Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort & Spa Earns 2012 Fodor?s Choice Distinction from Fodor?s Travel
While every business included in a Fodor?s guide is deemed worth a traveler?s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor?s Choice designation. Cozumel, Mexico, November 12, 2012 ?(PR. com)? Once again, Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa has been recognized as a 2012 Fodor?s Choice selection by Fodor?s, the leading name in travel guides for more than 75 years. This distinction designates Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort as a leading hotel for service, quality and value. The editors and experts of Fodor?s have been selecting only the top fifteen percent of their listed properties and activities as Fodor?s Choice award recipients since 1988. Every year, Fodor?s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor?s guide is deemed worth a traveler?s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor?s Choice designation. The Fodor?s review of the luxury resort states, ?Rooms are sleek with modern neutrals and luxe touches like outdoor rain showers, hammocks or whirlpool tubs with a sea view. The Mandara Spa is the island?s best. ?The acclaimed property, located on a half mile of white sandy beach and just steps from the world?s second largest coral reef, features three restaurants; the Mandara Spa; snorkeling and scuba diving excursions through its in-house dive shop, Scuba Du; and well-appointed guestrooms and suites. For 75 years Fodor?s has presented travelers with the very top recommendations to make sure they?re making the most of their travels. The 2012 Fodor?s Choice recipients are the best of the best, providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category. For reservations, call toll free from the USA (800) 327-0200
November 22nd, 2012 at 4:37 pm
While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor’s Choice designation.
Cozumel, Mexico, November 12, 2012 –(PR.com)– Once again, Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa has been recognized as a 2012 Fodor’s Choice selection by Fodor’s, the leading name in travel guides for more than 75 years. This distinction designates Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort as a leading hotel for service, quality and value.
The editors and experts of Fodor’s have been selecting only the top fifteen percent of their listed properties and activities as Fodor’s Choice award recipients since 1988.
Every year, Fodor’s writers experience, examine and evaluate thousands of hotels, restaurants and attractions in their travels across the globe. While every business included in a Fodor’s guide is deemed worth a traveler’s time, only those offering a truly remarkable experience are given the Fodor’s Choice designation.
The Fodor’s review of the luxury resort states, “Rooms are sleek with modern neutrals and luxe touches like outdoor rain showers, hammocks or whirlpool tubs with a sea view. The Mandara Spa is the island’s best.”
The acclaimed property, located on a half mile of white sandy beach and just steps from the world’s second largest coral reef, features three restaurants; the Mandara Spa; snorkeling and scuba diving excursions through its in-house dive shop, Scuba Du; and well-appointed guestrooms and suites.
For 75 years Fodor’s has presented travelers with the very top recommendations to make sure they’re making the most of their travels. The 2012 Fodor’s Choice recipients are the best of the best, providing a remarkable experience in their price range or category.
For reservations, call toll free from the USA (800) 327-0200 FREE (800) 327-0200 or visit http://www.InterContinentalCozumel.com.
November 22nd, 2012 at 5:14 pm
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Mexico Ministry of Tourism reports that during the second quarter of 2012, the quarterly indicator of tourism GDP increased 3.2 percent in real terms, compared to the same period of last year.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, during the period April to June, the quarterly indicator of domestic tourism consumption grew 4.1 percent, compared to the same period in 2011.
Domestic tourism consumption grew 2.1 percent, while inbound tourism increased by 18.3 percent.
The indicators released this morning by INEGI were developed in the context of the Specialized Technical Committee of Tourism Economic Statistics (CTEEEST, for its acronym in Spanish).
These short-term indicators offer an overview of the quarterly macroeconomic climate related to tourism activities, with data from diverse and timely sources with aggregation similar to that of the Mexico tourism satellite account.
These indicators work to strengthen the statistical information that enables timely knowledge of the behavior and tendencies of the tourism GDP, which is supplemented by the quarterly indicator of domestic tourism consumption, thus supporting analysis and decision-making in this important sector.
As part of the efforts to strengthen the Specialized Technical Committee of Tourism Economic Statistics, this week the Secretary of Tourism participated in the Fourth Plenary Session which was held from November 12 to 13 at the Colegio de la Frontera in Tijuana.
Jorge Mezher Rage, Subsecretary of Tourism Planning, highlighted the need to continually innovate and to present new challenges to motivate the sector.
The session’s presentations, with particular focus on border tourism, offered points of view towards creating synergies, combining efforts and sharing experiences such that these statistics reflect the reality of the movement of visitors in the northern and southern borders.
