Which metropolis attracts the maximum number of travellers? These figures tell you the story: London, UK: 18.69 million visitors Bangkok, Thailand: 16.42 million visitors Paris, France: 15.57 million visitors Singapore: 12.47 million 

While perennial favorite London tops a new list of trending destinations in 2015, countries like New Zealand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Croatia and Mexico are also seeing a noticeable increase in demand.

That’s according to 800 consultants at American Express Travel, who chimed in for a report on the travel habits of North American consumers.

While the top 10 list is filled with many of the usual suspects -- London, Paris and New York -- it also includes less predictable cities such as Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as resort destinations like Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

The ranking is based on destinations that saw the greatest year-over-year growth in bookings at American Express Travel.

The consultants also reported a noticeable rise in interest for countries such as New Zealand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Croatia, Iceland and Italy.

Likewise, travelers are looking for customized experiences that may include more hands-on experiences such as wine tours and cooking classes, while interest in river cruises is also experiencing a significant spike for travel in 2015.
And according to those polled, the most popular splurge among travelers this year will be for hotel room upgrades.

Here are the top 10 destinations for 2015 according to the American Express Travel Survey:
1. London, England
2. Santiago, Chile
3. Paris, France
4. Mumbai, India
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
6. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
7. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
8. Sydney, Australia
9. New York, New York
10. San Francisco, California

The boats that go around the bay area have had a very good winter season so far. They were busy during the last three weeks of December and full to capacity for several consecutive days during the holidays; business went down only just a little during the first working day of the year.

According to the boat managers, the boats made their rounds with about 80 % of national tourists, and 20 % foreign tourists during the holidays; but from the beginning of the year they have been observing a greater number of foreign tourists.

Manuel Garcia Arechiga, captain of Bora Bora, stated that the tour that have more demand are the whale watching and tour to the Maritas Islands. The price for the whale watching tours goes from $35.00 to $60.00, depending on the type of boat, the itinerary, the activities, the day of the week and on the kind of tourists; they recognize charging “a little more” to foreigners.

The tour to Marietas Islands goes from $40.00 to $60.00, depending on what is included in the trip. Besides access to the Famous Playa Escondida, tourists also have the choice of kayaking. Snorkeling, and doing other water activities.

A nautical expert, with several years of experience working at Banderas Bay, said that, on this time of the year, in a whale watching tour, passengers are able to see three, five and sometimes even more whales, but “of course, we cannot guaranty anything. We only tell them where the whales can be seen and to be on the alert; at this time of the year they will surely see some and will be able to take some pictures”.

People responsible for the boats say that the whale watching is usually a very lucrative season for them. 80 % of tourists go to the Port Administration to request information on both, the whale watching and the Mariteas Islands tour.

“No doubt, from December toMarch. Whales are a big attraction. Visitors want to take the tour to witness this natural spectacle.

Another of the most popular tours is the one that take tourists to Yelapa and/or Quimixto, where visitors can walk around, ride horses, do some water and land activities. It also offers a meal at the beach, a show on board and free drinks.

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Global payment services company Western Union will launch a direct-to-bank money transfer service from the US to Mexico through Mexican lender Banorte's payment processing subsidiary UniTeller.

The service builds on a five-year partnership deal between Banorte and Western Union singed in April 2013.

The service will be available for transfers to Banorte accounts later this quarter, before being expanded to include other Mexican banks, according to a Western Union release.

Customers will be able to transfer money at participating retail agent locations in the US or via a Western Union mobile app.

Banorte's UniTeller network also covers top Mexican lenders BBVA Bancomer and the local unit of Scotiabank, as well as development bank Bansefi. The payment processing unit is also present throughout much of Central America, as well as in Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay.

"With this agreement, beneficiaries of remittances in Mexico will find it very convenient to open an account at our bank and directly receive the funds through Western Union with the benefit of value added banking services," said Banorte's head of international banking, trade finance and financial institutions, Ricardo Velázquez.

Remittances to Mexico from January to November 2014 came to US$21.407bn, up 6.8% year-on-year, according to the country's central bank. Total remittances to Mexico in 2013 were US$21.9bn.

Banorte has a network of 1,267 branches and 4,900 banking correspondents in Mexico.

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Just a few days after Travel Weekly announced the top tourism destinations for 2015, Condé Nast Traveller published its own recommendations and included Mexico’s Pacific Treasure as the only Mexican destination on its list.

Travel agencies in the region are certain that, given the number of reservations made up to date, tourist from western US, will continue to visit Vallarta during the last weeks of winter.

Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit continue to be the visitors “floodgate” for this region, due to factors, such as the proximity, the climate, the beauty of nature, safety, hospitality and, of course, also due to the intense promotion that has been going on for at least a year and a half.

According to Francisco Beltran, president of the American Association of Travel Agencies (AMAV), residents from American states, such as California, Texas, Oregon and Washington, continue to be the largest number of people to visit Vallarta and Nayarit. These numbers have presently increased with the amount of tourist from other states such as Illinois, New Mexico and New York; plus others cities in Canada, such as Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, which now have Vallarta and Nayarit as their touristic destination.

