Tuesday, July 27, 2010

New Tours Offer a Zesty Taste of the Real Mexico

Still another route offers a 10-day sampling of the Maya culture, starting at the so-called "white city" of Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula. Besides stops at archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum, the tour allows time to play at the resort areas of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and the island of Cozumel before a flight down to the country's southernmost state of Chiapas. Among showstoppers there is a river cruise through a Grand Canyon-like gorge, a visit to the shopping mecca of San Cristobal de las Casas and pyramid-climbing at the ruins of Palenque.

The other seven routes typically feature inland cities elsewhere in the country. Among their themes are "Wine country and the aquarium of the world," "The art of tequila and music under the sun" and "The magic of traditions and nature."

Collectively, the routes wind through some 90 cities around Mexico including a number of smaller towns designated as "magic cities" and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Posted via email from Cancun Mexico News

Cozumel Island Living Among Best In World

As a global authority on island destinations with more than half a milion readers, Island Magazine's recommendations are worth listening to.

So, the inclusion of Cozumel this month as one of their World's Best Islands to Live On, is worthy praise indeed.

In their latest edition, the glossy US-based publication described Cozumel as a "colorful Mexico blended with the Caribbean's laid-back attitude [...] a social island with patient, relaxed people."

Cozumel Islands Magazine
Cozumel commended.

They named Cozumel number 16 in their list of the top 20 islands to live on, number 1 was the Big Island in Hawaii.

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Developing nations see Cancun climate deal tough | Reuters

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Reaching a binding climate deal at the upcoming U.N. conference in Mexico will likely be difficult, delegates from a group of developing nations said on Monday, spurring further doubts about a global climate accord this year.

Environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India and China -- known as the BASIC group -- meeting in Rio de Janeiro said developed nations have not done enough to cut their own emissions or help poor countries reduce theirs.

Delays by the United States and Australia in implementing schemes to cut carbon emissions has added to gloomy sentiment about possible results from the Cancun meeting.

"If by the time we get to Cancun (U.S. senators) still have not completed the legislation then clearly we will get less than a legally binding outcome," said Buyelwa Sonjica, South Africa's Water and Environment Affairs minister.

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Monday, July 5, 2010

China to host climate talks before Mexico meeting

China will host an extra round of international negotiations in October aimed at fostering agreement over a new climate treaty, the United Nations' top environment official said in remarks published on Monday.

Achim Steiner, a U.N. Under-Secretary General who is director of the U.N. Environment Program, told the China Daily the extra round of negotiations would take place in the north Chinese port city of Tianjin, which is close to Beijing.

"China will introduce some new ideas and opportunities to move the negotiation forward," said Steiner, who has been visiting China.

Governments are hoping to strike agreement on a new binding climate change treaty after a summit in Copenhagen late last year ended with a weak and non-binding accord.

The newly added Tianjin talks will come in the build-up to the next major ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico, from Nov. 29-Dec. 10, when climate officials hope to agree on the key elements of a new treaty, if not the details.

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Baseball4Christ's first trip to Mexico becomes 'life-changing' experience

Brian Morgan assembled Baseball4Christ's first offering of its missionary work in their waning moments together as a week-long baseball team during a mission trip to Cancun, Mexico.

The goal of a final talk was to measure the internal impact of the trip from June 20-26 had on the 12 teenagers seated in front of him.

He'd soon find out that among a majority, their recent trip to Mexico had been "life-changing."

Included among the 19 on a mission trip to Cancun were a dozen players, split among each of Coweta County's three public high-schools. Outside of a few teammates, most knew each other, at best, as occasional opponents this spring on area diamonds.

The plan for the trip called for the group to spend their days in the surrounding Barrios, spreading their messages both of the Gospel and baseball through daily clinics where they could also distribute donated equipment that had been shipped from Georgia to be given to the Mexican children.

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Harris joining Valpo teammates for series in Mexico

Jay Harris is getting a jumpstart on his collegiate career.

The former Oswego East basketball standout has started classes this summer at Valparaiso University, where he signed a national letter of intent for a basketball scholarship after the high school season ended.
» Click to enlarge image
Former Oswego East star Jay Harris (left), now a freshman at Valparaiso University, will join his teammates when they head to Cancun, Mexico, in August for a series of games against international competition.
(Sun-Times Media File)

And next month, Harris will join coach Homer Drew's team when they head to Cancun, Mexico, for a series of games (Aug. 8-13) against international competition.

"It will give him a chance to adjust and a chance to play with his teammates before everything starts in the fall," Drew said.

"He has started summer school. He's here on campus so he will be coming with us."

Harris, a smooth-shooting 6-foot-1 guard who can play the 1 or 2 spot, was the lone recruit signed by Drew this offseason.

Because the trip has been sanctioned by the NCAA, Drew's team will be allowed to practice for 10 days prior to the trip.

"We're going to be able to get a jumpstart on the season," Drew told the Northwest Times of Indiana. "This will give us an early chance to evaluate our guys and this is the first time that we've ever gone international since I've been here."

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India to host 'dress rehearsal' for Mexico

India will host a two-day ministerial round on climate technology transfer and cooperation in November before the year's big UN meet on the subject in Mexico. The meeting of ministers is intended to thrash out a deal on how the rich countries can share clean technologies with the developing world.

The calendar for the year is packed with informal and formal international meetings on climate as a run up to the Cancun, Mexico, meeting where countries would try to at least come up with few partial pacts as a full package deal is not expected to come through before 2011. India's attempt to push for technology transfer and cooperation is in sync with its effort all through the last year in asking the global community to set up innovation centres that would help develop new technologies with the rights over it being held in a common pool as was done for agriculture in the CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) model.

Union environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh made the offer to host the meeting at the Major Economies Forum meeting that concluded on Wednesday in Rome.

The meeting also saw a strong pitch by the minister to incorporate the principles of equity and carbon space sharing in the negotiations.

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New flights from Lansing to include Cancun, Jamaica, Las Vegas

Apple Vacations and Sun Country Airlines are teaming up to add flights at Capital Region International Airport.

Airport officials said today that Sun Country plans to start nonstop service from Lansing to Cancun, Mexico, in December. USA 3000 Airlines previously flew the route.