During the two-day work session, critical points were identified towards the improvement of statistics in the tourism sector.
During the final meeting, the latest advances were presented around projects in areas related to basic and derived statistics, international tourism, basic tourism products and regional indicators, with particular focus on border tourism.
The final meeting also noted the common objective of improving the procedures of compilation, production and dissemination of information, to further strengthen cooperative ties between institutions and entities.
The CTEEEST is a collegial body composed of the National Economic Information Subsystem (INEGI), formed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Mexico Tourism Board (CPTM), the National Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR), the Bank of Mexico, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Transport, and the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, among others. The CTEEEST aims to contribute to the coordination of activities among those entities generating statistical information related to the sector, and to support the establishment of guidelines to ensure the progress, improvement and contribution of these statistics to support the processes of planning and decision-making.
November 22nd, 2012 at 6:13 pm
The Mexico Ministry of Tourism acknowledged the joint work of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of the Interior and of their counterparts in Colombia in Peru towards the lifting of visa regulations between the countries of the Pacific Alliance, as a measure towards strengthening the international competitiveness of Mexico’s tourism industry.
The Pacific Alliance is an integration mechanism with the participation of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, whose objective is advancing the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.
Mexico Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo said that this decision will increase the number of international travelers between countries of the region.
She noted that through such actions, Mexico strengthens its ties with Latin America, and particularly with the countries of the Pacific Alliance.
The measure will strengthen Mexico’s international competitiveness in the tourism sector, in accordance with the strategies of the administration of President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa towards consolidating tourism as a national priority for economic development in Mexico.
The Integrated System for Migration Operations (SIOM) indicates that in the first nine months of 2012, the number of visitors from Colombia, Chile and Peru that arrived to Mexico increase by 25.4 percent, 14.3 percent and 28 percent, respectively, compared to the same period the prior year.
In the framework of the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Pacific Alliance, which took place in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that from November 9, the visa requirement has been lifted for nationals of Colombia and Peru to visit Mexico, with a stay not to exceed 180 days and during which the visitor is not engaged in remunerated activity.
In the case of Mexico and Chile, both nations have an agreement in place towards lifting visa restrictions, to which Colombia and Peru will be added moving forward.
The announcement complies with the agreements contained in the Declaration of Paranal, signed by the Heads of State of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, signed June 6, which instructed that the competent authorities design a mechanism of cooperation and exchange of information to facilitate the flow of people between the members of the Pacific Alliance.
November 22nd, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Cal Jet Air (http://www.caljetair.com), a United States air service operated by XTRA Airways, announced today that will offer international service to Mazatlan, its first tourist destination in Mexico, beginning this winter season. The pilot program begins January 9, 2013, and ends April 9, 2013, with nine weekly flights of 150-passenger capacity (1,350 total seats per week) from Houston, San Antonio, Denver, Los Angeles and Oakland, California. Roundtrip fares will start at $399.
The announcement follows extensive research conducted by Mexico Tourism Board on air connectivity, airline efficiency and air capacity from major American markets, in particular, which shows that Mazatlan needs more air seats to keep up with growing demand. As a consequence, the state government invested in this strategic partnership with Cal Jet whereby increased investment in marketing will, in turn, create increased in-bound airline activity to Mazatlan.
In addition to new routes from Cal Jet, U.S. Airways will increase frequency and seat capacity from Phoenix and American Airlines will restore the direct route from Dallas to Mazatlan in November. Mazatlan will continue service and promotional activity with Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Sun Country Airlines as well.
The Mazatlan Tourism Board predicts an investment upwards of USD $10 million in tourism promotion by the end of 2012, including the additional commitment by the state government – combined the largest commitment to date – to further generate demand and expand into new target markets by way of in-flight promotional videos, web-based destination marketing and other marketing tactics for both domestic and foreign travelers.
Domestic travel is steadily on the rise with strong market demand and need for more air capacity. Recently Magnicharters, Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus have increased the number of air seats from Mexico City, as well as from Monterrey and Tijuana, two cities which have required additional air seats for meetings and conventions at the newly renovated Mazatlan International Center.
For more information on Cal Jet, please visit http://www.caljetair.com/company.htm
November 22nd, 2012 at 7:57 pm
MIRAMAR, Fla., Nov. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spirit Airlines (Nasdaq:SAVE) today starts daily nonstop service from San Diego to two new markets: Portland, Oregon and Los Cabos, Mexico.
