Canadian Money in Mexico
16 Feb 2012 1 Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: Canadian, Canadian Dollars, Cancun, exchange rate, mazatlan, mexico, Money, Puerto Vallarta, resort, tourists, travelers, US Dollars
By John Mitchell from his blog Mexico 4 Canadians.
People often ask me whether it is better to use Canadian or U.S. funds in Mexico. Personally, I never take Canadian money. Outside of Mexico City and resort areas such as Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun, Canadian dollars can be very difficult to exchange. On the other hand, U.S. dollars are welcome virtually everywhere. You can change them to pesos either at banks or casas de cambio (exhange booths). The latter may not give as good a rate as banks, but the difference is often minimal and you probably won’t have to line up. Don’t take 100-dollar bills since they can be difficult to change. Some places are also wary about accepting worn-looking or defaced bills. Be aware that hotels generally offer less than the official exchange rate (“tipo de cambio“).
Traveller’s cheques issued in U.S. dollars are a bit more of a hassle to use, but most banks and some private exchange outfits will cash them if you show your passport. Don’t even think about taking traveller’s cheques issued in Canadian funds. They aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Many travellers now prefer to get peso cash advances on their credit card or use a debit card. Check with your bank to find out what the associated fees are and if ATM’s in Mexico will accept your current credit and/or debit cards. Also make sure that your PIN numbers are compatible with the Mexican banking system, which requires a four-digit PIN.
Last but not least, it is a good idea to let your banks know that you will be using your cards in Mexico. This will prevent them from thinking that someone might have stolen them and is abusing them abroad.
Ambassador Receives Key on Behalf of Canadians
30 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: canada, canadians, event, mazatlan, mexico, retire, Tourism, Travel
Guillermo E. Rishchynski, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, addressed Canadian community members during the grand opening of a new consular office in Mazatlan. The Ambassador received a key to the city during his visit.
Ambassador Rishchynski cut the ribbon to a new consular office in Mazatlan on June 20th. The Ambassador met with members of the Canadiancommunity as well as local government officials. The Consulate moved to larger facilities at Unit 41, La Marina Business & Life Center (Nuevo Mazatlan) to accommodate a growing number of Canadians in the area. In a separate ceremony, Rishchynski became the first Canadian Ambassador to receive a key to the city.
Ambassador Rishchynski receives key to Mazatlan from Mayor Higuera
“The Canadian government has been present in Mazatlan since 1986 through Honorary Consulates and Consular Officials. This year we are proud to celebrate 25 years in the city,” noted the Ambassador during his address. “This is a growing market … and I think Canadians will be coming with more and more regularity,” he later expressed.
Wendy Hardouin is the Consular Official currently based in Mazatlan. Over 3000 Canadians live in Mazatlan full-time and nearly one thousand more are temporary residents during the winter. The number of Canadian tourists has increased approximately 15% each year for the past several years.
Consul Wendy Hardouin at grand opening of new Consular Offices
Mazatlan’s relationship with Canada reaches new heights in 2011. February 25th marked the first time a state Governor has officially met with Mazatlan’s Canadian residents. In April, Ambassador Rishchynski was a guest at an Inukshuk unveiling – a feat coordinated by university students inspired by the Vancouver Olympics. On this occasion, Mazatlan Mayor Alejandro Higuera Osuna presented the Ambassador with a key to the city. “… to be part of such an event is something I do on behalf of all Canadians…” said the diplomat during an interview. “…this is a city where we are always held in great esteem, where we receive the utmost in hospitality from local citizens, and one where Canadians give to the community which is something…that makes me extremely proud.”
Mayan Countdown to 2012 Spurs Mexican Tourism Industry
28 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: baktún, Mayans, mexico, President Felipe Calderon, Riviera Maya, UNESCO World Heritage, Vacations
MEXICO CITY — For 20 minutes, Mexican President Felipe Calderón transformed himself into an experienced Mayan tour guide, taking advantage of the highly publicized end of the Mayan 400-year cycle, called the baktún. The end of the Mayan cycle, which has been interpreted as the end of the world, actually marks the beginning of a new era.
“As Mexicans, we want to share with the world the unparalleled grandeur of the Mayan civilization,” he said during an announcement of the Maya World Program, launched June 21 with a countdown to Dec. 21, 2012, when the baktún ends.
