Category Archives: Mexico Today

Mexico to Launch First Adventure Travel Trade Show in September 2012

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As Mexico’s Finest Adventure Company , we are excited to share some news with our readers:

As a result of Adventure Travel and Trade Association’s (ATTA)  2011 Adventure Travel World Summit, the coastal city of Veracruz, Mexico will be hosting the first ATMEX Adventure Travel Trade Show from September 5 – 9, 2012. Designed by the world’s leading adventure tourism trade organization, ATMEX is expected to emerge as one of Latin America’s most important annual adventure travel events.

The theme for the Trade Show will be “Breaking New Trails”. It aims is to create a learning environment for domestic operators, to help Mexican suppliers develop new partnerships with international buyers and media, and to stimulate responsible growth and sustainable development for Mexico and for the adventure travel trade worldwide. Jessica, from our e-marketing team,  will be traveling to the trade show as well as attending the pre-tours.  Starting September 1, follow along on Twitter and Facebook for more information about what we accomplish during this industry conference. We’re sure we’ll have some exciting news to share!

Read more on MexicoToday.org

 

Lonely Planet Travel Writer Provides Facts About Safety in Mexico

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#MexicoToday: Is Mexico safe for tourists? Lonely Planet Travel Writer Robert Reid addressed that question recently in an article reprinted by the Huffington Post. In fact, after reviewing the facts, Reid turned the question on its head, asking “Are Americans Safer in Mexico than at Home?”

Reid noted “What you don’t get from most reports in the US is statistical evidence that Americans are less likely to face violence on average in Mexico than at home, particularly when you zero in on Mexico’s most popular travel destinations.”

Read full story on MexicoToday.org >>

10.4 Million Tourists Expected to Visit Mexico in Final Two Weeks of 2011

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Source: Marca Pais - Imagen de Mexico

#MexicoToday: Approximately 10.4 million tourists are expected to visit Mexico during the last two weeks of 2011, according to estimates announced recently by Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo.

The Mexican newspaper Excelsior reported that 10.4 million national and international visitors will vacation in Mexican tourist destinations between December 16, 2011 and January 2, 2012. This statistic represents a 4 percent increase over the same time period last year. Approximately 60 percent of these tourists will vacation in Mexico during the final week of 2011.

Wondering how accurate their predictions might be? Take our growing travel company, Journey Mexico, for example. Agreeing with the estimates announced by the Secretary of Tourism, our December 2011 figures show a 5% increase in passengers travelling to Mexico compared to last year. Things are looking even better as 2012 approaches, bookings for the coming year are up 64% over this same time last year!

MexicoToday will celebrate end-of-the-year tourism with the special hashtag #10millionTourists. Visitors to Mexico are encouraged to follow @MexicoToday on Twitter and use the hashtag to share their vacation stories.

 

 

Mexico to Host G20 & WTTC Summit in 2012

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#MexicoToday: As we near end to 2011, Mexico’s declared “Year of Tourism”, it is safe to say it is ending on a positive note.  In addition to seeing increasing numbers of tourists arriving to Mexico, a plethora of investments, acknowledgments and awards,  Mexico has also been successful hosts of some large international events including the 2011 Pan-American Games held in Guadalajara and the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit in Chiapas. To keep the momentum going in 2012, Mexico has been designated the host country for the G20 Summit and also the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) first Regional Summit.

The WTTC, the global authority for tourism,  is made up of the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These specialists bring knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry. The first Regional Summit (including North, Central, South America and the Caribbean) will be hosted in May 2012 in Cancun by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism. It will directly follow the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s T20 Minister’s Meeting that will be taking place in Merida.

David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC said:

Mexico is the ideal host for our first regional Summit… Mexico leads the way in recognizing the enormous contribution Travel & Tourism makes to the economy, employment and export income. President Calderón has a strong commitment to tourism which is underlined by the declaration of 2011 as the ‘Year of Tourism’ and by being the first to join WTTC’s and UNWTO’s joint Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign, which highlights the importance of tourism to global growth and development..

