The website www.frommers.com places Hawaii’s Big Island in first place followed by the Riviera Nayarit, then Bali, Indonesia. The site receives 495,917 unique visitors every month from around the world.

The American tour publication Frommers included the Riviera Nayarit in its list of “Top Destinations” for 2014. Taking second place right after Hawaii’s Big Island, the Riviera Nayarit is clearly among the best of the 14 recommended worldwide destinations for travelers next year.
 
During their participation in the East Coast Road Show, the public relations team of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) had the opportunity to interview Pauline Frommer and her team. That presentation left such a positive impression that today the Riviera Nayarit is in the world tourism spotlight.
 
The www.frommers.com webpage receives 495,917 unique visitors a month from around the globe. The editorial also sends its publication out to the media and its tourist markets, making it a top influencer within the world’s tourism community through its commentary and advice.
 
“Move over, Mayan Riviera! The so-called Riviera Nayarit, a blessedly undiscovered (for now) 192-mile stretch of Mexico's mid-Pacific coast from San Blas to Sayulita, is positioning itself to become Mexico's next big (tourist) thing,” read the article, published this month.
 
In devising their list of the most promising destinations for the coming months, Frommer's editors looked at politics, accessibility, popularity, major events—and most importantly, whether a destination is potentially affordable for the average traveler.
 
The text continues: “With its perfectly preserved colonial towns, exquisite white sand beaches, hipster surfing enclaves, and raft of nature experiences (bird and whale watching, turtle nesting communities, and more) it has the raw materials to become a major fun-in-the-sun draw.”
 
Among the other destinations that made the list were Bali, Indonesia; India; Berlin, Germany; Taiwan; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Umea, Switzerland; Liverpool, England; and others.
 
The article concludes: In just the last five years, a slew of high-end, all-inclusive resorts have opened. So go now, before the crowds descend—and they may do so sooner than later, as there's soon to be more airlift from the U.S. to Puerto Vallarta, the gateway to the Riviera Nayarit.”

Here’s the link to the full article: http://www.frommers.com/slideshows/847926-frommer-s-top-destinations-for-2014#slide848243

Great Personalities and Businessmen gather for a noble cause.

The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) diversifies the offer of its programs of quality with the creation of the Moderniza Eco-tourist distinction, to support the micro, small and medium enterprises of rural tourism, mainly communal.

In a celebration in the library of the Miguel Alemán Foundation, the new structure of the Moderniza distinction was presented, which will have three modes: Moderniza Basic, Specialized and Eco-tourist.

In the event, the under secretary of Tourist Planning of the Sectur, Carlos Joaquín González, pointed out that the Moderniza Eco-tourist distinction was created to support the rural and communal zones which have extraordinary tourist products and require the support to succeed, but also, to preserve the nature, the history and the culture of the regions which allow them to offer an important tourist product.

He stressed that in many of these regions, tourism becomes a fundamental factor of economic development, because it ignites a lot of potential around it and it becomes one of the few options to generate employment through social and sustentable development for the zone.

Joaquín González expressed that it was very important for the tourism industry to be competitive, to reach the national and international tourism market, but with competitive destinations and service providers which allow and provide the quality that is required to work in a broader growth of the sector, creates a greater increase of tourists, and provides a greater economic benefit for the country. This will be achieved, he said, through training, organizing ourselves better and having a lot of strength to be able to go up in the ranking of more tourist arrivals, of currency entries and, of course, of greater economic movement in national tourism.

That is the key to be able to offer a strong tourist sector, which allows Mexico to be among the best of the world in regard to its competitiveness and tourist offer, with suitable products and more attractiveness which leads people to take us into account and decide to come to Mexico in their trip, he explained.

The Moderniza Eco-tourist distinction was created to support all these Mipymes that, from the natural appeals that exist in their communities, attend the tourist that likes nature and the cultural contact of nearby populations of important tourist destinations.

THE TIP:

With this new model the incorporation of community companies to certification schemes of administrative management, quality, social and sustentable development are promoted.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/12/09/crea-sectur-el-distintivo-moderniza-eco-turistico/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

The research used by Dolphin Adventures in their dolphin insemination program can very well spell salvation for protected and endangered species.

The Riviera Nayarit offers its visitors many different services and attractions, including accommodations, luxury, beaches, gastronomy and sports. It also strives to maintain a very close bond with nature, always seeking to play a part in helping conserve the environment.

