Thursday

Quintana Roo, committed to tourism, said Borge



According to El Quintanroense ¨Roberto Borge Angulo Governor and Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, yesterday signed the Convention Coordinating Committee on Reallocation of Resources 2011, considering a joint investment of 202 million pesos to build tourism infrastructure in the state of Quintana Roo with 14 major projects.

The governor recognized this act the Federal Government's commitment, headed by President Felipe Calderon to continue working together to promote tourism and in coordination with the states. Within this framework, announced that this year was scheduled for an overall investment of 602 million pesos for works and actions to promote tourism in Quintana Roo, including the 202 million agreement signed with the Tourism Ministry, more conventions infrastructure investment Fonatur, the Tourism Board, trusts and Tourism Board.


 
Borge Angulo endorsed his government's commitment to further strengthen tourism institutions of Quintana Roo and the National Agreement for Tourism, strategies underpinning a well-planned and well-targeted promotion to world markets, with good agreements in the Council of Tourism Promotion Mexico.

He explained that with 202 million pesos will be invested to grow the arrival of domestic and foreign tourists. Of this amount, 94 million pesos will be provided by the Federation, 90 million by the State Government and remaining 18 million pesos by the municipalities that will benefit.


The federal official said that investments greatly strengthen the tourism materials to launch the National Agreement for Tourism and continue placing this sector as the main engine of growth. "Quintana Roo, has been, is and will remain a priority for the federal government," he said.


The Convention will make the equipment work as public beaches of Cancun's hotel zone, the urban image of Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Cozumel, Holbox, Playa del Carmen Bacalar, the Malecon in Mahahual, the Program for Urban and Image Enhancement Puerto Morelos Tourism and the Integrated Training and Tourism Competitiveness, among other major actions.


Furthermore, the Programme and Module Signaling Tourist Information Tourist Calderitas Improvement, urban image and tourist facilities of Laguna Guerrero and streams and promote the program Mundo Maya 2012.


On that last point, the state ruler said that Quintana Roo have a major stake whenever the Mundo Maya project will enable the institution to attract more than 50 million tourists, for which it has the infrastructure capacity and service quality .

Tuesday

Progress In Tourism




According to the secretary of tourism of Mexico- The Ministry of Tourism notes that there is progress in strengthening the tourism in our country. During the month of May increased by the visit of tourists from other nations have strengthened the air connectivity with the outside world through the announcement of new routes and an increase in the number of flights and frequencies to Mexico, and work continues diversification and strengthening the promotion of Mexico abroad. 

In the month of May grew the arrival of international travelers national territory by air from countries like Brazil, 42.4 percent, Russia at 30.5 percent, China at 24 percent, Korea at 18.5 percent , Australia, at 16.7 percent, Canada and the UK, an increase of 15.8 percent each in the same month last year. The Government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Board of Mexico, has strengthened the advocacy work abroad in order to diversify the supply to other nations and become less dependent on tourism from the United States. 


Mexico remains the most visited country by Americans, according to the Department of Commerce, our country has a market share equivalent to 14.7 percent. Importantly, there has been in the first six months of a breakthrough in terms of air connectivity between our country and abroad, allowing the arrival of more visitors to the country. 


Companies like Virgin Atlantic, TAM, LAN, Air Europa, Air France, Aeromexico also have announced new flights and increased frequencies to destinations in our country. The British airline Virgin Atlantic announced that it will operate the Gatwick route to Cancun, which will be operating two flights a week. The recent visit to Brazil the Ministry of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, Air Transport Company Mercosur (TAM)-the largest in that country, announced that starting this year will start direct flights between Sao Paulo and the City Mexico.  Also, the LAN Chile confirmed that from July there will be five weekly flights between Lima and Cancun, and by October there will be seven frequencies between these destinations. Meanwhile, the Spanish airline Air Europa will start this summer flight between Madrid and Mexico City. This flight will have four weekly flights. 


The company announced that Air France will soon have a direct flight linking Paris to Cancun. This is compounded by the announcement by Aeromexico, which from July will increase its flights from Barcelona to Mexico City, from 4-6 times a week, and before the first half of July, Aeromexico will operate new flights such as: Mexico-Guatemala, Cancun, Miami, Mexico-Guadalajara-San Francisco, Chicago Leon Monterrey, Mexico-Guadalajara-Sacramento Brownsville. 


