Sectur courts China tourism

Category: Mexico

Published on Tuesday, 16 July 2013 01:10

Mexico has decided to diversity the range of pre-packaged tours it offers in order to be a more attractive destination for Chinese tourists, Tourism Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu said on Monday, the first day of her working visit to the Asian country. While meeting with China International Travel Services (CITS) President Yu Ning Ning, Ruiz Massieu said that it’s one of her priorities to diversify Mexico’s tourist destinations for the Chinese market, as the latter country has a growing middle and upper class that prefers to visit cultural destinations rather than Mexico’s popular beach resorts.

 Due to travel restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, most Chinese tourists must travel in groups, which greatly restricts the number of destinations they can pick from. Ruiz Massieu added that the Chinese market has a number of attractive characteristics, one of which is that the times of the year when Chinese tourists tend to travel the most are during what is now Mexico’s low season for tourism. She went on to say that, compared to visitors from other countries, Chinese tourists tend to make a large volume of purchases while they travel, which would allow tourism to boost Mexico’s economic growth through retail sales.

 Yu and Ruiz Massieu both expressed their interest in making China the Asian country that provides the greatest number of visitors to Mexico. Ruiz Massieu said that to achieve this, connections between the two countries must also be strengthened, and laid out an ambitious promotion strategy to increase Mexico’s profile as a tourist destination. But most importantly, she said, Mexico must increase the diversity of the travel packages it offers to the Chinese market. In turn, Yu expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the Mexican government in order to boost tourism to Mexico, adding that promoting Mexico as a destination was vital.

 CITS is the premier travel agency in the People’s Republic of China. It has cooperation agreements with more than 1,400 travel agents in 100 countries around the world and 14 international affiliates.

Survival Spanish

mexico.com


No one expects you to be fluent in Spanish, but it shows a great respect for the people and the country if you at least try to make basic conversation. You'll be surprised how pleased people will be when you can say "Muchas gracias" and "Buenas tardes." Don't worry: no one will make fun of your accent. Speaking bad Spanish is better than speaking no Spanish at all.

Mexicans are very polite and friendly, so we suggest you do the same and address people formally, using "señor" "señora" or "señorita" when you can.
¡Suerte! (That's Spanish for good luck!)

As opposed to English, the Spanish language has a formal and an informal way of addressing a person. You have probably heard the tú form, which is informal: "¿Cómo estás?" (How are you?) The formal version would be to leave the final "s" off the verb. "¿Cómo está?" If this is more than you need to know, see below for a table of common phrases. If you can, it's best to use the formal way of addressing people you meet.

English	Spanish	English	Spanish
One	uno	Monday	lunes
Two	dos	Tuesday	martes
Three	tres	Wednesday	miércoles
Four	cuatro	Thursday	jueves
Five	cinco	Friday	viernes
Six	seis	Saturday	sábado
Seven	siete	Sunday	domingo
Eight	ocho	January	enero
Nine	nueve	February	febrero
Ten	diez	March	marzo
One hundred	cien	April	abril
Two hundred	doscientos	May	mayo
One thousand	mil	June	junio
In the morning	En la mañana	July	julio
In the afternoon	En la tarde	August	agosto
In the evening	En la noche	September	septiembre
Now	Ahorita	October	octubre
Earlier	Más temprano	November	noviembre
Later	Más tarde	December	diciembre
Before	Antes	In Spring	En la primavera
Soon	Pronto	In Summer	En el verano
A little while	Un ratito	In the Fall	En el otoño
		In the Winter	En el invierno

English	Spanish
Please	Por favor
Thank you	Gracias
You are welcome	De nada
What time is it?	¿Qué hora es?
Where are the restrooms?	¿Dónde están los baños?
Where is the airport?	¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
Where’s a bank?	¿Dónde hay un banco?
I need to make a phone call	Necesito un teléfono
How are you?	¿Cómo está?
Hello	Hola
I am American	Soy noreteamericano
Good afternoon	Buenas tardes
Good morning	Buenos días
Good evening	Buenas noches
Excuse me	Disculpe
I	Yo
You	Usted
He	Él
She	Ella
They	Ellos
We	Nosotros
Mr.	Señor
Mrs.	Señora
Miss	Señorita