Strengthening these bonds are the dolphinariums located in the Banderas Bay, which not only attract tourists, but also encourage environmental education through their many activities.

These attractions receive thousands of visitors a year—visitors the trainers and above all, the dolphins themselves, are charged with educating on ecological topics, as they are the true environmental ambassadors.

Dolphin Adventures offers a program to raise ecological awareness by incentivizing its visitors to protect and care for the environment. They welcome 21 thousand children from different schools each year, who come to enjoy themselves while learning to care for the planet.

According to Ricardo Rebolledo, supervisor for the Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Adventures, the center also gifts 300 “dolphin therapies” to the Banderas Bay DIF (Spanish acronym for the National System for the Complete Development of the Family) so the entity can give them out to those people in need.

“We respect the smallest visitor as much as we do the biggest,” stated Rebolledo, “and we’re firmly onboard with conservation and eco awareness. I love that the Riviera Nayarit CVB always flies a neutral flag, they’re a trustworthy partner that is always there for us and vice versa; this helps all of us grow.”

The reproduction program the center has developed has come so far that 85% of their 18 dolphins have been born using their procedures.

The commitment is to focus on research and the conservation of the species, as this insemination procedure with the dolphins can also be used to save endangered animals in the near future.

“By 2010 we had become part of a world-wide research program in conjunction with SeaWorld’s Busch Gardens,” he added. “The advantage of assisted reproduction is that you can manage the amount of births so you don’t run out of resources to care for the animals.”

By using this procedure the researchers have full control of the hormonal and social facets, as well as even the sex of the infant. There have been 15 births around the world utilizing this system of artificial insemination; three of them have been in Vallarta.

Mother Nature has been very generous with the Riviera Nayarit as can be experienced in the nature sanctuaries of the Marieta, Isabel and María islands, among others; these environmental education activities are fundamental for their conservation.

This kind of social symbiosis also works to contribute towards the protection of species such as the jaguar, the marine turtles, humpback whales and the many birds endemic to Nayarit.

The research used by Dolphin Adventures in their dolphin insemination program can very well spell salvation for protected and endangered species.

The Riviera Nayarit offers its visitors many different services and attractions, including accommodations, luxury, beaches, gastronomy and sports. It also strives to maintain a very close bond with nature, always seeking to play a part in helping conserve the environment.

Strengthening these bonds are the dolphinariums located in the Banderas Bay, which not only attract tourists, but also encourage environmental education through their many activities.

These attractions receive thousands of visitors a year—visitors the trainers and above all, the dolphins themselves, are charged with educating on ecological topics, as they are the true environmental ambassadors.

Dolphin Adventures offers a program to raise ecological awareness by incentivizing its visitors to protect and care for the environment. They welcome 21 thousand children from different schools each year, who come to enjoy themselves while learning to care for the planet.

According to Ricardo Rebolledo, supervisor for the Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Adventures, the center also gifts 300 “dolphin therapies” to the Banderas Bay DIF (Spanish acronym for the National System for the Complete Development of the Family) so the entity can give them out to those people in need.

“We respect the smallest visitor as much as we do the biggest,” stated Rebolledo, “and we’re firmly onboard with conservation and eco awareness. I love that the Riviera Nayarit CVB always flies a neutral flag, they’re a trustworthy partner that is always there for us and vice versa; this helps all of us grow.”

The reproduction program the center has developed has come so far that 85% of their 18 dolphins have been born using their procedures.

The commitment is to focus on research and the conservation of the species, as this insemination procedure with the dolphins can also be used to save endangered animals in the near future.

“By 2010 we had become part of a world-wide research program in conjunction with SeaWorld’s Busch Gardens,” he added. “The advantage of assisted reproduction is that you can manage the amount of births so you don’t run out of resources to care for the animals.”

By using this procedure the researchers have full control of the hormonal and social facets, as well as even the sex of the infant. There have been 15 births around the world utilizing this system of artificial insemination; three of them have been in Vallarta.

Mother Nature has been very generous with the Riviera Nayarit as can be experienced in the nature sanctuaries of the Marieta, Isabel and María islands, among others; these environmental education activities are fundamental for their conservation.

This kind of social symbiosis also works to contribute towards the protection of species such as the jaguar, the marine turtles, humpback whales and the many birds endemic to Nayarit.

