Michael Mascha. They shot the same model with drastically different results.

"It’s amazing how each photographer has a completely different eye, and the personality of the artist manages to come through in spite of the fact that it’s a mechanical process that involves a machine," said Mark Clark, owner of Galeria 409. "The personality of the photographer, their whole approach is completely different."

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Global Meeting In Cancun to identify solutions to counterfeiting and piracy

To identify solutions to the worldwide trade in fake products which pose a threat to health and safety, and the global economy.

More than 800 delegates from over 80 countries are attending the three-day meeting (1-3 December) hosted by INTERPOL and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) to share proposals for reducing the impact of fake goods, identify more innovative solutions and build upon successful strategies already in place.

Supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the co-operation of the world’s business community, represented by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through its Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) initiative, the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the International Security Management Association, the Congress provides a unique international public-private sector partnership.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

SU's Erica Morrow earns Big East's top weekly honor

Syracuse junior guard Erica Morrow has become the first SU women's basketball player in four years to be named the Big East Player of the Week.

Morrow averaged 22.5 points per game in leading the undefeated Orange (6-0) to two victories in the Cancun Thanksgiving Classic last week. She had 16 points, five steals, four rebounds and three assists in a 65-32 rout of Old Dominion on Thanksgiving. The next night, she tied her career high with 29 points in an 80-64 beating of Butler. She made 10-of-21 shots in that game and passed the 1,000-point mark for her career. She now has 1,017.

The last Orange woman to receive the top weekly Big East honor was Vaida Sipaviciute, when she set the program's single-game record with 41 points in a victory over Colgate in December 2005.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Pittsburgh Int. Airport drops Cancun nonstop flights

Technically speaking, Pittsburgh International Airport will lose nonstop flights to two more destinations later this month. But at the same time it won't lose nonstop service to either location.

USA 3000 will drop nonstop commercial service to Cancun, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from Pittsburgh on Dec. 13. But a week later, on Dec. 20, Apple Vacations will begin offering nonstop charter service to those same locations, in partnership with AirTran Airways.

With the changes, the airport -- technically at least -- will lose one of its 13 airlines and two of the 38 nonstop commercial destinations it had as of Sept. 30. AirTran is not counting either of the trips as a commercial flight.

Nonetheless, airport spokeswoman JoAnn Jenny said the effect on travelers should be minimal. She said USA 3000 and Apple Vacations also worked in partnership and that the majority of travelers who took the commercial flights booked through Apple.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Six women murdered in Mexico

Five women were murdered in northern Mexico and a woman was beheaded in the southern beach resort of Cancun, authorities reported Monday.

Three women were murdered in Ciudad Juarez, on the border with the US state of Texas and ground zero for drug-related violence: one was shot ten times, another was beaten to death with a baseball bat and a third, a schoolteacher, was also beaten to death.
In Baja California state, two women were found shot to death in Mexicali, also on the US border, the Attorney General's office said.

In the Caribbean tourist mecca of Cancun, a 19-year-old woman was found beheaded in a sports stadium. The victim, a suspected prostitute, had a relationship with a police officer who was murdered last week, the office said.

Mexico is in the throes of a drug-related crime wave, chiefly in the north, that has killed 2,300 people so far this year, and more than 14,000 since 2006, when President Felipe Calderon took office and deployed 50,000 troops to fight violence.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Welcome back Kats

Following an impressive showing at Cancun Challenge, SHSU returns home Monday

Monday can’t get here quick enough.

Why? Well, that’s when the Sam Houston State men’s basketball team finally plays again at Johnson Coliseum.

It’s still early in the season, but in case you haven’t noticed, the Bearkats look like they are going to be pretty darn good this season.

Sam Houston State recently wrapped up a solid showing at the Cancun Challenge, with impressive wins over Oral Roberts and Rider at the Moon Palace in sunny Mexico.

If you are not a hardcore college basketball, you may not be familiar with those two teams. But the Golden Eagles and Broncs are well known to folks who follow the NCAA Tournament closely and both teams have a shot at making a return trip to the dance this year.