Following the 2012 WTTC’s Region Summit in May, Mexico has been selected to host the 5th G-20 Summit. The G20 Summit’s began in 2008 in response to world financial crisis, bringing together the Head of States of world economies to discuss the global financial market and strengthen international cooperation. Chosen as the 2012 chair and host, Mexico believes the forum can better represent developing countries in both vision and policy.  Under the leadership of President Felipe Calderón, Mexico will seek to expand the scope of the G-20′s development focus.  President Felipe Calderón hand selected Los Cabos in Baja California Sur as the official  city to assemble the G20 Summit.   The destination’s first-class hotel and airport infrastructure were noted as two important factors in the decision.

“Los Cabos is extremely proud and honored to be selected as the official host city for the G20 Summit as this is an incredible opportunity for our destination as well as for the country of Mexico,” says Gonzalo Franyutti, President of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Los Cabos has the exclusive appeal, a contemporary tourism infrastructure and the safety record required to host an event of this global caliber. As a haven for VIPs throughout the world, Los Cabos is truly the ‘Window to the World’ for Mexico.  We look forward to welcoming the G20 delegates and attendees to our destination.”

We at Journey Mexico look forward to keeping you updated in 2012 on these world class events and more exciting news.

Lonely Planet Names Puebla One of the Top 10 Places to Visit for 2012

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#MexicoToday: Every year, Lonley Planet publishes a ‘Best in Travel’ guide and ranks the top 10 countries, regions and cities to visit for the coming year. For 2012 Readers’ Choice,  Puebla, Mexico was named among one top 10 cities to visit.

Drawing on the knowledge, passion and miles travelled by Lonely Planet’s staff, authors and online community, they present a year’s worth of travel inspiration to take travelers of the ordinary and into some unforgettable experiences. Hot off the press, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 had one difference in their decision process this year– they wanted to hear what the travelers of the world think will be 2012’s hottest destinations.  After hundreds of nominations for cities and countries and regions,  we are proud to see that Puebla, Mexico made the Top 10, alongside destinations such as Barcelona, Iceland, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul and Bangkok.

Puebla, a charming colonial city with a UNESCO acknowledged Historic City center,  was recently reported one of the the Top 5 Safest Place to Travel in Mexico in the San Francisco Chronicle. It is a city known for it’s twin volcanoes, site of the Cinco de Mayo battle, great poblano gastronomy,  historic buildings and a wealth of archaeological sites. Combine this with it’s on-going  festivals and traditions, it is no wonder that Puebla draws in plenty of tourists each year to merit it’s Top 10 status among some of the grandest cities in the world.

Not convinced yet? Check out the website All About Puebla as it further examines all the attention Puebla has been getting lately, including recognition from National Geographic and The New York Times  who picked Puebla as one of its 45 places to go in 2012.

Start browsing our Puebla itineraries here and start planning your trip to one of 2012′s must visit cities.

Mexico Launches Social Magazine

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#MexicoToday: As you all know, Journey Mexico prides itself in it’s vast knowledge of Mexico. We know the authentic experiences and unique encounters you can find in all 31 states of Mexico & the capital, Distrito Federal. We’ve blogged accounts of some of our trips and always keep you updated on all the positive happening in Mexico. Thanks to your support, we are able to spread our passion about Mexico and now it’s your turn to share yours! 

Mexico Today, an initiative of Marca País – Imagen de México recently launched its Social Magazine on Facebook, which archives tons of stories, posts, and videos of Mexico. Now is your opportunity to share your Mexico passion and submit Mexico stories- either personal or links found on the internet- for the chance to win $500. Here’s the info:

“The newly launched Mexico Today Social Magazine on Facebook profiles stories and submissions from leading Mexico bloggers and influencers, including the 24 Mexico Today Ambassadors.

This innovative tactic pushes the envelope of what is possible on Facebook, leveraging community participation from fans to produce a dynamic and evolving, socially-curated online publication. The intent is to create a grassroots movement by allowing submissions from those who are interested in Mexico’s culture, the Mexican economy, Mexico’s environment and more.

