Puerto Vallarta, Jal. - The Infinity cruise arrived last Friday morning to Puerto Vallarta, with 2,117 passengers and 962 crew members. Passengers were greeted with Mariachis and a Mexican fiesta, which displayed our people’s hospitality, warmth and Puerto Vallarta’s traditions.

The Infinity is one of the Celebrity Cruise lines; it stopped at our destination on his way from Guatemala to Cabo San Lucas. This only demonstrates the confidence that Puerto Vallarta generates among cruise lines to bring a larger group of visitors to our destination.

‘Cruise Lines Miami 2015’ recently recognized Puerto Vallarta as the best cruise destination in Mexico, because of the level of satisfaction that travelers find in this port. This goes to confirm that this year will be one of the best for tourism business.

The arrival of 144 cruises is scheduled for 2015. This represents an increase of 20 percent over 2013. By 2016, a total of 170 cruises are expected to arrive; which will be almost a 20 percent increase from this year.

It is estimated that by the end of 2015, 360 thousand tourists would have visited this destination throughout the year, via cruise lines. These tourists alone will spend about 500 million pesos (over US$ 33,000,000).

To welcome cruises with mariachis is part of ' Back to Puerto Vallarta' program; which was implemented last year by the Office of City Tourism with the support of Tourism Administration Department. The objective is to welcome, in the best possible way, the cruises arriving at the most Mexican haven of the country.

This is the only destination in the Pacific route that greets visitors the way Puerto Vallarta does; which besides giving an enjoyable and friendly impression, was one of the aspects considered by the cruise line companies and cruise passengers, to recognize Puerto Vallarta as the best seaport for cruises, in Mexico.

[readon1 url="index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=1&sid=703:mar&Itemid=212"]Source:www.VallartaToday.com-by MAR Translation Services[/readon1]

PUERTO VALLARTA -- Southwest Airlines has selected the Customer seats for its future Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft deliveries. The carrier, in partnership with Boeing, will be the first to roll out the new seats, beginning mid-2016, on new deliveries of its Boeing 737-800. 

Puerto Vallarta.- Good news continues to pour out of Riviera Nayarit, which reported that last year’s 17 percent increase in arrivals included 532,448 from the U.S., representing an 11.5 percent increase over 2013 figures.

In all, the destination welcomed 2,420,221 visitors, with the number of international travelers rising by 15 percent. Last year, the U.S. market accounted for 22 percent of arrivals to Riviera Nayarit. The destination’s second largest international market is Canada, which represented 19 percent of overall arrivals. Riviera Nayarit also reported a 4.4 percent rise in hotel occupancy to 70.1 percent.

“With an increase in flight support to the destination we anticipate a continued upward trend in both total numbers of visitors as well as tourism revenue,” said Richard Zarkin, public relations manager for the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Increased room availability and additions of key hotel chains will surely create a larger demand across our destination as well.”

Zarkin noted that Riviera Nayarit’s arrivals began to resurge three years ago, with each consecutive year proffering stronger results. “In 2012, the world economy began regaining strength and this allowed tourists the freedom to begin exploring again,” he said. “Our market diversification, whether it’s luxury or tourists seeking nature, has proven an enticing draw for Americans and Canadians alike, especially with Riviera Nayarit’s proximity to Puerto Vallarta’s Gustavo Diaz International Airport.”

While luxury and nature continues as key promotional focuses this year, Riviera Nayarit is also heavily promoting its attractiveness as a venue for experiential vacations. “We are really pushing the message that Riviera Nayarit is the ideal place to explore authentic Mexico,” said Zarkin. “This includes expanding our destination promotion to include new areas of Riviera Nayarit such as Jala or even Santa Maria del Oro, as well as highlighting our incredible gastronomy.”

Ensuring the destination’s preservation is also a key priority for the Riviera Nayarit CVB going forward. On that front it recently unveiled the Mi Riviera Nayarit, Mi Destino campaign, which puts a spotlight on the preservation efforts undertaken by locals. “The people of Nayarit are proud of their community and many even lead beach cleanups to maintain their certifications,” said Zarkin. “Investing in the protection of our natural treasures is something we are proud of and is the essence of this campaign.”

