How To Travel Light When on Vacation!

yoga-nyc-beats.com

Part of planning for your holidays to wherever it might be is figuring out what you should pack for your trip. This is especially important if you decide to travel in a plane because most planes charge for extra baggage and you more than likely want to save money wherever you can when planning for your vacation. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to travel light no matter where you might be traveling to. 

One of the first things you should do to learn how to travel light is make a list of all the absolutely necessary things you can't live without. You need to include just the things that you use each and every day of the week. If it's something that say you haven't used in a week or two, where is the need to pack it? Simply buy whatever it is when you get to your destination, if you suddenly decide you need it. 

You may not want to bring your camera equipment, say what? Seriously, you might consider just investing in some of the disposable ones that you can buy just about anywhere instead of having to take up extra space with your camera and also having to worry about the possibility of losing your camera or even having it stolen. 

Try to limit yourself to just two pairs of shoes, one pair you wear on the plane and one pair packed in your suitcase. Also make sure to have clothing that can be mixed and matched. This way you will have less clothes to pack but you will still have variety in what you wear. 

Make sure to research where you are going. Check out all of the amenities that are offered. By knowing what is offered will help you better pack for the trip. If they offer hair dryers, there's no need for you to pack one yourself. If they have irons and ironing boards, no need to pack an iron. So make sure that you know about all the amenities before you make any packing decisions. 

Another thing you might consider doing is to purchase undergarments that are inexpensive and you can afford to throw away. This will give you more room in your suitcase on the return trip for any things you may have purchased while on vacation. 

Consider taking smaller varieties of your favorite soaps and shampoos by going to any drug store or dollar stores that offer up a variety of different travel size items. You can get several of each of shampoo, conditioner, soaps, hand lotions, toothpaste, etc. There will be a lot more room for you to pack other things if you use the travel size items for your trip. You can also make sure to utilize the small samples they give you in your hotel room as well.  

Haggling and Bargaining - Shopping in International Markets

gomexico.about.com
 By Kathleen Crislip


Bargaining and haggling while shopping are not ventures that come naturally to US citizens -- we go to the store, we look at the prices, we buy if we know the price is right and we want the thing. The more daring may ask a salesperson if there's a better deal to be had, but for the most part, we're trained to assume the marked price is probably the price unless shopping for certain big ticket items.

Not so in much international shopping. In international markets and bazaars, prices often aren't marked to begin with, or may just be a starting point for a conversation with the seller in which the seller will try to get the most money possible (of course) for his wares, and you may just be trying to buy the thing, period.

Yeah, not so fast, amigo.

Shopping for souvenirs, like pottery in Mexico or didgeridoos in Australia, operates on the same principle that shopping at home does -- you find what you like, you find the best price. The kicker, though, is that you can have some real fun doing it while you meet some local folks and get a lesson in bargaining and courtesy. Sometimes, that means a transaction of much lengthier duration than you may be used to.

Get a few tips from some veteran shoppers, and have some fun!

Shopping in Mazatlan

 mazatlansource.com

Once you've been to Mazatlan, it should come as no surprise that many of Mazatlan's visitors are here mainly to SHOP. We offer incredible original art, beautiful handicrafts, stylish clothing, and of course lots of silver jewelry! This is your guide to find what you're looking for.

The shopping scene in Mazatlan generally takes place in small independently-owned stores, but there are several modern malls. Downtown (‘El Centro’) Mazatlan is the primary center of commerce, but "the Golden Zone" where most of the hotels are located is the most convenient to most visitors. Although downtown offers more authentic Mexican gifts, many visitors are quite satisfied with the selection in "the Golden Zone". Unique silver jewelry and pottery made from local artists are popular items for tourists to take home. After spending a little time here you’ll find that each store and vendor has a unique variety of novel gifts.

The main shopping center, La Gran Plaza, is located in the Golden Zone. There are over 120 stores with a wide variety of services and products such as leather items, book stores, travel agencies and more. Those who do not enjoy getting lost in large shopping centers should visit the city's downtown area or the smaller indipendent shops throughout the Golden Zone where they will find small shops selling liquors, vanilla, leather goods and handicrafts like basket and wickerwork, as well as embroidery from nearby villages and communities such as Concordia.