Customers can check out the insanely low fares offered every day at http://www.spirit.com and also sign up to receive alerts on Spirit’s email deals and offers.
Portland travelers have the opportunity to connect to Spirit’s new daily nonstop service between San Diego and Los Cabos, Mexico.
“We’re excited to grow our network of ultra low fare options for our west coast customers in San Diego and Portland with service to a new international destination – Los Cabos, Mexico,” says San Diego resident and Spirit’s Senior Manager Route Planning Robyn Platt. “We look forward to continuing to save customers money on travel by offering them the lowest fares.”
“The decision to open a new route to Cabo San Lucas by Spirit Airlines reaffirms the importance of Mexico as a preferred travel destination for U.S. visitors and also contributes significantly to strengthening our numerous economic and cultural ties with San Diego,” said Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, Remedios Gómez Arnau.
“This new service on Spirit Airlines is great news for San Diego and Baja California,” said Robert Gleason, Board Chair San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “We are pleased to partner with Spirit Airlines on this exciting new service, and we look forward to the boost to tourism it will bring to both our regions.”
“We welcome Spirit Airlines’ new service to San Diego, providing another nonstop route option for our travelers at Portland International Airport,” said David Zielke, Port of Portland general manger of air service development. “We applaud Spirit’s expansion at PDX, now offering flights to three of our top 20 destinations – Las Vegas, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego.”
Spirit’s Portland, Oregon (PDX) – San Diego (SAN) schedule effective November 8, 2012:
Depart Arrive Flight # Stops Frequency Portland, Oregon – San Diego 6:15 am 8:45 am 470 0 Daily San Diego – Portland, Oregon 8:51 pm 11:21 pm 245 0 Daily
Spirit’s San Diego (SAN) – Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) schedule effective November 8, 2012:
Depart Arrive Flight # Stops Frequency San Diego – Los Cabos, Mexico 10:40 am 1:45 pm 107 0 Daily Los Cabos, Mexico – San Diego 2:40 pm 3:55 pm 108 0 Daily
In addition to San Diego, Spirit’s service from Portland includes daily nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth and Las Vegas, as well as connecting service to Los Cabos, Mexico.
Spirit’s network from San Diego includes daily nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, and now Portland, Oregon.
About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines (Nasdaq:SAVE) empowers customers to save money on air travel by offering ultra low base fares with a range of optional services for a fee, allowing customers the freedom to choose only the extras they value. This innovative approach grows the traveling market and stimulates new economic activity while creating new jobs. Spirit’s modern fleet, configuration and other innovations enable Spirit to burn less fuel per seat than competitors, making Spirit one of the most environmentally-friendly U.S. carriers. Spirit’s all-Airbus fleet currently operates more than 200 daily flights to over 50 destinations within the U.S., Latin America and Caribbean. Visit Spirit at http://www.spirit.com.
November 22nd, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Fifth Property in the Luxury All-Inclusive Portfolio, Scheduled to Debut December 1, 2012, Indicative of Aggressive Growth Strategy for One of the World’s Leading Resort Companies
Melia Hotels International, one of the world’s largest resort hotel chains with more than 350 hotels in 35 countries on 4 continents, announced the transformation of the Gran Melia Cancun property into a luxury all-inclusive Paradisus resort, scheduled to open its doors December 1, 2012. The new Paradisus Cancun, located 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Downtown, will provide a sophisticated answer to Cancun travelers’ requests and the evolving needs of the destination, from EP to an all-inclusive market, by offering a superior customer product that is traditionally not associated with all-inclusive resort properties.
In bringing its most successful brand to Cancun, Melia Hotels International is cementing the brand’s foothold in Mexico and building on the blossoming reputation of its two new flagship properties that opened in Playa del Carmen in December of 2011. Paradisus Cancun will feature all the attributes of the ‘luxeclusive’ Paradisus brand; providing guests with “Pure Freedom” to indulge, escape and enjoy the 678 suites which include 137 Royal Service Suites and 97 Family Concierge Suites, six restaurants and five bars and Tempo by Martin Berasategui by Michelin Star chef Martin Berasategui, who partnered with Paradisus in 2011 to open his signature eateries at the brand’s properties.
“Our guests had been asking for comprehensive all-inclusive options and higher-end family-focused and adults-only amenities, and it was evident that the Cancun area was missing a true luxury all-inclusive experience,” said Andre Gerondeau, Executive Vice President, Melia Hotels International. “Through our success of the Paradisus brand in the Caribbean and in Playa del Carmen, we knew we had to bring the brand to the area in order to offer a distinct experience that would set the property apart from the rest of the marketplace. With exciting new partnerships, such as “Tempo by Martin Berasategui”, we are now able to provide an extraordinary product that has never been offered within the all-inclusive segment.”