In fact, it is one of the CVB’s missions to educate visitors on the destination’s preservation efforts and ecology. “This campaign compliments that focus in getting the rest of Nayarit on board in being conscious of keeping a beautiful destination and promoting respect from visitors as well,” Zarkin said.

Although it is still a ways off, the 2018 opening of a 300-acre Cirque du Soleil theme park is expected to be a considerable asset for the destination, while having the added benefit of creating thousands of new jobs. “It will surely impact business because Riviera Nayarit will be greatly diversifying in the entertainment sector, which will give travelers yet another reason to explore our destination,” said Zarkin. “This will surely lead to more people exploring the neighboring towns and villages and becoming more familiar with our destination overall.”

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- With an excellent attendance, the Business’ ABC seminar was held this past Thursday. The seminar was offered by Puerto Vallarta’s Authorities, the office of Economic Development and Jalisco’s Board of Business Development (FOJAL); with the purpose of providing micro, small and medium entrepreneurs as well as to businessmen, valuable tools to empower and help their businesses to grow.

The course was taught by Juan Carlos Lemus, from FOJAL, to 79 businessmen and local entrepreneurs, who met the criteria to develop their business plan through nine specific steps; allowing attendees to identify the strengths, opportunities, risks, internal and external factors of their projects, as well as to establish objectives to achieve better organizational, operational and financial planning skills.

Álvaro Mora Maciel, Director General of Economic Development, said he was satisfied with the turn out of this seminar "you can tell that Puerto Vallarta’s citizens want their business to improve and to continue growing".

He explained that the aim of this seminar was for entrepreneurs to implement valuable tools to develop their activities and at the same time, "those who approach the office of General Direction of economic development to get to know the programs and services that we are offering as a municipal government so they can grow and improve their business, start a new one".

He also informed participants about the programs and services offered by the department of which he is responsible. Many of those programs are considered innovators at national level, such as the job search program that concentrates the job vacancies of the municipality in a single space, saving time and money to job seekers, who can have accessed from any mobile device; as well as the Intelligence System for Economic and Urban Development (SIDEURBAN), that shows in a geographical way all the information about the potential of a place, and the investment spaces available fo,r in Puerto Vallarta.

Mora Maciel said that that during the holiday period (Holy week and Easter), the office of Economic Development, located in the municipal Presidency, will remain opened for guidance , catering and to provide the services they offer, as well as the support for businessmen and entrepreneurs to answer their calls inquiring about funding for their businesses.

[readon1 url="index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=1&sid=703:mar&Itemid=212"]Source:www.VallartaToday.com-by MAR Translation Services[/readon1]

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- San Blas will be at capacity on April 3-4, while Banderas Bay will be at 97% and Rincón de Guayabitos at 99%; between Holy Week and Easter the overall occupancy rate of the destination as a whole will range from 86% to 98%.

Holy Week and Easter vacation are fast approaching and the forecast on the occupancy rate for the Riviera Nayarit during those high season days is at 98% on the weekend corresponding to Holy Week.

With information gleaned from the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Survey it’s possible to predict during this period that San Blas will be at 100% capacity, Rincón de Guayabitos will be at 99% and Banderas Bay will reach 97% capacity.

It’s important to point out that the occupancy will fluctuate depending on the days chosen between these two vacation weeks. The percentage lowers as a matter of course on Sundays and Mondays, while increasing considerably on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The occupancy in the Banderas Bay area will remain stable, as Holy Week will see a rate above 92%, while Easter Week will dip no lower than 87%.

As with Banderas Bay, Rincón de Guayabitos, the most measurable area of Compostela, will remain stable from Monday, March 30th through Sunday, April 12th. San Blas, on the other hand, indicates a bigger discrepancy between the weekends and the start of the week.

All in all, the positioning of the destination and, above all, the specific promotion given to each microdestination, has guaranteed these high occupancy dates—mostly by domestic travelers—will benefit all the communities equally.

Mexico vows to slash greenhouse gases

Puerto Vallarta — Mexico vowed Friday to slash its output of greenhouse gases and make 2026 its peak emissions year, an ambitious goal and the first one submitted by an emerging-market country in the runup to December’s global climate conference in Paris.