SILVER and JEWELRY: You’ll find an abundance of silver here…Mexico is a leading producer of ‘plata’ and the beautiful jewelry that can be made from this wonderful metal, so you’ll find lots of bargains to be had. True silver is stamped “.925”, but beware that much of the ‘silver’ sold on the beach is actually ‘alpaca’, a lower-quality silver metal, even though it may have been stamped “.925”. This doesn’t mean you won’t find beautiful rings, bracelets, and necklaces from the beach vendors…they just might not last as long and will require more frequent polishing to maintain their shine.

The highest quality silver jewelry is sold in the stores. Prices typically are not marked, but instead based on the weight of the piece. Your prospective selection will be placed on an electronic scale, and the weight multiplied by the store’s price-per-gram. Most stores will allow a little ‘wiggle room’ for negotiation, especially if you are buying multiple items or a single large piece. Native gemstones included in jewelry typically include jade and polished coral or onyx. You’ll find silver stores all over town.

THE FLEA MARKET: The Juarez Flea Market is only open on Sundays, but definately worth planning a trip to if you've never been to an authentic "Tiangus", the typical Mexican coming-together of merchants. Here you will find anything and everything, from shoes and socks to hardware to CDs and DVDs to clothing to ceramics to kitchenware to ????? There are some great deals here, good authentic and cheap food, and this is where many of the locals shop. Lots of bartering, lots of stuff, lots of people, and LOADS of fun.

CLOTHING, LEATHER, SANDALS: Mazatlan will offer you a wide variety of clothing options for sale. Of course there are lots of silly T-shirts available nearly everywhere, but higher forms of fashion are appreciated here too. Notable: Very popular is ‘manta’, a light and airy cotton fabric that makes perfect warm-climate clothing. Mexico is famous for hand-worked leather goods, and Mazatlan is no exception. You’ll find leather belts, bags, sandals, and clothing from jackets to pants to hats to dresses everywhere.

TALAVERA POTTERY: The beautiful multi-colored pottery you may know as ‘Mexican style’ is actually called Talavera, and Mazatlan has plenty of it. From flower pots to dinnerware, vases to platters, figurines, and even sinks and toilets…you’ll see it all over town. Look for pieces marked ‘lead-free’ on the back of bottom to insure that’s what you’re getting. Talavera is pretty sturdy stuff…still, you want to pack it carefully to get it home in one piece, and wash it carefully once you arrive. Much of the Talavera in Mazatlan comes from Guadalajara, Puebla, or the little town of Delores Hidalgo.

CIGARS: While you can enjoy genuine Cuban cigars here (Mexico is still on friendly terms with Cuba), don’t discount those that originate here! Mexico has fine tabacco producing regions as well, and you can find fine cigars hand-rolled to your specifications here. You’ll find Cuban cigars as well, but if you’re a resident of the USA (or changing planes in the USA on your way back home), these are forbidden by outdated regulations, and will be confiscated by U.S. customs, and possibly incur you a hefty fine if found in your luggage. Canadian and citizens of other countries have little to worry about as long as their flight plans do not include a stop on U.S. soil.

TEQUILA: Tequila is Mexico’s gift to the world of the distilled-spirits drinker, and Mazatlan has plenty of opportunities for enjoying this classic Mexican liquor which is distilled in a small part of the Mexican mainland. In Mazatlan you can sample the best of this magical liquor at a variety of stores around town, and of course in every bar, restaurant, cantina, and club. (For the full story on Tequila, see “Tequila!” on MazatlanSource.com)

HOME DECORATIONS: Mazatlan is a dream for those looking for unique home furnishings, art, and accents. You’ll find every type of home furnishing and decoration imaginable, from small accent pieces to entire furniture sets.