English	Spanish
Stop!	¡Pare!
Help me!	¡Auxilio!
Fire!	¡Fuego!
Listen!	¡Escuche!
Look!	¡Mire!
It’s an emergency!	¡Es una emergencia!
Police!	¡Policía!
U.S. Embassy	Embajada de Estados Unidos
U.S. Consulate	Consulado de Estados Unidos
I need a doctor	Necesito un doctor
To the nearest hospital	Al hospital más cercano

English	Spanish
I am here as a tourist	Vengo de turista
I need a cab to hotel X	Necesito un taxi para ir al hotel X
What time does the next shuttle leave?	¿A qué hora sale el próximo servicio de transporte?
Where is luggage claim?	¿Dónde está el reclamo de equipaje?
Where is the exit?	¿Donde está la salida?
What’s the local time?	¿Cuál es la hora local?
Where can I rent a car?	¿Dónde puedo rentar un coche?
Do you have any rooms available?	¿Tiene habitaciones disponibles?
How much is a single room?	¿Cuánto cuesta una habitación sencilla?
How much is a double room?	¿Cuánto cuesta una habitación doble?
I’d like to make an international phone call	Quisiera hacer una llamada internacional
Can you get me a taxi, please?	¿Me puede conseguir un taxi, por favor?
Can you clean my room later, please?	¿Puede limpiar mi habitación más tarde, por favor?
	The short version: ¡Más tarde, por favor!

English	Spanish
Can I have bottled water, please?	¿Me puede dar agua embotellada, por favor?
Not too spicy, please	No muy picante, por favor
What time do you open?	¿A qué hora abre?
What time do you close?	¿A qué hora cierra?
One beer, please!	¡Una cerveza, por favor!
A glass of wine, please	Un vaso de vino, por favor
Seafood	Mariscos
Beef	Carne
Chicken	Pollo
Vegetarian	Vegetariano
How much do I owe you?	¿Cuánto le debo?
I don’t have change	No tengo cambio
Can you make change?	¿Tiene cambio?

English	Spanish
How much is it?	¿Cuánto cuesta?
Can I get it cheaper?	¿Me lo puede dejar más barato?
No, that’s too much	No, es demasiado
I will give you half	Le doy la mitad
It’s very expensive	Es muy caro

English	Spanish
How much is the admission?	¿Cuánto cuesta la entrada?
Is it open today?	¿Está abierto hoy?
Which are the historic sites?	¿Cuáles son los sitios históricos?
Can I climb the pyramid?	¿Me puedo subir a la pirámide?
I want a guide	Quiero un guía
Let’s go swim	Vamos a nadar
Where are the beach towels?	¿Donde están las toallas para la playa?
Beach	Playa
Ocean	Mar
Water	Agua
To swim	Nadar
Swimsuit	Traje de baño

English	Spanish
You are beautiful	Eres muy bella (guapo if you are talking to a guy)
Can I have your phone number?	¿Me das tu teléfono?
Call me!	¡Llámame por teléfono!
I will call you!	¡Yo te llamo!
What do you want to drink?	¿Qué quieres tomar?

English	Spanish
I have a hangover	Estoy crudo/cruda (if you are a girl)
I need sleep	Tengo que dormir
I have a sunburn	Estoy quemado/quemada
My stomach hurts	Me duele el estómago

Calling To and From Mexico

mexico.com

We all wish our smart phones were, well, smart. But until someone invents a phone that can automatically decipher a phone number and determine what country it is and how to dial it, you are going to have to rely on your noggin. So we've created some handy tips to help you puzzle through making a phone call from the United States to Mexico and from Mexico to the United States.