Mexico said it would reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases by 22 percent and its emissions of black carbon or soot by 51 percent by the year 2030.

Hitting that target would mean sharply raising vehicle fuel efficiency to bring standards in line with those in the United States and adopting appliance standards. Mexico also set goals for increasing the share of renewable and nuclear energy in its electric power sector.

The government said it would reduce emissions as a percentage of gross domestic product by 40 percent.

A White House official called Mexico’s plan a “landmark” and “pace-setting commitment” in preparation for the climate conference. He said Mexico had “come forward with timely, clear, transparent and unconditional goals backed by strong policies.”

Forging a consensus before the climate summit is a priority for President Obama, who announced an accord in November with China over curbing emissions. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement that the announcement Friday “sends a strong signal of Mexico’s determination to do its share in helping the world reduce emissions globally; it stands as an example for countries around the world to follow.”

The destination reports a significant increase in visitors and tourism revenue for 2014

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (March 25, 2015) – The Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau reports across-the-board tourism increases in 2014 with visitors drawn to the destination’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culinary scene, luxury resorts and exciting outdoor adventure. The destination welcomed a total of 2,420,221 visitors and experienced a 17 percent increase in air arrivals overall to the region through the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR); a 4.4 percentage point upswing in hotel occupancy, to 70.1 percent; and an eight percent uptick in tourism revenues, to $1.8 billion.

Riviera Nayarit also saw a 15 percent increase in international travellers in 2014. This included 532,448 U.S. visitors, 11.5 percent more than in 2013; the U.S. market represented 22 percent of the total 2.4 million visitors to Riviera Nayarit in 2014. Canada is the second largest market, representing 19 percent of the total visitors to the destination.

“All of us in the tourism industry in Riviera Nayarit are very excited about the upswing in tourism results in 2014, strong bookings in the first two quarters of 2015 and expansion of our luxury facilities in the years ahead,” said Marc Murphy, Executive Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “We are also very happy with the recent recognition of almost 60 AAA three to five Diamond awards for our superb hotels and restaurants, and confirmation that One & Only Hotels planning to open a new resort in Riviera Nayarit. These successes confirm that Riviera Nayarit is recognized as one of the finest destinations in Mexico and the world.”

As a response to the growing demand of travel to Riviera Nayarit and the rapidly expanding capacity of the destination, airlines are adding new routes into Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Southwest Airlines has received approval for flights from Houston to PVR, opening a convenient new way for visitors to enjoy Riviera Nayarit. It is expected that these routes will begin in October 2015. This new route will closely follow the additional new Southwest Airlines route from Santa Ana, California to PVR which will begin on June 7, 2015. In addition, Alaska Airlines has placed an application requesting approval for flights on a new route between Santa Ana, California to PVR which will take flight three times per week. California continues to be a strong market for visitors traveling to Riviera Nayarit.

For more information on Riviera Nayarit, visit www.rivieranayarit.com.

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About Riviera Nayarit
Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The destination extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. The destination attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. Riviera Nayarit is recognized as a “Virtuoso Preferred Destination.” In 2015, Riviera Nayarit was recognised by Travel Weekly as “Mexico's new holiday destination on the Pacific coast,” by Yahoo! Travel as “Mexico's New Playground” and on Conde Nast Traveller UK 2015 Hot Destinations List. For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com or follow Riviera Nayarit's Social Media Facebook Fan Page, @riv_nayarit and Instagram @rivieranayarit.

CONTACT:
M. SILVER – A Division of Finn Partners
Tel: (212) 715-1600
Delfina Güemes, ext. 6316
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Phillip Novoa, ext. 6330
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Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s leading tourism destinations, continues to attract international investors to its shores as tourism arrival continues its steady increase. With six properties opening up in the past 12 months, Puerto Vallarta is already looking into the next group of hotels to open on the shores of the Mexican Pacific Cost jewel.