Sun Country also is adding flights from Lansing to Orlando and Ft. Myers, Fla.; Las Vegas; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airline plans to start the routes Dec. 22.

The Cancun and Montego Bay flights will be seasonal, operating through May 1, 2011. Sun Country initially will offer seasonal service to the Florida and Las Vegas destinations, but hopes demand will be strong enough to make those flights year-round.

Sun Country is offering introductory fares on the routes. They range from $89 one-way to Orlando to $199 one-way to Montego Bay. Apple Vacations will offer all-inclusive packages for Cancun and Montego Bay that include flights and lodging.

Apple Vacations had started seasonal service to Cancun last year using planes flown by USA 3000 Airlines. Sun Country is a Minneapolis-based leisure carrier.

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Grand Velas RM recognized as best all-inclusive resort, Mexico

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya was honored with the 2010 WAVE Award in the category of “Best All-Inclusive Resort, Mexico” on June 10 in Beverly Hills as part of the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence) Awards. The award was presented to Fernando Garcia Rossette, Grand Velas Riviera Maya’s Managing Director, by TravelAge West Publisher Michelle Rosenberg during the 2010 WAVE Awards Gala held at the Four Seasons Hotel.

“We are very proud to be recognized as the Best All Inclusive Resort by our colleagues in the travel industry and by one of the top trade publications in the U.S.,” said Garcia Rossette.

Travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West were invited to vote on the best-of-the-best from a list of Editor’s Pick award recipients that were chosen after careful review by Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

“The WAVE Awards are a celebration of excellence in travel products, services and destinations,” said Rosenberg. “This year’s WAVE winners have consistently demonstrated excellence within the travel marketplace.”

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Angelina Jolie And Family Jet To Cancun For Salt Junket

Angelina Jolie loaded up her kids on a Sony-hired Gulfstream IV this afternoon, on her way to the Salt press junket in Cancun.

Brad didn't accompany Angie and the kids on the private plane, but don't worry, looks like Angelina has the help of a nanny while she tends to business in Mexico. Angelina and the kids will apparently stay in Cancun through the July 4th holiday, with Brad possibly joining them later on.

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Virgin America Will Go South of the Border to Cancun and Cabo

At this very moment, Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Group, is announcing the next two destinations for the low-cost airline Virgin America and they are as we expected: Cabo San Lucas and Cancun, from both San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The announcement comes at the start of a huge party at SFO to mark Virgin America's first route over the border into Canada, to Toronto to be more specific. The party is where we're at right now, and while we're trying not to invade the personal space of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, we can't help but be excited for the future south of the border flights. We're just waiting for someone to start chanting "VX to MEX!"

Virgin America CEO David Cush says that there's no official date yet set for the first Mexico flights, but we're guessing they'll begin when fall temperatures drop the US back into jacket weather and people start dreaming of hot sun and bikinis again.

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Whale Shark Festival academic conference program announced

Noted marine biologists from some of the world’s most prestigious research institutions will present their research at the Third Annual Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, this July, it was announced today.

The scientists – who hail from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the Center for Shark Research/Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida and Mexico’s Project Domino -- will discuss marine conservation and whale shark preservation during an Academic Conference to be held concurrently with the Whale Shark Festival July 16-18, 2010 in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

"It’s exciting for the Georgia Aquarium to continue working with Project Domino in studying the whale sharks of Quintana Roo. The waters of the Yucatan are home to the most exceptional gathering of whale sharks known to science and a host of other beautiful and important marine species,” said Dr. Al Dove, Senior Scientist, Georgia Aquarium and presenter at the Whale Shark Festival. “The ongoing oil spill elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico shows us how vulnerable these marine ecosystems can be, so research and conservation is more important than ever. For all these reasons, it is a privilege to be a marine biologist working in this region, at this time."

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Valparaiso heading to Cancun in August

Valparaiso's men's basketball team will be taking a business trip in August -- to Cancun.

The Crusaders will get a headstart on the season, traveling to the Mexican resort town from Aug. 8-13,  giving them 10 extra days of practice and four or five games against international competition.

The NCAA permits teams to take such a trip once every four years, but this will be Valparaiso's first. VU coach Homer Drew finally got the green light from the athletic department this year, under the condition that he raise the funds through alumni donations.

"It's the first time in my 22 years that we're able to go on an international trip," said Drew, who said he has "most" of the money raised. "There's wonderful value to it. We get 10 extra practice dates, and we get to play some games, which really should give us a jumpstart for the season in the fall."

Drew said it's too early to know what teams VU will face, but they likely will be college and professional teams from Central America. NCAA rules forbid a team from playing any other American colleges on such a trip. It's not a formal tournament, but rather an informal series of games.

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Kilgore man brings joy of diving to customers

Drive by the shop on any old morning, and the sign in the window says it's open. Come back at midnight. Same sign, still open.

"I have customers who will call me at 10 o'clock at night and say they're coming over," says shop owner Eddie Francis, with a chuckle.

"I live around back, so it's no problem."

Francis is 60 years old. He has a graying beard and the wiry frame of a man who's been diving all his adult life. He credits the old TV show "Sea Hunt" for piquing his interest in all things underseas.

"People don't just drive by and see a scuba shop and say, 'Hey, I think I want to scuba,' " he explained.

Though impulse divers may be few and far between, Francis sells gear at his shop, organizes an annual diving trip to Cozumel, and teaches certification classes to around 150 students every year. During winter classes, his students dive in the warm waters of Pirkey Lake, and in the summer they complete their training at Tyler State Park.

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Monday, June 28, 2010

`Climate conference in Cancun should produce realistic result`

United Nations: Underlining the need to build on the outcome of the climate change conference in Copenhagen, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for "a realistic result" at the upcoming climate meet in Cancun at the end of the year.

Addressing world leaders at the G20 Summit in Toronto, Ban said it would not be quick or easy to reach a comprehensive global agreement.

But it would be possible to achieve a meaningful, realistic result in Cancun, according to his office.

"The risks and costs of inaction on climate change grow each year. The more we delay, the more we will pay," he said.