Result of the work of diversification and increased air connectivity, the Ministry of Tourism estimates that during the summer spending in the tourism sector in our country would be 250 thousand 619 million pesos. During this period, it is expected that 48.4 million people will visit our tourist attractions, such is the case of Mexico routes, colonial sites, Magical Towns, archaeological sites and places for adventure tourism, among others, as well as traditional sunshine. 
Importantly, the importance of domestic tourism, since according to figures from the Tourism Satellite Account of Mexico, participating with 85.7 percent of tourists, while for 14.3 corresponds to international visitors. 

Not to mention, Mundo Maya, which was launched by President Felipe Calderón will strengthen the tourism of our country and is expected to increase in the number of foreign visitors. 
It is estimated that in the remainder of this year and during 2012, more than 52 million tourists will visit the southeastern states of Mexico, which represent a visitor spend in excess of 270 billion pesos.

www.american-development.com

Monday

Cancun Airport now connects with London



According to El Quintanarroense local news- ¨Roberto Borge Angulo,Governor, advises that air connectivity of Quintana Roo, including Cancun, strengthened by the London-Cancun, British airline Virgin Atlantic.

The Chief Executive said that this flight will originate in London Gatwik airport, will start operating in the near future and added to others will link to various points abroad, as the New York-Cancun-Miami and Cancun, Aeromexico and Paris, Cancun, Air France, which opens on September 21. In addition, there is interest for connecting Cancun with Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.


According to the chief executive, Virgin Atlantic will operate two weekly flights from London-Cancun route with a 747-400 aircraft with 14 seats in first class, 59 business class and 379 economy class. Route is estimated to generate an outlay of 25 million dollars a year to Cancun.


Cancun will become the thirty-third destination for the airline in the world, which will help increase the flow of tourists between both countries and contribute to the attainment of the goals of the National Agreement for Tourism.


The president of Virgin Atlantic, Richard Branson, said that "Cancun is one of the top five leisure destinations in the world, so we are pleased to add this route to our network."

Wednesday

Mundo Maya


Great News from the top for South Mexico!

Mexico D.F. Tuesday June 21, 2011 111/2011 Newsletter

The President of the United Mexican States, Felipe Calderón launched the Mundo Maya, which seeks to strengthen the tourism of our country to increase the number of visitors to Mexico. He said that this program is aimed at tourists from Mexico and the world aware of the Mexican southeast and explore the unique riches offered by this magical region. "We know the huge potential of this area of ​​the country and therefore want to give a new impetus," he said. With the Mundo Maya Mexico will position itself as a tourist destination worldwide.



The owner of the SEP, Alonso Lujambio, explained that Sectur, SEP, INAH and Conaculta will launch a series of events to spread the culture of the Maya civilization. It is estimated that more than 52 million tourists visit the region and generate a visitor spend of more than 270 billion pesos this year and 2012

The Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo said that the tourism program launched by President Felipe Calderón will boost cultural tourism in our country. It is estimated that in the remainder of the year and during 2012, more than 52 million tourists visit this region, which will generate a visitor spend of more than 270 billion pesos. He explained that the December 21, 2012 is a significant date in the account of the Mayan calendar, as this day ends the cycle of 1 million 877 thousand days, which began in 3000 BC 114, so that from this day begins a new era. Therefore, in the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatan develop a series of actions to boost tourism in our country. "It's an invitation to mobilize the country and promote cultural tourism as one of our greatest assets. Because tourism is culture and cultural tourism humanizes us, unites us with other regions and sample the best of us. It allows us to strengthen national identity and attachment to our roots, "said the Tourism Secretary.

In turn Lujambio Secretary stressed that the education sector support program through a series of actions, including infrastructure improvements of monuments and archaeological sites in the Mayan region of Mexico, example is that through the National Institute of Anthropology and History , will conclude the restoration of the former convent of Santo Domingo in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, the construction of a tourist in the Ecological Reserve of Calakmul, Campeche, the opening of the archaeological sites of Lagartero and Plan of Ayutla in Chiapas, as well as the Ichkabal, located in Forest Reserve in Quintana Roo Bacalar and opens the Archaeological Museum of Cancun, Quintana Roo. He said that "actions like this, coupled with research and academic debate will encourage the National Council for Culture and the Arts will promote the contributions and legacy of the Mayan culture through some 500 cultural programs Mayan five states in the country, with activities such as exhibitions and seminars, workshops and conferences, festivals, dance, music and theater, including the integration and strengthening of children's and youth orchestras.