Earlier this month the AAA Four Diamond Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta officially opened its doors making it the sixth property to open in Puerto Vallarta in the past 12 months. Puerto Vallarta is already looking at the next group of properties to open in 2015 with the Posada’s Group already building a new Fiesta Americana property, complete with what looks to be a sizable convention center. New construction in other properties are also scheduled to take place during the summer months when Puerto Vallarta’s properties tend to take on larger reconstruction properties.

Construction has been going strong in Puerto Vallarta as tourism arrivals has steadily been increasing since 2008 and 2015 seems to be on its way to surpass 2014’s 1.5 million arrivals. Hotel occupancy has been between 85% and 100% for the past 8 consecutive months.

Cruise ship arrivals are also up with 145 cruises expected this year. New flights for the season included Alaska Airlines’ Portland, OR to Puerto Vallarta and both South West and Alaska Airlines have applied for DOT approval to serve Puerto Vallarta nonstop from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport.

As one of Mexico’s leading tourism destinations, Puerto Vallarta has remained attractive to international companies because of its diverse tourism offers for their clients and the authentic Mexican feeling only an almost century-old city can provide. The destination’s commitment to ensure the safety and security of its visitors has also been a big draw. The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the city of Puerto Vallarta and the CVB have been working on a number of new initiatives including an award-winning collaborative plan that looks for continuous work between government agencies and the private sector to enhance tourism safety measures employed by local police, private security officers, as well as hotel staff and transportation providers. New trainings and certifications for meeting planners, taxi drivers and DMC’s have been put in place in recent months. In addition, the CVB is also heading new initiatives to enhance the beauty of the city’s downtown and include LED lighting and maintenance of the many sculptures lining the Malecon.

Puerto Vallarta regularly contracts leading international firms specialized in tourism security to conduct an assessment of our city and its many attractions and services. Assessments completed in 2011 and 2012 by Thomas Dale & Associates, and in 2014 by Tourism & More found that Puerto Vallarta continues to offer a safe and friendly small-town feeling for both its visitors and local residents.

Thomas Dale and Associates found that Puerto Vallarta is safer than Anaheim, CA and Tourism & More reported, that Puerto Vallarta provides its visitors, locals and expat populations a safe setting where people feel comfortable walking around town without perceived threat or fear. Puerto Vallarta is a place where store-fronts show their merchandise without need for much security and where many residents feel comfortable leaving their doors unlocked.

With the support of the México Secretary of Tourism, Kroll Advisory Solutions, an international consulting firm specialized in security issues, will be conducting an extensive training program aimed to promote tourism safety by strengthening public-private partnerships in tourism, and emphasizing prevention. This tourism safety course, which will take place in Puerto Vallarta throughout the month of March, offers a methodology supported and recognized by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nation

•  Cirque de Soleil Entertainment Park, new airline routes, and an infrastructure boost highlight the new developments

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – Riviera Nayarit is adding impressive hotel brands, stunning renovations, new airline routes and unprecedented entertainment and attractions, as it continues to grow into one of the world’s premier travel destinations. Travel and entertainment brands from around the globe are confident that Riviera Nayarit’s desirable 200 miles of Pacific coast and superb facilities make an ideal destination to collaborate and capitalize on the fame garnered from discerning travelers.

The popularity of the destination has led to the following exciting new developments to the region’s tourism infrastructure:

Vallarta Shores (Playa Los Muertos)

Located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta, the Los Muertos beach, our Sky Suites offer easy access to all sorts of interesting activities while vacationing in this paradise, including world class restaurants, bars, galleries, Canopy, Watersports, ATVs and more...

All our Sky Suites offer incredible views over los muertos beach and Banderas bay beyond, private pools and large living areas to entertain cocktail parties with your friends and/or family. Some of the extra features include a private chef at your service, daily maid service and full hotel amenities.

A Personal Chef is included in all Sky Suite rental rates

One&Only Mandarina

One&Only will make its debut in Riviera Nayarit with the One&Only Mandarina. The property will offer 145 luxurious villas as well as separate private residential estates. The beautiful beachfront resort will embrace the surrounding forest, with villas individually and sparsely placed to encapsulate the marriage of sky, sea and lush flora and fauna.

