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Wed, 2013-01-30 12:22 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

China and Mexico Leading Fight on Climate Change With New CO2 Laws

The Globe International alliance of lawmakers met in London on January 13-14 to discuss the roles and contributions of governments in a worldwide effort to suppress global warming.

18 out of 33 countries reported “significant” progress in a 2012 study of energy and climate laws; several of which are considered emerging economies. Mexico, China, South Korea, and India have all passed laws or created programmes aimed at lowering CO2 emissions and preventing climate change.

Not everyone was given a gold star though as the report showed Germany, the UK, France, and Italy were amongst a group of countries that made no substantive change, while Canada went so far as to perform worse than recent years.

The Globe alliance hopes that encouragement to pass laws within these countries individually will create a clearer pathway for UN treaty talks and the implementation of a plan to lower emissions by 2015. To do this, the alliance pledged support in the form of political, analytical, and administrative aid for the next three years to the lawmakers who participated in London.

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Tue, 2013-01-29 18:35 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Global corporations and associations organizing meetings in Mexico continue booming

Corporations and associations around the world continue growing the number of small, medium and very large meetings organized in Mexico. Mexico has recently secured about 300 events with global corporations such as Microsoft, Nike and Sony Corporation to host their company meetings in Mexico. And among… associations, Mexico has recently won the bid for hosting the World Emergency Medicine Congress which is expected to host about 8,000 people coming from all around the world in Mexico City, and the Ophthalmology World Congress expected to have 8,000 attendees in Guadalajara in 2014.

As specific industries boom in Mexico, more companies and associations are also looking to organize their meetings in that North American country. For example, Queretaro is among the top booming cities around the world within the aerospace industry, so many of the companies that have a presence in that area are also organizing their internal and client meetings in that city. Something similar is happening with the Mexican automotive industry where Honda, Toyota, Audi, and Volkswagen, to name a few, are already organizing Mexico-based events given their local investments.

“In the Americas, Mexico is ranked #5 top meetings and conventions destination only followed by Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Vancouver, according to the International Congress and Conventions Association – ICAA,” said Carlos Collado, executive director at the Congress and Conventions Bureau in Mexico City.

Carlos Iván Pérez Marrufo, executive director of ProEventos managing two convention centers in Campeche added, “We are already having important events [in Campeche, Mexico]. People abroad are already seeing Mexico as a destination that offers the venues, the culture, the professionalism, and the enthusiasm and energy to lead these types of efforts.”

Meetings Industry Contributes to Local Economic Development

Mexico’s meetings and conventions industry is not just about the unique experience it brings to attendees. Among the key factors that Mexico seeks in promoting the industry is to look for local economic development for each market destination. In Queretaro, for example, a new convention center was recently opened in response to the increasing demand of aerospace organizations looking for convenient venues to host their events.

Mexico has from small corporate retreats to huge summits or American or world association congresses. Mexico has everything for everyone in a very affordable way. Mexico is very well connected to the world as there are lots of direct flights not only to the main hubs as Mexico City and Cancun, but also to a lot of small or medium sized destinations.

North American PCMA Advisory Members Talk Mexico

In a recent Mazatlan-based event, dozens of North American meetings industry leaders gathered to share best practices with their Mexican peers. Watch a series of exclusive MexicoToday interviews where these leaders share their stories while in Mazatlan last November:

To watch the full list of videos on Mexico as a meetings destination, visit our MexicoToday YouTube playlist.

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Mon, 2013-01-28 19:16 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Nissan Expands Mexico Lineup to Build Note Subcompact Car

Starting in the second quarter, Nissan Motor Company, the largest automaker in Mexico, will begin domestic production and export of its Note subcompact car. While Nissan plans to continue production of the Note in their plants located in China, India, and Thailand, export of the Mexican-made Notes will be… throughout the Americas.

This will be the third model produced at the factory in Aguascalientes for Nissan, who produced over 683,000 vehicles last year, and solidifies Mexico’s position as a positive environment for auto production. An environment made possible by cheaper labour, logistics, and free trade agreements, according to some analysts.