" The head of the country's education policy, said that "education and tourism are two sides of same coin, tourism promotes appreciation, knowledge, enjoyment of the places, landscapes, flora, wildlife, cultures, education in turn, provides the tools for civic and ethical tourism activity civilizing cultural activity, a source of income, life-enhancing and regional economies. " To support this tour, the Governor of Yucatán, Ivonne Ortega Pacheco, will launch the Maya museum of Merida, which will open its doors next year. The museum will be the largest of the Mayan culture and will have an important sign of civilization. The opening of this building will be an important pole of attraction for national and international tourists to know the extent of this civilization. From Punta Cancun, the Governor of Quintana Roo, Roberto Borge Angulo, said the December 21, 2012 begins a new stage. Borge Angulo said the government of Quintana Roo will continue to work to boost visitor arrivals to the archaeological sites of the entity on behalf of our country.

He said all service providers will participate in this cultural and historical heritage by providing attractive options for all domestic and foreign visitors to enjoy all the great cultural wealth of Quintana Roo. The Governor of Campeche, Fernando Ortega, who conveyed his message from the archaeological site of Edzna said that the governments of the five Mexican states to work in partnership to encourage the arrival of more tourists to our country. Invited national and foreign tourists traveling on the states that make this area inhabited by the Maya culture that made great contributions to humanity.

From the archaeological site of Tonina, the Governor of Chiapas, Juan Sabines Guerrero, thanked the unprecedented support provided by the Federal Government to tourism in order to place our country as the fifth destination nationwide. The state ruler said that the rich biodiversity of our country allowed Mexico was designated to host the World Summit Adventure Tourism, which will take place in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, from 17 to 20 October. From the archaeological site of Comalcalco, Tabasco Gov. Andres Granier, invited national and foreign tourists to know the natural wealth that has southeastern Mexico. Granier Melo said that Tabasco has important vestiges of the Mayan culture, so they are undoubtedly a great attraction to encourage the arrival of more visitors.

Tuesday

“How do I find an apartment in Playa del Carmen?

Of all the best ways to rent an apartment in Playa Del Carmen, we´ve simplified a few suggestions which can make the path to landing a good fit possible.. .

Acording to wandering earl.com ¨ The best method of finding an apartment is to show up and do your research on the ground. Not only does this ensure that you know exactly what you’re renting, but you’ll also have infinitely more options to choose from. Also, consider this. If you were to search right now for an apartment in Playa del Carmen, you’d probably go to Google and type in “Apartments for rent in Playa del Carmen”. Well, let me ask you… Would it make sense for someone in Japan to search Japanese-language websites in order to try and find an apartment to rent in the USA? Not really.

So, if you’re interested in finding an apartment in Playa del Carmen, searching online in English won’t get you very far. You’ll find plenty of websites full of apartments for rent, but these websites will all be geared towards foreigners who don’t realize that searching in English for apartments in a Spanish-speaking country is not the best of ideas (for anyone looking to save money). Local apartment owners are not going to advertise their apartments on the internet in English, unless they are trying to attract vacationers who don’t mind paying exorbitant weekly rates. As an example, I have a friend who rented an apartment for one month from an English-language website before actually arriving in Playa del Carmen. He paid $3200 USD for his place, which was located in a building where apartments are typically rented to locals for $900 USD per month. Had this person showed up in town and contacted local apartment owners directly, he would have easily saved over $2200 USD.

That’s obviously a great deal of money to be saved, which is whey I always recommend traveling to Playa del Carmen first, spending a day or two wandering the streets and calling the phone numbers on every For Rent (Se Renta) sign you pass. There are literally hundreds of excellent apartments available in this town and most of them are not advertised online, especially not in English.