Via:
http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_333002529.html

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Sutton's son Scott content coaching at mid-major

Scott, who coached Oral Roberts in the Cancun Challenge last week, knew he wanted to be a coach when he watched his father lead Oklahoma State to the 1995 Final Four.

"That was the first year I wasn't part of a team," Scott said, "and I just realized this is going to be my life. This is what I want to do."

Scott has done it well. In his 11 seasons at Oral Roberts, he's won four Summit League championships, guided the team to the last three NCAA Tournaments, and posted victories over such teams as Arkansas, Georgetown, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall and Kansas.

The nadir of his father's career came at Kentucky in 1988-89. Major NCAA rules violations caused the coaching staff's forced resignation. Sean, the UK point guard, transferred after the season. Scott had a ringside seat as a senior at Henry Clay High.

via:
http://www.kentucky.com/kentuckysports/mensbasketball/story/1038627.html

Posted via email from Cancun Mexico News

Saturday, September 19, 2009

You can survive Cancun

I did it! I went to Cancun and lived to tell the tale. No one chopped off my fingers, no H1N1 symptoms, not even Montezuma’s Revenge.

First and foremost the ocean breeze was brisk and cool and made every day a total delight. It wasn’t as hot in Cancun as it was here in Oklahoma, and that refreshing breeze took a big bite out of the humidity.

Second, the resorts are immaculate and there is hand sanitizer everywhere you look. My host resort, the Gran Caribe Real, even offers a flu free guarantee. If you come down with the flu within 14 days of your return from one of the Real properties, you receive three years of vacations free of charge. So far there has not been a single claimant.



You can survive Cancun
Mcalester News Capital
Day two was the Isla Mujeres adventure. We boarded the catamaran and made our way through the gorgeous turquoise waters north of Cancun to Isla Mujeres. ...

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What I Ate on My Summer Vacation: Guacamole

Before Y&H does anything else on his first day back, I’d like to give a big round of applause to Derek Brown, Orr Shtuhl, Tammy Tuck and Bruce Falconer for their informative, funny, and hang0ver-free Two Week Bender. C’mon, folks, give it up for these two-fisted all-stars! (I say that, even though I think Mr. Brown needs to enroll in Dick Cheney’s Remedial Torture Techniques class before suggesting that a simple Indian rug burn would be punishment enough for the next person who puts whipped cream on a daiquiri.)

As for me, I spent that past two weeks roaming the Yucatan, where I managed to successfully avoid Montezuma’s notorious vengeance, despite wolfing down just about every food I encountered, from smoked sausage in Temozon to homemade popsicles in Izamal to roadside chickens in Piste to the best damn Mayan barbecue grouper on Isla Mujeres.

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Oh, Maya heavens

When we turned the doorknob to Room 414 at Maya Villa, I’m not sure that I had a picture of what to expect.

Since I’ve covered tourism for many years, I’ve found hotels each have a unique spin on hospitality, décor, and ambiance.

Maya Villa in Playa del Carmen is truly unlike any hotel I’ve ever stayed in. It felt like a palace – practically marble everything, clean and inviting, quiet, and complete with way more space than I was prepared for.

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Carnival Cruise Lines to Cozumel

via cozumel - Google News on 9/17/09


Press-Register - al.com

Carnival Cruise Lines to deploy 'Elation' to Mobile; could carry ...
Press-Register - al.com
On its new Mobile-based schedule, Carnival Elation will depart the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel and Mondays and ...

and more »

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Snorkeling in Cozumel: priceless

We began Day 2 of our Playa adventure with a restaurant recommendation: A local spot named Nativo. Boyfriend and I were told we would find fresh juices and smoothies and quality food there. We weren’t disappointed. (The beef tacos were especially good.)

After breakfast, we tackled the Mayan ruins at Tulum. A 40-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, Tulum was further down the Yucatan Peninsula, away from Cancun.

The heat that day was hotter than hot. One of the saving graces on this jaunt was the fresh fruit guy selling baggies of pineapple and mango from a cooler at the entrance.