Help shape the conversation about today’s Mexico. The Magazine accepts not only short links, but also longer blog posts. Submit your content today to enter a chance to win a $500 gift card.”

We at Journey Mexico encourage you to check out the Soical Magazine on Facebook and start supporting the positive Mexico movement!

Archaeologists Find Aztec Ritual Platform In Mexico City

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#MexicoToday: Under the hustle and bustle of modern Mexico City lie the ruins of the pre-Hispanic Aztec capital, once known as Tenochtitlán.  The center of this ancient capital was the Templo Mayor, which archeologists discovered in the mid 1900s and excavated in the seventies under the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. Still a site for active digs, archeologists have recently discovered an Aztec ceremonial platform while doing remodeling work around the Templo Mayor in the centro historico, one of downtown Mexico City’s main attractions.

This newly discovered ceremonial platform is speculated to have been built around AD 1469 and is decorated with carvings of serpent heads, important in determining what the platform was used for.  A critical piece in a challenging puzzle for historians, this platform could represent a cremation site for Aztec rulers.  To date, archeologists have never found any royal Aztec tombs in their excavations of the ancient capital.  Researchers have been on a five-year quest to unearth remains of Aztec emperors around the Templo Mayor basing their digs on old historical accounts of cremation ceremonies written by Roman Catholic priests who accompanied the Spanish conquest in 1521. The records suggest that the Aztec rulers were cremated at the foot of the Templo Mayor and this platform may be part of the same structure.  Archeologists around the world agree that the discovery of a royal tomb would be a major break through in understanding Aztec kingship, burial and the structure of the empire.

The blend of pre-Hispanic and modern cultures in Mexico City and the continual discovery of ancient history in this metropolitan capital make the city a unique destination for the savvy traveler.  While this new platform will continue to be excavated until possibly May 2012,  the Templo Mayor and it’s adjacent museum in the Historic Center of Mexico City (included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list), remain open to the public. If you are interested in visiting Mexico City or other archaeological sites, contact Journey Mexico.

 

Early Human Footprints Found in Chihuahua

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#MexicoToday: Mexico has received a lot of attention over the years for discoveries that trace back  thousands of years ago: ancient tombs, Mayan palaces, pre-Hispanic carvings, and now human footprints. Found in northern Mexico’s Sierra Tarahuamara in Chihuahua, officials said these footprints could have been left by some of the original humans who inhabited Mexico and even the continent.

According to the National Anthropology and History Institute (INAH), the five human footprints, which were discovered by locals hiking in the mountain chain, could be between 4,500 and 23,000 years old.  To date, the oldest human remains in the Americas on record are 11,600 years old; these too were found in Mexico, in a cenote (sinkhole) in Quintana Roo.  Scientists are hoping to authenticate these human steps found in Chihuahua as even older than these remains.  The INAH, currently undergoing a project called “Early Man in Mexico”, believe that this discovery could be extremely significant as these footprints are not only the earliest on record in Chihuahua but also are potentially from the first human beings to settle the whole continent.

Following this finding, the INAH began a detailed investigation of the area which uncovered traces of other primitive shelters and campsites. Near the original site, just outside of Creel in Ahuatos Valley, they also uncovered five caves, three of them with several layers of paintings. The cave paintings originated over three different periods of time, pre-ceramic, pre-Hispanic and colonial which leads our experts to believe that humans were present in the area from times dating all the way back to the Ice Age, over 12,000 years ago!

Mexico has repeatedly proven to be a never ending source of exciting archeological discovery.  This discovery comes just months after a new Mayan Palace was discovered in Chiapas and  two sculptures of Mayan Warriors  discovered at Toniná.  The opportunities for archeological enthusiasts abound and Mexico remains a world class destination for travel into the ancient past.

 

The Magical Neighborhoods of Mexico City

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#MexicoToday: In the beginning of the year, we reported the Government investment of 330 million pesos in the the Barrios Magicos (Magical Neighborhoods) program in Mexico City. An initiative led by the Secretary of Tourism of the Federal District, the Barriós Magico Turisticos de la Ciudad de Mexico program proposed to showcase the most culturally rich spaces of Mexico City area to increase tourism.

