Travel Alert Issued for Mexico
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert cautioning against travel to Mexico due to infighting among the drug cartels. In response the Mexico Tourist Board issued the following response:
Mexico ranks tenth as an international travel destination in the world and is the number one international tourism destination for North Americans traveling abroad. Many tourists to the country are repeat visitors, which demonstrate that the vast majority of tourists are satisfied and leave with overwhelmingly positive impressions.
Nevertheless, visitors to any destination in the world should exercise caution and common sense, and the same holds true when traveling to Mexico.
Q. With the travel alert issued by the US State Department cautioning that even travel within the country beyond the border is dangerous. Should I just avoid traveling to Mexico completely?
No, common sense and proper precautions must be taken when traveling anywhere in the world, and Mexico is no exception. Whether traveling on the border or if you find yourself in another area of the country, stick to high-traffic businesses and tourist areas; be aware of your surroundings, chart your course before-hand, and your stay should be a memorable and safe experience. Mexico? frontier, like many other frontiers in other countries, at times experiences certain conflicts. Those visiting or crossing border cities should do so while taking the proper precautions.
Q: But then what do you make of the U.S. State Department cautioning against travel to the border due to infighting among drug cartels?
The recent isolated incidents involving drug traffickers have prompted U.S. and Canadian authorities to suggest travelers exercise extra caution when visiting certain border towns. It is important to note, however, that this temporary announcement does not advise travelers against visiting our many safe tourist destinations.
In fact, Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, declared that the intention of the alert is to inform of the punctual violent acts that are taking place in specific states of Mexico as well as in other nations. She clarified that in no way does this alert seek to negatively portray the tourist destinations
Q. Shouldn? everyone just avoid going to Mexico, with everything that is going on with the crime and drug dealers?
More than 22.6 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2008 representing a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007 out of that the number of tourists who suffered accidents were minimal.
Mexico is the tenth most visited tourist destination in the world and is a very large country with many safe destinations to visit and enjoy. As the country? promotion agency, the Mexico Tourism Board recommends visitors to contact our many offices for more information on the destination they are planning to visit.
Q. Is the drug situation out of control in Mexico, and should international visitors be concerned?
Drug dealing and possession are a social problem that every nation faces, and Mexico is no exception. Fortunately, in Mexico and elsewhere, the violence associated with drug trafficking is isolated in cities that are far away from tourism destinations.
The possession and consumption of drugs are illegal in Mexico, and the country has strict laws governing these offenses. Perpetrators are punished with harsh fines and prison sentences in Mexico. Visitors can be confidant that local authorities are working hard to apprehend all those who violate the law to bring them to justice.
Q. We are worried because what if something does happen? Will emergency services be able to help?
Federal and local governments are constantly working on improving emergency services, not only for tourists but for locals. Visitors should take precautions if they have any pre-existing medical needs and speak to their doctors before they travel abroad. We are also working on raising the bar in our standards to that our guests are kept safe, such as de-legalizing open bars in areas known as spring break destinations.
Q. Reports of drug violence in Mexico have been widely circulated. Have these stories affected tourism to the country?
These incidents have mostly taken place in some border cities and have not affected the decision of tourists to travel to Mexico, which received thousands of tourists in the past months. More than 22.6 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2008 representing a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007.
In addition, and according to the central Bank of Mexico, border tourism increased 11 percent, compared to 2007.
Mexico is the number one most popular international tourism destination for Americans, with more than 18.34 million US visitors in 2008. Tourism revenues increased 4.6 percent in 2008 compared to 2007 to almost 13.2 billion dollars.
New Air Service from Austin to Puerto Vallarta
The white beaches of Mexico? Pacific Coast are now only two hours from Austin, Texas. New non-stop vivaAerobus flights from Austin to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begin Jan. 15, 2009 out of the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA).
From tours of the jungle to grilled marlin served beachside, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful, cultured, luxurious vacation spot. The city maintains its unique Old Mexico charm with all the conveniences of modern life. The city enjoys over 300 sunny days a year with temperatures averaging 83 degrees. English is widely spoken, especially in the downtown shopping and dining areas.
Ultra low cost carrier vivaAerobus is only available from Austin, providing one departing and returning flight every Thursday and Sunday. Flights leave Austin at 1:35 p.m., arriving in Puerto Vallarta at 3:40 p.m. Flights depart Puerto Vallarta at 10:30 a.m., arriving in Austin at 12:50 p.m. Non-stop tickets from Austin to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Monterrey are available at www.vivaaerobus.com.
VivaAerobus started operations in Austin on May 1, 2008 and operates a fleet of Boeing 737-300 aircraft.