After a lengthy process of negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009, which have been widely regarded as unsatisfactory, the parties could not produce a legally binding treaty and instead agreed to "take note" of the Copenhagen Accord.

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Christina Aguilera Promotes Burlesque In Mexico

She has been doing a lot of promotions but she hasn’t been doing well on the charts, but Christina Aguilera didn’t seem to mind since she was at a party over the weekend pushing her new film ‘Burlesque’ which was held in Cancun, Mexico.

The film includes stars like Cher and Kristen Bell and Cam Giganet, and the director is Steve Antin who is related to Robin Antin (founder of the Pussycat Dolls and Girlicious) .
Xtina was photographed partying but the pictures do not include Cher though as she didn’t attend the party for some reason.

The film is going to be released in November and there is going to be a soundtrack for the ‘Burlesque’ movie. I think that even with Burlesque, it isn’t going to save her career because of the media that is always trying to find something negative.

What do you think? Do you think Christina will come back better?

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Backstreet Boys still front and center

Tickets for the tour in support of the Backstreet Boys' most recent album, "This Is Us," were snatched up almost as soon as they went on sale. "I think we ended up in a position where we should have been in bigger venues," he says.

The greatest-hits collection, "Playlist: The Very Best of Backstreet Boys," released earlier this year, has been selling steadily. There's even a Backstreet Boys cruise, which puts the band members out to sea with its followers on a journey from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico, from Dec. 9 to 13 that's totally sold out. "The hard-core fans find us," Carter says.

$42.25-$62.25. www.ticketmaster.com.

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Mexico's Riviera Maya a magic carpet of sand

Eighteen miles south of the airport begins Riviera Maya's gold coast. Ask locals where their favorite beach sits, and watch their eyes go dreamy as they slowly mouth, "Maroma."

Virtually untouched by builders until recently, Maroma is where talcum-soft sand and tranquil waters meet to comprise what is arguably the region's finest beach, first inhabited by the classy Maroma hotel, a Mayan-Moorish honeymoon oasis. There's no town here: The jungle behind the beach is thick and daunting while the sand is a cream of alabaster - your footprint may be the first of the day.

Just south is Mayakoba, a 593-acre development shared by three hotels hugging a mile-long stretch of coast. The bulk of the rooms and facilities are situated a half-mile inland, a foresight that accommodates the strip of mangrove lagoon that sits just behind the beach dune. By leaving most of the mangrove undeveloped, Mayakoba has the feel of encroaching jungle, with cormorants and egrets fishing and preening in the morning sun. A 7,000-yard Greg Norman golf course snakes around the property.

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Hurricane? Not in the Caribbean (Yet)

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is focusing more attention than usual on weather in the region, and you may be hearing about the potential for a tropical wave to form into a tropical storm or hurricane this weekend. Usually, these things don't make the news until they actually turn into tropical storms or hurricanes, but people are rightly concerned about what a big storm could do to churn up and disperse all that oil flowing into the Gulf.

For Caribbean travelers, though, it's important to keep in mind that the storm system that has everyone concerned has already passed through the Caribbean islands. And since these storms almost always move east to west, that means it poses little or no threat to most of the Caribbean. The exceptions is the Mexican Caribbean, where places like Cancun and Cozumel could be affected by the storm; and Central America (the storm is currently located west of the Cayman Islands, off the coast of Honduras).

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Friday, June 25, 2010

Marking Grandpa’s 70th in Cancun

The three Dinnell siblings, their spouses and their children (12 in all) treated Grandpa and Grandma to a trip to Cancun for Grandpa’s 70th birthday. We stayed at the all-inclusive Crown Paradise on the hotel strip. You can’t find a better resort with more activities for children than this one. The kids’ camp is well-supervised, too. Even adults get involved in a bull-riding competition.

Tip: Take the bus. It runs between Cancun and the entire hotel strip, and only costs 60 cents. We never had a worry, regardless of the time of day or night.

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Cancun Underwater Sculpture Museum

The first 200 sculptures are ready to be deployed in Cancun, Mexico in what will soon be the largest underwater museum in the world. The Museum of Underwater Art, created by internationally renowned sculpture and installation artist Jason deCaires Taylor, will feature more than 400 statues of real people when completed, forming a monumental artificial reef designed to promote marine life, increase bio-diversity and draw Cancun visitors gently away from existing reef habitats.

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Hotels Want To Be Your Facebook Friend

Ahead of the summer travel and vacation season many hotels and vacation package providers want to be your facebook and twitter friends to be able to send you new deals and discounts on vacation plans. One of them is Catalonia Hotels which unveiled its facebook page offering its deals on its city and all-inclusive Caribbean and European properties.

Travelers in the know can now access the latest information on Catalonia Hoteles Worldwide’s premier adults-only resorts throughout Europe and the Caribbean through their newly created Facebook page. To become a Fan, log onto www.Facebook.com and search for Catalonia Caribbean Hoteles.

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Swim underground and eco-tour on Mexico's Riviera Maya

Cancun now has an all-inclusive beachfront resort with a twist: an environmental program spanning water reclamation to wildlife preservation.

In April, the 996-room Sandos Caracol Eco Resort earned "Sustainable Hotel" certification from the Meso-American Reef Tourism Initiative for helping protect the Riviera Maya's fragile ecosystem. Being the region's most eco-responsible resort "is a dream for us," said assistant manager Alberto Selas. Green initiatives, started eight months ago, include composting, total water reclamation for landscaping, keycard-controlled room lighting, water systems that sustain mangroves and the coral reef, and habitat conservation.

The resort's villas, restaurants, disco and pools were planned around the 65-acre site's mangrove jungles, lagoons and cenotes -- natural cavelike wells connected by vast networks of underground rivers.

"The entire Yucatan Peninsula is hollow," said Moises Martinez Cerda, who guides hike-swim tours through submerged freshwater caves of Rio Secreto. Designated a nature reserve in 2007, this cenote network is a 20-minute shuttle from Sandos Caracol. After being outfitted in wetsuits, slippers and caving helmets with lamps, six tourists descend 40 feet underground to tramp and swim past surreal speleothems -- features formed of minerals deposited by dripping water -- and tiny darkness-adapted animals. Cerda covers geology and ancient Mayans' use of cenotes for sacred rites.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Wedding tourism grows in Isla Mujeres

So far this year, the Civil Registry officialdom of a municipality of Isla Mujeres, recorded 56 domestic and foreign tourist weddings, representing a growth of 30 percent compared to last year.