For Rent Sign - Playa del Carmen



English vs Spanish

A common, and quite reasonable, question that I am often asked is, “Can I get a good deal if I don’t speak Spanish?” The answer is yes. Contacting local apartment owners instead of owners and real estate agencies focused on the tourist market will always get you a better deal, even if the extent of your Spanish is “Hola, agua, cerveza”.

Of course, speaking Spanish can land you an even better deal, but usually only if you’re completely fluent or able to convince a local that you’re from Mexico, which is not easy to do. The problem is, as soon as an apartment owner discovers that you’re a foreigner, and regardless of your Spanish-speaking abilities, the rent automatically increases to a level that is more than what locals would pay. On the other hand, if you can communicate in Spanish, then you have an advantage in terms of being able to search websites such as VivaStreet.com, which lists, in Spanish, dozens and dozens of apartments for rent that are being marketed to locals, not only in Playa del Carmen, but all over Mexico.


THE BEST NEGOTIATION METHOD: Once you find some apartments that you’re interested in, the absolute best method for securing the lowest rent possible is to have a local Mexican inquire about the rent and negotiate on your behalf, while you hide in the bushes (or around the corner). This is actually the method I used when I returned to Playa del Carmen a couple of months ago. I typically waited in the car, and sometimes in the bushes, while Liz, who is Mexican, negotiated with apartment owners. In the end, we managed to land a 2-bedroom apartment for $800 USD per month that normally is rented to foreigners for $800 USD per week. I only showed my face after the owner gave Liz the ‘local discount’.

Of course, I’m aware that most people looking to live in Mexico for a while probably don’t have a local Mexican friend ready to start negotiating for them, but I’m actually in the process of creating a solution to that very problem. At the end of this post I’ll reveal some of the details.

Apartment in Playa del Carmen

A HANDFUL OF FINAL TIPS

If you’re searching for an apartment while in Playa del Carmen and you find one that you like, it pays to ask other tenants of the same apartment building how much they pay per month. While this might seem like an uncomfortable question to ask a complete stranger, it is actually quite common here in Mexico and people will usually be more than willing to give out that information. Knowing what others are paying for similar apartments obviously helps you determine whether the rent you were quoted is what it should be or if it’s too high.

Also, if you’re only planning to stay here for 1 or 2 weeks, you’re best option is to stay at one of the small boutique hotels in the center of town that offer excellent rooms in beautiful settings for around $30 – $50 USD per night. Apartments will be outrageously expensive for such a short period of time. On the other end of the spectrum, the longer you’re planning to stay, the better deal you’ll be able to get on an apartment. If you’re able to commit to a 3 or 6 month contract, especially if it’s during low season, which runs from May to October, you’ll be in the best position possible to really grab a great deal on a place.

Monday

Serving Tourists better: Playa Del Carmen´s tourist police continue language training in English



According to the Quintana Roo News- Novedades, ¨The Tourist Police will once again visit the company Calmecac, to update the ISO 9001:2008 certification, the importance of this evaluation is that it will assess, among other things, the English proficiency of its elements that have been suggested by the business sector.

Juan Carlos Perez Larios, director of the Tourist Police, said the audit Calmecac be on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and hope to pass with minimal to recertify the 40 members of the corporation, whose average is 70 percent English proficiency.



Cesar Navarro Medina entrepreneur and leading restaurateur, and Jane Groman, spokeswoman for the Tourist Business Committee (TEC), have questioned the expertise of the police in English, since the provision of municipal authority about alcohol consumption on Fifth Avenue has reported several foreign tourists to be experiencing difficulty with communication.


Although the tourist police will evaluate aspects such as equipment and facilities, management of foreign languages, especially English, is fundamental to achieving the ISO. 
According to Perez Larios, the average knowledge has held since November 2009, although it has been low and staff additions, and even two of its elements know a second language: Italian and German.

He said that until now employers "have not come to me with those comments that cause problems for the tourists themselves to be uncomfortable with the situation that was established because it directly affects business, but I had no such complaints, always has been directed so attentive. We had no complaints about it, " he said repeatedly.


In October 2009, when Ventura Rubicel Avalos was director of the Tourist Police, said in a statement issued officially by the community to get the ISO, the elements of the police division should be 100 percent in the English language, and now have 70 percent of ownership.

Friday

Playa´s Sister City- Glendale Colorado may be visiting soon!