GLASSWARE: Everybody loves the fabulous blue-rimmed glassware famous in Mexico, but how do you get it home? Not to worry, the vendors of this beautiful Mexican art are also experts at packing so you’ll get it home all in one piece.

THE MERCHANDISE COMES TO YOU ON THE BEACH! When you’re on the beach, all manner of merchandise will come to you in the form of the Mazatlan beach vendor. These wandering salesmen and women will offer you wood carvings, jewelry, blankets, shirts and wraps, lace, temporary tattoos, wind chimes, hair braiding, and more. It’s a great way to do business!: You with your cold drink in your hand, and the vendor doing his best to convince you why you need the particular item in question. Thus begins the bargaining game!

Here’s how it works: You start admiring an object, and the vendor asks you if you like it. You ask how much it costs, and he replies that it is 200 pesos. At this point you tell him that this is far too much money, and he replies by explaining about the fine quality of the item, how many days it took the craftsman to create this piece of art, and then asks how much you want to pay. You suggest that you might like to take it home with you if it were 75 pesos. He chuckles and tells you that this is simply not possible, as he has a wife and children to feed, but allows that he could bring his price down to 180 pesos. You in turn offer to pay 100 pesos, and on and on.

This can, if you like, go on for quite some time, until you reach a price at which you can both agree. Or, you can simply put the item back in his hands at any time and say that it’s just more than you can afford. Be aware that the vendor may agree finally to sell it to you at your last-offered price (which you are now rather obligated to accept), but to “please don’t tell anybody else”. This can be a way for both of you to save face and complete the transaction. This is the way business is and has been done in Mexico for years and years, and how friends are made as well!

Bartering should never be insulting. For the Mexican it is part of life and business; if it is not fun for you, stick to the stores with price tags on their merchandise. To insult someone's merchandise is down-right rude, and will only make you, and your fellow countrymen, look bad.

When you are not in the mood to do business, simply waggle your finger or shake your head at passing vendors when they ask for your interest…they will politely nod and move on.

Handy Conversions for Mazatlan

mazatlansource.com

Mexico, like the rest of the civilized world, uses the Metric system of measurements. A few very odd countries, such as the United States, still hold on to outdated measurement systems by using ridiculously illogical methods of measuring distance by inches, feet, and yards; liquids by pints, quarts and gallons; and weights by ounces and pounds. For the benefit of our visitors to Mazatlan from the U.S. who still resist moving out of the stone-age, we provide this simple chart for dealing with what, to you, will be a different method of measurements. 

Think about this amount...	as being this amount...	but it's actually exactly...
Pint	almost 1/2 liter	.47 liters
Quart	almost a liter	.95 liters
Gallon	almost 4 liters	3.79 liters
5 Gallons	almost 19 liters	18.93 liters
Inch	about 2-1/2 cm	2.54 cm
Foot	about 30 cm	30.48 cm
Yard	a bit less than a meter	.91 meters
Mile	about 1-1/2 km	1.61 km
Pound	a bit less than 1/2 kilo	.45 kilos
Ounce	about 28 grams	28.35 grams
Square Foot	almost 1/10 of a sq. meter	.09 sq. meter
Square Yard	almost 1 sq. meter	.84 sq. meter
Acre	4/10 of a hectare	40 hectares

Shoe Sizes are a whole different animal…we’re not sure what the Mexican shoe size numbers refer to, and this should be considered a ‘rough guide’ to finding a pair of shoes that fits you. As always, try them on before you buy, as the actual size from different manufacturers may vary wildly: Note that Mexicans in general are of smaller statue than Gringos, and therefore finding size 11 or larger men's shoes or size 9 or larger women's shoes may be difficult in Mazatlan without considerable searching.

MEN'S SHOE SIZES:

U.S.	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
Mexico	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	32

WOMEN'S SHOE SIZES:

U.S.	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Mexico	22	23	24	25	26	27	28

TIME: Mexicans are a very relaxed culture. Waiting is part of life, and nobody gets uptight about things not happening on the same schedule as the rest of the world. Gringos who move to Mazatlan and are unable to adapt to this new relaxed concept of time are quickly driven crazy and most of them return to their time-structured lives back home. (The few that remain simply annoy their quickly-dwindling pool of friends with constant complaining.)

