One of the hottest destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast continues to be Puerto Vallarta, and with increased air traffic, especially from the East Coast, this is a destination that should continue to remain on the minds of travel agents as they pitch Mexico holidays to their sun-loving clients.

Hotels

Earlier this year, Travel Agent was on location in Puerto Vallarta where we checked out a newly renovated hotel right in the heart of the Romantic Zone. Hotel Villa Mercedes is a 16-room, newly renovated boutique hotel (including studios, junior suites and penthouses), just a few minutes walk from Playa Muertos, Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon boardwalk, and the famous gay district’s Blue Chairs.

We stayed in suite #108, which has a balcony, king-size bed, flat screen television and spacious bathroom. The hotel has a sun terrace, as well as its own pool and is connected with popular local restaurant, Maia.

Studios measure at approximately 350 square feet, while Junior Suites are 800-square-foot open loft units. But for something a little more fancy, we suggest booking a Master unit, which can measure from 850 square feet to 1,100 square feet. Every unit is unique, with different details in their decoration. The units feature private balconies with ocean views, air conditioning, flat screen cable TV, Wi-Fi, bedroom with king-size bed and bathroom, living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchens.

We absolutely loved our stay at this quaint hotel, where we ended up on a first-name basis with management. Everyone on staff is friendly, attentive and willing to make your stay in Puerto Vallarta as homey and relaxing as possible. The location, just a short block and a half from the beach, is nothing to sneeze at, either.

Note: The minimum check-in age is 18, and Hotel Villa Mercedes is a top pick among gay travelers.

Travel agents can reach out to Veronica Garcia with questions (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 322-223-4543).

MORE INFO: On Site at Puerto Vallarta's Newly Renovated Boutique Hotel

Coming Soon: Scheduled to reopen in the fourth quarter this year, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta includes 337 guest rooms and suites, all with ocean views. This AAA Four Diamond Resort is 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport. Guests may enjoy a selection of a la carte restaurants, as well as an international buffet with chef cooking stations. Additional dining options include a pool side café and grill. There are lounges and bars for enjoyment and relaxation, as well as a swimming area with separate adults-only pool. Additional all-inclusive services include a complimentary children’s club, activities throughout the day, and entertainment each evening.

Gay-Friendly

LGBT travelers are no doubt already familiar with Puerto Vallarta. For more than 60 years this has been one of the top go-to destinations for LGBT travelers. The Zona Romantica is where the majority of the city’s gay hotels are located. It’s close to the gay beach, gay bars and nightlife, restaurants and cafes.

Perhaps the best-known gay hotel in Puerto Vallarta is the 15-room/six-suite Casa Cupula. Originally opened as a safe haven for the LGBT community, Casa Cupula is one of the most progressive hotels in one of Puerto Vallarta’s trendiest neighborhoods. It also offers tours and activities for LGBT travelers, like Go Gay’s Jungle Zip Line Adventure, a special guided tour of the city’s Botanical Gardens, and an Ada Sailboat Banderas Bay cruise.

Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife starts in the afternoon on the beach and keeps going until the wee hours. Some of the most popular LGBT clubs include Pace’s Ranch, La Niche, CC Slaughters and Enter on Weekends.

Marketing

Puerto Vallarta has launched an updated website as part of its latest effort to take advantage of the trends in the digital world. Visitors to the new site will find that the new www.visitpuertovallarta.com features a completely new layout designed to peruse while obtaining information and using tools to help guide consumers to plan and book their vacations.  The new site is also 100 percent smart phone friendly, Retina display ready, and offers the opportunity for content to be shared via all popular forms of social media.

Additionally, the Mexico Tourism Board launched a $10 million advertising campaign to promote the experiences offered in Puerto Vallarta and sister destination, Riviera Nayarit. The initiative is not a rebranding; the joint campaign named “Vallarta – Nayarit. Live it to Believe it!” was created to increase the influx of tourism to both destinations. Each destination will continue to be branded individually and the goal is to increase visitors to each of the destinations in an effort to incur an annual influx of $100 million.