For the first time in Vallarta, Markuz Shulz, world renowne DJ will be at Stranas on December 12.  A night of Excitement, Dancing, Friends and Fun!

Stratosmedia brings to the city of Puerto Vallarta for the first time,one of the greates Djs of electronic music in the world.

The press FAM trip organized by the Riviera Nayarit CVB during the International Gourmet Festival for media reps from Brazil, the US and Mexico generated a reach far greater than the initial investment suggested.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) public relations office selected seven different media outlets from Brazil, the United States and Mexico and invited them to enjoy a FAM trip to the destination from November 19-25 in order to generate exposure for the XIX International Gourmet Festival.

Under the wonderful guise of having them participate in some of the most important activities of the Gastronomic Festival, the hosts took the visitors on a tour of our beautiful coastal towns and the Marina Riviera Nayarit, where they could experience for themselves the luxurious hotel developments and the cuisine of Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.

The foreign journalists also visited the Marietas Islands, while the local journalists visited the Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas on November 21 in order to better serve their needs.

The Mexican media reps were all culinary specialists based in Mexico City, but with a national reach. The invitation was made considering the fact that the largest number of tourists comes from within the country itself.

Among the media were www.Tourismogourmet.com, a cyber publication dedicated to culinary tourism with 25 thousand unique visitors per month; www.elgourmet.com, with a monthly print run of 15 thousand magazines dedicated to the art of fine living; and the magazine Soy Chef, also with a 15 thousand print run and about 1,500 unique visitors per month to its site; the latter specializes in gastronomy in collaboration with the Asociación Culinaria de México.

From Brazil, the destination welcomed Black Card magazine, with a print run of 50 thousand, and the magazine Top Destinos, with a print run of 40 thousand and the only Brazilian magazine that specializes in luxury tourism. Both are distributed through luxury hotels, VIP lounges and airport bookstores, mainly in Sao Paulo.

The latter’s invitation was a continuation of the destination’s interest in the Brazilian market. This becomes then part of the strategy within Brazil to promote our luxury destination, inspiring more visitors to come to the Riviera Nayarit.

The journalists flown in from the United States represented La Opinión, the largest Hispanic newspaper in the nation, based in Los Angeles, with a daily distribution of 115,600 and a registered 380 thousand unique visits to its website, as well as a La Revista Latina, with a monthly distribution of 506,934 books.

The articles published in the United States that stemmed from this FAM trip will reach approximately 18.5% o the population, or some 35 million Hispanic Americans, all potential clients for the destination.

The return on investment generated via the FAM trips organized by the public relations reps with the media from Brazil, the United States and Mexico is very high compared to the initial investment.

It is through events such as these that the Riviera Nayarit CVB extends its reach within markets both captive and potential.

Organizers guarantee prizes for all simply by participating. More than a tournament, it’s a celebration in which the destination is revealed as the top winner.

The Riviera Nayarit Christmas Golf Tournament is set to start at 8:30 a.m. on December 7, 2013, at the Litibú Golf Course, and will be a celebration that will close the year on a positive note.

In this, its second year, Back9 Golf Promotions has been charged with preparing everything to ensure the participants will be eligible for prizes during the raffles and the White Elephant gift exchange by simply participating in the event.

“The objective of these events is to promote the destination and the many services, products and attractions we offer; in our case, we’re promoting the Riviera Nayarit’s golf courses, which are world class,” said Leonardo Bonilla, director of Back9 Golf Promotions.

This is a couples’ tournament with low net scores and handicap at 100%; however, the two highest scores in two categories—“A” with handicap at 0 to 12 and “B” with handicap 13+—will also receive prizes.

The first three places will receive a prize not only for the couples’ tournament but also for the best in category cards as well as for the closest-to-hole on Par 3, which include holes 4, 8, 11 and 17.

The raffles boast over 25 different prizes plus Christmas baskets and there will be an exclusive ladies’ prize for hole 4.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau will be lending its support in the form of prizes and promotion for the event; they will also be handling the logistics and commercial connections necessary for the tournament to take place.

“Top among the many benefits that this tournament will bring is the promotion of the hotel services, transportation, airlines and restaurants—we’re talking a lot of products here,” said Bonilla.