The Paradisus Cancun will offer the elegance and amenities exclusive to only the most prestigious hotels, set against the backdrop of one of the best beaches in the world. Resort amenities will include signature adult-only Royal Service program, Family Concierge program and Kid´s Club, four spectacular pools with swim up bars, six restaurants and five bars featuring a variety of international cuisines, a full service YHI Spa and Health Club, more than 10,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and a 9-hole par-3 golf course.
The striking multi-pyramid architecture of Gran Melia Cancun will remain, while a series of renovations and beautifications will elevate the property to the high design standards of Paradisus resorts. Family Concierge will feature its own lounge with private check-in/out, internet access, a snack buffet and premium drinks. Similarly, guests at Royal Service suites will also have their own private check-in/out lounge that includes daily continental breakfast buffet, snacks, coffee and premium beverages throughout the day and international newspapers. In Royal Service tradition, guests will also enjoy their individualized butler, which they can contact all-day with cell phones provided at check-in.
Paradisus’ commitment to providing guests with a superior culinary program continues with the new Cancun property. Restaurants options include Naos (buffet), Vento (Mediterranean), Bana (contemporary Asian), Market Grill (Italo-Argentinian) and Mole & Tacos (modern Mexican.) Adult guests staying in Royal Service or Family Concierge accomodations are invited to a complimentary dinner at Tempo by Martin Berasategui per stay, while other guests are welcome to experience the celebrated cuisine for a surcharge. Tempo will feature an a la carte menu as well as a tasting menu. Bars and lounges include Avenue Bar, Red Lounge, Swim-up Bar, Beach Bar and Cocos Bar.
Rounding up the impressive facilities, Paradisus Cancun will also feature its signature YHI Spa with a robust menu of treatments, an expansive fitness area with a mixture of cardio and weights equipment and YHI Moves, which offers fitness, personal training and wellness activities all by professional certified staff. The resort’s Meeting and Convention facilities is a colossal multifunctional center perfect for groups, conventions, incentives and weddings. It will accommodate up to 1,800 people in a reception setting or 1,100 guests in banquet service with a total of 21 break-out rooms. Additional facilities include lighted tennis court, business center, boutiques, tour desk, and 9 holes golf course.
Paradisus Cancun is offering a special introductory rate of $140/night (per person, based on double occupancy). This rate is valid November 15 – December 22, 2012 and then January 10- March 31, 3013. This is for all bookings from now until February 28, 2013.
Paradisus Resorts are elegantly designed with attention to every detail in mind. Spectacular architecture, world-class cuisine and premium service achieve the goal of allowing guests to experience ultimate relaxation in a stress-free and upscale environment, with the luxury of not once having to reach for a wallet. All properties reflect their surrounding environments and are set amid lush tropical gardens, chic restaurants, lavish suites, award-winning spas, pristine beaches and oversized, stylish swimming pools.
About Paradisus Resorts
Paradisus Resorts is an all-inclusive luxury resort brand owned and operated by Melia Hotels International, (formerly Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts) one of the world’s most successful hotel companies. The growing brand currently has two hotels in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Paradisus Palma Real and Paradisus Punta Cana and two resorts in Playa del Carmen Mexico: Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla (adults-only) and Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda (for everyone). Its fifth property, Paradisus Cancun, is scheduled to open in December 2012. Boasting unique room categories and luxurious upgrade options such as the adults-only Royal Service and family-only Family Concierge, the resorts are ideal for a wide spectrum of guests including couples, family vacations, destination weddings and business travelers. The properties in Punta Cana each feature The Reserve at Paradisus, an exclusive resort-within-a-resort concept where guests experience private check-in and stay in residential style accommodations, among numerous other services and amenities. Paradisus Resorts will continue its growth with the opening of a brand-new property in Papagayo Bay, Costa Rica, scheduled to open in 2013. Follow Paradisus Resorts on Twitter, @Paradisus and Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/Paradisus.Resorts
November 22nd, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Mexico Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo recently met in London with executives from leading travel companies and airlines in the UK, who indicated that their frequency of travel to Mexico is set to increase.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed that from April 2013, the airline will increase by 50 percent the number of seats on its London-Cancun route, considered one of the most successful for the British company. Virgin Atlantic is also evaluating the opening of new flights to other Mexican tourist destinations.