Since 2009, Mexico has doubled their auto output and exports thanks in part to economic recovery in the United States as well as investments from foreign automakers. Mazda Motor Corp, Honda Motor Corp, and Audi are all in the process of opening factories of their own, but will have to fight hard to shrink Nissan’s 25 per cent local market share.

21.705278

-102.317778

Aguascalientes

Fri, 2013-01-25 16:23 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

The mining town of Real del Monte brings color from another era

Nestled between canyons and peaks in the state of Hidalgo, lies the town of Real del Monte. At an altitude of 8,900 ft, making the weather cool and the air crisp, it is one of the highest inhabited places in Mexico. Real del Monte is popular place for vacation homes, as it resides near… the capital city of Hidalgo, Pachuca.

The town breathes an air of colonial architecture rooting from its history as a famous mining town. Mining started after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, was later abandoned, and then reopened in the late 1730s. The town hit a peak in the industry in 1824 when an English company started to operate the mines. The English company was a Cornish firm, who certainly left their mark on the town from the high slopping roofs to the “pastes” which are baked in the town and surrounding areas. If you really fall in love with the pastes, you can attend the International Paste Festival held by Real del Monte every October.

If you can’t make it in October, there are still plenty of attractions to catch all year round in Real del Monte. Churches, such as the Nuestra Señora de Belen parish and Guadalupe Church, each have their own historical attributes. The Nuestra Senora de Belen parish contains a Christ effigy that was brought from Spain 500 years ago, while Guadalupe was built in the mid 18th century just as a new cemetery had to added due to a widespread epidemic.

For something a bit more adventurous, you can visit old mines, such as Mina de Acosta, where you can take an underground tour. The Museo de Medicina Laboural is a former hospital you can visit that used to care for injured or sick miners where you can now view the medical paraphernalia used. Another attraction is the Cactus Museum where over 60 species of cacti are exhibited.

Real del Monte boasts treasurers from another era from the old mines, to the 18th century building and the red-tile roofs. The town is alive with the memory of the English, even earning the nickname “Mexico’s little Cornwall” from the Mexican Embassy in London.

The Pueblos Magicos programme identifies towns that reflect “the culture of Mexico” through attributes like architecture, traditions, customs, music, gastronomy, festivities and handcrafts. There are currently 52 destinations throughout Mexico that have earned the Pueblos Magicos classification.

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-98.673811

Real del Monte

Fri, 2013-01-25 15:49 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico’s Avocado – the MVP of Super Bowl Festivities

Regardless which team reigns supreme at the Super Bowl, you can be sure that Mexico’s avocados will dominate party festivities. As fans cheer on both teams, there is a good chance they might be munching on guacamole made from these avocados. …

“Mexico, by far is the largest supplier of avocados for the Super Bowl,” said Phil Henry, president of Henry Avocado Corp. In fact, there has been a dramatic increase in the Mexican product and a decrease in Chilean product for the Super Bowl.

So, just how many avocados does Mexico ship to the United States? Well, APEAM marketing director, Eduardo Serena, projects about 986 million pounds for 2012-13. That’s a lot of guacamole to go around.

In order to keep up production for international demands, specialists from the Institute for Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock (INIFAP) are conducting a research to implement strategies for avocado sustainability. This research highlights the fundamental role of forests and other environmental resources in generating water supply and soil conservation. These efforts will help secure avocado flows for many more Super Bowls to come.

On February 3, teams on both coasts – the 49ers and Ravens – will battle it out for the title of NFL champion, but it seems the real winner of Super Bowl XLVII is the Mexican avocado.

Mon, 2013-01-14 21:48 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

MexicoToday Brand Ambassador Ricardo Triviño Representing the Americas at Monte Carlo Rally

On January 15-20, 2013, Mexican rally racer and MexicoToday Brand Ambassador Ricardo Triviño will be the only Americas rally driver to participate at the upcoming Monte Carlo Rally in Monaco which is considered the most difficult rally in the world. His participation in this prestigious event is how he will kick off the… World Rally Championship (WRC) 2013 season worldwide.