How to call Mexico from the United States

1. Dial, 011 the exit code, must be dialed first for all international calls.
2. Dial 52, the country code for Mexico.
3. Dial the area code for the city you want to call, they are three-digit area codes, except for the three largest metro areas. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey have only two digits these are; Mexico City 55, Guadalajara 33, Monterrey 81.
4. Dial the seven digit local number.

Note 1: If you are calling a mobile number in Mexico, the process changes after Step 3. Add 1 after the country code and before the city code (e.g. 52-1-81) if you are calling a mobile number.

Note 2: There are three official Time Zones in Mexico which correspond to what we know in the U.S. as the Pacific, Mountain and Central Times.

• Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya are on Central Time
• Los Cabos is on Pacific Time

Note 3: From any other country the exit code will vary.

How to call from Mexico to the United States

1. Dial 00 the exit code, must be dialed first for the United States.
2. Dial 1, the country code for the United States.
3. Dial the three digit area code for the city you want to call.
4. Dial the seven digit local number.

Note: If you take your U.S.-based mobile phone, you are able to make calls with the carrier's applicable roaming charges.

How to read/write an address in Mexico

For those having trouble deciphering Mexico street addresses, here are a couple of handy tips using this address as an example:

Crucero Princesa
Paseo de las Garzas 100 - B
Zona Hotelera Norte
CP 48333 Puerto Vallarta Jalisco
Mexico

1. Name of the person or business.
2. Street name for the business or residence and street number after the name. (This is the opposite of how addresses are written in the US/Canada)
3. Name of the district. It might refer to the Colonia (neighborhood) or Fraccionamiento (housing estate)
4. The five digit postal code (codigo postal), it can be preceded by the abbreviation C.P.
5. Name of the city and state
6. Country name, Mexico

Tipping in Mexico

mexico.com


To tip or not to tip? You should tip. Just like in the U.S., most employees in the services sector in Mexico, especially the hospitality industry, depend heavily on tips. Their minimum wages are quite low, with some not even earning a wage at all, making tips especially important. Here are a few guidelines, listed in U.S. dollars, as the Mexican peso fluctuates quite a bit.

Naturally, larger tips are always appreciated, especially if you feel that the service you have received was truly outstanding.

At Restaurants
Before you tip in restaurants, bars, and even snack bars in large hotels, check your tab and see if a service charge has already been added to the total. Service charges are quite common. While you may want to tip an additional amount, it's best to know if the tip was already included in the bill.

Wait staff at restaurants: You should tip between 15 and 20 percent of the check, just as you would do in the U.S. Speaking of the check, Mexican restaurants don't rush your meal, and will only bring you your check after you have requested it, allowing you to linger at your table.

Bartenders: A good guideline to follow is $1 a drink or around 10 percent of the total bill if you are not paying per drink.

Bathroom attendant: At many upscale hotels and restaurants, there's a bathroom attendant to hand you a towel, smooth over your bad hair with some hairspray and give you an emergency Band-aid or some gum. You should tip the equivalent of 50 cents to $1.

For Transportion

Taxi drivers: Tips are not expected, but certainly appreciated. If the driver assists you with your luggage, tip 10 percent of the fare.

Drivers: If you hire a driver (could be a taxi driver or a driver associated with the hotel) to go on excursions, you should tip around $5 a day.

Gas station attendants: Tip the attendant who pumps your gas and cleans your windshield 50 cents to $1. Tip more if the attendant also checks your vehicle's tire pressure, oil levels, etc.

Car watching and parking assistance: Many parking lots outside of shopping centers and strip malls have attendants equipped with whistles who help you navigate out of your spot or locate a parking space. These attendants will also watch your car for you. When you return from your trip, tip them the equivalent of 50 cents to $1.

Valet parking: Tip $1 to $2 on top of the valet parking service charge when you pick up your vehicle.

At the hotel

Hotel guest room attendants (maids): You should tip the peso equivalent of between $3 and $5 a day. While many travelers like to leave the tip when they check out, it's best to leave a tip every day, as the rooms are not serviced by the same person every day. Be sure to leave the tip on the pillow or on the bed -- making it obvious that it's intended as a tip.

