Mexico Inaugurates Wine Museum, Wine Route Highway Upgrades
During the inauguration of the Baja California Vine and Wine Museum, Mexican President Felipe Calder
During the inauguration of the Baja California Vine and Wine Museum, Mexican President Felipe Calder
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August 9th, 2012 at 4:45 am
During the inauguration of the Baja California Vine and Wine Museum, Mexican President Felipe Calderón remarked that the museum will also operate as a convention center that will trigger further economic and cultural activity in the Ensenada-Valle de Guadalupe region. He hoped that both national and foreign tourists would visit it and discover the region’s wine-making tradition, a deep source of pride for Mexico.
The new museum, built with $5.3 million in state and federal funds, is at the 81-kilometer marker of the road linking Tecate and Ensenada.*
Calderón noted that the museum required the combined efforts of the federal government, CONACYT, the state government, and Casa Cetto, with a total investment of 76 million pesos.
The president said that in order to support the industry, the Program to Support the Wine Industry (Proviti) was implemented this year, which will have a 50 million peso fund. The program will provide wine makers with access to support or financing of between 250,000 and 500,000 pesos to invest in production, investment and training projects, studies and consultancy.
The president’s visit coincided with Fiestas de la Vendimia, Baja California’s annual harvest celebration that [is now taking place and] includes concerts, dinners and wine tastings at the different wineries.* (see MexiData.info “Events”)
Modernization of Tecate-El Sauzal Wine Route Highway
On tour in the state of Baja California, President Calderón inaugurated three stretches of the modernization of the Tecate-El Sauzal highway, which passes through the state’s popular Valle de Guadalupe wine region.
The highway is now 12 meters wide, with two broad lanes and an emergency lane to enable people to drive easily. These measures are designed to reduce traveling times by an hour. The federal government’s investment in the modernization of this highway totaled nearly 540 million pesos.
The president remarked that in addition to creating jobs for the residents of Baja California, reconstruction of the highway will contribute to the development of local economic activities, such as tourism, fishing and the wine industry, particularly in the Valle de Guadalupe, which produces extraordinary wines that will now be able to be transported to Mexico City and the rest of the world more easily. This development of the local economy translates into opportunities for growth, well-being and prosperity.
During the current administration, several infrastructure works have been undertaken, including the Mexicali-San Felipe highway, the Ensenada highway linking up with the Tecate-El Sauzal highway, and the Tijuana-San Diego Border Crossing Checkpoint, scheduled for completion over the next few months, which will be one of the most modern in the world.
The president concluded by saying that during the six years of his government, over 21,000 km of highways have been built or modernized, nearly as much as highways built during the past three administrations together.
* Excerpted from the San Diego Union-Tribune, “Calderón Christens Baja Wine Museum,” Aug. 4, 2012, pg. B5
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Press Release: Presidency of the Republic, Ensenada, Baja California, Aug. 3, 2012; translation Presidency of the Republic
August 9th, 2012 at 5:32 am
Daily Flights from JFK Join U.S. Service from Miami and San Antonio as Mexico’s Second Largest Carrier continues to Impact the Airline Industry in the Americas PR Newswire
NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Interjet, Mexico’s second largest air carrier and a growing presence in the U.S.-Mexico market, today launched its first service from New York (JFK) to Mexico City. The daily flights add a third gateway city in the United States for Interjet, which already operates out of Miami and San Antonio.
Highly respected for its extensive service throughout Mexico, New York represents the airline’s sixth international hub. In addition to the three U.S. cities, Interjet flies to Guatemala, Havana, and San Jose, Costa Rica.
The JFK service departs from New York at 7:25am Monday through Friday and 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Return flights leave Mexico City at 4:40, arriving at JFK at 10:30 pm.
To celebrate the inaugural service, Interjet is offering a round-trip fare starting at $349 . This promotional offer is valid for travel as of August 2 nd, and it includes two suitcases up to 55 lbs each until August 31 st.