The WRC FIA-NACAM 2012 champion Triviño, who is also featured together with co-pilot Alex Haro in the newly launched WRC3 videogame, will be amongst the very few participants willing to challenge those tough tracks following five intense days of driving in the highest mountains and elevations in Europe.

The Monte Carlo tracks are very tough as drivers will need to manage racing with snow and ice on the asphalt tracks using studded tires. For drivers to be successful on those tracks they need to have the lead with expertise and highly focused.

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Tue, 2013-01-08 22:29 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico Wind Power Sets New Generation Record

The latest figures from national power company CFE show that wind power in Mexico sent a record 282GWh to the grid in November, which is up 233 per cent from the 84.5 GWh in the year-ago month. Mexico follows Brazil in the Latin American region with about 6.6 GW of installed capacity by 2025. …

The Mexican Wind Energy Association projects the country’s wind power potential to be around 30 GW.

The region best suited for wind development is the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca. GWEC estimates that 10 GW of wind energy could be developed in the region, despite challenging wind and seismic conditions. Currently, 1.9 GW is under construction in Mexico and scheduled to come online by 2015.

Investment in wind power increased 68 per cent between 2010 and 2011 and in 2012, Mexico’s installed capacity of wind power reached 1 GW, 2 per cent of the national energy installed capacity, compared to the 519 MW of 2010. The wind sector is expected to duplicate by 2013 which in turn will generate between 30 thousand to 100 thousand jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10 per cent.

According to Mauricio Trujillo, Project Manager in Latin America of the Global Wind Energy Council, at today Mexico’s wind power sector is at the point where the Asian wind power sector was five years ago. This implies that Mexico is at the start of a very steep growth curve and can expect great advancements in the coming years.

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Mon, 2013-01-07 15:46 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Three Kings Day Is Almost Here

As the Christmas holiday comes to an end, one must not forget the fun celebration of Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes) because it is the perfect way to finish up the holiday season. Celebrated on January 6, the festive occasion is filled with great food, lots of presents, carolers, and quality… time with loved ones. This particular holiday is especially joyful for children because they are involved in the taking down and raiding of the tree which happens to be filled with sweets and chocolate ornaments wrapped in foil.

Traditionally, on the night before Three Kings day, each child puts out a pair of their shoes so that when the Three Kings arrive they will know how many presents to leave. Each child receives one present and opens their gift on this holiday rather than on Christmas day.

A few of the culinary traditions that one has to look forward to are tamales, hot chocolate and king’s cake (rosca del reyes). King’s cake is sweet bread in the shape of a circle, symbolising a king’s crown. Baked somewhere inside the cake is a small plastic figurine and whoever ends up with the figurine when the cake is cut is responsible for hosting the next holiday, Candlemas (la Candelaria) on February 2.

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Mon, 2012-12-31 15:12 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico Celebrates Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon

Guadalupe-Reyes is a marathon of holidays celebrated in Mexico from December through January. The holidays consist of families spending time with one another and eating delicious food. Markets are packed with eager shoppers, piñatas are hung for the children and presents are wrapped. …

The festivities begin on December 12, with the celebration of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and end on January 6, with the celebration of The Three Wise Men. December 16th commemorates the beginning of the Christmas season; the first evening of Las Posadas.

On December 12, the patron saint of Mexico, Our Lady of Guadalupe—better known as Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe—is celebrated. This day is one of the most important holidays of the year. According to the story on December 9, 1531 the peasant Juan Diego had a vision of the Virgin Mary on a hill just outside of Mexico City. Three days later, Juan Diego returned to the hilltop at the direction of the Virgin Mary and placed Castilian roses, which are not native to Mexico and which were blooming on the usually barren hilltop, into his cloak. He returned to his village and opened the cloak before Bishop Zumárraga. The flowers fell to the floor, and in their place was the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, miraculously imprinted on the fabric. More than four hundred years later, this original cloak remains on display in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Every year, hundreds of people visit to pay homage to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe December 16-24: Las Posadas December 24: Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) December 28: Holy Innocent’s Day December 31: New Year’s Eve January 1: New Year’s Day January 6: Day of the Three Wise Men

Fri, 2012-12-28 17:24 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Meetings and Conventions Industry Continues Booming in Mexico

The meetings and conventions industry in Mexico continues booming as proven by the many events that have taken place this year, including such high-level and significant meetings as the G20 Summit of the finance ministers representing the world’s 20 largest economies, the B20 Summit of business… leaders from the G20 countries, the T20 Summit of the tourism ministers from the G20 countries, and the G20 Trade and Investment Promotion Summit, amongst many others.