[readon1 url="http://www.travelagentcentral.com/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta-updates-new-boutique-hotels-lgbt-offerings-and-marketing-campaign-46"]Source:www.travelagentcentral.com[/readon1]

Cisco Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary of global networking giant Cisco Systems, has expanded to Mexico, where it will offer to finance the acquisition of new technologies by Mexican businesses.

Until now Cisco Capital had operated in Mexico through its financing partners, but this marks the first time it will be tapping the Mexican market directly and launching an office in the North American country.

“This is the first time we have had direct operations in this region, which will help Mexican businesses acquire new technologies with flexible and competitive direct financing options, including local currency offers,” said Kristine A. Snow, president of Cisco Capital.

“Now, Mexican customers will have access to pure leases, finance leases, loans and installment sale, directly, in either Mexican pesos or US dollars,” the US company said in a statement.

“Cisco is highly committed to its operation in Mexico,” added Rogelio Velasco, vice president of Cisco Mexico. “This investment is one component of the overall plan that the company has for the country in order to contribute to the economic growth, technology evolution and job creation.”

Cisco recently announced plans to boost its investments in startups by $150 million. The global technology giant also recently announced three new investments related to the emerging Internet of Things.

One of its services guides businesses in how to invest in technology and which Cisco solution suits them most. Its main job, however, is to put together Cisco-based solutions and technologies, and tailor its financial offerings for customers based on how those technologies are typically deployed and consumed.

[readon1 url="http://www.nearshoreamericas.com/cisco-capital-expands-mexico/"]Source:www.nearshoreamericas.com[/readon1]

Spanish energy giant Iberdrola has pledged to invest US$5 billion to help Mexico overhaul its energy sector, a major development after the country’s present administration reformed the sector.

Iberdrola has wrapped up a deal with the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), which involves electricity generation, transmission and distribution. Also included in the agreement is a plan to build infrastructure for storing natural gas, and investing money on renewable energy projects.

In a statement issued Monday, the Spanish firm also promised to put its managerial skill and new technologies to use in the energy sector. The pact was signed by Iberdrola chief executive Ignacio Galan and CFE Managing Director Enrique Ochoa Reza.

Iberdrola is not new to Mexico. The Spanish company has long been running gas-fired power plants and wind farms with a capacity to generate over 5,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Most of its power plants are in Monterrey and Baja California.

“In fact, the company’s initiatives already underway represent investments to the value of US$1.5 bn,” says the company’s press release.

Iberdrola will have invested all the US$5 billion by the end of 2018. Reports say the Spanish firm is hoping to invest in solar power generators and will take part in building the country’s gas pipelines.

Mexico, which passed landmark reforms to its energy sector in December last year, ending the decades-long monopoly on oil and gas, expects to see US$25.5 billion invested in its energy sector over the next six years.

The reforms have made Mexico’s energy sector more lucrative and the country’s telecom baron Carlos Slim is also said to be contemplating investing in the sector.

[readon1 url="http://www.nearshoreamericas.com/iberdrola-invest-5-billion-bolster-mexicos-energy-sector/"]Source:www.nearshoreamericas.com[/readon1]

Mexico’s commercial real estate industry is experiencing a second wave of growth brought about by the creation of investment trusts, significant changes in regulations, competitive land prices and the economic development of new business centers across the country.

According to The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, the sector is expected to see a growth of 6% in 2014, which, according to its president, Martha Ramirez Gallegos, will exceed the predicted 2.77% GDP growth for this year.

In a recent annual survey conducted by The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate- (AFIRE) Mexico was listed as the third highest emerging country for commercial real estate investments, following China and Brazil. Without a doubt, this real estate boom is reflected in the growing number of residential, commercial and industrial construction projects being carried out in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Queretaro, to name but a few.  These are literally changing the face of the country.

Alestra’s largest data center in the country, in Queretaro, was chosen because of the available telecommunications network, the electricity supply, the proximity to the nation’s capital and the cost of land per square meter.
 
The Roots of Growth
According to Jorge Castañares, business director for Aguirre Newman Mexico and specialist and professor of real estate, the creation of the Real Estate Investment Trust (FIBRAS) as well as the Capital Development Certificate (CKD) jumpstarted the second wave of growth in this sector; the first wave was experienced in 1994 when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed. “In 2005 the Rental Tax Law was modified, entitling certain legal and trust entities to a fiscal allowance enabling them to absorb said tax and allowing structured long-term investments,” Castañares explained. Currently there are eight FIBRAS operating in the country that invest in real estate through the Mexican Stock Exchange and whose value has been estimated in the region of 170 billion Mexican pesos (US$13 billion).

