Vallarta Specials

This past month of November the celebrated Puerto Vallarta boardwalk locally known as the Malecón was inaugurated, after being completely restructured by a high-level project that places the city at the forefront of tourist destinations. The renovations include various details that enhance the warm ambiance and picturesque touches of Mexican folklore that tourists adore, so much so that during each visit to Puerto Vallarta they pay an obligatory visit to the Malecón to enjoy the incredible sunsets over Banderas Bay.

Incredible works of art such as the now-famous sculptures by Alejandro Colunga like La Rotunda de Los Magos continue to decorate the walkways of this special place. Incorporated into the list of artistic exhibitions are indigenous Huichol symbols made with river stones embedded along the walkways by artist Fidencio Benítez, winner of the National Prize for Science and Art. And for those who seek to remain perpetually connected to the rest of the world to share their best moments, wireless internet connection is available throughout the area. Locals and visitors alike agree that this space has become an even more attractive option for spending the afternoon and taking a pleasant stroll while enjoying the refreshing Pacific breeze in beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

Por Karime Infante

El pasado mes de noviembre se reinauguró el tan tradicional malecón de Puerto Vallarta, completamente reestructurado con un proyecto de primer nivel que pone a la vanguardia este lugar turístico. La renovación ha incluido varios detalles que hacen aún más evidente el cálido ambiente y los toques pintorescos del folklor mexicano que tanto admiran los turistas, y que en cada viaje a Puerto Vallarta lo hacen un punto de reunión obligado para disfrutar los increíbles atardeceres frente a la Bahía de Banderas.

Con increíbles manifestaciones de arte, como las ya tradicionales esculturas de Alejandro Colunga entre ellas La Rotonda de Los Magos, siguen vistiendo las banquetas de este increíble lugar. Se incorpora a esta lista de muestras artísticas, símbolos huicholes formadas con piedras de río incrustadas a lo largo del camino, elaboradas por el artista huichol del artista Fidencio Benítez –ganador del Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Arte. Además, para los que buscan estar en todo momento conectados con el resto del mundo para compartir sus mejores momentos, se cuenta con conexión a internet inalámbrica en toda el área. Sin duda, este espacio se ha convertido tanto para locales como turistas, en una excelente opción para pasear por la tarde, dar una placentera caminata mientras se respira la refrescante brisa del Pacífico en el hermoso Puerto Vallarta.

by Manuel Calderón de la Barca

Luis Angarita, president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Puerto Vallarta began the “Sustainability in the Hotel Industry” workshop by saying, “Puerto Vallarta is a privileged combination of mountains and sea with an enchanting village in between, allowing us to make our living from tourism; a piece of real Mexico that has great qualities and that has the goal of staying clean and maintaining quality tourist offerings, in order to continue being successful”.

The workshop was organized by the Secretary of Tourism and Australian environmental certification company Earthcheck, and was held at Velas Vallarta on September 6th and 7th.

The workshop’s objective, as indicated by EarthCheck’s Ambassador to Latin America Gustavo Ramos Fumagalli, is to make the EarthCheck certification known as a means of generating sustainability in the tourism business, emphasizing the importance of administering and optimizing the earth’s resources in order to continue coexisting with it not only in terms of savings but to cause the least amount of damage possible to the natural world; this criteria is aligned with global standards of sustainable tourism endorsed by the World Tourism Organization.

Esmeralda Ríos, representative of the Secretary of Tourism pointed out that “one of the Federal Secretary of Tourism’s priorities is to promote sustainability in the most important destinations and business empires in the country, as according to research by international organizations there is currently a large interest on the part of the tourist in travel that has a lower environmental impact”.

The state of Jalisco’s Director of Tourism Ludwig Estrada also attended the conference, stating “we work daily in the state to provide inviting, quality tourism and this greatly involves making this industry sustainable in Mexico, an industry by which we find ourselves in 8th place of the most successful destinations in the world.“

He continued, “We should regulate tourism so that it does not affect biodiversity and have conscious tourism that impacts the environment less and less. Those who succeed in adapting to the new demands in environmental standards are sure to be those who will continue being successful hotels”.

The event began promptly at 9:00am at the Velas Vallarta Convention Center where audio-visual environmental presentations were made, followed by tours of various successful cases in hotels certified by EarthCheck.

The first exhibit was at the host resort Velas Vallarta, where engineer and Maintenance Manager José Luis Mejía Paz informed the group about “Alternative Energies applied to the hotel”; a project that EarthCheck has recognized as outstanding.