Did you know Playa Del Carmen shares a sister city in the USA? Actually it has three sister cities.  Camden NJ, Glendale, CO and Rimini, Italy. There has been written correspondences between the City of Camden NJ indicating that a possible future visit may be in store from the Colorado Township´s office. In a recent email to American Development, the Mayor of Camden NJ , Larry Harte, mentioned that their office was looking into the possibilty of visting Playa Del Carmen in 2011.

At this time, the specific agenda items have not been disclosed. Most likely, the agenda would center around line items covering education, hospitality, water,  and sanitation, as well as other areas of exchange where the City of Glendale could learn and improve from Playa Del Carmen, and vica versa.

www.american-development.com

Tuesday

Aldea Zama


The mystical charms of Tulum have attracted nature lovers and adventurers for generations and now with the recently launched Tulum Eco Community called Aldea Zama, it promises to bring year round visitors and residents. These new options of land for sale in Tulum Mexico are transforming the real estate market for this small Mexican Caribbean community.


According to the Adea Zama publications, "Pleasure seekers are drawn by the allure of Aldea Zama and its’ unspoiled Tulum Mexico Land with year-round sunshine, fascinating archeological treasures, Mayan history and culture, friendly faces, exotic jungles and pristine white-sand beaches.

Today the past is about to embrace the future. There is a new vision in this land that promises to be rich in quality and upbeat in lifestyle. The Tulum Investment market is attracting people from Europe, from Canada, the United States and all regions of the world. The land for sale in Tulum has been quoted by some as having the highest appreciation potential in all of Mexico."
 
http://www.american-development.com/

Monday

The Yucatan Peninsula Fast Train



According to the Yucatan Times, and other sources, "Plans for a new Peninsular fast train  i.e. spanning the Yucatan Peninsula '" which promise to benefit the Playa del Carmen real estate area, among others, have been advancing, with a new stage in analytical work complete. In addition to providing new transportation for residents, the train promises to benefit Mexico land for sale in Playa del Carmen and other areas where the train will be running.

As of May 9, 2011 the Mexican government announced that analytical work started several weeks ago had been completed, in which specialists from the country's federal Ministry of Transportation (SCT) and the state governments involved reviewed the Trans-peninsular Fast Rail project in detail, with attention on the legal, technical and cost-efficiency aspects.

The SCT agreed with the state government that the current project, formulated by the state administration as a detonator axis of the regional economy, is fully viable from the point of legal, technical and financial aspects.

The first stage of the train will be constructed from the colonial city of Merida to the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza. Later, the train will be extended to Campeche on the west of the Peninsula, and to Playa del Carmen on the east.

The completion of this train will further develop Playa del Carmen's role as a central point for tourism on the Yucatan Peninsula. Playa del Carmen is already ideally located directly between the Cancun International Airport, and the future Riviera Maya International Airport to be constructed about an hour south of the city in the town of Tulum. The arrival of this tourist train with Playa del Carmen as one of its key stops and end-points, the community will continue its rapid growth as a tourist town. Playa del Carmen is currently one of the fastest-growing communities in Latin America and will continue to grow rapidly with new tourist-transportation infrastructure.

http://www.american-development.com/

Friday

Quintana Roo to spend US $51mn on waterworks in 2011



According to Quintano Roo's Water Authority,"On the instructions of Governor Roberto Borge Angulo, the director general of the Committee on Water Supply and Sewerage (CAPA), José Alberto Alonso, performs the necessary steps to achieve this year a target of 600 million pesos of investment, and run water works supply, sanitation, sanitary and storm drainage for the benefit of the inhabitants of Quintana Roo.




The holder of CAPA, said that for now have a portfolio of 480 million 435 thousand pesos, of which 55 percent are federal funds through the National Water Commission (Conagua), and 45 percent remainder is provided by the state for more than 75 works around the Institution.



The official explained that the investment total, 9 million 530 thousand pesos, will be used to increase coverage of sewerage services; 223 000 000 868 000 dollars for the expansion of the systems of water supply and for improving efficiency; 246 000 000 260 000 pesos will be for sanitation works and 777 thousand dollars for storm drainage.