Mexico has again become attractive to the energy industry; the manufacturing industry and corporate industry, Castañaressaid. Moreover, several businesses are returning to Mexico after having previously moved their operations to China in search of cheaper labor.  This does not mean that the salaries are now cheaper in Mexico, but rather that a better qualified work force has been made available, in closer proximity to the United States market.

At certain border cities, such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, traditionally known for their textile industries, things are gradually recuperating and statistics show that violence is falling.  “Not as many businesses are leaving when compared with the situation as it stood a few years ago.  On the contrary, they are returning to occupy some of the spaces that had been left empty,” states Victor Lopez Beltran, expert in Latin American businesses and Associate at Market Shanga (a strategies and operations consultancy firm).

As well as those already in place, over the last few years several industrial, logistic, business and techno parks have been built.  These currently cover around 50 million square feet, spread out over 300 industrial parks of international quality. The amount of available office space has also shot up outside of Mexico City, in areas such as Toluca, Puebla, Hidalgo and the Bajio region. It is estimated that currently there are in the region of 4.5 million square meters of class A and B offices in Mexico, a figure that could well be doubled by the year 2020, states Castañares.

Valuable Space
The real estate market is closely linked to the country’s economy. When the real estate bubble burst in the United States and Spain, for example, it set off a far-reaching financial crisis toward the end of the last decade.  The global markets have stated to recover gradually, but the Mexican market has shown, at least to the experts, real signs of growth.

“As the economy grows, the rent or resale prices of commercial sites go up. Without a doubt, this is a good indicator of economic growth,” states Lopez.  He affirms that the real estate sector is tied in to practically all economic activities, as, at the end of the day, they all need a physical space in which to operate.
Land and office prices vary according to factors such as supply and demand, public services, available infrastructure, location, governmental support, size of the population and intended use (be it residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)

Early in 2014, ProMexico published a study regarding the price per square meter of land for industrial use across Mexico City and 52 other locations. The study, based on facts supplied by the Colliers International Real Estate Firm, revealed that the highest prices are in Queretaro, with an average of 2,793 pesos (US$262), rising to as much as 4,781 pesos ($370.86).  This was followed by Mexico City’s Federal Disctrict, with an average price of 2,152.80 pesos ($167); Pachuca, Hidalgo, with 1,951 pesos ($151); Tijuana, Baja California with 1,799 pesos ($139.50) and Guadalajara, Jalisco with 1494 pesos ($116).

However, businesses that contract installation areas for commercial and industrial use can find prices ranging from $55 to $75 in the Federal Distict, $50 to $60 in Guadalajara or Monterrey and $40 to $50 in Querétaro.

Last February, Alestra inaugurated its fifth and largest data center in the country, in the city of Queretaro.  According to Hector Sanchez Madera, Alestra’s manager and network and infrastructure engineer, the location was chosen because of the available telecommunications network, the electricity supply, the proximity to the nation’s capital and the cost of land per square meter.  Locations such as Toluca, Puebla and the outskirts of Mexico City were also considered.

“It was an exhaustive search,” Sanchez stated, “in the end we found an extremely competitive price on an industrial park that set things in motion. It has huge potential for growth.” Sanchez noted that prices there are currently around $70 a square meter, which is considerably lower than the $150 needed to purchase a square meter in the Mexico City metropolitan area. Moreover, it was proving difficult to find a location with the dimensions required by Alestra for the new data center, some 16,000 square meters, with a view to further expansion.

In Tijuana startups and technology businesses also have shared spaces at their disposal, such as the BIT Center (Business Innovation and Technology Center).  These shared spaces of up to 10,000 square meters can be used for commercial activities, attention to clients and exhibitions. The BIT Center opened in 2012 as the first space of its kind in Baja California and looks to strengthen small and medium size businesses in the IT sector, helping to increase their exportation potential, link the academy with the productive sector and generate solutions that promote the use of technology within the community through the constant training and development of the region.