Sr. Mejía Paz showed how the resort installed solar panels on the roof to capture the energy of the sun’s light, with two primary objectives: to heat the pools and bring hot water to all 345 suites. “This has caused significant savings on our electric energy invoices, and in the purchase of LP gas, but above all it has benefitted us in terms of environmental impact”.

He shared that before purchasing the solar panels, the hotel consumed almost 226 thousand liters of gas per year. After installing this technology, consumption was reduced to 140 thousand liters of gas, meaning that they stopped the release of over 115 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa began the second day of activities on the morning of September

7th, lead by Quality Manager Wilson Canul, with the theme “Care of the Ecosystem and Guest Involvement”.

Measures that the resort has taken include the opening of a zoo that cares for animal victims of mistreatment, the maintenance and conservation of a botanical garden with native plants, and programs for guests of the resort to connect with the natural world. He also highlighted the promotion of staff awareness through the creation of the “Green Team”, made up of six multidisciplinary groups that function as auditors of different areas including:

Politics and Legislation, Recycling and Ecosystems, Communication and Connections with Society, and Revision and Good Practices.

Biologist Carlos Ponce, Operations Manager of the Martí Initiative also participated in the workshop, presenting “Hotel Members of the Riviera Maya” in which he highlighted the programs in the area and agreements between civil organizations and tourism businesses aimed at achieving permanent change in the planning, design and construction of hotels and tourism facilities to aid  in the conservation of the Mesoamerican Reef. Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a Velas Resort property, is an active member of this environmentally-concerned group of businesses.

It was then Grupo Vidanta’s turn, lead by engineer Ulises Quintana Equihua of the Security and Hygiene department of Vallarta Development, who presented “Efficient Use of Drinking Water and Management of Solid Waste”.

He mentioned that the group has a residual water treatment plant, which services the Jarretaderas area as part of the commitment to community support, and that the development has recycling programs for solid waste as well as producing high-quality compost through an innovative technique that uses worms to enrich the soil for use as an organic fertilizer in the gardens and golf courses.

After the conference, the group was taken to the Grupo Vidanta treatment plant located in Nuevo Vallarta for a practical tour to see the way the facilities are operated.

Hours later, upon returning to Velas Vallarta, Arturo Cruz Castellanos of Barceló Hotel presented “Support for the Community”, speaking about a special program called “We Learn through Play” implemented in the Assistance Center of the El Tuito community, where workshop attendees were taken and treated to a special festival organized by the children of the Center.

There, the organizing committee of the workshop provided all attendees with a written summary of the event and the representative of the Secretary of Tourism Esmeralda Rios brought the workshop to a close, inviting all hotels to join “this certification of the tasks of sustainability, in which we seek not only to leave a better planet for our children, but to create consciousness in offices, communities, homes and families to also leave better children for our planet.”

About EarthCheck

An international certification agency in Sustainable Tourism, EarthCheck was founded in Australia in 1987. It is a non-profit organization that reinvests in research and development, with presence in over 70 countries and over 1000 members. Currently in Mexico over 40 businesses are certified by EarthCheck. In Puerto Vallarta five organizations are certified, including Velas Vallarta and Casa Velas and a golf course that comply with the standards of this environmental administration program.

El Grupo Editorial Orange, que publica en México la revista Mercado de Convenciones (MDC) realizó una encuesta entre los lectores de esta publicación, en su mayoría empresarios, altos directivos y líderes que toman decisiones en la organización de eventos, para conocer los hoteles más destacados en este rubro de la hospitalidad.

La investigación se dirigió también aquellas personas que realizan juntas de trabajo, congresos, seminarios, ferias, exposiciones, viajes de incentivo, negocio y placer; entre ellos destacan miembros de la American Express Corporate Meeting Card, “meeting planners” y “travel managers” de empresas nacionales e internacionales.

También se encuentran organizadores profesionales de convenciones y congresos (PCO’s), de ferias y exposiciones (B2B y B2C), así como presidentes de asociaciones y cámaras; de Gobierno, agencias de viajes, “Destination Management Companies” (DMC’s) y prestadores de servicios especializados, entre otros.

Luego del análisis de los resultados, según lo comunicó Renato Sandoval Martín, Director General de Orange, en carta enviada recientemente al director general del hotel, Pierre Bonin; Casa Velas fue seleccionado por cuarto año consecutivo como uno de los Top 20 Small Luxury Hotels for Meetings (Hoteles Pequeños de Lujo para Convenciones) México 2011.