Posted via web from cancun's posterous

ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for August 2009 Down 12.8 ... - Reuters

This announcement reflects comparisons between August 1 through August 31,
2009 and 2008. Transit and general aviation passengers are excluded.

Domestic
August August
Airport 2008 2009 % Change

Cancun 332,419 341,873 2.8
Cozumel 8,766 6,184 (29.5)
Huatulco 30,791 31,275 1.6
Merida 92,050 81,962 (11.0)
------------ ------ ------ ------
Total Domestic 694,360 655,242 (5.6)
-------------- ------- ------- -----

via cozumel - Google News on 9/3/09


ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for August 2009 Down 12.8 ...
Reuters
Domestic August August Airport 2008 2009 % Change Cancun 332419 341873 2.8 Cozumel 8766 6184 (29.5) Huatulco 30791 31275 1.6 Merida 92050 81962 (11.0) ...

and more »

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Peace Voyage Sets Sail From Cozumel - This is Cozumel

A message of peace to the world left Cozumel on its 4½ month sea voyage to Greece and back, via 15 ports in North America, Europe and Africa, at the end of last month.

The magnificent wooden trimaran, Zamná, set sail from Cozumel and made its first stop in Miami.

Florida's sunshine city met the vessel with roaring fanfare as part of the Festival México-Miami, which marks the anniversaries of Mexico's revolution and independence.

via cozumel - Google News on 9/7/09


This is Cozumel

Peace Voyage Sets Sail From Cozumel
This is Cozumel
Cozumel was declared as "Island of Peace" earlier this year due to its freedom from conflict since ancient Mayan times. Because of this honor, presented by ...

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Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Delivers Sweet Tunes

Musician and Resorts Managing Director, Jean Agarrista, Showcases Saxophone Talent at Festival & On-Property

Mexico, 2009 The seventh annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival returns to Mamitas Beach November 25-28, and music lovers, foodies, and pampered travelers alike can take advantage of a fourth night free at the award-winning Royal Hideaway Playacar during the event. The festival features four nights of complimentary musical performances by a variety of local and international acts including Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, and, on opening night, Royal Hideaway Playacars managing director Jean Agarrista with his ensemble, The Royal Band.

Attentive villa concierges can arrange for transportation to and from the musical festivities each night, in addition to providing area information, booking excursions, dinner reservations, spa treatments and more.



Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Delivers Sweet Tunes & Free Nights at ...
All About Jazz
Mexico, 2009 The seventh annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival returns to Mamitas Beach November 25-28, and music lovers, foodies, and pampered travelers alike ...

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Riviera Maya's Esencia hotel adds gym equipment to room service menu

Originally built as the private estate of an Italian duchess, the Esencia is not equipped with a standard fitness center. Rather than clearing the jungle or blocking the view of the beach to make way for a room full of treadmills and stair-climbers, the staff of Esencia took a more innovative approach to help guest get their exercise fix.

A portable gym, complete with Bosu balance balls, resistance bands, free weights, exercise balls and other gear can be delivered on request to the guest rooms, as easily as ordering room service. A fitness concierge is available to assist with set-up and offer instructions and training tips.



Examiner.com

Riviera Maya's Esencia hotel adds gym equipment to room service menu
Examiner.com
The creators of the Esencia Estate upscale resort in the Riviera Maya have designed an in-room fitness program for guests who would rather not spend their ...

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Frontier adds new flights to sun destinations

In addition to new service to Ft. Myers, Florida from its Denver hub, Frontier Airlines will increase the number of flights it offers to Tampa International Airport. New non-stop service to Cancun will be introduced from both Indianapolis and St. Louis, and Kansas City will be getting a third weekly flight to the Mexican Caribbean resort.

The new Florida service will start up in mid-November, with the increased Cancun flights coming in mid-December. All of the newly added service is currently open for sale on Frontier's website.

via cancun - Google News on 9/18/09


Frontier adds new flights to sun destinations
Examiner.com
New non-stop service to Cancun will be introduced from both Indianapolis and St. Louis, and Kansas City will be getting a third weekly flight to the Mexican ...