The businesses have access to available spaces ranging from nine by four meters or more, all with internet connection, electricity, telephone connection, conference rooms, parking, security, and 24 hour access, amongst other services. These spaces cost an average of $14 a square meter.

Available Human Resources
In recent years Mexico has experienced a marked tendency toward decentralization; in other words, more and more services and technology businesses are looking to base their companies in “secondary cities.”

During his career in real estate, Lopez has seen many companies make the decision to set up in these secondary cities, taking into account aspects such as price per square meter, required investment, taxes, government funding and available human resources. “Without a doubt, one of the biggest determining factors is availability of work force,” he stated. “It’s important there be adequately qualified personnel in the areas where the corporate or filial offices will be situated; for some firms it is also vital to find out how many engineers graduate each year.”

The level of training is an extremely important factor, even more so than wages. While salaries vary according to expertise, the salary of a call center operator, for example, is twice the minimum wage in the majority of cases. “The businesses do not intend to exploit the youngsters. Mexican legislation, as well as state and local governments, ensures that work regulations are met by all businesses,” Lopez added.

According to Jesus Palomino, general director at the Guadalajara Intel Design Center, the availability of human resources has been key to its operations.  In Guadalajara there are an impressive amount of educational institutions. “This is where the second largest public university in the country is found, as well as some of the most important private universities.  These keep us supplied with talent.  It’s a cluster that is ready and willing to collaborate with the industry,” Palomino said.  Currently, the Intel Design Center has 900 employees and is about to move into its new headquarters.

Bajio, the Place to Invest KPMG’s survey “Mexican’s Upper Management Outlook for 2014” reveals that 45% of the Mexican executives that are looking to expand their operations in Mexico over the next three years will do so by expanding into the area known as the Bajío region, which encompasses the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi.

“The fact that nearly half of the country’s executives are interested in investing in the Bajio region shows the possibilities for its economic and business growth over the next few years,” states Ricardo Arellano, the associate in charge of the KPMG office in Leon, Guanajuato.

The real estate industry has developed significantly in this area. According to Castañares, the area has become one region instead of four separate states. “They will be complementary states that offer commercial, manufacturing, hotelier and residential possibilities; they will become a macro region where complementary real estate services will be provided,” Castañares said.

There is amazing potential for growth for all the industries providing services to these kinds of industries. “They will be installed in an orderly way in this macro region, knowing where they are to be located and why,” Castañares added.

According to the specialists, the development and growth of this region, along with other parts of the Mexican Republic, has contributed to the progress seen in the real estate sector. Castañares said this has generated employment and is considered to be the driving force behind the economy. “The secret to real estate development is that it grows with the country,” he stated.

Although the general consensus is optimistic, the Economic Ministry’s recently revised expectations of 2.77% national growth have prompted conservative forecasts from experts. “If the country does not regularly increase by at least 3.5% over a reasonable period, it runs the risk of investors slowing down.  The sector moves according to demand,” Castañares said.

So, the greatest challenge for the Mexican government is to accelerate the infrastructure plan required by the country, spend prudently, promote the creation of new businesses and thus generate employment, as sustainable growth is needed,  Castañares added: “What is happening in the sector is extremely interesting, while, at the same time, it is worrying that the economic stability is generating only slow growth.”

[readon1 url="http://www.nearshoreamericas.com/mexico-commercial-real-estate-technology-investment/"]Source:www.nearshoreamericas.com[/readon1]

The public relations efforts set into action by the Riviera Nayarit in Brazil have directly and indirectly generated exposure in that country’s media.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s public relations efforts have had the proverbial snowball effect by generating excellent direct or indirect exposure in Brazilian publications.

Some of the most recent articles about the Riviera Nayarit in the Brazilian media have been a result of the FAM trips, which not only guarantee publication in the media those visitors represent, but also motivate other media to write about Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.

Proof positive can be found in the case of Luciana Franca, writer for Luxo magazine, who visited the destination as a guest of the CVB. Then there’s Karina Oliani, hostess from the TV station OFF, part of Rede Globo, who had never visited the destination. Both published excellent articles on the Riviera Nayarit.

www.Luxo.ig.com.br specializes in travel, luxury, trends, style, gastronomy, shopping and more. This is where Luciana published the article named “10 posibles lujos en la Riviera Nayarit, Mexico” (“10 Possible Luxuries in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.”)