“The main advantages of Mexico as an international meetings and conventions destination are clearly the convenient location to most US cities; the affordability of both air and land especially with the increase in the number of all-inclusive options; the diversity of destinations from cultural to resort to urban; and the superb service culture that exists across the country,” said David Peckinpaugh, president of Maritz Travel Company, a global leader firm in the meetings, events, and incentive travel programmes.

When speaking about its company’s plans in Mexico in the next years, Peckinpaugh added, “We continue to see a steady increase year over year of our business into Mexico. We are working closely with the Mexico Tourism Board to expand the education of our buyers and planners, to increase their knowledge on what is new in the destinations and to build the awareness around safety that is paramount with our corporate and association clients.”

Most recently, in November 2012, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) of North America held its 5th Annual Advisory Summit in Mazatlan, Mexico. Participants shared with MexicoToday their experience while in Mazatlan through a series of video testimonials, including:

• Gary Schirmacher, senior vice president at Experient

• Leigh Wintz, principal consultant at Tecker International

• Michael Payne, executive vice president at SmithBucklin Corporation

• James Rooney, executive director at the Massachusetts Convention Centre Authority

• James Wood, CEO at the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau

And the number of international meetings and conventions to be held in different locations in Mexico in 2013 throughout 2018 is already lining up, including:

• In 2013: 17th Congress of the International Society of Development Biologists – ISDB (Cancun); 64th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry – ISE (Santiago de Queretaro); and the 24th International Society for Neurochemistry Meeting (Cancun).

• In 2014: XIII International Congress of Parasitology – ICOPA (Mexico City); 11th World Congress on Nuclear Medicine and Biology (Cancun); 13th Pan American Congress of Dairy (Chihuahua); and the 19th World Congress on Information Technology – WCIT (Guadalajara).

• In 2016: International Congress of Ophthalmology (Guadalajara); and, the 21st World Congress of Echocardiography and Allied Techniques (Mexico City)

• In 2018: Congress of the International Society for Intellectual Property (Cancun); and the 17th International Conference on Emergency Medicine (Mexico City).

Meetings in Mexico contributed 1.43 per cent to the country’s GDP in 2010 and account for 18 per cent of total travel and tourism demand generating 18 billion dollars in revenue. Mexico also boasts sophisticated meetings infrastructure. With over 57 major convention and exposition centres across the country and half a million hotel rooms in more than 3,000 luxury hotels, Mexico is equipped to hold meetings of international calibre. Due to major infrastructural development and strong governmental support, Mexico saw a 25 per cent increase in world congresses from 2010 to 2011, positioning the country as 20th in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings for 2011.

“If you haven’t experienced Mexico lately then you are missing out on providing truly exceptional experiences for your meeting and incentive guests,” added Peckinpaugh.

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Mazatlan

Fri, 2012-12-14 00:17 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

German's solar ovens make sun baked tortillas in Mexico

Central Mexico has copious amounts of sun and tortillas, so perhaps it isn’t so surprising that someone came up with the idea of using solar power to make them. In the town of El Sauz, north of Mexico City, German businessman Gregor Schapers has created and installed giant circular solar-powered ovens to… make tortillas in a carbon-free manner.

Schapers, who has lived in the town of El Sauz, 180 kilometres (110 miles) north of Mexico City since 2003, hopes that this environmentally-friendly solar cooker can ultimately slash energy bills in Mexico's poor rural communities.