Here’s a few key Mexican words, followed by their ‘dictionary definition’, and then the reality:

“Ahora” is defined as ‘now’ but actually means ‘in a while’

“Ahorita” is defined as ‘right now’ but actually means ‘in a little while’

“Mañana” is defined as ‘today’ but actually means ‘some day other than today’

“Cinco minutos” is defined as ‘five minutes’ but actually means ‘five Mexican minutes’, which could be up to 15 minutes of more

“Momentito” is defined as ‘in a moment’, but could actually mean ‘five Mexican minutes’

If you are making time-sensitive plans with a Mexican, it's best to confirm what you mean: "5:15 Mexican time or Gringo time?" or "He's coming in cinco minutos or cinco Mexican minutos?". These will be understood with a smile and clarified in Mazatlan.

Shopping for Vanilla

mazatlansource.com

Many visitors to Mazatlan want to bring home a bottle of Mexico’s famed vanilla extract for their kitchens at home. Because vanilla originated in Mexico, it’s natural to think that we’d have a good supply of real, pure vanilla extract. Well, “Surprise!” That big bottle of 'genuine pure' vanilla your friends brought back from Mazatlan is probably synthetic.

Vanilla is the only edible fruit from an orchid, and Mexico had the monopoly on vanilla extract until the late 19th century. Most of Mexico’s vanilla was (and still is) grown in Vera Cruz State on the eastern side of the country, in the moist mountains that also grow a majority of Mexico’s coffee and tobacco. As travel and shipping expanded, Mexican vanilla plants made their way to France, Tahiti, and Madagascar, all which had ideal climates for vanilla production. So no matter where your vanilla comes from, it has its roots in Mexico.

But strong demand for the scent and flavor of vanilla combined with the labor-intensive efforts required to cultivate and process real vanilla created the need for a synthetic version, which was perfected first by the Germans in 1880. For a while, other Caribbean and Central American countries produced artificial vanilla as well, hoping to cash in on their close proximity to Mexico, and some growth and production of legitimate vanilla continues to this day in some of these areas.

The United States is the world's largest consumer of vanilla, followed by Europe - especially France. About 1400 tons of dried vanilla is produced worldwide each year. Our worldwide interest in natural vanilla has grown considerably in the past several years, however, and the current annual demand is for 2200 tons of vanilla. As you can see, there’s an 800 ton gap in production, thus the demand for synthetic vanilla.

Most of the vanilla you will encounter in Mazatlan is synthetic, no matter what the label says. Bogus vanilla likely includes a high alcohol content (up to 25%), whereas genuine vanilla extract will have no more than 2% alcohol. Fake vanilla may also contain coumarin, an extract of the Tonka tree, which can be toxic to the liver. It has been outlawed in the United States, but may still find its way into synthetic vanilla here.

The one brand of vanilla here in Mazatlan that enjoys a reputation of being pure and ‘real’ vanilla is Orlando. It’s not available everywhere, but look around a bit and you’ll find it. If you’re not going to get the real thing, than you might as well buy your vanilla back home, where at least you can be pretty sure that it doesn’t include any harmful chemicals.

How To: Use Money In Mexico

mexicotravelvacationtips.com

What’s one thing that no vacation can live without? Money, of course!

Your luxury Mexico Vacation wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping to pick up some authentic Mexican items! Here are a few tips on how to get the money you need while travelling in Mexico:

1. Be Up To Date On The Currency

 

Mexican currency, the Peso, is still the main means of transaction in all of Mexico’s shops, hotels and restaurants.

Many places will accept the dollar as a source of transaction, however, it is recommended to use the Peso during your stay. You may find a number of Exchange Houses to trade your dollars and/or travelers checks for Pesos.