La encuesta calificó varios puntos, y comprendió solamente a hoteles de categoría especial, gran turismo y cinco estrellas. Sobre el hotel y sus instalaciones se evaluó: número y estado físico de las habitaciones, salones, mobiliario y equipo audiovisual; capacidad en salones y su estado físico, centro de negocios, espacios en áreas públicas para eventos, estado físico de áreas públicas y mantenimiento del hotel en general.

De igual manera se tomaron en cuenta factores como facilidades para discapacitados, estado del campo de golf, servicios del Spa y condiciones del gimnasio.

En cuanto Alimentos y Bebidas, se valoró calidad y presentación de alimentos, precio versus calidad y estado físico del plaqué.

Con respecto al recurso humano del hotel, se evaluó la atención del personal de Ventas, del de Grupos y Convenciones y de Recepción. También de capitanes y meseros, así como la capacidad de respuesta en cuanto emergencias en Alimentos y Bebidas y montajes.

Editorial group Orange, publishers of Mercado de Convenciones magazine, or Conventions Market magazine, did a survey of their reader base, made up mostly of businesspeople, directors and decision-making leaders in event organization, to find out which hotels stood out as being the best for events.

The study was also directed towards people who organize business meetings, conventions, seminars, expositions, and incentive, business and pleasure trips; among them were members of the American Express Corporate Meeting Card and professional Meeting Planners and Travel Managers of Mexican and International companies.

Professional convention and congress organizers (PCOs), organizers of fairs and expositions (B2B and B2Cs), presidents of travel agencies and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and service providers also shared their opinion in the survey.

After analyzing the results, according to a recent letter from General Director of Orange Renato Sandoval Martín to Casa Velas General Director Pierre Bonin, Casa Velas was chosen for the fourth year as one of the Top 20 Small Luxury Hotels for Meetings in Mexico 2011.

The survey covered only Five Star, Grand Tourism and special-category hotels. The hotel and its facilities were evaluated on: number and condition of the rooms, conference spaces, furniture and audiovisual equipment, conference capacity and condition of the business center, common areas for events, condition of common areas and general maintenance of the hotel.

Accessibility for differently-abled attendees, condition of the golf course, Spa services and the gymnasium were also taken into consideration.

Food and Beverages were rated on presentation, price versus quality and condition of the dining facilities.

With regard to the quality of service offered, the Sales Department, Groups and Conventions and Reception were evaluated, as well as the managers and wait staff and the general ability to respond to Food and Beverage and event-setup emergencies.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit hosted the national presentation of the new Mazda 2, 2012 to the 31 distributors of Mazda in Mexico.

The vehicle made an astonishing appearance out of the blue coastal sky, upon being transported by helicopter over the beach in front of the resort to a platform in the center of the main pool.

Banderas Bay set the perfect scene for this creative presentation after being selected by Mazda’s national agenda as the site for the event. Every year a national meeting is held, and nothing could be better than the majestic natural scenery of this destination and the luxury and hospitality of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit for the official presentation of the new compact Mazda.

After the spectacular entrance, a grand afternoon cocktail and dinner reception was held around the pool to welcome the 31 Mexican Distributors.

Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta are a daily occurrence, and among the events that continue to reinforce the quality of this Pacific beach destination, the semifinal of the Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2011 beauty contest was held at the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center on August 18th. The 34 contestants, representing the women of all 32 Mexican States, gave it their best during the Traditional Wear (awarding only the designers), Swimsuit and Evening Wear rounds of the competition.

The event was a complete success; hundreds of people attended, including family members of the contestants who cheered them on with shouts and whistles of support.

The contest, hosted by actor and singer Jan and Karín Ontiveros, Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2010, lasted two hours and was recorded for television to be aired on Channel 2 in Mexico.

The judging panel was made up of television producer and TV y Novelas magazine editor Juan José Origel, reporter Aurora Valle and actor Gabriel Soto, as well as Jordi Avendaño, official photographer of Nuestra Belleza, Marú Ruiz del Caza, Mexican editor of Hola!, Arturo Velasco, Musical Director of Televisa, cosmetic surgeon José Abel de la Peña, Luis Moya, dermatologist to the stars, and Dafne Molina, producer, model and Nuestra Belleza Mundo Mexico 2004.

During this stage of the contest no winners were announced; the contestants would have to wait until August 20, for the final. After the semifinal, judges, contestants and organizers were invited to a grand Cocktail Gala at the Casa Velas Ocean Club to enjoy gourmet canapés and tropical beverages in the true exquisite style of Velas Resorts.

To support the young beauties, Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete, graced the festivities with her presence and announced that she would be present for the final, to meet and present the crown to the next Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2011.