Conventional ovens typically use gas, up to 16 gallons a month. Some might expect a solar oven to be rather anemic in the temperature ranges. However, Schapers solar cookers can reach beyond 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

He adapted solar energy-harnessing technology created by the Austrian Wolfgang Scheffler. Scheffler reflectors are used to heat up a griddle, oven, and cauldron. They are made in El Sauz by TrinySol and can last up to thirty years.

Inhabitat reports that one solar cooker costs about $4,000-$5,000, yet the oven more than pays for itself in a relatively short period of time. This is because, once up and running, the solar cooker has no need for anything but sunlight, and helps Gregor Schapers save the money he would otherwise be forced to spend on gas.

These ovens also help promote green-oriented behaviours amongst the people presently living in the town of El Sauz.

"You can cook for a group of up to 60 people per reflector. It's good for social and economic development in rural communities," George Schaper said with respect to his cooker and the business of building it.

The solar panels used to make these ovens are fitted with light sensors, which mean that they automatically turn towards the sun.

In addition to heat, the solar reflectors can produce steam and Schapers is testing three other uses for his giant panels: a greenhouse project; honey production; and a system for steam baths.

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-106.254368

El Sauzo

Thu, 2012-12-13 15:31 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico continues to lead on climate change at COP18 in Doha

Mexico participated in the Eighteenth Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention of the United Nations on Climate Change (COP 18), which recently took place in Doha, Qatar. Francisco… Barnés Regueiro, General Director of National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC), led the Mexican delegation.

“For Mexico it is important for the agreement to be legally binding and secure the participation of all States according to their capabilities and responsibilities, focusing not only on mitigation, but in all those aspects that require further development, such as financial" said Barnés Regueiro. Since hosting COP16 in Cancun, Mexico has worked tirelessly to support the efforts of the international community on climate change, including the establishment of an Interministerial Commission on Climate Change, strengthening local capacities for attention of the phenomenon, and the entry into force of the Act on Climate Change.

Additionally, Mexico has promoted the implementation of the agreements reached at the last conference of the parties, particularly the Durban package that builds on the Cancun Agreements, and promoted to reflect the urgency of immediate action on climate change.

Mexican officials stressed the necessity to find a model of growth with lower carbon emissions, with an efficient use of our natural resources and conserving biodiversity.

Thu, 2012-12-13 14:58 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

“Chicharito” Hernandez Shakes Off Slow Start to Win Player of the Month Award

For the 24-year-old, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, the 2012 season has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. The striker known as “Little Pea” seemed to be having trouble matching his performance from the previous season. This slow start forced Head Coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, to relinquish Chicharito’s… starting position. However, Mexico’s most famous footballer now has seven goals in his last five appearances for Man U, forcing Ferguson to admit he has earned the right to start.

After three years without a break, playing internationals during the close season, Hernandez looks refreshed and revitalised following his break last summer and is back to the form he showed in his debut season.

Currently at 16 goals as a sub for Manchester United, Chicharito is closing in on Ole Gunnar Solakajer's record (28) and it’s only a matter of time before he is standing alongside the Norwegian as United's greatest impact player.

"Chicharito is getting back to what he was a couple of years ago and a summer's rest has helped him enormously," said Ferguson.

"He's looking fresh and aggressive with his running, he's always a handful and the way he's started this season I'm certain he'll get to 20-plus goals."

Because of his impressive play in Novemeber, Hernandez captured his second successive ManUtd.com Player of the Month award.

Brazilians Rafael da Silva and Anderson grabbed second and third place respectively – but Hernandez’s dominant 67 per cent of the vote was enough to secure his sixth monthly triumph.

Tue, 2012-12-11 14:40 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Sergio “Checo” Perez Named Top Ten Driver of 2012 Formula 1 Season, Looks Ahead to New Challenges with New Team

Sergio “Checo” Perez recently concluded his second season in Formula 1, for which he was named one of the top ten drivers of the 2012 campaign. The end of the season marks a significant transition for the 22-year-old driver. After two years with Sauber, Checo will now take his talents to the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes… racing team, signing a multi-year deal to race alongside 2009 world champion Jenson Button. Said Perez, “I'm under no illusion that it is indeed a very big step – as it would be for any driver – but I'm ready for it.”