A beach club and chic pool will feature private cabanas and a poolside café and lounge. A nearby family pool will offer the perfect setting for guests of all ages. Those wishing to experience the best views in Riviera Nayarit will be able to enjoy the spacious bluffside cabanas, which vary in elevation. The resort will also have an indulgent One&Only Spa and Fitness Centre. The resort’s Conference Center will provide the perfect destination for corporate meetings and retreats.

Matlali Hotel (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle)

Matlali, recently opened in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, is just a short 35 minute drive from the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Nestled in its own nature preserve overlooking Banderas Bay, this boutique hotel was designed by famed beach resort architect Jaime Barba and features 40 villa-style accommodations, each with fully-equipped kitchens, spectacular ocean and mountain views, and separate living and dining areas. This property features a contemporary beach design with embraces playful colors and geometrically designed furnishings. Other facilities include Matawe Spa, infinity pools and a popular nightclub.

Eva Mandarina Beach Club, a local hotspot, is associated with the property. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Mexican delicacies from seafood ceviches and shrimp aguachile to traditional tacos with the local fresh catch of the day. Intriguing design elements such as yellow rubber ducks, vivid white bicycles adorning the walls and the club’s signature VW Beetle with neon graffiti attract snap-happy visitors. At night, Eva Mandarina becomes a social hub.

Grand Palladium Vallarta (Punta de Mita)

The Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa in Northern Banderas Bay has completed four years of renovations, bringing the property to the Grand Palladium’s Five-Star standard. Revamped guest rooms and lobby areas, expanded family amenities and new restaurants, as well as new wedding locations and travel club facilities highlight the biggest transformation undertaken at the property. Children will love the new kids’ pool replete with water slides and fountains. Afterwards the whole family can enjoy a show with the colorful cast of Play at Palladium with Raggs, the colorful singing dog that rocks out with his friends in a band.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Nuevo Vallarta)

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, a proud recipient of the AAA Five Diamonds award, recently commenced a gradual $20 million renovation investment that will be completed by 2016. The renovations will include improvements to their oceanfront Azul restaurant as well as the modernization of amenities, furniture and décor of their 131 Master, Parlor and Governor Suites in addition to two suites which accommodate guests with disabilities.

The properties’ world-class spa, selected as one of the Leading Spas of the World, will see new improvements and additions to their hydrothermal circuit, chromotherapy offerings, a bi-thermal and energetic shower as well as an ice fountain with peppermint to balance the health impacts of the sauna. The spa will also welcome a new organic design element, focusing on wood, bamboo and glass fixtures crafted by Mexican artisans.

Marival Resort & Suites (Nuevo Vallarta)

The Marival Resort & Suites are now offering restyled Mediterranean-inspired rooms. Perfectly complimenting the lush surroundings of Riviera Nayarit, the warm colors and new furnishings will make every stay inviting and vibrant. Large glass balcony doors perfectly frame views of the Bay of Banderas where guests can see Humpback Whales seasonally and gorgeous sunsets daily. New oversized showers and remodeled bathrooms provide a luxurious way to start any day in this Mexican beachfront paradise.

AAA Five Diamonds Awards:

The Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta is the newest and fourth hotel property in Riviera Nayarit to be recognized with an AAA Five Diamond award. Grand Luxxe now joins the destination’s three other properties at the highest level of the AAA Diamond Ratings System for restaurants and lodgings: The Four Season Punta Mita, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and the St. Regis Punta Mita

Grand Luxxe offers guests access to exclusive private beaches and pool areas, a Nicklaus-designed golf course with a Greg Norman championship course under construction, the luxury Spatium & Brio Fitness Centers, nighttime entertainment at the Santuario, an array of fine-dining or casual restaurant options and a boutique shopping experience at the newly opened La Plaza dining and shopping center.

New Attractions:

Cirque de Soleil (Nuevo Vallarta)
Cirque du Soleil, the globally acclaimed entertainment company, and Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of world-class resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico, will partner to construct and operate a 300 acre, first-of-its-kind immersive theme park experience in Nuevo Vallarta. Built to inspire dreams and fantasy, the experience will include a water park, nature park and an outdoor evening show for as many as 3,000 to 5,000 spectators. Each experience within the entertainment park will be designed and performed by Cirque du Soleil artists. Construction is expected to be complete in 2018.