He said more than 438 million pesos, will be channeled through the following investment programs: "Program Construction and Rehabilitation of Potable Water and Sanitation in Urban Areas (APASZU)", "Program Construction and Rehabilitation Potable Water and Sanitation in Rural Areas (APASZR) "and" Duty Refund Program (prodded). "



Likewise, the "Program for constructing water treatment plants waste," "Basic Infrastructure Program for the care of Indigenous Peoples (PIBAI)"; "HABITAT", "Programme for the development of priority areas (PDZP ) ", the" Agreement CAPA-DHC "," CAPA-IP Convention, "the Program" Clean Water "and the program" Water Culture ".



Finally, Alonso Ovando said that with these resources will be invested throughout the territory of Quintana Roo, ensuring the improvement of services, and stressed that continued efforts are necessary to obtain additional resources to enable it to implement more works, for better development.

Wednesday

Service: Why the Riviera is a place to keep coming back.


The reason why people keep coming back is because of stories like this next one...According to recent article on CNN," In June 2010, Joel Contreras, a brakeman on the beach, chatting with one of the foreign guests of the Ritz-Carlton Cancun, a firm that ranks first in the 2011 Super Business Expansion magazine in the category of companies with between 501 and 3.000 employees.

During the conversation, the client told him that he would like his youngest son to learn to speak a little Spanish. The boy was a lover of soccer and the South Africa World Cup. Contreras had an idea: buy the album World released in Spanish. He sought out the manager to tell his initiative and together called Luis Vallejo, another employee who was outside the hotel. Upon receiving the call, Vallejo went for the album.

When he arrived back with the gift, the guest had left. Without hesitation, Contreras left the hotel to the Cancun airport. Arrived just as the client's family was about to board their flight. Contreras handed the Customer the gift, and so created an emotional bond between him and the brand.

That customer will return, says Paulina Feltrin, director of public relations in the chain. This decision is one of many made by employees of the hotel. All thanks to a card (which is part of the uniform) called Gold Standard, that under a diamond-shaped diagram clearly explains the values, the steps of service."

Just another story of great service that makes the Riviera as great as it is...

http://www.american-development.com/

Tuesday

Hurricane Protection at its best




As the 2011 hurricane season makes landfall, finding the best way to protect your investment and family will be of paramount concern once again. Thankfully, a new protection technology development has finally made its way to the Riviera Maya.

It is called The AstroGuard Hurricane Fabric system. It was developed to give consumers a superior product at a lower cost. The fabric is made of ballistic nylon which is both high strength and high tenacity. This is not the same nylon a backpack is made out of but the same nylon that's used to make the airbag for an automobile. The nylon is then coated using a ceramic resin to block all of the suns U.V. rays. The fabric is then “designed to fit” and anchor over the exposed entry points of the building.



Formerly, Polypropylene was used or simply trampoline fabric. Because the trampoline fabric is so weak, the edges need to be folded over multiple times and sewn. This system was more apt to tear during a storm thus allowing internal wind damage. Trampoline fabric has a burst strength of 675 psi (pounds per square inch). AstroGuard's burst strength is more than twice as strong with a breaking strength of 1500 psi.

What most consumers don't know about the testing standards of the hurricane protection industry is that manufacturers are allowed to test a large sample specimen and if it passes, they can carry that approval down to small sizes. The reason for this, and it’s a sad one, is that the cost to make a system that was strong enough to stop large missile impacts on small and medium size openings was deemed cost prohibitive. AstroGuard's fabric is so much stronger; it can repel projectiles on any size screen. That is why AstroGuard has been referred to as "The Wonder Drug of the Insurance Industry" and why so many high net worth individuals are buying the lowest cost product in the world.

AstroGuard's nylon fabric actually costs more to manufacture than all other competitive products. When looking at the cost-vs-benefit of investing in higher strength and a more protective solution, the answer is self evident: The ‘extra dollar’ now, pays back exponentially. In effect, it costs almost nothing in comparison to the damage one incurs from even a minor contact with a hurricane.