An expert on this matter admitted that flights, arriving from the Southeaster part of the US, are continuously full of tourists, who remain in the area from seven to fifteen days; staying in hotels at both sides of the Ameca River. He also pointed out that this success is due to Vallarta and Nayarit’s campaign to promote tourism in the area.

The expert also stated that the weather conditions and safety in the region are the main deciding factors on choosing their vacation sight: “…here you have exceptional weather conditions and we fill safe at any place we go, be it the downtown area, the harbor or the beaches”, said the expert in tourism.
Santiago Plascencia Garcia is certain that there will be loads of foreign visitors from what is left of January, to the first weeks of March. Well known clients are loyal to this region, and have been vacationing here for quite some time; some others, like young families, have just started the habit of coming here on vacation.

Tourists stay at hotels either in Puerto Vallarta or in the Riviera Nayarit. The majority of them come to Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias or to Punta Mita, expressed the tourist expert.

Summer is still the busiest season for Vallarta and Nayarit: full flights are arriving, given the number of reservations made up to date with international tourists for more than six hours on Saturdays, starting right before noon.

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Puerto Vallarta, JALISCO, MEXICO — Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V., (NYSE:PAC)(BMV:GAP) (“the Company” or “GAP”) announced its guidance for 2015 (January 1 to December 31, 2015):

Traffic: Increase of 5.0%–7.0%
Aeronautical Revenue: Increase of 11.0%-12.0%
Non-Aeronautical Revenue: Increase of 14.0%-15.0%
Total Revenue: Increase of 12.0%-13.0%
EBITDA margin of 68% to 69%
EBITDA growth of 10 to 12%
Total CAPEX: Ps. 1,412 million (equivalent to 2012 pesos)

The above figures are estimates based on current assumptions that management believes are reasonable and are subject to change over the course of the year based on various factors including: airline performance, domestic and international economic conditions, government regulations, as well as a number of other factors that could affect GAP’s traffic and financial results. Please refer to GAP’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2013, for a more extensive list of factors that could affect results.

EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) is not a standardized measure of performance or financial condition under the accounting principles contained in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This measure is not comparable to measures used by other entities.

Follow us: http://twitter.com/aeropuertosGAP
grupoaeroportuariodelpacifico

Company Description:

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V. (GAP) operates 12 airports throughout Mexico’s Pacific region, including the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana, the four tourist destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and six other mid-sized cities: Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. In February 2006, GAP’s shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “PAC” and on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GAP”.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, and are based on management’s current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans” and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial conditions, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

In accordance with Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and article 42 of the “Ley del Mercado de Valores”, GAP has implemented a “whistleblower” program, which allows complainants to anonymously and confidentially report suspected activities that may involve criminal conduct or violations. The telephone number in Mexico, facilitated by a third party that is in charge of collecting these complaints, is 01-800-563-0047. The web site is http://www.lineadenuncia.org/gap. GAP’s Audit Committee will be notified of all complaints for immediate investigation.

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Finance officials seemed to be having second thoughts about gasoline prices when information appeared yesterday on the government website.

It was initially announced and reported that gasoline and diesel fuels would go up 3% in January 1 and remain unchanged for the rest of the year. The monthly increase, or “gasolinazo” as it was known, would be eliminated.

But yesterday it was announced that while the New Year increase would be 1.9% rather than 3%, there were no guarantees that prices wouldn’t be hiked during the course of the year in order to address volatility in international energy prices. They have since backtracked.

The finance secretariat advised in a prepared statement that prices now in effect — the December prices plus 1.9% — would be maintained throughout the year. The news release also confirmed that the new prices are actually maximums — individual Pemex franchises will have the freedom to adjust their prices downwards to be more competitive if they wish. Liquid propane also went up 1.9% yesterday, and that price as well will not be subject to any change in 2015.

Finance officials also made it clear that the price hike is less than the anticipated rate of inflation — 3% to 4% — for the coming year, thereby reducing the cost of fuel in real terms.

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The two ministries have agreed to create new ways to promote this type of tourism in the country’s Ports.

Mexico City. - Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, general coordinator of sea ports and merchant marine, has informed that the Ministry of Communication and Transportation (SCT) will work, together with the Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism through cruises, in Ports throughout the country.

The revenue of each cruise arrival is $50,000.

The two fundamental ports in which they will be working are: Cozumel, Cancun and Ensenada, in Baja California.

Cozumel is now a day, one of the ports that welcome more cruises; four or five daily, which means that it gets more than 500 cruises a year.

According to Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, the ministry of SCT, Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, has said that the goal is to spare no effort to coordinate the development of touristic routs in areas near the ports where cruises arrive. The idea is that travellers will be able to leave the boat and have the opportunity to visit the port, get to know the country, its people, culture and craftsmanship.

The Ports and Merchant Marine coordinator met with the cruise companies and cruises operators to inquire on what needs to be done and how to go about reaching this goal.

Strategy

One of the projects that need to be done to reach this goal is to create two transitional ports in Baja California: Santa Rosalia or San Carlos. This will allowed visitors to get acquainted with the Gruerrero Negro area, where sea salt products are made.