Johan Lundgre, Deputy Chief Executive of TUI Travel, the world’s leading travel group which operates in 180 countries with more than 30 million clients, confirmed that the first Dreamliner 787 will reach Cancun next year, increasing the presence of this tour operator in Mexico.
In addition, important agreements were established towards generating a route to the Pacific with the same group, which will allow an increase in the number of visitors from the United Kingdom to Mexico.
Secretary Guevara also met in London with executives from the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), who shared the results of the global luxury tourism congress which was celebrated from October 1 to 3 in Riviera Maya.
Alison Gilmore, Director of the ILTM, said that the event was attended by over 300 buyers and exhibitors, who expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the destination, and confirmed that this influential forum will be held again in Mexico.
She said that the forum in Riviera Maya has been the most successful to date and it is anticipated that the next edition will double the number of attendees.
In London, the Secretary also participated in a panel organized by Visit Britain, the tourism office of the United Kingdom. In this forum, Christopher Rodriguez, head of Visit Britain, spoke of Mexico as a unique tourist destination, offering a variety of tourism sectors from culture, nature, and gastronomy to luxury and sun and sand.
The meeting also included the participation of Cathy Matos, Managing Director of Mexican Tours; Mark Stacey, Director of Cox & Kings Travel; Tony Plumm, of Special Holliday; Yves Hallaux Dutilli, of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce; as well as executives from Veloso Tour LTD, Solliman Travel, LATA and Steamond Travel.
Accompanied by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism, Felix Gonzalez Canto; the Senator of Nayarit, Martha Elena Garcia, a member of the Tourism Commision; and Chief Operating Officer of the Mexico Tourism Board, Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, Secretary Guevara also held meetings with Paul Potrykus of Rosewood Hotels, April Hutchinson of TTG Luxury, and Diarmuid Buckley of Langham Hotels, highlighting the major investment opportunities Mexico offers within the tourism sector.
She said that tourism is on the rise in Mexico, noting that in 2011 the country reached a record figure of 191.5 million domestic and international visitors; according to projections, this year will close with more than 200 million visitors.
Secretary Guevara also participated in the Ministers’ Summit of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), held during World Travel Market 2012; in this forum, she spoke in favor of promoting the facilitation of migration procedures towards increasing the number of tourists worldwide.
The Secretary of Tourism said that the current Mexican administration has advanced such actions as accepting a U.S. visa for the entry of international visitors to Mexico, as used by more than a million tourists since May 2010.
She noted that the streamlining of visas for citizens of Brazil, Russia, and China, who can now obtain the document in 24 hours; Mexico has also launched the Global Entry Program for trusted travelers between the U.S. and Mexico.
During the ministerial forum, Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, highlighted the work of the administration of President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa in promotion of tourism.
He said that he was the first leader to sign the Golden Book, a distinction that was awarded to Mexico for inserting into the national agenda concrete actions in favor of tourism.
The Ministers’ Summit of the World Tourism Organization addressed the theme of “Open Borders and Open Skies: Breaking Down Barrier to Travel,” and was attended by the Secretaries of Tourism of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa and the UK.
Also attending were business leaders from Etihad, Travel Port, Tui Travel PLC and Ethiopian Airlines, as well as representatives of international organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
November 22nd, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Villa del Palmar (Loreto)
Villa Group Resorts unveiled today the “Your story starts here” branding campaign to further advance its Villa del Palmar collection of distinct and luxury hotel properties with locations in Mexico’s premier resort destinations.
Reflecting Villa del Palmar’s dedication to providing guests with more than luxury and comfort along the golden beaches of Mexico, the new campaign represents the resorts’ matchless ability to create vacations that are unique and personal to each guest. As a result, the “Your story starts here” campaign uses this memorable tagline to guide international marketing efforts including the launch of a new consumer website, http://www.villadelpalmar.com, as well as the brand’s internal service philosophy.
“In conjunction with Villa del Palmar’s mission to provide guests with everlasting memories, our new campaign gives a tangible identity to those remarkable experiences and milestones that become part of one’s life story,” said Carlos Aquino, Vice President of Hospitality Sales & Marketing for the Villa Group Resorts.
The creative vision for the campaign was driven by the expressions and insights associated with a vacation at a Villa del Palmar hotel, which act as a vehicle for personal story creation; whether it’s for a wedding, catching up with friends, or a family’s vacation getaway. The campaign leverages these key elements to promote an emotional connection with existing and future consumers.