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Cancun’s beaches look “amazing” from outer space

Mexican astronaut, Jose Hernandez, member of the Discovery Shuttle crew who is currently at the International Space Station, was interviewed by a TV station and while discussing Cancun’s beaches he stated that “even from here, they look amazing.”

Hernandez, who will be in space for two weeks, confirmed that from space “Mexico City is seen all lit up at night and Cancun’s beaches are easily distinguished.”

Hernandez joins the NASA Discovery crew, made up of four experienced and three novice astronauts, in transporting more than seven tons of food, supplies, spare parts and scientific experiments, including six genetically altered rats, to be used for bone marrow loss research.

via General (EN) by fmainou on 9/10/09

Mexican astronaut, Jose Hernandez, member of the Discovery Shuttle crew who is currently at the International Space Station, was interviewed by a TV station and while discussing Cancun’s beaches he stated that “even from here, they look amazing.”

(more…)

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Remembering Hurricane Wilma in Cancun

Wicked winds: The worst hurricanes in Mexico's history
Mexico's hurricane season technically begins in June and lasts through November, but most hurricanes, and certainly the most destructive, strike in September and October, when the warm ocean waters that fuel the storms reach peak temperatures.

Since that most famous of October hurricanes, Wilma, ripped up the Yucatán's eastern coast in 2005, every impending hurricane incites a flurry of travel cancellations, hotel evacuations and boarded-up windows. The reaction might be frenzied, but it is not unjustified; whether it's the effect of global warming, as many scientists assert, or merely the swing of the meteorological pendulum, the past 15 hurricane seasons have brought storms of increasing frequency and intensity.


Direct Flights to Cancun

Direct flights to Mexico start Nov. 7
Air-only direct flights to Mexico will be available from the Comox Valley airport for the first time as early as November.

WestJet is offering a new service with direct air-only flights to Puerto Vallarta, as well as package deals, beginning Nov. 7 and continuing until May.

"Passenger feedback from people who have flown from Comox to Mexico says they love the convenience of not having to take a ferry, navigate through Vancouver traffic and deal with the usual crowds in large airports," said airport acting CEO Ian Heselgrave.

"Flying from Comox is like gaining two extra days to your precious vacation time."

The WestJet Puerto Vallarta flights will leave weekly on Saturdays.

Transat Holidays will also continue to provide direct flights to Mexico, with package deals to Puerto Vallarta that leave on Fridays starting Dec. 18 and flights to Cancun on Thursdays starting on Christmas Eve.


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Flights to Mexico allow cell phones now

Mexico Now Allows In-Flight Cell Phones
As of yesterday, flights to Mexico just got even better. Now when you’re on board, you can use your cell phone.

While the US still bans cell phone use during flights, Mexico has decided to follow the European Union and Malaysia by lifting the 8-year ban on cell phone use. Officials say that technology is sound enough to allow restricted use without interfering with the plane’s navigation system. Only portions of the flight will permit cell phone use.

The pilot has exclusive authority to determine when cell phones can be used. Passengers will be monitored during calls, so that large groups of people aren’t on their phones at the same time, busying the signal.

Flights to Mexico are still relatively inexpensive, so what are you waiting for? Book a flight to Cancun and call your friends from the air.


Hurricanes potential danger to GAP Airports

GAP Faces Strong Hurricane Jimena |
Hurricane Jimena--a very strong Category 4 storm--is projected to encompass the Mexican Baja peninsula over the coming week, immediately threatening Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico's PAC Los Cabos and La Paz airports. Beyond these facilities--GAP's fourth- and ninth-largest airports, respectively--Tijuana (third-largest), Hermosillo (fifth), Mexicali (seventh), and Los Mochis (twelfth and smallest) also stand in the hurricane's path, although each will probably face a much weaker storm as the hurricane passes over land.