2. Bring Debit And/Or Credit Cards

 

Most major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in thousands of Mexico’s shops, hotels and restaurants. (Ask your bank if any charges apply)

Another great thing about using a debit or credit card is they keep a record of spending while on your Mexico vacation.

One caution while using your credit or debit card: Be sure to keep all information secure, much like you would while using them at home.

3. ATMs Are Available For Use

ATMs are the quickest way to obtain the local currency, however, Exchange Houses offer a quick and easy way to transfer, acquire, or exchange currency.

ATMs are widely available and almost always reliable (we will tell you the flip side next). These Cash Machines will dispense the Mexican pesos to anyone with a VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc. card.

Now the flip side: We say “almost always” reliable because some lobbies that hold the ATM machines require you to scan your debit card in order to enter. This can compromise your information and make it easy for identity theft. DO NOT SWIPE YOUR CARD HERE.

Do you have anymore Mexico Vacation Tips and Tricks on the best ways to use and get money while in Mexico? Leave us a comment!

How to Barter in Mexico

ehow.com

Instructions

1. • 1
     Find out the current currency conversion rate for dollars to pesos. Conversion rates are ever changing, so the rate you look up may be different in just a few weeks time. This rate will be the key to your bargaining power while you are in the markets in Mexico, so have this dollar to peso ratio handy.
     
   • 2
     Read the Mexico travel guide for the specific region of Mexico in which you are staying. Each year a new guide is published, so be certain to either purchase or borrow a current edition. Locate the largest outdoor or flea market in the area and write out directions. Ask the concierge at the desk of your hotel to arrange safe transportation to and from the shopping market.
     
   • 3
     Locate an item that sparks your interest and inquire the price from the seller. Tell the seller their price is not what you were looking to spend. The seller will likely ask you to tell them the price you are willing to pay. Tell the seller half of the amount of what they said the price originally was.
     
   • 4
     Turn and begin to walk away from the seller and the item. Show general disinterest and say that you can find the item elsewhere cheaper. Tell the seller that you only have a certain amount of money and that will be your final offer.
     
   • 5
     Walk out of the store if their price does not meet your needs, or the seller is unwilling to compromise. If the seller accepts your offer then pay them with exact change in either pesos or US dollars. Calculate the value of the dollar to peso ratio in the store with your calculator to ensure that you are indeed paying the correct amount. If you have told the seller you only have a certain amount of money, then do not offer them a large bill and ask for change. Purchase your goods, thank the seller and leave the store.
     
     

Tips & Warnings

 

• Be kind with sellers and do not offer extremely low-ball offers, as the seller may become offended.
• Watch your purse or wallet closely in markets in Mexico. Petty theft against tourists is very common and little can be done once your items are stolen.

 

 

New Rules In Mexico Ease Holiday Travel Across Border

Southbound travelers create long lines at a Mexican customs checkpoint in Laredo, Texas.

Mónica Ortiz Uribe

By  Mónica Ortiz Uribe

December 09, 2013

Mónica Ortiz Uribe

Ofelia Gomez sells handmade soap at a mall in Ciudad Juárez. Mexican retailers along the border feel they lose at lot of business to the United States, especially during the holidays.

This is the busiest time of year for travel along the United States-Mexico border.

Many Mexican shoppers head north and unload their wallets at American stores. Americans with family ties in Mexico travel south to visit relatives, sometimes carrying loads of presents.

During this year's holiday season the Mexican government is making it easier for southbound traffic to enter the country.

The El Paso Times reports drivers traveling south in vehicles registered in the United States will be subject to fewer inspections along their journey. These drivers are initially inspected by Mexican customs immediately after crossing the border. Now they will no longer be subject to a second inspection, which typically happens at checkpoints just south of the border. 

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announced the closing of those secondary checkpoints last month during a visit to the border town of Ojinaga. He said the closures will create fewer delays for travelers and hopefully help boost tourism.

Furthermore, the Mexican government will allow Mexicans living in the United States to carry more American merchandise south of the border. The El Paso Times reports the amount of merchandise they can bring over has increased from $300 to $500 per person.