Moreover, the officialdom reported that so far they have 18 more weddings scheduled to perform for the rest of this year..

Staff reported that unit has four weddings now confirmed for 2011, in various hotels in the tourist destination, offering alternatives and promotions abroad.

It was also announced that the majority of marriages that took place on the island, were tourists from other nationalities, who purchased packages that promote lodging facilities to attract a greater number of partners. Hotels like Palace and Privilege Aluxes, were able to increase significantly the number of events.

The months of April, November and December are the couple's favorites who are planning to marry, so that during this period, also encourages the flow of visitors on the island.

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Why Are Americans Moving to Mexico?

Bill Engle is outside, sweating in work clothes while he oversees renovations to his colonial house in Mérida, Mexico. It sits on a street dubbed "Gringo Gulch," a pretty row of baby blue, violet, and mustard facades where expatriates outnumber Mexicans.

Mexico drug war doesn't stop Americans from moving south of the border
Tourists enjoy the beach at the resort city of Cancun, Mexico in this photo taken on June 12, 2009.... Expand
Tourists enjoy the beach at the resort city of Cancun, Mexico in this photo taken on June 12, 2009. In towns far from the US border such as Mérida, Mexico's drug wars seem like another world. In fact, according to a recent survey by the International Community Foundation, violence reduced the frequency or duration of trips to Mexico for only 7 percent of American retirees who live or travel frequently to Mexico. Collapse
(Israel Leal/AP Photo)

"It is not the climate," says Mr. Engle, explaining why he moved to the Yucatán Peninsula. "It is the people. It is the most welcoming place."

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Whale Shark Festival being held

Up to 40 percent is estimated to increase the influx of tourists to Isla Mujeres, at the conclusion of the third Whale Shark Festival to be held from 16 to 18 June.

The management of Municipal Tourism reported that visitor arrivals will also increase at that time, because many families take advantage of the summer vacation, to rest in a tourist destination.

Among the activities developed to celebrate the sighting of whale sharks, are photographic and film exhibitions, lectures, parades and student drawing competitions.

The same shall provide some rides for tourists and locals can watch the whale shark sighting.

For the first day provided an exhibition of images related to the world's largest fish in the basement of City Hall and a parade that will include facilities to the Fifth Naval Region monument to Fisher.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Be optimistic about Cancun, says Mexico

The concerted attempt over the past few months to lower expectations from the Cancun conference on climate change has not gone down well with Mexico.

On Tuesday, Mexico responded by saying that Cancun can deliver results, and that the world community needs to be “ambitious yet pragmatic and realistic” when it comes to dealing with climate change.

Mexico’s ambassador for climate change Luis Alfonso de Alba said, “it is irresponsible and contrary to common objective to say that we can’t achieve something in Cancun. The second mistake is to say that what we cant achieve in Cancun will happen in South Africa.”

Mexico has argued that the bar of expectation was set too high in Copenhagen, which is why it failed to achieve its stated goal of an agreement. Over the last few months, there has been increased pessimism over the possible outcome at Cancun , many leaders have suggested that a deal would possibly be worked out at the Cape Town conference in 2011.

An important impact that Mexico hopes to make in Cancun and during its presidency of the conference of parties is to “restore faith and confidence in the process.” A fall out of the Copenhagen conference where a small group of countries negotiated the Copenhagen accord and then presented it to the plenary session of the conference of parties as a fait accompli helped to erode the trust in the climate change negotiation process. This appears to be the effort by the UNFCCC as well. Outgoing executive secretary Yvo de Boer has also said that “rebuilding the trust” was an important goal. According to Mr de Boer, movement on the $30 billion fast track funding would represent an important step in this trust rebuilding exercise.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Riviera Maya Airport Really A Go

After many delays, much speculation, and considerable expectation, the process to build the new Riviera Maya airport has finally started.

The Mexican government officially invited bids to construct and operate the new airport, on the coast near Cozumel, earlier this week.

The tender process got off to a false start in March, when Mexican President, Felipe Calderón proudly announced it would begin in April, only for it to be postponed again within days.

But now the competition has been officially and legally initiated and there can be no more "ifs and buts".

The new international terminal will be the first in Mexico entirely financed by private money under a government concession, that will initially run for 50 years.

It will be built on a greenfield site of some 3,700 acres (1,500 hectares) near Tulum and Akumal on the Riviera Maya, 40 miles (65 km) from downtown Cozumel "as the crow flies".

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Women of Isla Mujeres present productive projects

Show romanization The management of Social and Economic Development of the City of Isla Mujeres, received 103 productive projects Islander women were sent to the Secretariat of Agrarian Reform (SRA), for review and approval.

Staff of that municipal agency reported that the projects require nearly 3.3 billion pesos Women Program in the Agricultural Sector (PROMUSAG), which manages two years since the commune with the SRA, for the development of such plans.

It should be noted that most of the projects submitted by Islander women have to do with the establishment of restaurants, bakeries and diners.

One project that requires the support of the federation, is presenting a group of eleven insular area women for the preparation of organic fertilizer.

The intention of the project is to sell manure to the hotels in Cancun, since it is a high quality product that would benefit the maintenance of the gardens and golf courses hosting centers, the project is an important step forward and now being made some tests.

Posted via web from Cancun Mexico News

Top 10 Holiday Places To Enjoy in Mexico

We all know what the hustle and bustle of everyday life is like. From the kids, to work, down to cleaning the house and making sure that everyone doesn’t die from starvation! Everyday life is stressful. So now comes that time where you have stopped penny pinching and realized that you want to vacationin Mexico. So where do you go?

Cancun is the place to be! Their hotel rooms are all inclusive and there are over one hundred hotels for you to choose from. Cancun also has an exciting and dominating nightlife where you and your honey can dance the night away to jazz, salsa, pop and much more. From lounge clubs, night clubs, bars and live music venues you will never be considered as a “home body” again. For the little ones try the beautiful blue watered beaches and swimming with the dolphins, theme parks are a great way to tire them out as well. There are well over three hundred and fifty restaurants ranging from Mexican, Oriental and Italian food.