The Villa del Palmar “Your story starts here” branding campaign will be further positioned across a variety of engaging platforms in the coming weeks including an e-newsletter, a fun-filled social media sweepstakes offering a lucky winner a trip to a Villa Del Palmar property and customized travel packages fit for a family getaway, a couple’s retreat and/or meeting up with friends.
About Villa Del Palmar
Located on the pristine beaches of Mexico, the Villa Del Palmar resort collection offers distinct luxury hotel properties with an invigorating blend of luxury, adventure and serenity. The hotel collection boasts 8 properties in five Mexican destinations with more on the horizon, including Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Islands of Loreto, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. For more information about the Villa Del Palmar resort collection, call (877) 845-5247, visit http://www.villadelpalmar.com, follow us on Twitter @villagroup and visit our Facebook page.
November 22nd, 2012 at 9:50 pm
The first annual Baja International Film Festival, to be held November 14-17 in Los Cabos, Mexico, will showcase 80 films from around the world, including 5 international feature films in competition, 5 Mexican feature films in competition, 5 international documentaries in competition, 5 Mexican documentaries in competition, 30 international shorts, 13 Mexican shorts, 4 environmental films, as well as Special Presentation screenings of 7 international feature films, and 6 Mexican feature films.
The following awards and cash prizes will be given for best film in each screening category, honoring the work of this year’s outstanding filmmakers at the 2012 Baja International Film Festival.
Best International Feature / $10,000 U.S.
Best Mexican Feature / $10,000 U.S.
Best International Documentary / $5,000 U.S.
Best Mexican Documentary / $5,000 U.S.
Best International Short Film / $2,500 U.S.
Best Mexican Short Film / $2,500 U.S.
The majority of screenings, as well as the opening night celebration, panels, industry forums, hospitality lounge, and closing night awards gala, including Tributes to acclaimed filmmakers and actors, will take place at the new Los Cabos Convention Center, a 72,000 square-foot space equipped with solar panels and the latest environmental technology.
The Baja International Film Festival is pleased to announce the inaugural Mexico-USA Film Forum that will take place on Friday, November 16 as part of the First Edition of the Baja International Film Festival. Renowned Film-Industry members from both countries will be present to create a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas to strengthen the relationship between the two industries. The Film Forum will focus mainly on topics related to Investment and Funding; as well as on the challenges, needs, and opportunities for Mexican Cinema in the United States of America. These topics will be further developed with two discussion tables in which experts in different fields will exchange points of view and related experiences, presenting elements which we intend to integrate within the bilateral character and identity of the Festival. The forum will offer an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and analysis of both the U.S. and Mexican Film Industries. Industries that are very close to each other and both speak for the cultural identity of their countries.
Also on November 16, prior to the screening of the film “Miradas Múltiples” (La Máquina Loca) we will announce the creation of a Film Fund to support Mexican Projects and Filmmakers. More detailed information will be announced at a later date.
Throughout the festival weekend, pass holders will enjoy film screenings, red carpet ceremonies and parties, panel discussions, and live music featuring Grammy-winning musicians from LA’s famed Hotel Café. The awards ceremony recognizing the outstanding work of leaders in the film industry will take place on Saturday, November 17 th.
There will be select free screenings for the public at the Cultural Pavilion Amphitheater in Cabo San Lucas and at the Plaza Mijares in San Jose Del Cabo. Included in the free screening program will be the highly anticipated new animated film from DreamWorks Animation, Rise of the Guardians, directed by Peter Ramsay.
“We are proud to showcase a diverse and compelling film program, ranging from special screenings of industry films to independent passion projects, all carefully selected by our programming committees to showcase the best in Mexican, U.S., and international film,” said Festival Director Sean Cross.
“It was important for us to find a balance between our Mexican and international programming, to truly represent Mexico’s new wave of innovative filmmakers, while also highlighting the groundbreaking films being produced in the U.S. and across the world. We have an incredible lineup and are excited to share this year’s program with our attendees for the first annual Baja International Film Festival,” said Eva Sangiorgi, Programmer of the Mexican narrative features selection.