After enjoying the event at the Ocean Club, the executive Nuestra Belleza committee moved to Emiliano Restaurant at the hotel, where they enjoyed a gastronomic tour with a dinner prepared especially for the occasion.

Ximena Navarrete, mentioned the world-class treatment and service she had enjoyed to the hotel’s General Director Pierre Bonin. “The Spa and food are incomparable; the facilities are beautiful, the staff has pampered me and exceeded both mine and my families’ expectations. We have had a wonderful time”, stated the most beautiful woman in the world.

She added, just as members of the judging panel, organizers and participants had, that she was left with a great impression of the hotel and of Puerto Vallarta;

“the people are wonderful and always smiling, and the service is first-class.”

“I will definitely be back, I loved it here”, said Navarrete, upon receiving an exclusive Casa Velas VIP card giving her access to special benefits during her next visit.

With the 2011 Pan-American Games set to take place in October in Jalisco, the Pacific Airport Group (GAP) reports important news regarding six projects considered priorities in facilitating the reception of thousands of visitors; they will be investing 320 million pesos in the Puerto Vallarta International Airport alone.

This sports event will be held principally in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and will contribute greatly to the flow of passengers in addition to bringing new ones who have never visited the destination. Puerto Vallarta will host the event for four competitions: Beach Volleyball, Triathlon, Open-Water Swim and Sailing.

To attract more visitors a joint effort is required to offer an attractive, modern destination that offers tranquility and comfort to its passengers, stated a GAP director.

At the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the projects report significant advances, and will not affect the flow of passengers, as they are focused on a corner of the building next to the terminal, the rehabilitation of the runway, expansion of the platform and expansion of the four positions of the terminal.

In Guadalajara the security arches will be widened as well as the mezzanine, modifying the arrival area and expanding the national arrivals building.

The works being completed will also affect the design, image and painting of the airports to improve their appearance.

“Soy Vallarta, Soy Panamericano”

Literally meaning I am Vallarta, I am Pan-American, this campaign is being used by the City Council of Puerto Vallarta in light of the Pan-American games to be held in October, to promote various activities and create excitement and awareness of this grand event.

In the coming days the official game mascots, Huichi, Leo and Gavo will be around town to entertain kids and adults and provide fun photo opportunities.

More information: www.guadalajara2011.org.mx

El sol sale cada mañana, pero la del 7 de septiembre de 2011 tendrá un brillo especial. Las invitadas al delicioso desayuno gourmet frente al mar, aparte de reunirse para ayudar, algo que siempre está de moda, disfrutarán de la rifa de atractivos premios y del Desfile de Modas con los más exclusivos accesorios y ropa de playa del resort.

Con este tipo de eventos, Velas Resorts se suma a las instituciones que ayudan a quienes más lo necesitan y a aquellas personas que se preocupan por su comunidad. Lo recaudado se donará al Centro de Atención a Niños con Cáncer (Canica) y a Manos de Amor por Bahía, para que causas como éstas sigan resplandeciendo.

El costo será de 250 pesos por persona. Para más información y compra de boletos dirigirse a la Asociación Femenil Vallartense, A.C., asociacionfemenil@yahoo.com.mx, o en los teléfonos 322 224 9906 y 293 2276.

También en Manos de Amor por Bahía, candyvero_casahogar@hotmail.com, o llame al 329 298 3680 y al celular 322 121 7400. De igual manera, al Departamento de Relaciones Públicas del Hotel, al correo relacionespublicas@grandvelas.com, o al teléfono 322 226 8000, extensión 5003.

The sun comes out every morning, but on September 7th, 2011 it will have a special shine. Guests of this delicious gourmet ocean-front breakfast, aside from coming together to help, which is always in style, will enjoy a raffle of fantastic prizes and a Fashion Show of the most exclusive beach clothing and accessories of the resort.

By participating in these types of events, Velas Resorts joins forces with institutions that help those most in need and people who genuinely care about their communities. The proceeds will be donated to Canica, the Children’s Cancer Center, and Manos de Amor por Bahia, which helps needy children in Banderas Bay.

The cost of the event is 250 pesos per person. For ticket sales and more information please contact the Asociación Femenil Vallartense, A.C. by calling 322 224 9906 or 322 293 2276 or send an email to asociacionfemenil@yahoo.com.mx

You can also contact Manos de Amor por Bahia by calling 329 298 3680 or 322 121 7400 or send an email to candyvero_casahogar@hotmail.com or contact the Public Relations Department at Grand Velas by calling 322 226 8000, extension 5003 or send an email to relacionespublicas@grandvelas.com.