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Alaska Air cheap flights to Cancun

Alaska Air fall sale lists cheap flights to Mexico, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington
Several cities in Mexico are included in the Fall Sale. Flights from Los Angeles to Mexico start at $75 for Los Cabos and cap off at $139 each way for Manzanillo. But flights to popular south of the border cities such as Puerto Vallarta start at $109 and Cancun, Mazatlan and Mexico City all start at $119 each way. Note: The low-fare calendar wasn’t working for Cancun, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, and it made it hard to search for the cheapest fares. You might want to call if you have a tough time finding sale prices online.


Monday, August 31, 2009

Playa del Carmen vacation

Out of office: Playing in Playa del Carmen
Two mental notes here: In lines, you spend a lot of time looking around. I, it turned out, looked down. And I found at least three different couples sporting his and her versions of the same shoe – color and brands included. Interesting. I missed that memo.

The second mental note is more our first lesson: Make sure the phrase “economy car” is what you expect it to be when you arrive to your destination. We learned our lesson at National Car Rental. We assumed it could come automatic; we got a stick shift. We stood in line again.

We finally drove off into Mexico more than two hours after landing in Cancun.

The highway scenery was fascinating – very flat vegetation, resorts and residences sprinkled along the drive, no “miles” (everything was in kilometers; another mental note – we should’ve prepared for that), and a small herd of chestnut horses grazing roadside? Yep. Just a few of them, minding their own business.


Voluntourism in Cancun

The Mayan Acquaintance Experience
Everywhere you look, people are volunteering. Random acts of kindness abound as people are searching for something more meaningful in their lives. From organized volunteering at local animal shelters to randomly helping a stranger across the street, the effect these kind gestures have cannot be underestimated. Now, those kind gestures are being welcomed in other parts of the globe.

Volunteering during a vacation, a.k.a. "Voluntourism," provides tourists the opportunity to reach out with their giving hands and feel those same feelings of gratitude and satisfaction. The Ritz Carlton's program in Cancun, Mexico, is a case in point.


A fabulous Vacation in Cancún

You can survive Cancun
I did it! I went to Cancun and lived to tell the tale. No one chopped off my fingers, no H1N1 symptoms, not even Montezuma’s Revenge.

First and foremost the ocean breeze was brisk and cool and made every day a total delight. It wasn’t as hot in Cancun as it was here in Oklahoma, and that refreshing breeze took a big bite out of the humidity.

Second, the resorts are immaculate and there is hand sanitizer everywhere you look. My host resort, the Gran Caribe Real, even offers a flu free guarantee. If you come down with the flu within 14 days of your return from one of the Real properties, you receive three years of vacations free of charge. So far there has not been a single claimant.


Thursday, August 27, 2009

Cancun Deals

Cancun deals: $300 flights, $100/night resort | ajc.com
Delta Air Lines offers a walk-up, no-advance-purchase, all-inclusive rate of $305.72 to Cancun, in the Mexico Yucatan.

Take advantage of this sale with trips started as soon as this evening (there's a flight departing shortly before 6 p.m. with available "U" space) or on trips finished on or before July 24, 2010.

There are no blackout dates to avoid, which makes this offer ideal for year-end holiday getaways.


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Great deals in Cancun after the Swine Flu scare

Swine flu fallout: Great deals on Mexico trips
Queen Elizabeth II's annus horribilis has nothing on Mexico's tribulations of 2009. Travel alerts based on escalating drug cartel violence, the global spread of the U.S. recession and the H1N1 flu outbreak in Mexico City have kept tourists away in droves, but the hit on its third-largest source of income has mobilized Mexico to turn this into an annus mirabilis for travelers.

Having deployed troops to drug trafficking hot spots and contained the flu with a swiftness that won unmitigated praise from the World Health Organization, Mexico is wooing tourists with unprecedented vigor.

Most visible are deals that turn absurdly expensive luxury resorts into doable splurges and moderately priced hotels into screaming bargains.


Friday, August 21, 2009

Garifuna Drums Beating in Cancun
Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. As the week progressed the Garifuna drumming became the theme song for the resilient Team Belize and provided reassurance for a team that against all odds was reeling in back to back victories. The beat was embraced by Belizean supporters who proudly wore and waved their Belizean flags. Team Belize veteran Alex Carcamo says the drumming and cheering from Belizean fans took him back to the City Center in 1998 and its successful gold rush in the CARICOM games. And while the beat was inspirational to Team Belize, it was intimidating to the team’s opponents.