Please view their website at www.hfmexico.com. You can see pictures on the Photo Gallery page and you will see the homes of many other people that already know the secret.


http://www.american-development.com/

Monday

Two new hotels coming to Playa Nov 2011





According to CNN Mexico- "The Spanish company Sol Melia to open at the end of 2011 two hotels under the "all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen: Paradisus Paradisus La Esmeralda and La Perla, which will have an investment of 83 million dollars (mdd) and share a private beach, amphitheater overlooking the sea and over 10 restaurants. Both buildings were designed by the architect Alvaro Sans, who made a project that respects the mangrove area and at the same time is adapted to the climate and vegetation, but still be modern and functional, the company said in statement Desk media.

Paradisus The Pearl is the first hotel brand to offer a service designed exclusively for adults. Will have 394 suites, 120 with Royal Service and two presidential suites. One of the attractions are the swim-up suites, which allow guests to exclusive access to the pool from their terraces.

Paradisus La Esmeralda will feature 512 suites, including 56 suites, swim-up, 122 Family Concierge suites, two presidential suites and a choice of rooms with two or three bedrooms.

The two resorts of Playa del Carmen share a common area called the Zocalo, where you can find several dining options, the YHI Spa, the activity center "Palapa", a theater, a convention center of 7.600 m2 and 14 meeting rooms ."



http://www.american-development.com/

Friday

2Q 2011- Riveria Recognized for Sustainable tourism


According the PRNewswire in May 2011, “ Mexico will be recognized by the Rainforest Alliance at their upcoming gala dinner and awards ceremony in New York on May 11 for its achievements of sustainable tourism in the Mayakoba region and forestry practices of the Mexican government.




"We would like to congratulate Mayakoba Tourism Development and its three hotels for the recognition they have received from the Rainforest Alliance," said Gloria Guevara Manzo, the Secretary of Tourism for Mexico. "Mayakoba is the first tourist area to be recognized by the Rainforest Alliance for achievements in sustainable tourism. Mexico is very proud to have received this honor, because sustainability practices are our priority in the tourism sector."



The Mayakoba Tourism Development with its three properties, Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree Mayakoba will be recognized by the Rainforest Alliance for their achievements in sustainable tourism. This is the first time a tourism resort is to be honored in this category. Located in the heart of Mexico's Riviera Maya, the Mayakoba Tourism Development combines luxury and comfort with the natural environment. Comprised of three separate, independently owned hotels, the development has taken on a variety of measures to ensure its sustainability, implementing water and energy saving practices, promoting visits to local communities, and administering strong and well-documented sustainability policies and procedures.



"The Mayakoba vision started with a desire to establish a new tourist development where environmentalism was to take center stage," said Andres Pan de Soraluce, President, OHL Development. "A lot of planning and infrastructure was put in place to preserve the amazing ecosystem that our development sits on, and we are glad our vision was achieved. "We have been working with the Rainforest Alliance since 2010 to comply with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria's internationally recognized recommendations for socially, environmentally and economically sustainable tourism, and we encourage other tourism properties in Mexico to do the same."



A primary initiative for the Rainforest Alliance is the conservation of forests, an objective Mexico has been working towards through several national programs and initiatives. As a result, the Rainforest Alliance is also recognizing the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources – National Forest Commission, for their achievements in forest sustainability.



"Companies are continuing to make bold commitments to sustainability and traceability, despite ongoing instability in the economic environment," said Tensie Whelan, president of the Rainforest Alliance. "The companies and individuals honored during our annual gala deserve recognition for their demonstrated commitments to sustainability. Collectively, their efforts are enormously beneficial to workers, to communities and to the environment."



In addition to the recognition from the Rainforest Alliance, the Ministry of Tourism has launched a number of initiatives to educate hotel and tour operators about the importance of managing their businesses responsibly. In collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance, the Mexico Tourism Board is bringing lessons on sustainable tourism directly to hotels and tourism businesses in southern Mexico through the Rainforest Alliance sustainable tourism program. To date, 31 hotels in the Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo states have improved their compliance with social, environmental and economic sustainability criteria thanks to Rainforest Alliance-led training sessions. In a further display of its commitment to sustainable tourism, the Board joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2010.”

http://www.american-development.com/

Thursday

Hurricane Season is Here!


June is the beginning of hurricane season for the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, areas where tornadoes and floods have already brought historic devastation this year. According to an article on yahoo news, “Hurricane season is also predicted to be a doozy, and like clockwork, a storm is already brewing in the tropics. Forecasters are monitoring a low-pressure system off the coast of Georgia and Florida. If it intensifies, it could become the first of this year's named storms (which include tropical storms and hurricanes), which are predicted to be more active than usual.