Interjet earned its reputation as one of Mexico’s most successful airlines based on numerous passenger-pleasing flight and service features. Interjet is known for its high quality service at competitively affordable prices as well as its excellent safety record. With 35 new A320 aircraft, the youngest fleet in the country, the airline has put the customer first with such decisions as removing 30 seats to create maximum comfort for 150 guests as well as serving complimentary meals and premium beverages during flights between Mexico City and New York. Interjet also offers transferable tickets, an appealing frequent flier loyalty program, in-flight entertainment program, an unrestricted 20 percent discount year-round for seniors and special amenities for female travelers, including women-only toilets on all airplanes. In contrast with other carriers, there is no extra charge for passengers to select seats or check up to 110 pounds of baggage per ticket. Interjet does not overbook its flights and has no hidden fees in the ticket purchase prices; the price offered by the airline is what the customer pays, including all taxes.
As it continues to broaden its presence in the international market, Interjet also has demonstrated its financial stability by continuing to invest in new equipment, recently completing the purchase of 20 Superjet 100 aircraft.
About Interjet
INTERJET is a 100% Mexican airline which, in December 2011, celebrated its 6th anniversary by fulfilling a corporate commitment to provide high-quality air travel at an affordable price. Its current fleet consists of 35 state-of-the-art Airbus A320 aircraft with the latest in aeronautical technology. They are also the only aircraft of their kind in Latin America that are equipped with external cameras, which allow the passengers to see live take-off and landing from their seats. Interjet operates over 150 daily flights on 42 business and leisure routes, covering 26 destinations in Mexico and six international destinations – Guatemala, Havana, San Antonio, Miami, San Jose (Costa Rica), and now, New York. Interjet’s network also offers excellent connections to other destinations at the airport in Mexico City. For further information and reservations, consult http://www.interjet.com or call 866-285-9525.
August 9th, 2012 at 5:57 am
For reservations and information, call toll free from the USA (800) 327-0200 or visit http://www.InterContinentalCozumel.com. Travelers to Cozumel enjoy non-stop service from Houston, Dallas and Chicago.
August 9th, 2012 at 6:47 am
by Ron Mader
The Guelaguetza is one of Mexico’s most important festivals. The ‘big days’ are two Mondays in late July when the regional dances are performed in the ginormous auditorio, but the atmosphere that pervades Oaxaca is a celebration that transcends the marathon performance. Today is the octava and the conclusion of the best Guelaguetza season in years.
You can get a taste of the event through livestreaming video at 10am and 5pm http://www.livestream.com/munioax
Can’t make it this year? Mark your calendars – July 22 and 29, 2013.
August 9th, 2012 at 7:42 am
Mexico Today News:
If you’re visiting Merida, be sure to spend some time in Celestun and check out the Hotel Xixim . This eco-friendly, luxury property is for those who truly want to disconnect from civilization. With 32 bungalows designed to be a part of the landscape, Xixim is one of more unique properties I have visited in Mexico. At home on a pristine and deserted stretch of beach, Xixim appeals to the adventure traveler who also enjoys the perks of a fine hotel.
You won’t find air conditioning or television in the rooms, but you will find two beautiful pools, a wellness center, an excellent bar and restaurant (complete with vegan and vegetarian menu items), and top notch service. I did an earlier post about Celestun and recently the following article was posted about the property on the Mexico Today site. Read more:
August 9th, 2012 at 8:24 am
Mexico Today News
The German automaker BMW delivered 12 models of the electric Mini Cooper , Mini Es, to high profile individuals, such as government officials and researchers in Mexico City. This distribution hopes to gain information from the new drivers on the electric cars’ mobility and power consumption, as well as road conditions in a highly congested like the Mexican capitol. Read more…
August 9th, 2012 at 8:46 am
Mexico Today News:
Some of the most interesting traditions of Mayan culture were the pilgrimages they made before the Spanish conquest. For hundreds of years, ancient Mayans would embark on adventurous pilgrimages from Pole on Yucatan to the island of Cozumel. Read more…
August 9th, 2012 at 9:17 am
Mexico Today News:
Mexico Today is doing a series on the Pueblos Magicos, so stay tuned for links to their articles. The natives from the area use to say that Pátzcuaro was the place where heaven’s doors opened and the gods ascended to the sky. Its original name Tzacapu-ansucutinpatzcuaro actually means “door to heaven”. Read more…
August 9th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Hermosillo, Sonora, 16 July 2012.- During his tour of the state of Sonora, President Calderón inaugurated two roads that will improve traffic and therefore, the quality of life of the inhabitants of Hermosillo.
Firstly, the bridge over Bulevar García Morales, at the intersection with Bulevar Antonio Quiroga, links major freeways and will benefit over 62,000 vehicles that travel through the area daily. Moreover, in order to speed up traffic entering and leaving the south of Hermosillo, a road distributor was built on Bulevar Solidaridad, at the intersection with Manuel J. Clouthier.