Cozumel is another wonderful and invigorating Island to be on. With its relaxing atmosphere it will keep your stress levels low and your energy high. Activities such as scuba diving and charter fishing are the talk of the tourists. Cozumel offers two ways to get on the Island, airplane and boat so you decide whether you just want to pass through or stay for days.

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Dolphin learns to use an iPad to communicate with mankind

Last week, a young bottle-nose dolphin named Merlin became the first of his species to join the growing number of enthusiasts using the Apple iPad when he was able to successfully recognize and touch pictures on the screen to match objects he was shown.

Why can't everything be that simple for dolphins and humans to teach and learn?

The world is in trouble in every direction you look. The news headlines are disturbing and filled with stories that range from the deaths of humanitarian workers, drug lords, crimes against humanity, ecological disasters, fires, volcanic eruptions, starvation, disease, wars, rockets going up, bombs raining down, suicide attacks, kids killing kids, natural disasters, hate crimes and weapons of mass destruction.

While humans are hellbent on destroying each other one Florida couple have been busy in Mexico teaching dolphins how to use an iPad, in an effort to facilitate communication between people and an enthusiastic and willing dolphin and his friends.

View Video on Article link.

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Port of Call Spotlight: Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, the island that the Mayans considered their Eden from where they believed they came to populate the continent, like bees from a hive, is located near Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It's tiny, approximately 10 miles wide and 30 miles long-but like the Eden it was for the ancient Mayans, it is a paradise for today's travelers and cruise passengers.

According to Mayan legend, the goddess of love and fertility, Ixchel, resided in Cozumel and the island was a pilgrimage site. When residents built temples in her honor, the goddess sent them, the legend goes, her favorite bird, the swallow, and the Mayans named the island Cozumel, which in their language meant "the land of the swallows."

There are a number of archeological ruins on Cozumel including an archeological park in the north of the island, the sanctuary of Ixchel in San Gervasio, and El Cedral in the south--the latter the oldest Mayan structure on the island dating from the year 800. Other points of interest include the town of San Miguel, with its pretty main plaza; the Benito Juarez Park, that is ideal for strolling, buying souvenirs, and enjoying music on Sundays; the Museum of the Island of Cozumel with exhibits about the island including its reefs; Discover Mexico Park, with scale models of Mexico's pyramids, monuments and modern structures; and the lighthouse Faro Celerain that offers panoramic views of Cozumel and has an ecological reserve where visitors can see mangroves and other examples of the native flora as well as fauna.

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Friday, June 4, 2010

Third Annual Whale Shark Festival on Isla Mujeres

Want to swim with the whale sharks? (You do.) Then plan your trip to the Mexican Caribbean for the Third Annual Whale Shark Festival on Isla Mujeres, July 16 to 18.

Whale shark season kicked off on May 15, but these gentle filter feeders come out in force around the time of the festival. Last year's whale shark bloom featured 200 of the creatures swimming in formation off the island's coast.

Festival attendees will have a chance to swim with the whale sharks and assist Project Domino, a conservation initiative, with photographing and cataloging the animals -- which can reach up to fifty feet in length -- for future study. There will also be educational seminars, kids activities, and conservation -wareness events during the weekend.

About 1,000 whale sharks came through Isla Mujeres in last year. Don't miss out! For more information, visit the festival's website.

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Free day at 50-acre Riviera Maya resort with Italian Duchess

Italian Duchess Rosa’s D’ Ferrari is inviting you to her birthday party at Hotel Esencia in the Riviera Maya on August 24, 2010. That’s right; you don’t have to be Italian royalty to attend. Originally built for the Duchess as her private estate, the property is now a 50-acre boutique resort offering 29 spacious cottages and suites set in the backdrop of a picturesque seaside paradise.

Why would an Italian Duchess invite strangers to her birthday party? The answer seems almost too simple: A genuine enjoyment of giving. According to Duchess D’Ferrari, "I am very fortunate to have what I need to live a very happy life. Rather than receive presents for myself on my birthday, I like to give back to my guests and the community." As evidence of that, during her birthday week, 5% of all reservations are donated to a local orphanage foundation located in Playa del Carmen. When asked why she would bypass receiving gifts for herself in favor of making the donation D’Ferrari answered, "For me, the donation we are making to the orphanage makes me feel better than any gift I could get for myself."

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Thursday, June 3, 2010

Isla Mujeres wants to attract more tourists

The municipality of Isla Mujeres is continuing its efforts to diversify the arrival of tourism to the insula.

In addition to seeking to expand the operating capacity at the airstrip as part of updates to the urban development plan of the North Caribbean, is to build a pier to attract international cruise ships.

Also, the district proposes to install an industrial area of solid waste on the mainland, to remove the landfill, which is currently part of the municipality in this island, and prevent pollution of groundwater, among other negative effects to environment.

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Basketball team to play in Cancun Governor's Cup December 2010

Ole Miss is one of eight teams in the field for the inaugural Cancun Governor’s Cup men’s college basketball tournament set to be played this Dec. 22-24 at the Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico

The three-day tournament, sponsored by ESPN Regional Television, also includes Appalachian State, Colorado State, East Tennessee State, Northeastern, St. Louis, Southern Miss and Texas State.

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New round of climate negotiation begins

A FRESH round of negotiations kicked off Monday in another attempt to get global agreement on a treaty to meet climate change with representatives of 182 United Nations member-states in attendance at the meeting in Bonn, Germany.

The talks are designed to pick up on issues that were not resolved in December in Copenhagen, and to pave the way for signature of a final draft this December in Cancun, Mexico.

“Climate negotiations over the next two weeks will be on track if they keep focused on a common way forward toward a concrete and realistic goal in Cancun. There is a growing consensus on what the goal for Cancun can be—namely, a full, operational architecture to implement effective, collective climate action,” said Yvo de Boer, the resigned executive secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat.