Artificial Reefs and New Boardwalks (Bucerías)

An inner harbor project in the beach town of Bucerías will complement the new marina with a boardwalk lined with new stores, restaurants and bars as well as an additional boardwalk constructed for coastal fishing. Construction on these boardwalks will begin at the end of 2015.

Additionally, an artificial reef project, inspired by similar undertakings on the Pacific Coast of Asia, would be nearly 100 feet in length. It will be designed to attract more fish and amplify Bucerías’ coastal fishing reputation. These reefs would also be excellent for diving, as Riviera Nayarit has a robust and diverse fish population.

New Highway Infrastructure Development (Jala / Compostela):

The nearly 34 miles of new highway between Jala and Compostela will be ready for full use by summer 2015. Estimated to serve nearly 10,000 vehicles per week during peak transit periods, the highway will reduce travel time by 50 percent upon completion. This highway will eventually bring Riviera Nayarit’s beaches more access to cities such as Guadalajara and Tepic.

In a unique integration, the highway project takes into consideration endemic wildlife and is designed to provide safe crossings during their migration in order to reduce the highway’s impact on the jaguar population in the region. Migration routes have been mapped by GPS collars placed on the jaguars in order to develop highway crossings at the most appropriate locations. Developments like these help to preserve the natural beauty and native wildlife that have put Riviera Nayarit on the global tourism map. Visitors to Riviera Nayarit will also be able to enjoy rest stops that overlook these paths and natural beauty as well.

New Airline Routes:

Southwest Airlines has received approval for flights from Houston to Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), opening a convenient new way for visitors to enjoy Riviera Nayarit. It is expected that these routes will begin in October 2015. This new route will closely follow the additional new Southwest Airlines route from Santa Ana, California to Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) which will begin on June 7, 2015. These routes are a response to the growing demand of travel to Riviera Nayarit and the rapidly expanding capacity of the destination.

In addition, Alaska Airlines has placed an application requesting approval for flights on a new route between Santa Ana, California to Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) which will take flight three times per week. California continues to be a strong market for visitors traveling to Riviera Nayarit.

For more information on Riviera Nayarit, visit www.rivieranayarit.com.
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About Riviera Nayarit
Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. Riviera Nayarit is recognized as a “Virtuoso Preferred Destination.” In 2015, Riviera Nayarit was recognised by Travel Weekly as “Mexico's new holiday destination on the Pacific coast,” by Yahoo! Travel as “Mexico's New Playground” and on Conde Nast Traveller UK 2015 Hot Destinations List. For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com or follow Riviera Nayarit's Social Media Facebook Fan Page, @riv_nayarit and Instagram @rivieranayarit.

CONTACT:
M. SILVER – A Division of Finn Partners
Tel: (212) 715-1600
Delfina Güemes, ext. 6316
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phillip Novoa, ext. 6330
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- Persian lime producers from San Martin Hidalgo sent the first two containers of this fruit to South Korea. This amount was sent as samples were sent following the approval of said country’s government, of the positive safety conditions of farming and packaging process.

This was confirmed by Hector Padilla Gutierrez, from the Office of Rural Development, who also said that this shipment ended a commercial negotiation, and, to break through the Asian Market, is a very important step given the fact that we already have the experience with Japan.

The manager of San Martin Hidalgo Selected Citrus Fruits Organization, Marcelino Virgen Hernandez, agrees that the opening of South Korean market represents another opportunity to expand into other markets besides United States –our main market-, Germany, Holland and Poland.

He also said that the acceptance of Jalisco Persian lime in very demanding markets such as North America, Europe and Asia, is a symbol of the success on the fight and prevention of the crop disease known as “Yellow Dragon”; such success has been the result of hard coordinated work with farmers and authorities in charge of monitoring the propagation and the application of healthy plant reproduction, in order to avoid the infiltration of the crop disease in the field.