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Martin Whitmarsh noted that Perez’s performance this season brought him a lot of favourable attention. “It was a string of giant-killing performances, a trio of podiums and a brilliant fastest lap in this year’s Monaco Grand Prix that showed us that Sergio lacks nothing in terms of speed and commitment, said Whitmarsh. “We've been monitoring his progress carefully for some months - and, now that he's become part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, our task will be to refine and develop his abilities as his career progresses over the coming years.”

Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn thanked Checo for his time at Sauber “Our thanks also go to Sergio Pérez, who has claimed three podiums for the team so far and now has the opportunity at McLaren-Mercedes to display his immense talent with one of the most successful teams in Formula One history. We would also like to wish Sergio all the best and every success for the future.”

Watch this video where Checo thanks his fans at the conclusion of a successful season.

Fri, 2012-12-07 18:15 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mundo Maya Prepares for the December 21 prophecy

In popular culture, many inaccurately associate December 21, 2012 with a Mayan prophecy about the end of the world. This is false. According to the Mayan Calendar, the world will NOT end on December 21, 2012, but rather a new cycle in life will begin. The Mayas never mentioned the world nor time would end. In fact, Mayan texts refer to dates after… 2012. The Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque refers to dates in the year 4772, two thousand years from now.

The interest in Mayan culture and Mayan cosmology has prompted renewed interest in visiting Mayan sites in Mexico. The Mexico Tourism Board launched an initiative called Mundo Maya to promote tourist interest in the states of Yucatan, Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco and Quintana Roo, key locations of the Mayan civilisation.

Mundo Maya promoted such sites as the ruins of Calakmul in the state of Campeche, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. In Yucatán, the observatories of Chichén Itzá tracked the heavens. Explore the Tomb of the Red Queen in Chiapas, and learn how the indigenous jatropha plant is being refined into biofuel. And beyond the beaches of Quintana Roo, the modern-day Maya are pioneering new eco-tourism ventures to protect their natural resources. And in the state of Tabasco, chocolate was first invented as a Mayan religious beverage.

Many of the challenges facing today’s global community – such as climate change, biodiversity and food insecurity – were faced by the Maya more than a thousand years ago. Learning the lessons of the Mayan civilisation can help the modern world escape a similar fate.

Thu, 2012-12-06 20:23 Julie Van Antwerpen

Julie Van Antwerpen
Joined: 09.08.2011

Pueblos Magicos: Tapijulapa Attracts Artisans and Eco-Tourism

Tapijulapa, Tabasco, is a small town home to crafts, nature and tradition. Whitewashed houses, red tile roofs, cobblestone streets and beautifully painted pots decorate the town. A zip line hovers overhead, and crosses the Oxolotan River. The town is famous for artisans who make furniture with regional vines,… which the locals call “matusay.” The finished products are often referred to as wicker furniture. These wicker crafts have been made for over half a century, and can be found in the form of chairs, tables, baskets, sombreros and thousands of other items.

The central plaza of Tapijulapa is adorned with trees and a gazebo. The side streets are decorated with the charming houses. The Oxolotan Convent rests on the banks of the Oxolotan River. Built around 1572, it has interesting and intricate architectural details. Now home to an art museum, the ex-convent showcases colonial pieces, oil paintings and wooden sculptures.

Tapijulapa is nestled between the foothills of the Sierra madre del Sur mountains of the state of Tabasco. The State Reserve “Sierra de Tabasco” protects the last remnants of the forest Tabasco, and adds rich nature to Tapijulapa. The Amatan River drifts alongside one side of the town, and the other side is bordered by the Oxolotan River. The surrounding mountains, forests and river provide waterfalls, natural pools, botanical gardens and nature trails. The rivers provide refuge for hot summer days. These outdoor activities are encompassed by unparalleled natural beauty, with a wide variety of flora and fauna to appreciate.