Facilitating spending north of the border does not sit well with some Mexican business owners. In late October, Mexico's congress passed a tax hike for Mexican border states. To help compete against prices for goods sold in the United States, Mexican border states have a tax rate of 11 percent on goods. As of Jan. 1 the tax rate will rise to 16 percent to mirror the rest of the country.

A business group in Tijuana is protesting the tax hike saying it will send even more business and shoppers north, hurting Mexican retailers.

Mazatlecans Spend 800 Million Pesos during Buen Fin Weekend

by Maureen Dietrich on 19 Nov 13  

mazmessenger.com

40 percent of sales were fully paid in cash.

Sinaloa President of the Federacion de Camaras de Comercio said that despite damage to homes and property in Sinaloa by Hurricane Manuel on September 19 and Tropical Storm Sonia on October 4, both consumers and businesses have responded extraordinarily to this year’s Buen Fin discount shopping weekend.

Sales this year were up 12 percent over last year, totaling approximately three thousand million pesos in the State, of which 800 million pesos were spent by Mazatlecans. Participating businesses rose from 4,500 to 6,000, a 30 percent increase, he said.

Of the sales registered, 40 percent were fully paid in cash and the remaining 60 percent were paid by credit or debit card.

Plasma televisions, home appliances, cell phones and computer equipment were high on shoppers’ lists this year when participating shops and department stores offered discounts from 15 to 60 percent on marked items with easy payment terms.

 {from Noroeste}

Buen Fin y "puente" llenan a Mazatlán

Sibely Cañedo

19-11-2013

 

 

Los comercios se observaron llenos por el Buen Fin. Fotografía: Noroeste / Olivia Gutiérrez.

 noroeste.com

MAZATLÁN._ El fin de semana "revolucionario", combinado con el Buen Fin y la nueva carretera Mazatlán-Durango, dejó a Mazatlán ocupaciones hoteleras de entre el 90 y el 100 por ciento.

Aunque ayer los visitantes emprendían el éxodo hacia sus lugares de origen, sábado y domingo fueron de alto dinamismo para el puerto debido a la alta afluencia del turismo carretero, resaltó José Ramón Manguart Sánchez, dirigente de la Asociación de Hoteles Tres Islas.

Atribuyó el éxito de este periodo de descanso a las fuertes campañas de promoción que se han ejecutado en los mercados de Durango y Coahuila, con la finalidad de incentivar el tránsito por la llamada supercarretera Mazatlán-Durango.

"A través del Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso se está ejecutando una campaña de promoción muy agresiva tanto en medios impresos como en digitales en las áreas de Torreón y Durango, ciudades que están a 5 y a 2 horas y media".

Adelantó que en lo que resta de la semana continuarán los buenos números en alojamiento, debido a la realización de congresos académicos a los que asisten cientos de estudiantes nacionales.

Sobre la campaña del Buen Fin, Manguart Sánchez opinó que ha reactivado también al turismo debido a la oferta de paquetes de viajes, por lo que la diferencia es notable en comparación al mismo periodo en los años previos a esta promoción nacional.

El presidente de Canaco-Servytur, Miguel Hernández Fonseca, confirmó que la ocupación en la cadena de servicios turísticos registró una ocupación del 90 por ciento, sobre todo en los puntos de mayor flujo comercial, tales como el primer cuadro de la ciudad, Paseo Olas Altas, Zona Dorada y plazas comerciales.

"Mazatlán es el destino turístico más importante del norte del país y eso se vio reflejado en estos días de asueto por el Día de la Revolución, donde de nuevo observamos autos con placas de Durango, Coahuila, Tamaulipas y de toda esa región".

Según un sondeo que realizó la Canaco, indicó, la derrama alcanzó en diferentes proporciones a comerciantes, transportistas, restaurantes y operadores de paseos.

100% Hotel Room Occupation Expected this Weekend

by Maureen Dietrich on 14 Nov 13
mazmessenger.com
 

The combination of the long weekend in celebration of the Mexican Revolution and the national Buen Fin discount shopping program has resulted in Mazatlán’s hotels being between 90 and100 percent booked for November 16-18.