As it is now, once the tourists board the cruise in Ensenada, they do not touch ground until the boat gets to Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan. So, the goal is to look for attractive areas where cruises can arrive and bring a positive cash flow into one of the most important source of revenue in the area and in the entire country: tourism.

Summary

As for numbers:
A cruise carries approximately three to four thousand people, out of which, about two thousand get off the boat to walk around the area: each one of them take a rout which has been already charge for it by the cruise. Out of that sale 50 % goes to the area they visit; the cruise keeps the other 50 %. On top of this, if you add what each person spends in food, drinks and handicrafts, you realize that the presence of each cruise in the area represents a revenue of almost $50,000.

It is important to mention that in 2014 the tourist sector became one of the main sources of income for the country. The year closed with 28 million visitors, which left us with a revenue of 16 billion dollars.

According to the Sub- secretary of Tourist Development and Innovation (SECTUR), Carlos Manuel Joaquin Gonzalez, the above numbers show 19 % more visitors and 18 % more in foreign currency income in the year 2014, compared to 2013.

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We are very excited to finally present to you the brand new Sky Suite C!!

Mexico central bank Governor Agustin Carstens said there’s a “high probability” that policy makers will need to raise borrowing costs this year given the likelihood of tighter monetary policy in the U.S.

Fernando Antonio Nava Aguilar, director of the Vegetables and Ornamentals department of the Ministry of Rural Development (Seder) in Jalisco, said Jalisco exported more than 90 percent of the berries the state produces.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PRWEB) January 08, 2015

Excitement is in the air since the 2015 grand opening of the LIV Fertility Center in Puerto Vallarta, as construction progress reached its completion in December. The center now stands as an iconic landmark in reproductive medicine — centered on expertise, fertility innovation, and a destination retreat.

Through revolutionary medical research and specialized patient care, LIV is molding the future of reproductive medicine in Mexico. The center offers innovative services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

"From the onset of our forecasting, the LIV development team has worked countless hours to create a new model for reproductive care and to address critical issues regarding technology, reducing IVF costs, achieving positive pregnancies and ensuring that the patient is at the center of our programs," indicated LIV executives in a recent development meeting.

LIV introduces an exclusive, international patient support system devoted to IVF treatment for foreign patients in Puerto Vallarta. The company is offering all-inclusive packages that are providing an unprecedented benefit to fertility patients around the globe. The packages comprise of several stunning accommodation options and an elite IVF-FET warranty.

The LIV Fertility Center in Puerto Vallarta

Fertility centers are exceptionally technical buildings that require complex and adaptable infrastructures to accommodate an ever-progressing industry. The exterior design makes a bold statement about the infertility care provided inside. It can influence the effectiveness of patient care, overall safety and what kind of experience patients come to expect.

The LIV Fertility Center in Mexico steps out in style with an awe-inspiring complement of enrichments — highlighted by its unique brand logo, accentuating the life-cycle of LIV. The IVF clinic is strategically located near striking beaches and an incredible collection of world-class attractions.

"It’s the first and only fertility center in Puerto Vallarta. It’s unique and uncommon features are different from any fertility center in the world. The center’s name itself provides a back story to how LIV provides our patient’s a fertility lifeline. When you LIV the journey, it’s easier to embrace the destination. It’s the LIV way. As one of the world’s most advanced IVF centers, we offer technologically sophisticated equipment, diagnostic services, treatment and recovery resolutions, and many distinctions within the sustainable interior design,” stated Gisel Soriano, LIV Clinical Manager.
Highlights of the LIV Fertility Center in Puerto Vallarta:

LIV the Journey, Embrace the Destination

Executives at LIV have long recognized the need for affordability, honesty, research and innovation in reproductive medicine.

Moving into 2015, company has bold, exciting opportunities ahead — and a chance to incorporate expertise, in-depth understanding of female and male infertility, generative experience, and commitment into the creation of its new facility in Mexico.

Creating a model for tomorrow’s fertility clinics and a source of inspiration for intended parents — at any stage of the journey — the LIV Fertility Center is earning the continuing trust and respect of patients by creating a center of excellence for all individuals who are on their journey to building a family.

About LIV Fertility Center

The LIV Fertility Center in Puerto Vallarta is a renowned, world-class fertility center that embraces affordability, technical expertise, proven successful outcomes, and the ability to exceed the challenges for every individual case of infertility. Infertility is one of life's most difficult encounters — medically and emotionally. The LIV team is continually striving to implement new infertility technologies and a management structure to embrace patients on their journey to parenthood. The world-class laboratory precisely reflects in the pioneering treatments of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Embryo Cryopreservation, Assisted Hatching, and Gender Selection. LIV invites you to revel in a unique cultural experience in Puerto Vallarta with its year-round stunning climate, gorgeous pristine beaches and a dazzling array of world-class attractions. See the Future of Reproductive Medicine.

LIV Fertility Center Mission Statement

Adhering to a set of core values that characterizes our beliefs, the LIV Fertility Center’s mission is to provide affordable, trustworthy and successful infertility lifelines to those we serve on all facets of the globe.

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