Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Introducing non-stop flights from Ottawa to Cancun
WestJet launches limited-time service from Ottawa to Cancun, Mexico CALGARY, Jan. 27 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the launch of a limited-time, non-stop route between Ottawa and Cancun, Mexico beginning March 4, 2009. "Our loyal guests in the Ottawa-Gatineau region are about to get a double dose of WestJet fun," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Guest Experience and Marketing. "In February, our WestJetters celebrate Winterlude at the Fun 'n Festival Zone, and in March, we launch a weekly route to Cancun for Ottawans looking to spend a well-deserved spring break on the beaches of Mexico."

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Real World Mexes It Up in Cancun - E! Online
MTV is getting ready to tell the true story of siete strangers picked to live in a casa...

The Real World, the granddaddy of all reality shows, will launch its 22nd season at the epicenter of spring break—it was only a matter of time, really—Cancun, Mexico.

Production has already begun in the coed party destination and the show will debut later this year after the current season, set in Brooklyn, concludes.

"Cancun is a good one to do after Brooklyn, which was a more gritty environment," Real World producer and co-creator Jonathan Murray told the Hollywood Reporter.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Beautiful waterfront, plenty to explore in Playa del Carmen
Situated in the tropical tourist region known as Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is 65 kilometres south of Cancun and 20 kilometres from the island of Cozumel. This humble hot spot provides all the sun, sand and surf of its trendy cousins, but still sports fewer crowds.

At least for the time being.

Named for Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patron saint of Cancun, Playa del Carmen was a rest stop and readying point for the earliest travellers making their way from the great Mayan cities to the island of Cozumel. From the same shores that now house modern-day resorts and restaurants, they launched dugout canoes to journey across the open water.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

ABC News: Mexico Turns to Tourism in Midst of Economic Crisis
Mexico is counting on its weakened currency against the dollar and its proximity to the U.S. to attract recession-shocked Americans and fuel its tourism industry — a major source of foreign income.

Tourism officials say Mexico saw 3 percent more visitors who spent an estimated 4 percent more in 2008, with tourists flocking to its beaches and cobble-stoned streets even during the global economic crisis. And, unlike most tourist destinations around the world, there is no sign that this year will be any different.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Glorious celebrations on the calendar for Mexico
Many Americans visiting Mexico never venture beyond their palapas, or grass-roofed huts, at such popular resorts as Puerto Vallarta, CancĂșn or Los Cabos.

But for more adventuresome and curious travelers, Mexico offers an array of colorful festivals. Most combine Catholic rituals with indigenous practices, offering visitors an intimate view of Mexican celebrations.

Here's a sampling of the country's finest festivals and cultural events and the best places to enjoy them.
Keep your eyes open for this year’s hottest destinations
In 2009 the Riviera Maya, Mexico is the place to be. Travel Agents already have $119 round trip airfare into Cancun and many Riviera Maya resorts are offering free or discounted upgrades, free nights, kids stay free and more.

For example right now you can stay at the Barcelo Maya Beach for seven nights for only $1,000 per person. That price includes round trip air from DFW, transfers, taxes, tips, your food and drinks and all non-motorized watersports. With nightly shows, kids club, and three miles of beautiful beach on the Caribbean, what more could you ask for?

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Cancun for $100 each way! No way! Yes way on AirTran
After Hurricane Wilma did her best to wipe Cancun off the map, the city picked itself back up and started the rebuild which saw the rise of a number of swanky all-inclusive resorts that only a few of us can afford. A turn to steeper prices were also the solution to finally end the steady flow of 24/7 college partyers during Spring Break and summer seasons.

Today Cancun has a sophisticated air with a high appeal for
honeymooners, romance and when you simply need to relax along miles of
stunning beaches.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Dreams Cancun true: Roving Reader in Mexico
I have been selling Mexico for 10 years now and this was my third visit, but it was a different experience this time as we ventured from the hotel.

I expected Cancun to be worse than it was, because of its reputation of crowded streets and nightlife mayhem, but I was to be proved wrong – I actually found it quite pleasant.

We first stayed at Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa and had a some delicious sushi at its Oceana Restaurant. Our rooms overlooked a pool where dolphins were playing and the following day we swam with them, which was one of the highlights of the trip.
Gadling goes to Chichen Itza (and so does everyone else)
Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is one of Mexico's most popular Mayan ruins, and for good reason. Only three hours by bus from CancĂșn, the thousand-year-old ruins transport you back to an age of hierogloyphics, massive temple-pyramids, and human sacrifices.

Are there tourists? Oh yeah, in spades. Tell someone traveling around Mexico that you've just been to Chichen Itza, and within ten seconds some variation of the word "touristy" will escape their lips.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A Golf Mecca in the Riviera Maya
When Jack Nicklaus first started coming to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, he recognized two characteristics that would make that part of Mexico’s Yucatan ideal for golf. “It has great weather and miles and miles of sandy beaches,” said the world-famous golfer and golf-course architect.

So Nicklaus started doing his part to turn the Mexican Caribbean into a premier golf destination, first by designing the 27-hole golf course at the Moon Spa & Golf Club. Now, he’s followed that up with another Palace Resorts course: the 18-hole Riviera Cancun Golf Course.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Behind the Scenes: Cancun Classic
To finish out the last week of winter break the team traveled internationally to Cancun for competition and some fun in the sun. The trip was great, providing some of the team with their first experience in Mexico. We managed to slip some relaxation into the first two days of the trip even though our focus was on gymnastics until the competition concluded.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Tough year ahead for Mexican airport firms
MEXICO CITY, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Mexican airport operators are bracing for a tough 2009 as small airlines, hurt by the financial crisis and fuel costs, close businesses and travelers fly less.

Leading airport operator GAP (GAPB.MX) (PAC.N) warned on Wednesday it sees 2009 passenger traffic down between 3 percent and 5 percent compared with the expected results for 2008.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Gymnasts open season with wins at Cancun
CANCUN, Mexico — The Stanford women's gymnastics team opened its season at the Cancun Classic on Friday with solid victories over three schools that advanced to the NCAA postseason in 2008.

The Cardinal, ranked No. 5 in the national preseason coaches poll, scored 195.600 points to beat No. 9 Oregon State (194.575), No. 14 Denver (189.125) and unranked BYU (189.125) in the four-team evening session.

Coach Kristen Smyth, beginning her eighth season at Stanford, felt the team's performance on the balance beam was the highlight of the meet. Allyse Ishino, in her first competition since injuring her knee at the Pac-10 Conference championships in March, set the tone by helping the team refocus after a teammate's miss.
Travelers seek deals for 2009
Dollar-stretching Mexico has five destinations in the top 10: Cancun, No. 2; Riviera Maya, No. 3; Puerto Vallarta, No. 4; Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, No. 9; and Mexican cruises (tied for No. 10).

Other findings in the Travel Leaders 2009 trends survey:

/>> 90.5 percent say customers are cutting back on travel compared with the same period last year.

/>> 81.6 percent say clients are trading down when it comes to hotels.