José Ramón Manguart Sánchez of the Tres Islas Hotel Association said the rest of the year looks favourable as well as the city hosts the annual Pacifico Marathon and Festival de Luz at the end of November, followed by the Christmas season.

Mazatlán will have a good year compared to last year and the month of September this year when Hurricane Manuel hit southern Sinaloa. Although Mazatlán did not see the damage the hurricane caused in other parts of Sinaloa, prospective visitors stopped coming believing the city was flooded, he told reporters.

Vice President of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Businesses, Carlos Berdegué Sacristán, added that it was important to take care of the city, keep it clean and orderly for tourists.

They have groups from Sinaloa, Torreón, Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua visiting the city, and groups and conventions from the Distrito Federal. We are going to diversity and bring different groups and conventions, said Berdegué, to fortify us against any loss of cruise ships.

(from Noroeste)

Prevén este 'fin' ocupación total en Mazatlán

El puente revolucionario y Buen Fin darán un fuerte respiro a la hotelería, coinciden dirigentes del sector

 

Liliana Zamora

noroeste.com

14-11-2013

Estos días, los hoteles se han visto abarrotados de jóvenes, Fotografía: Noroeste / Iván Lizárraga.

MAZATLÁN._ Las reservaciones reportadas por las asociaciones de hoteles para este Fin de Semana Largo coinciden en algo: que la ocupación hotelera alcanzará el 100 por ciento.

Además, este fin de semana se prevé que sea el detonante del arribo de grupos de turistas debido, primero, al programa de descuentos del Buen Fin 2013, y luego al Maratón Pacífico, el Festival de la Luz y las fiestas navideñas.



"A partir del lunes de esta semana es cuando más fuerte la gente ha estado llamando y de alguna u otra forma la expectativa es muy favorable por la cuestión de tener, a diferencia del año pasado, la carretera Mazatlán-Durango, y estamos seguros que tendremos entre el 90 y 100 por ciento, y eso le va a inyectar mucha liquidez, además de que luego viene el Maratón", explicó , José Ramón Manguart Sánchez.

El presidente de la Asociación Tres Islas reconoció que las reservaciones registradas a consecuencia del Fin de Semana Largo, que será del 16 al 18 de noviembre, compensarán los efectos del Huracán Manuel, que aunque no dañó directamente al puerto, sí generó una percepción adversa.

"Las reservaciones van muy bien; la gente está llamando a raíz del Buen Fin, un puente que no tenía el movimiento

y que a partir del año pasado se genera con este concepto. Vamos a tener un buen cierre del año, que nos permitirá compensar un poco lo sucedido en septiembre con el efecto del huracán, que aunque no tuvimos los daños que otras partes, sí de repente se generó una percepción de que estábamos con problemas de inundaciones", añadió Manguart

Sánchez.

"A pesar de que falta un mes y medio por terminar el año, va a terminar con noticias muy favorables desde la carretera, el regreso de cruceros, recuperación de la percepción en el tema de la seguridad, el tema del Centro de Convenciones, que cada vez le aporta más cuartos-noches al destino, y creo que de alguna manera estamos trabajando para tener mejores instalaciones".

El vicepresidente de la Asociación de Hoteles y Empresas Turísticas de Mazatlán, Carlos Berdegué Sacristán, destacó la necesidad de cuidar el producto, que es la ciudad y mantenerlo limpio y ordenado.

"Tenemos 100 por ciento de ocupación para este puente. Es importante que trabajemos en el producto, con orden, con limpieza para los turistas. Tenemos grupos y tenemos gente de Sinaloa, Torreón, Durango, Coahuila y Chihuahua; grupos y convenciones del Distrito Federal.

Logramos diversificar y traer grupos y convenciones, que no teníamos esa fortaleza con la salida de cruceros".