Among the key issues that remain are the emission-reduction target; rules to protect forests and endangered species; financing to help poor countries adapt to the changing climate; a global carbon-trading system; and the establishment of institutions to govern finances and enforce treaty obligations.

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Tours - Craziest animal encounters

1. "Whole" sharks
There's a tour office in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, which advertises, "swim with a whole shark!" If you take them up on the offer you'll find that the whale sharks are indeed whole, with two big eyes and huge dorsal fins, and average about 8m in length.

There's nothing like swimming eye to eye with one of these giant beasts, as long as you can swim fast enough. One of the best places to see them is off Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox in Mexico. Or, for something closer to home, try the Ningaloo reef in Western Australia, Donsol in the Philippines, or visit Whale Shark Project for other suggestions. Remember, they can only be seen in certain seasons so check this out before heading to your chosen destination. A word of warning — don't get in their way!
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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Tryst to re-open in Playa del Carmen

Last week, when Paul Piciocchi announced that he was closing Tryst and moving the club concept down to Playa Del Carmen, he said that its former home at 1512 Larimer Street would soon become a new watering hole. Ana after less than a week of remodeling, Dive on 15th is slated to open this weekend in that space.

"It's basically a LoDo version of a dive bar," Piciocchi says. "We're keeping the stuff we like about Tryst -- the things we've loved over the years -- like the strawberry-infused vodka and the staff and the music. We're adding a couple of things just to make it more fun, like new lighting, foosball and a shot wheel to make it little more casual and more fun."

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Make mom feel special with these Mother's Day specials

Want to do something special for Mom this Mother's Day? A getaway might just be the ticket. Here are some special packages and events for May 9 in Florida and the Caribbean so you can treat your mother to a fun getaway or brunch (that way Mom can hang up her apron for a while, relax and enjoy).

Riviera Maya, Mexico -- The Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, features a Mother's Day Package that includes airport/hotel private transportation; a free hotel night for mothers; a free 90 min. massage for Mom (and Fathers, by the way, get free training to learn to give Mom a massage). Two children 16 and younger are free when sharing the suite with parents. The package, valid May 7-11, has a three-minimum stay requirement and is subject to availability Cost of the package is $418 per person.

The Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort is a luxury all-inclusive (meals, beverages and snacks are included), and it has a 500-meter-long beach. It is near Mayan ruins and other attractions so Mom can go exploring. Visit www.grandvelas.com

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Cancun's Underwater Museum blooms in time for spring!

Cancun's Underwater Museum, a project that was put into place to help conserve natural reefs, is experiencing beautiful, rapid coral growth, just in time for spring. 

The first 100 sculptures of the "Silent Evolution" are nearing completion and the museum's underwater garden is quickly blooming with colorful corals. .

These life-size figures, which were molded from various members of the local community, will form a large artificial reef aiming to draw visitors and sea life to this uninhabited area of the park.  The first set of 200 sculptures is scheduled to go underwater in June 2010; the museum will have 400 sculptures by the end of the year.

The first three sculptures have already been a big draw, showing the growth of corals in only three months and grabbing the interest of tourists. This clearly shows the great success that the museum will have as more figures are dropped in the water to become the home of an abundant marine life and a wonderful exhibit for visitors.

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Swashbuckle Joins 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise

With 70,000 Tons of Metal's addition of New Jersey's Swashbuckle, Mastodon can't be far behind. These pirate-metal maniacs are the 14th act of an eventual 40. Each will give new, heavy meaning to the luxury cruise ship Majesty of the Seas when it embarks from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico, and back to Miami, Jan. 24-28, 2011.

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Development bank forgives $479 million Haiti debt

The Inter-American Development Bank said Monday it has agreed to forgive $479 million in debts owed by quake-ravaged Haiti.

Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno said the bank's board of governors voted to forgive the debt and will offer $2 billion in financing to the Caribbean nation over the next 10 years.

"This commitment is good news for all Haitians, and will help heal the wounds caused by the earthquake," Moreno said at the inauguration of the bank's annual meeting in the Caribbean coast resort of Cancun.

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SCT to relaunch US$255mn Riviera Maya airport concession

Mexico's transport and communications ministry (SCT) is relaunching the concession tender for the Riviera Maya international airport in Quintana Roo state.

The new airport will cost some 3.2bn pesos (US$255mn), and will be the first entirely concessioned airport in Mexico, President Felipe Calderón said during a ceremony broadcast live from Tulum in Quintana Roo.

Bidding rules for the tender will be available from April 15, according to deputy transport minister Humberto Treviño Landois.

The new airport will occupy some 1,500ha located 130km south of Cancún airport, and is expected to handle 3mn passengers each year.

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Cancun Joins Earth Hour

Cancun has united with more than 117 countries and thousands of cities and towns around the world that will turn off their non-essential lights for one hour

from 8:30 to 9:30pm – Earth Hour – on March 27th, to demonstrate in a symbolic, but forceful way, that governments, private initiatives and citizens should work together to make a difference in combating climate change. In Cancun, lights will be turned off at the Plaza Forum by the Sea, an icon of the city and the national tourist sector, where a large group of citizens engaged to this cause are expected to gather.

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Cozumel Mexico Travel - Party With Cozumel Bar Hop!

We're proud now to offer the best party tour in Cozumel, enjoy 5 hours 'n' 40 miles of fun on the Cozumel bar hop!

See all the sights of the island as your Designated Driver drives you to drink!

Party tour to 5 bars!

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A dip on the wild side of Cozumel

My previous trips to Cozumel have been spent mainly underwater, sucking air from a scuba tank and making google eyes at groupers and moray eels.

Not this time.

I have one day on the top side of this island, and I'm going to make the most of it.

We're looking for a little solitary non-confinement, so we keep driving past the reggae beach bar to a quaint little thatch-roofed palapa advertising cold beer and snacks.

It's in the middle of nowhere, and the sound of surf crashing is better than Mozart. We nibble ceviche and absorb the view, which is bursting with white sand and turquoise water, just like those TV commercials for Mexican cerveza.

Heaven!

Continued at statesman.com

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US wants IDB to cancel Haiti's $447-m debt

The United States wants the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to cancel all of Haiti's debt, standing at some $447 million, US Treasury sources said on Thursday.