Introducing the Next Mayan Riviera
Most interliners know of the Mayan Riviera. That stretch of land south of Cancun that is loaded with great all-inclusive resorts. For those who have been traveling to Cancun for years, you can easily recall the dates when there were few if any resorts in the Mayan Riviera. It was just a big stretch of nothing expect for a few small towns with small boutique hotels. Now look at it! Most interliners wish they had bought land in the Mayan Riviera 20 years ago.
Well now we want to introduce you to, what we think, will be the next Mayan Riviera. The Riviera Nayarit is an area north of Puerto Vallarta. This is area offers over 100 miles of beaches to discover, luxury resorts and charming boutique hotels, history dating back to the Aztec civilization, unspoiled fishing villages and ?own home?Mexican cooking, world class golf and deep sea fishing: these are just some of the reasons travelers will want to be the first to experience Mexico? newest destination, Riviera Nayarit.
If you are looking for a place to invest in a 2nd home or you just want to buy some land for your retirement, then this is an area worth checking out!
Hugging 100 miles of Pacific coast north of Puerto Vallarta and protected by the dramatic Sierra Madre Mountains, Riviera Nayarit blends the timeless authenticity of Mexican culture and hospitality with the latest in tourism facilities and services. The Four Seasons and St. Regis are among the hotel companies bringing a new level of luxury; superstars like Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus are redefining the game of golf here. An extraordinary abundance of wildlife from giant manta rays and whales to protected sea turtles and rare migratory birds draw both vacationers and experts from around the world. And, with ambitious plans for new resorts, hotels and recreational facilities, Riviera Nayarit is well on its way toward making a major impact on North American tourism.
This new destination is located in the State of Nayarit, extending from the Rio Ameca beside the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta along Banderas Bay to exclusive Punta Mita, then further up the undeveloped Pacific coastline to the colonial town and wildlife sanctuaries of San Blas.
For visitors, the gateway to Riviera Nayarit is Puerto Vallarta International Airport, only ten minutes away from Nuevo Vallarta. Most of the region? current tourism facilities are located on Banderas Bay, one of the world? largest bays, which is also renowned for its extensive variety of water sports from diving and snorkeling to sailing and deep sea fishing. Riviera Nayarit is also fast-becoming one of Mexico? foremost golfing destinations. Renowned professionals and designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf, Robert Von Hagge, Jim Lipe and Joe Finger have created aesthetically pleasing golf courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Among the highlights is the El Tigre Golf Club at Paradise Village designed by Von Hagge; the Jack Nicklaus designed course at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Punta Mita; and the Mayan Golf Resorts Vallarta by Lipe.
And there is so much more to discover in Riviera Nayarit.
Ecological wonders abound on this ?lice of heaven on earth,?like whale watching on a catAmecan, viewing of sea turtle preservation efforts and snorkeling in crystal clear aquamarine waters to get closer to colorful coral reefs and underwater species. Precious ecological sanctuaries for rare birds are located in Islas Marietas and La Tovara National Park. In Las Caletas and Banderas Bay, visitors can even swim and interact with friendly seals. For outdoor adventurers the rich natural habitat that is Sierra Madre beckon culminating in a visual hike and 2,000 feet stop above sea-level.
North of Banderas Bay and Punta Mita are miles of seemingly endless white sand beaches, the somewhat bohemian surfing town of Sayulita and friendly fishing villages where new tourism facilities will be developed in the next decade. Driving along the thickly forested and scenic two lane highway north of Punta Mita to San Blas, visitors cannot resist stopping in colorful roadside markets to sample homemade candies, fresh juices and succulent tropical fruits.
Riviera Nayarit? cultural history dates back thousands of years, encompassing four ethnic traditions, including pre-Columbian cultures and the Huichols. Nayarit? excellent preservation of its culture can be seen in its native Huichol tribe who have preserved their rich culture and ancient beliefs through their art. The Huichols are renowned for the detailed and elaborate yarn paintings and these evocative paintings contain elaborate symbols borne out of their culture and shamanistic traditions. Mexcaltitan is a small island of floating mangroves that is reputed to be the birthplace of the Aztecs. Archeological sites with hundreds of petroglyphs and vestiges of ancient villages remain still wait to become accessible to visitors.
With every visit to Riviera Nayarit, there is always something new to discover and the essence of this destination will rejuvenate and excite the most jaded of travelers. For more information on Riviera Nayarit please visit www.VisitRivieraNayarit.com. For interline rates in the Riviera Nayarit contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911 or in the DFW Area at 817 481-8631 or online at www.interlinetravel.com.