After months of revision of many neighborhoods, a total of 21 have met the standards and requirements to be certified as a Magical Neighborhood.  The requirements were modeled after the national ‘Magic Towns’ program, having to meet the criteria of either holding some wealth of historic, architectural, cultural, gastronomic, or folkloric image to spark interest in visitors.  It also mandated that access roads to these neighborhoods must adhere to standards of security and cleanliness, while also controlling any unappealing activity so the area remains attractive. The designated budget for these 21 neighborhoods would help provide in maintaining the standards

The 21 Magical Neighborhoods that made the list are: Coyoacán, Roma-Condesa, Xochimilco, San Ángel, San Agustín de las Cuevas, Santa María La Ribera, Zona Rosa, Garibaldi, Villa de Guadalupe, Mixcoac, Tacubaya, Santa María Magdalena Atlitic, Azcapotzalco, La Merced, Mixquic, Cuajimalpa, San Pedro Atocpan, Culhuacán, Tacuba, Santa Julia and Pueblo de Ixtacalco.

Though the 21 neighborhoods blend to make up the entire urban area, they each conserve a distinguishable identity and environment, creating small pockets of culture and tradition sprinkled throughout Mexico City.  Particular points of history, quaint restaurants, hidden museums, flourishing plazas, and beautiful chapels add particular charm to these neighborhoods, connecting normal daily lifestyle with remembrances of the past. Some of the attractions in these neighborhoods have already been internationally recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, such as the Luis Barragán House and Studio in Tacubaya and also the zone of Xochimilco that have canals that are a reminder of the pre-Hispanic Aztecs. Other sites of interest that are already well-known include the house of renowned artists, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, in Coyoacán and also one of the most visited churches in the world, La Basílica de Guadalupe in the neighborhood of Villa de Guadalupe. But as the program points out, the neighborhoods don’t necessarily have to have a specific point of interest to qualify as a Barrio Magico; it could simply be the ambiance and character of an area that earns it Magic Neighborhood status, as is the case  in Roma-Condesa, one of the trendiest and most artsy neighborhoods in Mexico.

As interest in travel to Mexico continues to rise, Mexico hopes to designate more Magical Neighborhoods over the next three years. Government and residents plan to continue to work together to conserve these areas and offer better options of culture, recreation, hospitality, and gastronomy to their visitors.

Mexico Leading the Way in Eco Preservation

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sea life park in mexico

#MexicoToday: Over the past ten years, something remarkable has happened just off the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. In 1999, the marine area off the coast of Cabo Pulmo (located on the south-eastern tip of the Baja Peninsula) had been severely depleted of wildlife due to overfishing. But thanks to the efforts of the local communities of Cabo Pulmo, the amount of fish in the region has boomed by more than 460 percent in the past ten years.

Scientists are astonished by how the marine life of Cabo Pulmo has not only recovered from disastrous levels, but has actually reached levels comparable to remote, pristine sites that have never been fished by humans. In fact, no other marine reserve in the world has shown such a turn around in fish population, and this thriving underwater wildlife park is now the most robust marine reserve in the world.

The Cabo Pulmo National Park accredits much of the success to a few local families who have banned together to enforce the parks regulations and policies in regards to fishing and pollution, making Cabo Pulmo a model for other areas depleted by fishing in the Gulf of California and elsewhere. Their efforts have not only brought back the fish but have also increased eco-tourism to the area.

SCUBA diving enthusiasts from around the world have been flocking to the region to witness the coral reefs that are now home to lobsters, octopuses, rays, and small fish. Also swarming the reefs are large parrotfish, groupers, snappers, and even sharks like tiger sharks, bull sharks and black tip reef sharks, who have been found to actually keep coral reefs healthy.

For more information about how you can support the Cabo Pulmo National Park through eco-tourism, contact Journey Mexico.