Karina Oliana, considered an opinion leader in travel matters, promoted the destination on her TV show, on her personal social media accounts and on her website.

Rede Globo has a daily audience in Brazil of more than 185 viewers per day. It’s considered the second largest media conglomerate in the world and the largest of its kind in Latin America.

Karina, who is also a doctor, announced the Riviera Nayarit will be the next destination she’ll visit, which surely means she will once again publish more about our destination’s bounty.

These are the tangible results of the synergy that takes place with the public relations, the promotions and the marketing efforts directed towards Brazil.

Below please find the links to the above-mentioned content:
http://luxo.ig.com.br/lazereprazer/2014-05-16/10-luxos-possiveis-na-riviera-nayarit-no-mexico.html

http://karinaoliani.com.br/site/?page_id=475

From June 19-20, Punta Mita – and, Mexico’s President Peña Nieto -- will be hosting the 9th Summit of the Alianza del Pacífico (Pacific Alliance)  a regional commercial organization formed by Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The primary purpose of this organization is to encourage regional integration and foster closer commercial relationships, in order to achieve higher economic growth rates and increased competitiveness for the member nations.

The 9th edition of this reunion will take place in Punta Mita, Nayarit on June 19th and 20th, during these days, Mexico will assume the Pro Tempore Presidence of this organization.

In recent days, vice ministers of the member countries that comprise the organization spoke of an additional 30 countries that are currently acting as observers of this Alliance. They also communicated their desire to accelerate the analysis of agricultural output with the objective of increasing trade flow between members, and to formalize the efforts for strengthening entrepreneurship – small and medium businesses – in the region.

President Peña Nieto stated “Mexico is committed to the integration of the Pacific Alliance and its objectives of economic growth and social development. We are determined to continue contributing to the creation of an area with free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Adding that “It will be an honor to welcome Colombia, Chile and Peru at the 9th Summit of this initiative“.

We are very pleased Punta Mita has been chosen to host such an important event, proving once again that this is much more than simply a leisure destination. but a perfect venue for celebrating important meetings and conducting business.

[readon1 url="http://livepuntamita.com/punta-mita-to-host-the-9th-pacific-alliance-summit-june-19-20/"]Source:livepuntamita.com[/readon1]

According to the 2013 Pets Survey, conducted by TripAdvisor, 53 percent of respondents with pets travel with their collared companions, while the biggest concern (29 percent) about traveling with pets is that their animal will get 'stressed out'.

Pet owners have no reason to worry at the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All-Compare" Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, where dogs receive VIP treatment with the Pet Package. Dogs feel like royalty sleeping in comfortable beds, eating from a food bowl compliments of the luxury all-inclusive resort and also enjoy a special welcoming surprise. Owner and four-pawed companion can bond by playing fetch and retrieve with a new play ball with resort's logo on the resort's powder-white sand beach.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has also partnered with Boston-based pet groomers, The Dogfather, to offer a specialized Cosmetic Package including an oatmeal bath, hair brush, ear and teeth cleaning, and nail trimming for an additional $195, all performed on-site at the resort by their Puerto Vallarta team. Other options include amenities like fresh organic food and bottled water with Bach flowers, as well as the services of a pet sitter who can take the dog for strolls on the beach.

Dogs experience the luxurious lifestyle at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit starting at $75 per night, per pet with a maximum weight of 25-pounds.

Grand Velas Resorts' all-inclusive rates include luxury accommodations, guaranteed ocean view, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour ensuite service, fitness center with sessions with a personal trainer, taxes, gratuity and more.

For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-877-407-4869 or visit, http://www.velasresorts.com.

[readon1 url="http://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/news-articles/dogs-are-vips-at-grand-velas-riviera-nayarit-21738.php"]Source:www.luxurytravelmagazine.com[/readon1]

Mexico City, Jun 13 (EFE).- Mexican state-owned oil giant Petroleos Mexicanos said it will modernize its 10,900 service stations nationwide as it prepares for competitors to enter the market starting in 2018.