The United States also supports a "robust" increase in the bank's capital, the main issue on the agenda of its annual meeting in Cancun, Mexico, which was scheduled to start yesterday, one of the sources said, without giving a figure.

"What we have to work out is the manner in which Haiti's debt to this institution (IDB) is cancelled," another source said in a telephone conference with journalists, giving the figure as $447 million.

The US Senate last week unanimously approved a resolution calling for easing Haiti's debt burden to help with reconstruction efforts in the wake of the devastating January 12 earthquake.

The IDB estimates that Haiti's reconstruction could cost up to $14 billion.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Cancun International Named Top Airport In Region

ACI World has named Cancun’s International Airport the top performing airport in the Latin America-Caribbean region. The selection process is a reflection of the region’s strong customer service culture, airport management commitment to service, delivery and the high quality of modern passenger facilities at the airport.

In addition, ACI also recognized Cancun with the ‘Best Improvement Award’, which recognized airports that have made the most progress in improving service quality. The 2009 passenger ratings show that despite the economic crisis, overall satisfaction at airports increased by almost three percent worldwide compared to 2008.

Cancun has been recognized as a leading airport that recognizes that the most important aspect of providing great service in an airport is the provision of a spotlessly clean terminal and a relaxed, open, friendly ambience. They also recognize that it is vital to address the basics first. Ten factors identified as essential for high customer service ratings are, by order of importance: the ambience of the airport, cleanliness of the terminal, comfort of the waiting areas, availability of washrooms, cleanliness of washrooms, courtesy and helpfulness of the airport staff, business lounges, ease of making connections, passport / ID inspection experience and good shopping facilities.

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Sandos Hotels Acquires Le Meridien Cancun Resort

"The purchase of Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa is a wonderful addition to the Sandos Hotels & Resorts product line and offers superior accommodations, a world-class spa facility, and a paramount location for our clientele," said Alex Ferri, director of strategy and development, Sandos Hotels & Resort.


"Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa will continue to offer the same superior service levels and quality amenities that guests have been accustom to, however it will now be operated by Sandos Hotels & Resorts," added Ferri.
Situated on the magnificent Caribbean Sea, Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation and enjoyment for guests. With a world-class 15,000 sq. ft spa facility, three-tiered cascading pool, and walking distance to downtown nightlife fabulous shopping, the resort is sure to exceed the needs of even the most discerning traveler.

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New sculptures added to Cancun's underwater museum

THE Cancun and Isla Mujeres Underwater Art Museum is a step closer to becoming the world's largest underwater museum by adding three new sculptures.

The sculptures - Dream Collector, Man on Fire and The Gardener of Hope – were carefully submerged to a variety of different depths throughout the national park.

Created by British/Guyanese artist Jason de Caires Taylor, the sculptures were placed near natural reefs and marine life in order to create an artificial habitat.

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Springbreakers do community work at Isla Mujeres

Not all springbreakers who came on vacation are dedicated only to party, a group of them, from Los Angeles, California, performed community work in Isla Mujeres, where they can be seen on the streets side by side with the islanders.

Mathew Walls Cologne, who coordinates the 16 students at the University of Southern California, who arrived on the island, said that for four days, youth community work carried out in a show that's not all fun in the beaches and nightclubs during his visit to holiday destinations.

Some of the work they carry out are the collection of garbage in the streets, to show people the importance of caring for the environment, in addition to the murals painted in different sites selected for this purpose.

It is noteworthy that springbreakers have carried out such activities in other tourist destinations like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, where besides enjoying the attractions of these places and spend a holiday fun and games, also are worried about leaving something positive.

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Dolphin encounter options available

Q: My sister-in-law swam with dolphins on a cruise excursion in Cancun. We're thinking about visiting Mexico in the spring -- not on a cruise -- and would like to try this. How do we find a good program? Are children allowed to swim, too?

A: Dozens of outfits in Mexico offer basic dolphin encounters -- in which participants shake hands, hug and kiss the dolphins, usually in programs that last 45 minutes and cost between $79 and $99. (All figures U.S. funds.)

Some companies also provide more personalized or all-inclusive experiences. Here are two organizations recommended by Mexican tour agencies:

- Dolphin Discovery operates dolphinariums in Isla Mujeres near Cancun; Cozumel; Puerto Aventuras in the Riviera Maya; Aquaventuras Park in Vallarta; and at Six Flags Mexico. The company is known for its all-inclusive packages, which may include transportation, breakfast, lunch, open bars, tours and other water-based activities. For example, Isla Mujeres has programs that feature snorkelling and kayaking at Garrafon Park; at Cozumel, visitors can snorkel the coral reefs of Chankanaab National Park; and Vallarta includes a water park with 10 slides and a playground area (park entrance fee is required)

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Friday, March 12, 2010

Older travelers can get student discounts now

Even if your college days are a distant memory, it's possible to travel on a student discount over spring break this year.

StudentUniverse, which has operated as an online travel agency exclusively for college students since 2000, expanded its discounts to recent college grads up to age 25 earlier this year. And StudentCity, which specializes in vacation packages for college and high school students, said that while it doesn't advertise the fact, its discounts aren't restricted by age.

"We specifically market to students but do not exclude the young at heart from travel on our tours," said Jacqueline Lewis, managing director at StudentCity in Peabody, Mass.

Some of the best deals come in the form of packages or group tours. A weeklong trip in late March to Cancun from Atlanta with a room at the hip ME Cancún was $2,014 for two on StudentCity.com, or $1,007 a person. The same trip on Expedia.com was $2,966 for two, or $1,483 a person, though cheaper rates could be found by selecting less convenient flights, requiring a longer layover on the way there and returning at midnight. And STA Travel is offering a weeklong Galapagos trip for $2,250 a person -- about $1,000 less than comparable tours.

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Frontier to extend KC-Cancun flight into summer

Cancun is not just a winter and springtime getaway destination any longer.

At least that's what Frontier Airlines hopes. The carrier will extend its nonstop service from Kansas City International Airport to the Mexican resort into late August.

Frontier will operate two Kansas City-Cancun nonstop flights _ one on Saturday and the other on Sunday _ during the final weekend of April and first weekend of May.