Saturday, August 15, 2009

Unlimited travel for month on JetBlue -- only $599
JetBlue has created quite a stir with its All-You-Can Jet Pass. For $599, you can fly anywhere you want and as often as you want from Sept. 8 to Oct. 8. JetBlue flies to more than 50 cities throughout the United States and Caribbean, as well as Cancun and San Jose, Mexico; Bogota, Colombia; and Aruba.


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Monday, August 3, 2009

Cancun prices will make you rub your eyes
People in travel are talking about Mexico. The combination of the outbreak of swine flu several months ago and reports of drug-related violence served to decimate tourist traffic to Mexico this past winter and spring, and the downturn continues in summer. In those non-holiday weeks when there isn't a large amount of local, Mexican traffic, many hotels have been reporting occupancy rates so low as to defy credulity. The response of those properties — especially the deluxe hotels — are pricing lures never before seen.


Friday, July 31, 2009

The Associated Press: Mexico shuts Cancun beach, alleges sand was stolen
MEXICO CITY — Surprised tourists found their little piece of Cancun beach paradise ringed by crime-scene tape and gun-toting sailors on Thursday.

Environmental enforcement officers backed by Mexican navy personnel closed off hundreds of feet (dozens of meters) of powder-white coastline in front of a hotel accused of illegally accumulating sand on its beach.

Mexico spent $19 million to replace Cancun beaches washed away by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. But much of the sand pumped from the sea floor has since washed away, leading some property owners to build breakwaters in a bid to retain sand. The practice often merely shifts sand loss to beaches below the breakwaters.


Thursday, July 30, 2009

Cancun, Mexico: Beautiful Beaches and Wild Nights!
Renowned for its luxurious complexes and for its amazing white sandy beaches surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is the ideal place to combine holidays on the beach and partying in clubs until the wee hours of the morning!

A little history
Believe it or not, it was only in the seventies that the Government decided to found the city of Cancun and make it an international resort. In fact, Cancun is divided into two parts:
- Isla Cancun, on the peninsula, a hotel zone in the form of a big 7, which is lined with exceptional beaches. Nightclubs, bars and restaurants abound to the delight of tourists wanting to party.
- Downtown Cancun, located on the coast, has few hotels and no beach. However, for a nice meal outside the hotel, you can go to the Mercado 28, a public market with several restaurants and terraces, which offers a typical meal at affordable prices.

Stunning beaches
The hotel zone in Cancun is surrounded by the most beautiful beaches and counts more than thirty thousand hotel rooms. The very warm temperatures, coral reefs and the beauty of turquoise waters attract many tourists each year. However, you must move away fromthe hotel zone if you want to engage in activities other than scuba diving. Several excursions are also offered for that matter.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Mexico vacations, no planning required
All-inclusive resorts with cattle-call buffets and indifferent service are still with us, but they're rapidly being replaced by architect-designed havens with vaunted international chefs and 3-to-1 employee-to-guest ratios. Golf, tennis, zip lines, climbing walls and even trapeze lessons have replaced conga lines and limbo dancing. And with deals to entice travelers back to Mexico multiplying like Tribbles, now is a great time to discover this new breed of all-inclusive.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Travel 101: What beers do the locals drink in Mexico?
It's always fun to drink local beers when you travel. Below is a list of the most common beers brewed in Mexico. Next time you're on the beach in Cancun or strolling the streets of Guadalajara, you'll be more prepared when you duck into a cantina for a break from the sun.

Bohemia. Served in a dark bottle with gold foil on the neck, Bohemia is a bit more expensive than other beers, but it has a robust taste and is a bit of a status symbol.


Monday, July 6, 2009

The Associated Press: Mexico wins praise for swine flu response
CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — As swine flu runs rampant in the Southern Hemisphere winter, world health experts are concerned that some hard-hit countries have been reluctant to take forceful measures to protect public health.