A setting perfect for enjoying nature is the Yu-Balcah, an ecological reserve. Visitors can walk into the jungle and observe endangered animals, as well as camp, bike, kayak and simply observe nature. The Kolem Jaa (The Greatness of Water) ecotourism centre has a spectacular group of waterfalls. Scattered along the falls are botanical gardens and nature trails.

Ancient tradition is also found in Tapijuapa. The Cueva de las Sardinas Ciegas (Cave of the blind sardines) holds a lake inside. Because the water is surrounded by darkness, the fish inside are blind. There was an ancient Mayan tradition to honour Chac, the rain god, where ceremonial fishing would occur. To honour this tradition, natives join in the cave on Palm Sunday to fish, and the amount caught forecasts the future crop.

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-92.773071

Tapijulapa

Tue, 2012-11-20 20:31 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

North American Meetings Industry Leaders Gathered in Mazatlan to Share Expertise and Best Practices with Mexican Executives

On November 4-6, 2012, North American meetings industry leaders who are also members of the PCMA North American Advisory Board, gathered for the 5th Annual PCMA North American Advisory Summit 2012 held at the Mazatlan International Centre in Mazatlan, Mexico. To watch our MexicoToday exclusive coverage, click here for photos on our Flickr channel, and click here… for our video wrap-up on our YouTube channel.

Joined by local government representatives, PCMA’s president and CEO Deborah Sexton announced during the closing ceremony that the 2013 conference will take place in Puebla, Mexico.

At the nearly 100,000 square feet venue, Mexican meetings industry representatives heard from the Advisory Board members, such as Barry Smith of Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Robert Lander of Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, about the latest on successful business practices in the meetings industry.

During a panel discussion on the opening day, key representatives discussed the importance of educating the world on Mexico’s continued development in recent years and highlighting advantages of selecting Mexico as a meetings and travel destination. They suggested that delegates focus on features such as Mexico’s proximity to the United States, the government zero-tax incentive, all-inclusive resorts, diversity among various states, a rich culture and welcoming people, among the key advantages in selecting Mexico.

Experts also gathered with delegates in small groups to address current issues within the industry and possible solutions. Through strategic collaboration and consulting sessions, the participants searched for ways to further enhance the sector in Mexico and promote it as a top attraction for business travel in a competitive market.

At the final panel discussion, members of the Advisory Board provided overall tips and ideas on ways to combat current challenges in the tourism sector, and ways to advertise Mexico’s strengths to the global community.

For a number of years, Acapulco was the primary spot for business travel in Mexico. This year, however, the PCMA North American Advisory Summit was held at the Pacific Coast beach resort in Mazatlan, Mexico to showcase other attractions within the country. Mazatlan was selected for its rich culture and history as an international commercial seaport, as well as its established resort destinations.

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Mazatlan

Tue, 2012-11-20 20:22 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Sergio “Checo” Perez Shines at Austin Grand Prix

Sergio “Checo” Perez finished in 11th place at the inaugural United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. However, he was clearly number one in the hearts of the many fans who turned out to cheer him on.

The automotive blog Jalopnik summed it up this way: “You hear a lot of Mexican fans talking about Perez the way that Brazilians used to talk about Ayrton Senna. Mexico has been going through some rough times economically and socially over the last decade, but a lot of Mexicans are tired of their country only being in the news for cartel-related violence. The Mexican tourism industry has fought hard against that image.”

Among the fans who travelled to watch Perez compete was Miguel Candia, a 52-year-old engineer from Guadalajara, Jalisco. When asked by the Austin American-Statesman if Perez gave Mexico hope, Candida said “Of course. But so do the Mexicans who won the mathematics Olympics, the champions of the robotics competition and the winners of many cultural competitions out there. There are many brilliant Mexicans who make us proud, but today Checo is our ambassador.”

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-97.743061

Austin

Mon, 2012-11-19 19:31 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Leaders Attending G20 Trade and Investment Promotion Summit Determined Next Steps Encouraging the Generation and Promotion of Global Value Chains

Following the dialogue between business and policy makers, the G20 Trade and Investment Promotion Summit 2012 concluded a successful two-day event on November 6 with a promising agenda and determined next steps.