TURISTAS

Los visitantes vendrán principalmente de los siguientes estados y ciudades:

Sinaloa

Durango

Torreón

Coahuila

Chihuahua

DF

Galerias Mazatlan

Pactan "rostro amable" para turistas navieros

DE FRENTE A LA LLEGADA DEL PRIMER CRUCERO

Empresarios y autoridades se comprometen a lograr un Mazatlán limpio, ordenado, con tarifas de transporte estandarizadas y ambulantaje regulado .

 

Sibely Cañedo

noroeste.com

10-10-2013

El Alcalde Alejandro Higuera; el Secretario de Turismo, Francisco Córdova, y el director de la API, Alfonso Gil Díaz, durante la reunión Fotografía: Noroeste / Manuel Pérez.

MAZATLÁN._ Todo el sector turístico se unificó en torno al próximo regreso de los cruceros.

Todos estaban allí.

Restauranteros, transportistas, comerciantes, prestadores de servicios, hoteleros vendedores y autoridades de los tres niveles de gobierno llegaron a un gran consenso: el de presentar por fin un Mazatlán limpio y ordenado a los pasajeros que se bajen del barco Veendam este 12 de noviembre, y decidan recorrer la ciudad y sus atractivos.

Todo con la idea de que este crucero sirva de "ancla" para atraer a más compañías navieras, de las que decidieron retirarse de Mazatlán en 2011 en medio de una ola de inseguridad.

El compromiso incluye, entre otros puntos, mejorar el aspecto de las playas, remozar el Centro Histórico y la Zona Dorada, regular a los vendedores ambulantes, estandarizar tarifas del transporte de alquiler, no hostigar a los turistas y ofrecerles servicios de calidad.

Mandos de seguridad pública aseguraron que se desplegará un operativo eficiente, pero discreto, a fin de no impactar negativamente a los visitantes.

En el encuentro, que se desarrolló a puerta cerrada en el Centro de Convenciones, estuvieron el alcalde Alejandro Higuera Osuna; el Secretario de Seguridad Pública Municipal, Pablo Andrés Hernández Lizárraga; el Director de la API Alfonso Gil Díaz; el Secretario de Turismo Francisco Córdova Celaya, el Subsecretario de Seguridad del Estado, Héctor Manuel Castillo Medina; el Delegado de Semarnat Jorge Abel López Sánchez, así como los dirigentes

empresariales más representativos.

El Secretario de Turismo anunció que se pintarán las fachadas de la Zona Dorada, donde ya se reabrieron seis negocios: tres joyerías y tres restaurantes.

Además se comprometió a dar seguimiento a los acuerdos tomados en la reunión.

"Lo más positivo es que cada quién se fue de aquí con una tarea, y si todos cumplimos nuestra parte, vamos a tener un recibimiento exitoso para los cruceristas y lograr que los demás regresen", agregó Córdova Celaya.

El promotor turístico Rafael Rivera López se mostró congratulado por el pacto. Sin embargo, opinó que debiera

tratarse de una actitud permanente.

"Ojalá hubiéramos empezado antes, pero se puede hacer mucho en estos días, ya se ha empezado con algunas

acciones de limpieza y remozamiento. El Centro Histórico y la Zona Dorada son lugares que se deben cuidar de forma específica, pero no nada más porque lleguen los cruceros, sino todo el tiempo", declaró.

ACUERDOS

TRANSPORTISTAS

Mejorar condiciones físicas de pulmonías y taxis

Reducir precios en días de arribo de cruceros

Exhibir los precios y tarifas

Contar con seguros de gastos médicos para el viajero

AYUNTAMIENTO

Brindar mayor atención a la operación de las obras en el Centro Histórico

Instalar módulos de atención e información turística, así como también en el tema de vendedores ambulantes y vendedores de tiempos compartidos

Aplicar mayor vigilancia de parte de Oficialía Mayor para evitar el hostigamiento de vendedores hacia el turista

COMERCIANTES ZONA DORADA

Seguir limpiando y embelleciendo las fachadas de los negocios para dar la mejor cara

SEMARNAT

Regularizar a vendedores de playa y cooperar con las acciones de Secturinconformes