One of the most memorable characteristics of the destination is its tradition of service. This is why the tournament and the destination’s attractions are expected to generate income for many local business people as well as the town in general.

“We need to address the fact that this tournament will generate income, which in one way or another, directly or indirectly, will benefit the local citizens with more and better quality jobs as well as a higher income—an important plus for the entire region,” commented the Director of Back9 Golf Promotions.

For details call 3221395258 or write This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In place of bricks they will use a new technique with plastic bottles for building three classrooms and a dinning room

With a new construction technique by means of which pet plastic bottles full of earth will turn into walls, the youngsters of the club Rotaract Puerto Vallarta join the initiative of the Civil Association “Now it is time to give”, building three classrooms and a dinning room into a precarious school for the community of Lomas del Valle in the delegation of Las Palmas, for which they need to gather 16 thousand pet bottles.

In conference, Adriana Alonso, president of the Civil Association “Now it is time to give”, announced that by means of the program “Adopt a community” they have been working in Lomas del Valle where there is a very rustic school that requires improvements, for this she thanked the initiative of the Rotaract group which has placed 65 baskets in all of the city to collect the bottles.

“They already have classes from the National Council of Educational Promotion (Conafe), what we want is to improve their installations so that they are better; we want that in the afternoon they serve as a community center, we have already given them workshops and courses of different self-sustainable activities”.

ACTIVE COMMUNITIES

Adriana Alonso commented that it is possible to build through recycled material but it requires the support of the community, “we want to involve them all; we do not have the means to give them the resources that they require but we can give them information and qualification so that they can make progress”.

He explained that by means of this construction technique of three classrooms and a dinning room for the school, 16 thousand bottles of pet are required, that will be filled up with earth and covered in cement to be used like walls. He also guaranteed that the construction technique is safe, that there is a history of these types of constructions in other countries and that eventually, their fitness for being a home will be supervised by Civil Protection.
About this initiative, Arturo Villalba Pérez, member of the Rotaract club, informed that the bottles that are required are of 1.5, 2 and 2.5 liters, in good condition and with tops. Also, they have declared to be ready to participate in the construction process.

“A lot of workers will be needed because the bottles are full of earth, we are committed to fill the bottles each day that the construction begins. We are in the disposition to work so that the school is in good conditions”.

In this regard, on Sunday December 1st starting at noon, a musical event has been organized in Los Arcos of the malecón where there will be musical groups of rock and salsa, dance, interaction with the children, surprises for the participants, and the announcement to take pet bottles.

THE TIP:

The required bottles are of 1.5, 2 and 2.5 liters, in good condition and with tops, there are already collection centers in the library Los Mangos and in some schools

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/28/para-construir-una-escuela-recolectaran-16-mil-botellas/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

Hundreds of people attended to enjoy an animated show full of happy gabble.

A very special occasion was enjoyed in Galerías Vallarta, the most important Mall of the region, with the lighting of the monumental Christmas tree, event that gathered more than a hundred people who enjoyed a Christmas show full of good moments, music and entertainment.

Previous to the event, the public was already anxiously expecting the moment, as the decoration and the music generated an environment of Christmas gabble that caused a big agglomeration of people in the lower level and the first floor.

In a moment, the hosts welcomed the public, appreciating their preference for Galerías Vallarta along the year, and disclosed the diverse activities to be made for the enjoyment of the Vallartan families.

Afterwards there was a terrific Christmas show in which the hosts, dressed in striking Christmas suits, cheered the public carrying out activities with children and adults, who appeared amused during several minutes.

Already with the spirit in its peak, the jugglers Fer and Nando made their apparition, who to the rhythm of the music did a regal demonstration of their skills, taking the applause of the public that observed with surprise their amazing movements. Later on arrived an exotic dancer who cheered those present with her “Hula Hula” movements.

To finalize, the moment that was most expected by the public arrived after another thank you. At last the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree took place, which formally started the Christmas season in Galerías Vallarta.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2013/11/25/inicia-la-temporada-navidena-en-galerias-vallarta/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

The event was well attended by 40 travel agents in Guadalajara, 50 in Monterrey and 80 in Mexico City

From November 19-21, the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau paid a visit to luxury specialists from Virtuoso in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.