In their forecast released today for the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, atmospheric scientists at Colorado State University in Fort Collins call for 16 named storms, nine hurricanes and five major hurricanes (category 3 or stronger on the Saffir-Simpson scale). The forecasters predict an "above-average probability of United States and Caribbean major hurricane landfall," according to the forecast.

The forecast covers the Atlantic basin, which includes the East Coast, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Last month, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its forecast, predicting between six to 10 hurricanes, three to six major hurricanes (those with winds of up to 111 mph (179 kph) or higher) and 12 to 18 named storms.

The 2010 season was one of the busiest ever, with 12 hurricanes in the Atlantic — the second-highest number on record, tied with 1969 — and 19 named storms, a tie with 1887 and 1995 as the third-busiest on record. Five of last year's hurricanes reached major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane strength).

An average Atlantic season produces 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. The busiest season on record remains 2005, which saw 28 named storms, including Hurricane Katrina.

Several climate factors will play a role in this year's hurricane season, including a warm Atlantic Ocean, where sea surface temperatures in areas where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) warmer than average, according to NOAA.

An ocean-atmosphere phenomenon called La Niña, which results in a cooling of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, has been linked to an increase in hurricane activity for the continental United States and the Caribbean. A strong La Niña was in effect earlier this year, and though it continues to weaken and is expected to dissipate later this month or in June, its impacts — including reduced wind shear, which can cut off a developing storm — are expected to continue into the hurricane season, according to forecasters.

Forecasting if and where the storms will make landfall is "next to impossible," said Jane Lubchenco of NOAA in a press conference last month, and this year's forecast does not make any predictions about landfall, which is driven by weather patterns at the time the storm approaches. None of last year's storms made landfall in the United States, but Mexico and earthquake-ravaged Haiti got clobbered.

No hurricanes have made landfall in the United States since 2008, when Hurricane Hanna, a Category 1 storm, hit South Carolina. The last major hurricane to hit the United States was Hurricane Wilma, a Category 3 storm, which struck Florida at the end of the monster 2005 season."

http://www.american-development.com/

Wednesday

Buying in Playa Del Carmen: Better than home away from home




When buyers consider investing Mexico real estate, especially one of the thriving markets Playa del Carmen, one of the first questions that comes to mind is safety; not only safety in day to day life, but also financial and economic safety. The good news is that Mexico offers a high level of safety in all three areas. And it JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER… The past 8 years here in Playa Del Carmen have been (and continue to be) a boom greater than the dot.com boom of 1994-2001 of the USA.

Despite large-scale out-of-context news stories about Mexico, the country is actually quite secure when it comes to personal safety. With the right team of professionals, diligence, and something called a FIDEICOMISOS, a real estate buyer can also enjoy a high level of financial safety and frankly “Enjoy one heck of a good life too.” It truly can be said its just like home, only better. There are a lot of good reasons for this.

As in most basic human relations, the problems one would encounter here in Playa Del Carmen are more likely to be the same, if not less, problems one has back home in the US. There is only the perception of insecurity given off by media. Looking at reality, there is petty theft in the US, here, or anywhere. For instance, if I don't keep my belongings in a safe place, they might get taken. That happens in the USA, Europe, Latin America, or anywhere.  Also worth mentioning, just as life in the united states fosters education, the same principle applies here. With a little education about the area, language, and cultural open-mindedness, the Mexican Caribbean lifestyle awaits to give one the whole new world they desire, and probably a lot more richness too.

To be clear, Playa is in South Mexico, not Northern Mexico. And the marked differences are necessary to clarify. Felipe Calderon's declared war on drugs and/or narco related violence and does not directly effect citizens of playa del carmen in any way, shape, or form. IT is what may be termed, a necessary step in process of developing Mexico as a nation. The government of Mexico has been (and continues) working hard to develop and guarantee economic safety for investors, citizens, and tourists. Especially in the state of Quintana Roo. It is not just great business sense, its great people sense too- as the nation develops. Confidence in Mexico is growing as result of longer-term postive impacts being initiated with the Calderon's leadership directives.

http://www.american-development.com/