Then starting May 8, Frontier will have one weekly Saturday morning departure to Cancun through Aug. 28.

"Extending our service over the summer now provides the Kansas City community with greater access to their favorite Mexican vactiona destination," said Daniel Shurz, Frontier's vice president of planning and strategy, in a statement.

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SAM SAYS|Some great resorts in Riviera Maya Mexico

What would I recommend in the Riviera Maya Mexico, you ask?

The Bluebay Grand Esmeralda in the Riviera Maya, built in 2007, is set on a stretch of more than 1,500 feet of sand, lots of room for everyone to have their own piece of sand.

Blue Bay is a solid four-star, according to Sunwing buyers who recommend it highly, and I would certainly agree. It has all the things a four-star requires -- coffee pot, fridge, iron and ironing board.

My room had much more than that. It was a swim-up two-room suite. Open the patio doors, wander out on your own deck, and climb down a ladder to a pool that went nearly all the way around the villa.

For people like me, who like to swim at night it is perfect, and never did I share it with anyone else. I probably used it five times a day.

A big plus in the nicely-decorated suite was the wide corridor with lots of closets. There were two bathrooms, one shower, and one tub. I was in a resort recently where there wasn't enough closet or drawer space, and we really only had carry-on, so this was a nice treat.

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Mexico Names New Tourism Secretary

President Felipe Calderon named a travel industry executive as Mexico’s new tourism secretary, replacing Rodolfo Elizondo, who will take charge of organizing this year’s U.N. climate change conference in the Caribbean resort of Cancun.

The U.N. conference, known as COP16, is scheduled for November 29 through December 10.

Gloria Guevara, up to now the vice president and general director of the firm Sabre Travel Mexico, was sworn in Wednesday as Elizondo’s successor.

Calderon thanked Elizondo for “your great professionalism and your loyalty,” as well as for his efforts to help tourism recover from the crisis that beset it starting with Mexico’s Spring 2009 swine flu outbreak.

“The participation of councilor Elizondo was essential for tourism to recover after the health contingency,” Calderon emphasized.

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Popular vacation: Riveria Maya, Jamaica & cruises

“It was amazing!” That’s how Tracy Shober of Superior described her week at the Grand Palladium, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya region.

“The area we were at had beautiful beaches,” says Shober. “We had this humongous strip of sandy beach for our resort. It had to be three, four blocks long – all sand, and they had lounge chairs laid out for you. You could walk in [the water] barefoot and snorkel right there off the beach.”

Shober certainly isn’t alone in her praise of this 80-mile stretch of fantasy-like beaches just south of Cancun. It’s currently the number one travel destination for Northlanders looking for a winter get-away.

“There’s a multitude of all-inclusive resorts that fit every budget, every lifestyle, some geared toward families, some are adults only.

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ohka set to play for Mexican club

Right-hander Tomokazu Ohka has reached an agreement to play for the Quintana Roo Tigers of the Mexican League, sources said Monday.

Ohka, who became a free agent after playing for the Cleveland Indians last year, is set to formally sign with the club in the coming days.

In 2009, Ohka, who turns 34 on May 18, went 1-5 with a 5.96 ERA in 18 games, including six starts. He had hoped to pitch in the majors this season as well but decided to ply his trade in Mexico after negotiations ended in failure.

Ohka joined the Boston Red Sox in 1999 and also had stints with the Montreal Expos, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays.

He has 51 career major league wins, second most by a Japanese player after former Los Angles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo's 123 victories.

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

How to find the best Spring Break travel deals online

Kayak.com is a great place to start. It's a simple search engine that checks several popular search sites at the same time. Plus it's simple design isn't cluttered with lots of graphics and advertisements. Let's say I'm searching for the best deal on a trip for 2 to Cancun, Mexico on April 2nd through April 10th. After searching through Vayama, Travelocity, Priceline and several airlines, Kayak's best deal was $470. The deal was found on Priceline.

We need to make sure we're finding the best deal online. Next stop, ITASofware.com. This site acts like a travel agent insider site that hooks you up with secret-underground deals. I've read several good reviews about this site but today I wasn't impressed. Once I signed up, ITASoftware searched and couldn't find any flights under $700. So, I checked out another site; CFares.com. For a $50 annual membership fee, you will get small rebates whenever you book a through them. Each rebate may only add up to be $10 or $20 bucks but if you're like me and fly multiple times a year, that money really adds up. I checked my Cancun dates and found a flight for $648 with the rebate. Not bad but not great either.

more via:
http://www.kwgn.com/news/kwgn-online-travel-deals-030810,0,7046817.story

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Barceló Maya Resort Introduces Resort Webisodes

Web users can take a virtual vacation to the Barceló Maya Beach Resort with a colorful, 60-second video, just one click away on YouTube.

To encourage interest amongstwWeb users and to introduce them to all of the offerings only a Barceló all-inclusive vacation can provide, Barceló Hotels & Resorts has launched an eight-episode online video campaign, showcasing its five-in-one property in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Each high definition film will tell a visually enhanced story of the resort and its key features, all within 45 to 60 seconds in length. The videos, which were produced in late 2009, will be released on a bi-monthly schedule to such popular social media sites as YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo.

The campaign officially launched with the first Webisode, a resort overview, debuting on February 17, and a second Webisode on all-inclusive offerings on March 3. Future episode topics include: delectable dining (March 17); water sports and adult activities (March 31); destination weddings and honeymoons (April 14); groups, meetings and conventions (April 28); family “togethering” (May 12); and eco-friendly fun (May 26).

Visit www.youtube.com/barceloresorts.>

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Monday, March 8, 2010

Take a spring break with the family

Apple Vacations is offering a Spring Break—Family Style sale, with 40 percent off packages to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico. Three-, four-and seven-night packages from Buffalo-Niagara are available.

For example, seven nights at the Occidental Grand XCaret in Riviera Maya, leaving April 6, costs $1,198 per adult double, including round-trip air to Cancun, hotel, all meals, drinks, tips and airport transfers. Kids stay and eat free and pay reduced airfares. Book by March 24 for most April departures.Info: (800) 517-2000,

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