Under an environment of close cooperation and discussion between agencies, the following five strategic challenges were identified:

1. Strong emphasis on policy coherence and sustainable development are needed more than ever due to: a) the emergence of the new global economic landscape characterized by the relevant link between trade and investment; b) the rapid evolution of global value chains in scope, scale and depth, and; c) the shift of trade and investment promotion paradigm

2. Existing constrains of public funding for trade and investment promotion, and strong desire for working on customized trade promotion optimization (TPO) and investment promotion agency (IPA) country solutions while fostering international peer cooperation and learning

3. Need for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access and benefit from global value chains (GVCs)

4. Include private business in the economic development strategy-making process

5. Missing fast-moving networks for best practice exchange integrating trade and investment

At the inauguration ceremony and plenary session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, executives from the organizing committee provided an overview and positioning of the summit, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)’s executive director of policy and business practices Stefano Bertasi and welcoming remarks by ProMexico’s CEO Carlos Guzman Bonfill. The World Trade Organization (WTO)’s chief of staff Arancha Gonzalez Laya spoke about the changing landscape of trade, where she highlighted the need to focus on global value chains to further trade and investment around the world, and later on the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s director for investment and enterprise division James Zhan discussed the key trends and the strategic challenges global investment is facing nowadays.

Following a series of closed-door roundtables, key representatives offered a wrap up press conference where they presented the key strategic challenges listed above as conclusions for the summit. Key representatives speaking to members of the press included ProMexico’s CEO Carlos Guzman Bonfill, UNCTAD’s James Zhan, and OCDE’s chief of staff and sherpa to the G20 Gabriela Ramos.

Alejandro Ramirez, CEO of Cinepolis and B20 chair, also attended the event, where he provided closing remarks and conclusions in a closed-door session. In an exclusive interview with MexicoToday, Ramirez stated, “The G20 Trade and Investment Promotion Summit was one of the recommendations we presented at the B20 Summit in Los Cabos which recommended all trade and investment promotion agencies to get together to share best practices and analyze ways how business and government can work closer to advance free trade and investment, and put pressure on G20 countries at a time of growing protectionist threats.” Ramirez also added, “This event allowed trade and investment promotion agencies to understand the importance of global value chains, and to analyze ways they can help, especially to small and medium enterprises, in having access to those global value chains which will make them more competitive, resulting in their countries becoming more competitive.”

For photos of the G20 Trade and Investment Promotion Summit 2012’s inauguration ceremony and plenary session, click here. For photos from the wrap up press conference, click here.

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Thu, 2012-11-15 19:13 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

International film "Hidden Moon" to premiere in Mexico

Hidden Moon premieres November 23 in Mexico. Director Pepe Bojorquez manages to capture the true beauty and complications of life. It… intertwines the intricate feelings of love with the deep nature of truth. A talented filmmaker, Bojorquez says this story is not just his – it’s everyone’s reality.

“The story is easy to empathize with,” Bojorquez said. “It’s about chasing your dreams, falling in love. Sometimes our goals and what we want to accomplish get in the way of everything, such as the love that’s right in front of us.”

Hidden Moon tells the story of a beautiful woman, whose dramatic entrance at the funeral of a man in California shocks his prosperous family. The man’s son then travels to Mexico to discover the truth about the woman’s relationship with his father. Upon finding her, he discovers that she is living with another man, and refuses to admit knowing his father. What happens when true love appears twice, at the same moment? This web of emotions is difficult to unravel and its unclear whether there will be a happy ending for all involved.

Filmed in Guanajuato and Veracruz, Hidden Moon showcases the unparalleled magnificence of Mexico. Its accomplished cast includes Wes Bentley from “American Beauty” and “The Hunger Games,” Mexican actress Ana Serradilla, actor and writer Jonathan Schaech and Linda Gray, the star of “Dallas.”

After its premiere in Mexico, it will arrive to European cinemas, and then to the United States. A depiction of modern reality – a cross border love story -- Hidden Moon paints the exquisiteness and rarity of love against the backdrop of gorgeous Mexico.

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