The Inaugural Baja International Film Festival Film Program Includes:
International Narrative Features Competition:
7 Cajas , directed by Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schembori
Faith, Love and Whiskey , directed by Kristina Nikolova
No , directed by Pablo Larrain
The Sky in Bloom , directed by Tor Mian
While We Were Here , directed by Kat Coiro
International Narrative Special Presentations:
6 Month Rule , directed by Blayne Weaver
For Lovers Only , directed by Michael Polish
Mariachi Gringo , directed by Tom Gustafson
Rise of the Guardians , directed by Peter Ramsay
Supporting Characters , directed by Daniel Schechter
Thanks for Sharing , directed by Stuart Blumberg
Mexican Narrative Features Competition:
Fogo , directed by Yulene Olaizola
Las lágrimas , directed by Pablo Delgado Sánchez
Los mejores temas , directed by Nicolás Pereda
Rezeta , directed by Luis Fernando Frías
Un mundo secreto , directed by Gabriel Mariño
Mexican Narrative Special Presentations
Cabeza de Vaca, directed by Nicolas Echevarria
Después de Lucia , directed by Michel Franco
Hecho en México , directed by Duncan Bridgeman
De Tripas Corazón , directed by Antonio Urrutia
Miradas Múltiples (La máquina loca) , directed by Emilio Maillé
Niño Fidencio (El taumaturgo del Espizazo), directed by Nicolás Echevarría
International Documentary Competition:
Blood Relative , directed by Nimisha Mukerji
First Position , directed by Bess Kargman
GuateMaya- The Unification of Wisdom , directed by Cassidy Rast
Money and Honey , directed by Ching-Hui Lee
Nothing Like Chocolate , directed by Kum-Kum Bhavnani
Mexican Documentary Competition:
Buscando a Larisa , directed by Andrés Pardo
Cuates de Australia , directed by Everardo González
El alcalde , directed by Carlos F. Rossini, Emiliano Altuna, and Diego E. Osorno
Inori , directed by Pedro González Rubio
La revolución de los alcatraces , directed by Luciana Kaplan
International Shorts Competition:
Address Is Approximate , directed by Tom Jenkins
Amaqqut Nunaat , directed by Neil Christopher
And If Tomorrow… , directed by Joe Iacovino
Blackout , directed by Francisco Lupini
De Que Se Rien Las Hienas directed by Javier Veiga
El Cocodrilo (The Crocodile) , directed by Steve Acevedo
Grounded , directed by Kevin Margo
Hello Caller , directed by Andrew Putschoegl
Immobile , directed by Helio Mira
Julio Solis, A Move Shake Story , directed by Alexandria Bombach
La Mirada Perdida , directed by Damián Dionisio
Lichen, directed by Kevin Lim
Little Kaiju , directed by Jonathan Baker
Luminaris , directed by Juan Pablo Zaramella
Lunch Date , directed by Sasha Collington
Mentiroso , directed by Will Shipley
Mexican Cuisine , directed by Fran Guijarro
Neighbors , directed by Rachel Goldberg
Nostos , directed by Alessandro D’Ambrosi and Santa de Santis
Q , directed by Felipe Vara de Rey
Rascacielos, directed by Mariana Torres
Resen , directed by Eti Tsicko
Side Effects , directed by Traven Rice
Single Player , directed by Pawe? Soja
The End , directed by Ted Marcus
The Gnome Garden , directed by Elena Hattersley
The Most Girl Part of You , directed by Mark Cummins
The Price , directed by Zeke Pinheiro, James St.Vincent
The Verbal Circuits , directed by Elena Hattersley
Tu ez moi , directed by Melissa Papel and Clarisse Gorokhoff
Mexican Shorts Competition:
Dentro , directed by Emiliano Rocha Minter
Dentro de uno , directed by Salvador Aguirre
Dos de tres , directed by Paulina Rosas
Ecuación , directed by Gerardo Enrique Rodríguez Herrera
Ismael , directed by Sebastian Hofmann
La habitación , directed by Raúl Sebastián Quintanilla
La noria , directed by Karla Castañeda
Las manos limpias , directed by Carlos Armella
Lucy contra los límites de la voz , directed by Mónica Herrera
Perro azul , directed by Federico Zuvire
Un ojo , directed by Lorenza Manrique
Yuban , Yaasib Vázquez Colmenares
Environmental Films:
Azul Intangible , directed by Eréndira Valle Padilla
Planet Ocean , directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot
Open Pit , directed by Gianni Converso
Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey , directed by Wendy J.N. Lee
ABOUT THE BAJA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The inaugural Baja International Film Festival is co-founded by Festival President, Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, longtime supporter of the arts in Los Cabos, BIFF festival directors Scott Cross and Sean Cross, co-founders of the Colorado Film Institute and Vail Film Festival, and business leaders and arts supports Juan Gallardo, Alfonso Pasquel, Eduardo Sanchez Navarro Torres, and Pablo Sanchez Navarro. Scott and Sean Cross also serve as the Festival’s artistic directors alongside Jorge Sanchez Sosa, former director of the Guadalajara Film Festival. Nancy Collet, former Director of Programming at the American Film Institute, serves as Festival Senior International Films Programmer. The Baja International Film Festival will include four days of special presentations, as well as competition screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films, as well as nightly galas, panel discussions, filmmaker receptions, and award ceremonies. The festival is run by a bi-national team of experienced film and business managers who share a passion for bringing Mexican and U.S. cultures together through film. The Baja International Film Festival is supported by the México Tourism Board and endorsed by the State of Baja California Sur and the Los Cabos Tourism Bureau as the Official Festival of Cabo, México. For more information and to order tickets please visit: http://www.bajainternationalfilmfestival.com or email info@bajafilmfest.com.