Jalisco’s Persian lime, produce on land 500 meter above sea level, has to its advantage the right amount of cold weather needed to make them acquire that dark green color, which is very different in color from those produce in coast land; this is very valuable to foreign markets who demand a certain kind of looks in the product.

SEDER has been constantly involved with what it has been the San Martin Hidalgo citrus fruit experience, where they have planted of 700 hectares, and where fifteen years ago the decision to go from cultivating sugar cane and grains to cultivate Persian lime was taken.
The success of this product in the Valley Region has activated plans to start a new plantation of at least one hundred hectares. Profits are currently very good: 40 to 50 thousand pesos (about US $ 2,500 - 3,500) net, per hectare. This is a very good incentive, especially if compared to small profits in other products.

The average profit on the exported and domestic sells, takes into consideration the ups and downs of the prices of lime in certain times of the year, above all when regions like Apatzingan, Michoacán; Tecoman, Colima and Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz have a good harvest.

FACTS

In recent years, the exportation sell volume of Jalisco Persian Lime went up considerably. It went from three thousand to ten or twelve thousand tons.
One hectare produces 20 to 50 tons of Persian lime.
A mature orchard gives 20 to 50 tons per hectare.

[readon1 url="index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=1&sid=703:mar&Itemid=212"]Source:www.VallartaToday.com-by MAR Translation Services[/readon1]

Puerto Vallarta.- For many, shopping is an intrinsic – not to mention essential – element of the travel experience. In Mexico, the shopping experience also offers significant savings opportunities, thanks to MONEYBACK, which provides value-added tax (VAT) returns to international travelers.

“To receive almost 9 percent of your shopping expenses back provides a great incentive to shop,” said Danielle Van der Kwartel, the company’s general director, adding that MONEYBACK works closely with travel agents to train them on how to help their clients capitalize on the company’s services. “These clients will go back to the travel agent because they value great service.”

MONEYBACK’s Web site includes a wide array of resources for agents, including presentations, webinars, refund forms and updates on how to best facilitate tax returns. Agents can also download refund forms from the site and fill them out before their clients depart for Mexico. “We’ll have monthly raffles starting in April to give away a prize to a travel agent randomly, using the refund forms that include travel agent names,” Van der Kwartel said.

MONEYBACK was launched in 2008 with offices in Mexico City and Los Cabos. “It was created with the intention of giving back to international travelers by offering them a tax refund service in a fast and simple way,” said Van der Kwartel.

“MONEYBACK provides international travelers with refunds of 8.9 percent on the total amount they spend when shopping in Mexico. “All international travelers traveling to Mexico by cruise or air are eligible to receive it,” said Van der Kwartel.

Best of all, MONEYBACK makes it easy to obtain refunds. “Participating stores can be identified by the MONEYBACK logos displayed in windows or next to the check-out areas,” she said. Travelers can also obtain the complete roster of participating stores, which are listed by category, on the MONEYBACK Web site under the Shop Here tab.

Since its inception, MONEYBACK has expanded its reach dramatically. “Nowadays we provide service in more than 98 percent of Mexico’s air and maritime points of departure,” said Van der Kwartel. “In 2012 we had 16 offices, and today we have 55, including nine in cruise ports, 27 in shopping malls or stores and 19 in international airports.” By the end of 2015 the company will open new offices at three airports and three cruise ports, finishing the year with more than 60 offices nationwide, she said. “In 2014 we processed 72,438 refunds, totaling over 1,358 billion pesos.”

Van der Kwartel said that cruise passengers generate the highest sales. “They spend over three times more in shopping than tourists coming by plane,” she said. So far this year, MONEYBACK has unveiled eight new offices in Mazatlán, Ensenada, Loreto, Chiapas and Progreso to serve cruise passengers, and in Leon, Queretaro and Toluca to cater to business travelers. It also has offices in Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

To file for refunds, international travelers must request VAT-itemized invoices at any of 6,000 participating stores where they make purchases and then submit at the closest MONEYBACK offices with shopping incentive refund forms, credit card vouchers, copy of passports, cruise IDs or immigration forms and boarding pass prior to departing Mexico. “In less than 45 days, they’ll receive their refunds directly onto the credit cards of their choice,” said Van der Kwartel.