Pemex is "building a franchise of modern, strong, profitable and well-positioned service stations," CEO Emilio Lozoya said Thursday at the inauguration of an annual petroleum retailers' convention in the Caribbean city of Playa del Carmen.

He added that the company's network of service stations, which meet demand in a country with 25 million automobiles, must not only offer the highest-quality fuel but also top-of-the-line service to more demanding customers.

Last December's energy overhaul, whose implementing legislation is currently being debated in Congress, allows private players into Mexico's oil industry for the first time since it was nationalized in 1938.

The modernization measures being considered include re-launching Pemex's brand, improving the image of the company's gas stations and customer service, bringing new products to market and forging partnerships with leading companies.

Some measures have already been implemented, including a training program that will eventually reach more than 26,000 managers, supervisors and sales staff, Lozoya said.

Pemex sells a daily average of 771,000 barrels of gasoline on the domestic market, with 57 percent of the total coming from its network of six refineries nationwide and rest from imports.

[readon1 url="http://www.laprensasa.com/309_america-in-english/2582278_mexico-s-pemex-to-modernize-service-stations-as-it-readies-for-competition.html"]Source:www.laprensasa.com[/readon1]

New Changes to Hotel Infrastructure and DMC’s of Great Interest to Meeting Planners

 New York – June 13, 2014- The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board exhibited at this year’s AIBTM Expo taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL from June 10-12 with a delegation of hotelier, including the Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort, Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta Hotel, Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, AM Resorts and Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa in the Mexico Tourism Board’s stand.
 
Rolando Miravete, Executive Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, maintained an active agenda with meeting planners seeking a new destination to work with in Mexico or planners were looking to start working in Mexico and saw Puerto Vallarta as an ideal initial destination because of its reputation as a leisure destination. Miravete spoke about Puerto Vallarta and its diverse tourism and business travel offerings and invited many to participate in this year’s Vallarta Meetings, the destination’s educational trip for the meetings industry.
 
Meetings were held with owners and directors from EVENTagist, Synergy Meeting Solution, HelmsBriscoe, Pacific Coast Oto Ohthamological Society, American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Envizion Marketing, Innovaix, Event Planing by Tiara LLC, Imagine Xhibits, Newton-Thoth, Inc, Bookmymeetings.com, Nerium, HPN, and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board’s new partner, Meeting Professionals International.
 
LATITUDE, the tourism board’s PR agency in the US and Canada to assist with a media agenda aimed to introduce Miravete in his new position as well as the new changes in hotel infrastructure taking place this year in Puerto Vallarta, including the opening of the Holiday Inn Express, the One Hotel, Almar Resort Luxury All Suites & SPA and Hotel Mousai as well as the turn of the Fiesta Americana Hotel into an all-inclusive property and the Hyatt Zilara opening in the old Dreams location. Meetings were held with the editors of Meetings Focus, Meetings & Conventions, Prevue Magazine and Facilities Media Group, Golf Resorts & Meeting Destinations.

Additional information on Puerto Vallarta is available at www.visitpuertovallarta.com.

The scarcity, contamination and discrimination in the distribution of water throughout the world has become one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. In Mexico, the problems regarding water are realities that we experience every day, especially in rural communities and those on city outskirts. Today, 38 Mexican cities suffer from supply problems, 90% of rivers are contaminated, and there isn’t any solid culture of water conservation yet.

In the Valley of Mexico, the area with the most urban density in the country and the most populated, the demand for water exceeds the availability, a situation that has required the liquid to be obtained from increasingly farther distances, and through overexploitation of aquifers. Water is a non-renewable resource, essential for life and for the achievement of other human rights (food and health, for example). It is therefore a determining factor for human development, which must be a priority in the design of laws and public policy.

In Mexico City, the water management model is being discussed in the State Legislature as a result of six initiatives to reform the Mexico City Water Laws, presented during the past few months in the Legislature.  