The objective of the presentations was to bring the Virtuoso associates up to speed on current events and investments occurring within the top echelon products in the Riviera Nayarit, including the Four Seasons Punta Mita, The St. Regis Punta Mita, Imanta Resorts Punta Mita, Hard Rock Vallarta, Villa La Estancia, Marival Residences & World Spa and Grand Velas, all of which have been key players in placing the beautiful coastline of Nayarit squarely in the sights of celebrities and high society.

The event was well attended by 40 travel agents in Guadalajara, 50 in Monterrey and 80 in Mexico City. Besides the training they also received promotional material to assist with the sales process; there will also be plenty of follow-up to keep the communication lines open with these specialized agents via monthly press releases and direct calls. This will allow the Riviera Nayarit to stay close to its luxury allies, who are essential to the communications, promotional and sales process with the consumers.

The Four Seasons Punta Mita has invested nearly 2.8 million dollars in renovating their rooms, as well as 3.5 million dollars on the Ketsi Restaurant & Spa. They also boast a new 30-piece art collection, a new Surfing School and event space for holiday celebrations.

St. Regis has invested in a pergola facing the sea with seating for an intimate group of 10; they also opened the Corceca gallery, filled with modern art, plus a new five-kilometer track with incomparable views of Punta de Mita.

Imanta, one of the most exclusive hotels in the area, has been rated among the top 100 most exclusive resorts in the world, 2011 Best of the Best, has been on Condé Nast’s “Hot List” among the top 124 hotels around the world, and placed among the National Geographic “35 Hotels That We Love” as well as named among the “Best Boutiques in Mexico” by Travesías magazine.

The Hard Rock Vallarta is a luxury all-inclusive located in Nuevo Vallarta offering the traditional Hard Rock Service, which includes everything from rock and roll amenities to international events both musical and sports-related, as well as other unique happenings. They have special programs for kids, as it is a very family-focused property.

Villa La Estancia is located in Flamingos. This luxury hotel has plenty of top-notch amenities; among them, their culinary prowess certainly stands out at any of their several specialty restaurants. Their white glove service at the Tatewari spa is recognized worldwide.

Another luxury all-inclusive, the Marival Residences & World Spa is unlike most resorts in Mexico: it offers its guests several added value benefits not every luxury all-inclusive has. The Spa is one of its top amenities, with eight cabins representing eight countries and the best therapies from each of these regions. Every cabin also reflects the design and ambiance of its respective country.

Last but certainly not least, the Grand Velas is offering a new Summer Camp, as well as a new program exclusively for children.

It was an event that promoted the International Talent of Mixology and Cocktail Bartending, in this occasion a special motive is the Inauguration of the Laboratory of Oenology of the Technological University of Banderas Bay.

It was adorned by the Spanish mixologists Javier Caballero and Jordi Bel, as well as the Mexican experts, Antonio Barroeta, Jesús Cabrera, Juan Ortega, among others. Where university students and special guests, had the opportunity to see in the way of a marathon against the clock, the mix, fusion and preparation of different drinks, with a range of colors, smells and surprising flavors, definitely a unique experience.

The inauguration of the laboratory was definitely an investment hit because it is equipped, in order for the future mixolgists to acquire a vast experience, like if they were already working in the industry.

[readon1 url="http://notivallarta.com/2013/12/02/coctel-arte-utbb-inauguracion-de-laboratorio-mixologia/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]

In a press conference Beba Muñiz de Strana, Alejandro Ortiz of Mango's beach, Estrella Planter from Star agency, as well as Edgar Cisneros of Stratos Media Puerto Vallarta, gave the details of what will be one of the most expected events by the youngsters in Vallarta, the Dj Markus Schulz born in Germany and internationally recognized for his excellent mixes of House electronic music. He has begun at the age of 13 years and has built his path, with big and varied artistic tours that include the old world, and the United States.

In Mexico there will only be 3 presentations, in Puebla, DF and Puerto Vallarta, this one being on next December 12 in Strana, where Dj Fernando Chacon will open. Also this will be transmitted Direct for Telehit.

The organizers underlined that this event will also have a charitable cause because part of its sales will be used for donations for the municipal DIF.

The sale of tickets is already open in Strana for May, information at the phones: (322) 1505451

[readon1 url="http://notivallarta.com/2013/12/02/por-primera-vez-en-vallarta-dj-markus-schulz/"]Source: Vallarta Opina Translated by Rene Tripp[/readon1]