Only Friday did Argentina's new health minister, Juan Manzur, raise the country's official death toll to 44. He now estimates that as many as 320,000 people have been stricken with influenza, including about 100,000 with swine flu — a huge jump in what the government acknowledged previously, and an indication that Argentina's hospitals will remain overwhelmed for months.


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Cancun welcomes new Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve
Cancun is more than just a place to see various marine life, it is home to one of the 171 protected biospheres reserves in Mexico.

The recently named Reserva de la Biosfera Tiburón Ballena (Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve) is located in front of the north coast region of Quintana Roo, with a surface area of 145,988 acres. The marine surface of this Protected Area guarantees the protection of the region which contains waters rich with organic material. This concentration of nutrients allow for the exceptional presence of species such as mussels, crustaceans, birds and marine mammals, and above all, schools of fish of commercial and sport importance, as well as large groups of whale sharks, making it the perfect environment for spotting these gentle sea giants in their own environment.


AFP: Policy makers head to Mexico for swine flu meet
MEXICO CITY (AFP) — Policy makers from 50 countries are to gather in Mexico on Thursday to discuss their response to this year's swine flu outbreak, as South America continues to be hit by new cases.

Experts and ministers will gather in the Caribbean beach resort of Cancun for a two-day meeting aimed at gleaning lessons from the crisis, according to Margaret Chan, Secretary General of the World Health Organization (WHO).


Hate crowds? Travel to Mexico
The Mexican tourism industry has taken it in la boca this year thanks to the triple whammy of the H1N1 viral outbreak, warnings over drug violence and the down economy. So for those adventurous enough to vamanos, bargains await and crowds are few, according to reports.

An Associated Press dispatch in June details the serendipitous experience of a Seattle resident who, with his friends, decided to head to Mexico and came away delighted to have an entire resort almost to themselves.


Friday, June 26, 2009

Cancun: Back to the beach
Cancun has become the new setting for Real World 22. The new eight strangers move into the very popular spring break resort, ME. It is not your very typical Real World house, but it has been done before with the Real World: Las Vegas at the now very popular Palms Hotel & Casino. Hopefully this resort will receive some well deserved PR, just as the Palms did. The eight strangers meet but only a few weeks before the spring breakers from all over take over Cancun.
Wide-open beaches of Mexico
TULUM, Mexico - The last time Bud Olson visited Mexico, he ended up in a hospital with kidney stones and missed the ancient Mayan ruins in the seaside town of Tulum.

So, when he heard that swine flu was sweeping through Mexico just weeks before he was to return this year, the 43-year-old Seattle, Washington, resident and his friends threw all caution to the warm Caribbean breezes and went anyway.

Olson is one of the intrepid few who decided to come to Mexico in the throes of the epidemic.


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Sneak Peek: 'Real World: Cancun'
"Real World's" next house of eight strangers have been picked to work together and... run Spring Break trips in Cancun, Mexico.

Each spring, travel group StudentCity rounds up hundreds of co-eds and unleashes them upon desirable destinations - such as Cancun, Acapulco and Jamiaca - for one week of mayhem.

This spring, "The Real World: Cancun" kids will be the ones doing the party-lassoing.

Since the "Real World" house is one big party without the backdrop of 24/7 wet T-shirt contests and never-ending drinking games, MTV has decided to cook up its freshest batch of "Real World"-ers for Cancun.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Cancun gets the spotlight for MTV's 'Real World'
Sexy hookups. Tequila shots. And maybe a shot in the arm for a destination brought low by the swine flu.

The 22nd season of MTV's The Real World— premiering Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT — showcases Cancun.

The reality show, which has stirred youthful interest in other destinations including Las Vegas, stars eight young hotties who stay at the hip ME Cancun hotel and play all over town during spring break. It was taped before fears of contracting H1N1 flu made tourists say adios to Mexican bars and beaches. Filming ended in April, before the flu made headlines. (No cast members came down with the disease later, says show spokeswoman Lauren Sammak. )