[readon1 url="http://globalvoicesonline.org/2014/06/13/fighting-for-the-human-right-to-water-in-mexico-city/"]Source:globalvoicesonline.org[/readon1]

Soltoro Ltd. (SOL:TSX.V) has received the second anniversary payment of US $150,000 from Gold Reserve Inc.
(TSX VENTURE:GRZ - OTCQB:GDRZF) who hold the right to earn an undivided 51% interest in
Soltoro's 100% owned La Tortuga property located in Jalisco State, Mexico. Soltoro granted a 45 day extension
to Gold Reserve to make the payment which was originally due on April 26, 2014.
 
Gold Reserve has entered the third year of exploration at La Tortuga. To date Gold Reserve has conducted
ground-based mapping, sampling, geochemical studies, upgraded roughly 22 km of access roads and completed
an airborne geophysical survey at La Tortuga. Gold Reserve has also initiated environmental baseline and social
impact studies, which forms the basis of a comprehensive social impact and mitigation plan for any future
development. Gold Reserve is in the process of revising its drill permit application in order to carry out a 7,000
to 12,000 metre drill program.

The La Tortuga Property is an 11,562 hectare property being investigated for its base and precious metal
potential with occurrences of copper and gold mineralization over 49 square kilometers. Potential targets
include iron-oxide-copper-gold, porphyry copper and epithermal gold and/or base metal veins. Previous work
includes 151 line-kilometers of induced polarization, 20 drill holes (both core and reverse circulation),
geological mapping and sampling (approximately 1,000 soil, rock chip and stream sediment samples) and a
ground magnetic survey.

The Option Agreement allows Gold Reserve to acquire an undivided 51% interest by making an aggregate
US$650,000 in option payments to Soltoro and by making US$3 million in expenditures on the property over 3
years. Gold Reserve has made $425,000 in option payments to Soltoro to date. At completion of the earn-in a
joint venture agreement will be formalized. Upon exercise of the option, Gold Reserve may acquire an
additional 9% for US$2,000,000.
 
ABOUT SOLTORO
Soltoro is engaged in exploration for gold and silver deposits in Mexico. Soltoro holds in excess of 30,000
hectares of ground in Jalisco State. Soltoro is focused on expanding silver resources at the El Rayo silver
project while seeking partners to advance the balance of its projects. Soltoro holds 15% of the common shares
of Argentum Silver Corp. with a 3% N.S.R. payable on Argentum Silver’s Victoria and Coyote properties.
Soltoro’s La Tortuga project is under option to Gold Reserve Inc. Soltoro has 69,533,037 common share issued
and outstanding and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “SOL”.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrew Thomson, President
Phone: (416) 987-0722 or visit www.soltoro.com

[readon1 url="http://newsroom.soltoro.com/Files/e8/e8b210cc-a7a8-4c9d-b342-56f03eaad9e2.pdf"]Source:newsroom.soltoro.com[/readon1]

Mexican delegation will arrive in Lima for product advantages

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, June, 12: The Mexican companies chocolate and confectionery are interested in incorporating in its production organic cocoa from Peru, so trade mission from that country visiting Lima for the benefits of this product, reported the Commercial Office of Peru (OCEX) in Mexico.

"High consumption of chocolates and confectionery in Mexico is a great niche for Peruvian cacao. Peru occupies the number two producer of organic cacao worldwide, and we are taking the opportunity to spread the benefits of Peruvian cocoa in Mexico, "he told Andina news agency the head of OCEX in Mexico, Soledad Campos.

He said the National Association of Manufacturers and Allied Chocolates Mexico (Confimex) he expressed interest in the Peruvian product at a recent meeting.

He argued that companies Confimex were informed in detail about the benefits of organic Peruvian cacao, with international certification and skilled labor for processing.

To verify these benefits of cocoa, a group of Mexican companies come to Lima to participate in the Food Expo fair from 27 to 29 August 2014.

"In Peru we have the cocoa processing companies to regional and global levels. There are good prospects that we have generated among entrepreneurs who are going to attend Food Expo, "he said.

Campos participated in the Business Matchmaking Alliance Pacific, held from 10 to 11 June this year in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

[readon1 url="http://www.andina.com.pe/agencia/noticia-fabricantes-chocolates-mexicanos-interesadas-cacao-organico-peruano-509932.aspx#.U5nuv_ldXUU"]Source:www.andina.com.pe[/readon1]