Bell hops at hotels: $1 per bag.

Concierge: If you are asking the concierge for directions or dinner recommendations, a small tip in the $2 range is appreciated. If the concierge makes substantial arrangements for you (getting you tickets to a sold-out show, arranging a hard-to-book tour), you might want to tip $5 to $10.

Other

Street vendors: If you buy something from a street vendor (gum, fruit cup, paper, etc.), leave a few peso coins or tell them to keep the change ("quédese con el cambio").

Luggage assistance at airport: $1 per bag.

Tour guides: At least 10 percent of the cost of the tour.

Legalities of getting married in Mexico

mexico.com

Unlike Las Vegas, which has a reputation for fast and easy weddings, couples that want to get married in Mexico have a few legal hoops to jump through -- as well as a short mandatory waiting period. The good news is that the process is relatively easy and civil ceremonies in Mexico are recognized in the U.S. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions. Be aware that rules vary by state in Mexico, so you should check with your wedding coordinator or a local civil registrations office (Registro Civil) for more information about marriage licenses and wedding ceremonies.

Is there a residency requirement or
waiting period in Mexico?You don't need to be a resident of Mexico to get married there. However, couples do need to arrive and stay in Mexico for three full business days (this excludes Saturdays, Sundays and Mexican holidays) before submitting a marriage license application.

What documents are needed for the marriage license application?

• Original birth certificates with apostille-certified Spanish translations.
• Passports (originals as well as copies).
• Tourist cards (these are issued to you at the airport upon landing).
• The completed marriage license application (this form is available at local civil registrations offices in Mexico).

What if one of you is divorced or widowed?

The laws vary by state in Mexico on when people are allowed to remarry. Most require at least one full year from the date of the final divorce decree. Your divorce decree must be translated to Spanish, certified with an apostille and presented as part of the marriage application. In addition, if either party is widowed, the death certificate of the deceased spouse is needed as part of the documentation requirements. This also must be translated into Spanish and certified with an apostille.

Are blood tests required?

Yes, recent blood tests are required from both the bride and groom. Many resorts have doctors on staff who can do blood tests on the premises. These tests should be done at least three business days before the wedding and the results must be written in Spanish. The cost for this usually ranges from $150 to $300. In some Mexican states, chest X-rays are also required.

What is the cost and processing speed for a marriage license application?

Once you have all of your paperwork together and three business days have passed, you can submit the application at a local civil registrations office. Marriage license fees vary by state in Mexico, but usually range from $25 to $40. The processing time also varies -- anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days -- after which the ceremony can take place.

Do we need to have witnesses at the ceremony?

If neither of you are Mexican, you will need to have at least four witnesses present at the ceremony -- two for the bride and two for the groom. Your witnesses must be at least 18 years old and will be required to submit their passports (originals as well as copies) and tourist cards at least three business days before the ceremony. If you do not have witnesses traveling with you, they can often be provided by your resort.

Are wedding ceremonies performed in English or Spanish?

To be legal, ceremonies must be performed in Spanish, but they can be translated to English by resort staff or someone else who has been designated to do that. Symbolic ceremonies -- such as renewals of vows or commitment ceremonies -- are all performed in English.

Is a Mexican wedding recognized in the U.S.?

Yes, civil ceremonies in Mexico have legal validity in most countries including the U.S. However, religious ceremonies are not legal. Once the civil ceremony has been conducted, couples will need to obtain a certified copy of their marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio), which proves they have been wed in accordance with Mexican law. Then, upon return to the U.S., they will need to get that certificate "authenticated." This is done by the Office of Authentications in the State Department. For more information, visit http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/.

Are there any requirements for a renewal of vows ceremony?

No. Unlike a civil wedding, vow renewals are considered to be "spiritual" ceremonies and are not legally binding. Anyone

Mazatlan Airport Information

Mazatlan Buelna International Airport MZT serves the western Pacific coast and State of Sinaloa, Mexico and is one of the country's major tourist destinations. It is operated by the OMA Group, which also operates the closest Culiacan & Durango airports, 202-216km away.

The Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city of Mazatlan, and can be reached via the Mexico 15 highway (Tepic-Mazatlan).

With one long runway and 669,407passengers in 2012, Mazatlan Buelna International Airport is served by domestic airlines offering direct flight to Mexican destinations, while United Airlines offer direct flights to Houston Intercontinental, with connections worldwide. Charter flights from Canada are available from Sunwing.

The passenger terminal at Mazatlan Buelna International Airport houses Concourses A & B and their departure gates, with 4 jetways, 8 contact and 4 remote airplane positions. Gates 1-10 are on level 1, while gates 11 and 15 are on level 2. The baggage claim area has 4 carousels, Customs and taxi & rental car counters. A food court is on the main & upper level and duty-free shops are on the main corridor. Books and magazines are located in Retail Spaces H & J. ATM machines from Banamex & HSBC are on the lower level. Rental car kiosks are located in the Arrivals area. ICE currency exchange is available on the lower level - cash & credit cards accepted (tel. 69 985 4447). Outside the terminal is a roofed area exclusively for passenger pickup/dropoff.

Parking at Mazatlan Buelna International Airport is available in the parking lot across from the terminal and offers short- and long-term parking. You must pay your parking fee inside the terminal at either at the automated payment machine, using cash only, or at the manned payment booth accepting cash, Visa & MasterCard. Cash payment must be in pesos.

To get from Mazatlan Buelna International Airport to your destination, you can rent a car, take a taxi (200-300 Mexican pesos or $20-$30 into town) or a shared-ride van. The taxi stand is outside of the terminal on level 2. MZT Mazatlan Airport Transportation (tel. 1-877-462-6292) offers authorized & certified Airport transfers to all Mazatlan hotels & resorts in new air-conditioned 7-passenger vans, buses or taxis, depending on the number of travelers. For shared service there are 1-2 stops; for private service no stops in between. Drivers are bi-lingual.

---

• Address:
  Carr Internacional al sur s/n
  Mazatlan, Sin., 82000
  Mexico
• Website for Mazatlan Buelna: http://www.oma.aero/en/airports/mazatlan/
• Email Address: mazatlan@oma.aero
• Phone: 52 669 982 2399

Interjet Opens Route to Mazatlán

Posted by Maureen Dietrich on 6 Jul 13

mazatlanmessenger.com

Interjet will begin the airline’s new Mazatlán Mexico City service on July 8th.

Interjet Airlines will fly into Mazatlán for the first time on July 8^th, the day on which will begin the airline´s new Mazatlán-Mexico City service.

During a presentation yesterday to businessmen and travel agents, directors of Interjet advised the route will be flown using the new Airbus 320 with a capacity of 150 passengers.

Francisco Javier Porragas Torres, director general of sales, commented that initially during the month of July flights will be scheduled for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Beginning August 1^st, daily flights will be offered.

Mazatlán, said Porragas Torres, is one of the most important tourist centers in the country, which is why they looked to include it in their sales portfolio.

The question of coming to Mazatlán is something they considered, he explained. They expect the people of Mexico to come to the port which offers something different from more well-known beach destinations such as Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.

Sinaloa Secretary of Tourism, Francisco Córdova Celaya, told attendees that with the arrival of Interjet, the port is now connected with all national airlines. During the first six months of this year, said Córdova Celaya, seat sales to Mazatlán have increased 50 percent.

He took the opportunity to solicit assistance from Interjet to open new charter routes from Canada and the United States in the upcoming winter tourism season.

Córdova Celaya announced, as well, that Delta Airlines has confirmed that during the 2013-2014 winter season they will offer 9,600 seat sales to Mazatlán, a 237 percent increase over last year. The charter airline Sun Country, said the Secretary, will increase seat sales from 2,106 to 4,900 in the approaching winter holiday season. (from Noroeste)