Measuring one kilometer, it will ease traffic for the over 100,000 vehicles traveling through the area. The president remarked that the Federal Government’s investment in these two works exceeded 560 million pesos.
The president stressed that by 2011, the Federal Government had assigned nearly 7.5 billion pesos for the construction and modernization of highways and country roads in Sonora. These resources have permitted key works such as the modernization of the San Luis Río Colorado-Mexicali and Caborca-Sonoyta roads and the construction of the International San Luis Río Colorado Bridge. To have some idea of the funds invested in the modernization and construction of the highways in the state, suffice it to say that the amounts are greater than the entire amount invested in all the country’s highways five years ago. In regard to other achievements in infrastructure, the president announced that in addition to highway, water supply and treatment projects have also been completed.
At the end of his tour, President Calderón inaugurated the Family Medicine Unit No. 68 of the Social Security Institute, which will serve over 70,000 members. This clinic has an Outpatient’s Unit, which will permit surgeries that do not require the patients’ hospitalization, as well as two operating theaters, areas for chemotherapy, hemodialysis, and 9 doctor’s surgeries. It will deal with specialties such as oncology, ENT, pneumology, nephrology, endoscopy, urology, orthopedics and ophthalmology.
During his administration, 27 new hospitals and clinics have been built in the state of Sonora alone, such as the San Luis Río Colorado Hospital, the Huatabampo Hospital, the Mother and Child Hospital in Obregón and the remodeling of Hermosillo General Hospital
The president concluded his address by announcing that the Popular Insurance Scheme has contributed to universal health coverage in Sonora and declared that universal coverage is an achievement of which all Mexicans should be proud.
August 9th, 2012 at 9:48 am
The G20 world leaders have, for the first time in history, recognized the critical role travel and tourism has in fuelling job growth and economic development. It also included a commitment from leaders of the G20 nations to promote initiatives which facilitate more efficient immigration procedures thus expanding tourism.
The Leaders’ Declaration G20 Leaders Summit held in Los Cabos, Mexico, states implicitly that: “we recognize the role of travel and tourism as a vehicle for job creation, economic growth, and development, and, while recognizing the sovereign right of States to control the entry of foreign nationals, we will work towards developing travel facilitation initiatives in support of job creation, quality work, poverty reduction, and global growth.”
Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara said that the inclusion of tourism on the agenda of the G20 Leaders’ Summit represented an unprecedented breakthrough for the enhancement of the tourism industry globally.
Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (WTO) referred to this as a “significant success” for the global tourism industry and he applauded the efforts undertaken by the Calderon Government in advancing the tourism industry, particularly the inclusion of tourism as an item on the agenda of the G20.
Secretary-General Rifai said, “We commend and will support the G20 leaders who have recognized the importance of travel and tourism as an engine of economic growth and job creation.”
David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council said, “Following the successful T20 (Tourism Ministers of G20 countries) last month, which was chaired by Secretary Gloria Guevara, President Felipe Calderon received a declaration on the importance of travel and tourism as a generator of jobs. He then took this declaration to the G20 meeting in Los Cabos, which was the first time that this sector has been discussed by the world’s leaders.”
Scowsill added, “World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) would like to congratulate President Calderon and Secretary Guevara for their leadership and their focus on the industry, underlining its potential to create new jobs in such difficult economic times. Mexico has been leading the world in marketing the beauty of the country, and in making changes to visa policies to encourage more inbound tourists.”
Kirk Kinsell, Director of the Board of Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and President of the Americas, participated in the delegation to Mexico led by Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron commented that, “for the first time tourism has been discussed in a G20 Leader’s Summit. Tourism has a key role in the global economy and if we could remove certain barriers, the industry could generate at least 5.1 million additional jobs by 2015. ”
Last month the Tourism Ministers of the G20 nations and the European Union converged on the Yucatan for the 4th Meeting of Tourism Ministers (T20) and forged the “Merida Declaration” a policy proposal submitted to the G20 Leaders which suggests implementing streamlined procedures for obtaining visas so as to boost tourism internationally.
Research by UNWTO and WTTC, released at the T20 Tourism Ministers Meeting last May, indicated that the G20 group of nations could boost their international tourist numbers and generate over 5 million jobs.