November 22nd, 2012 at 10:10 pm
DFW success in international expansion continues with two daily flights served by Aeromexico Connect Embraer E-190 aircraft
DFW AIRPORT, Texas — Aeromexico, the global airline of Mexico, has announced that it will start new service between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport and Mexico City in early November. Aeromexico is also announcing special fares to promote the new service. The route will feature twice-daily service aboard Embraer E-190 aircraft, which can seat up to 99 passengers.
“Aeromexico is delighted to start service between Dallas Fort Worth and Mexico City as of November 5,” said Oscar Mejia, Aeromexico VP for North America Sales Division. “We are confident that the community in Dallas/Fort Worth will enjoy traveling with Aeromexico due to the fact that we are an airline that offers superb amenities that are complimentary to our passengers, such as meal service, full bar, audio/video entertainment, plus the fact that our schedules will enable travel to a wide array of destinations in Mexico, Central and South America.”
“DFW International Airport is pleased and proud to welcome Aeromexico service to Mexico City,” said Jeff Fegan CEO of DFW International Airport. “We are very happy to have Mexico’s leading airline back with us at DFW, and our passengers will benefit from having additional flight choices for international travel.”
Aeromexico is Mexico’s leading airline. Aeromexico carried 14 million passengers in 2011 and offers nearly 600 daily flights to 45 destinations in Mexico and 32 international destinations in the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.
The impending arrival of Aeromexico continues DFW’s sustained and successful run of adding new international air service. In the past two years, DFW has added 12 new international destinations and four international passenger air carriers, marking the most successful period of international expansion in the Airport’s history.
Aeromexico is a founding member of SkyTeam, and will join three other members of that global airline alliance serving DFW, including Delta Air Lines, Korean Air and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
DFW becomes the 18th U.S. destination served by Aeromexico. Aeromexico’s departures from DFW to Mexico City will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily, and the daily arrivals from Mexico City are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
For more information about Aeromexico’s promotional fares, contact your travel agent or visit http://www.aeromexico.com.
About Grupo Aeromexico
Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Its fleet includes Boeing 777, 767 and 737 aircraft and the latest Embraer 145, 170 and 190 models. The airline announced a major expansion plan in 2011, to acquire 20 new aircraft in the next 24 months. In 2012, the Group announced that it signed a letter of intent to buy Boeing 100 aircraft, including 90 Boeing 737 Max jet airliners and ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, becoming the largest investment plan in the history of aviation in Mexico.
Grupo Aeromexico operates its main hub out of Terminal 2 in the Mexico City International Airport, and offers 550 daily flights to different cities in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.
Aeromexico is a founding member of SkyTeam, the global airline alliance partnering 17 airlines: Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, CSA Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM Romanian Air Transport and Vietnam Airlines.
SkyTeam offers all partner airline passengers a large global network with more destinations and frequencies, and improved connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem miles through the different airline partners’ loyalty programs and enjoy the benefits offered at SkyTeam’s 503 airport lounges around the world. SkyTeam offers its 531 million annual passengers more than 14,000 daily flights to 983 destinations in 178 countries http://www.skyteam.com
About DFW International Airport
Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world’s fourth busiest, offering nearly 1,750 flights per day and serving 57 million passengers a year. DFW provides nonstop services to 145 domestic and 49 international destinations worldwide. For five consecutive years, DFW has ranked in the top five for customer service among large airports worldwide in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit http://www.dfwairport.com.
(re)defining DFW International Airport
DFW International Airport’s $2.3 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway. For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to http://www.dfwairport.com/redefine.