The goal is to create a new experience that will attract the greatest possible number of tourists and increase the tourism potential of the region.
Read full article: Mayan Countdown to 2012 Spurs Mexican Tourism Industry
BC Senior Provincials Serve a Mix of Tennis, Hockey and Mexico
07 Jun 2011 3 Comments
in Mexico Real Estate, Mexico Tourism Tags: BC, Canadian, Cancun. Cozumel, El Cid Real Estate, Jericho Tennis Club, mazatlan, Resorts, Riviera Maya, tennis, Tennis BC
Players from across B.C. arrived in Vancouver this past weekend for the most prestigious senior’s tennis tournament of the year. Players and guests will enjoy a mix of tennis, hockey and Mexico at the tournament’s unique social evening. The event is sponsored by El Cid Real Estate and presented by Nesbitt Burns.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -( June 7, 2011)- El Cid Senior Provincial Championships welcomed tennis players from across B.C. at Jericho Tennis Club on Saturday June 4th. 316 players over the age of 30 will compete through June 12th. The Tennis BC sanctioned tournament is the first of six Canadian events sponsored by El Cid Real Estate – a developer of luxury resorts and communities in Mexico.
Tennis BC CEO Ryan Clark noted the event is key to obtaining national ranking points. Top players will gain seeding for the August Senior National Championships in Toronto, and possibly go on to the Senior World Championships. “El Cid is honored to sponsor the BC Senior Provincials,” said Jorge Gomez Fernandez, Sales Director for El Cid Real Estate. “The El Cid Golf and Country Club in Mazatlan often hosts players from B.C.; and many American and Canadian residents of our gated community are avid tennis players. So it is very exciting to support this important Tennis BC event.”
The social evening will take place at Jericho on June 8th. It includes a Mexican themed dinner, a drink and live showing of the Bruins vs. Canucks hockey game. “There are many things to celebrate right now. The BC Senior Provincials are underway, the Canucks are in the Stanley Cup finals, and we have a sponsor that promotes Mexican lifestyles … so why not take advantage and have some fun with it,” said Lois Ker, Director of Events for Tennis B.C. Tickets for non-players are available at the tournament desk for $35.
El Cid will announce the additional tournament sponsorships early next week. The effort is part of the At Home in Mazatlan campaign supported by the Mexico Tourism Board since 2010. The campaign aims to promote recreational and retirement lifestyles in Mazatlan, Mexico. For information on tournaments hosted by El Cid in Mexico please visit www.athomeinmazatlan.com
About Mazatlan:
Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16th Century, Mazatlan is Mexico’s colonial city on the beach. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlan and the Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two.
About El Cid Real Estate:
El Cid Real Estate is a division of El Cid Resorts – a collection of Mexican resorts offering hospitality immersed in tradition. The resorts are located in Mazatlan, Cancun and Cozumel. El Cid Mazatlan owns and operates four hotels, a 27-hole championship golf course, marina, and a gated community. El Cid Real Estate currently offers property for hotel, villa and condominium development in Mazatlan and the Mayan Riviera. The company recently launched Andalucía– one-and two story homes in the largest community of American and Canadian residents in Mazatlan. El Cid Real Estate online: www.elcidrealestate.com Twitter @elcidrealestate, Facebook El Cid Real Estate, You Tube El Cid Real Estate Channel
Governor Meets with Mazatlan’s American and Canadian Residents
04 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Real Estate, Mexico Tourism Tags: Alberta, Alejandro Higuera, American, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Canadian, Denver, Manitoba, Mario Lopez Valdez, mazatlan, mexico, Minnessota, North American, Ontario, Oralia Rice, Oregon, Residents, Saskatchewan, Tourism, Washington
Vancouver, B.C. – March 4, 2011- In a joint effort organized by the Sinaloa state government and Mazatlan’s foreign residents, Governor Mario Lopez Valdez met with members of the American and Canadian community on February 25th. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a framework for engagement and collaboration. Oralia Rice Rodriguez, State Secretary of Tourism and Alejandro Higuera Osuna, Mayor of Mazatlan, were present at the meeting among other officials.
Meeting with foreign residents
During his address, the governor thanked the crowd for living and believing in Mazatlan and Mexico. He invited attendees to join the people of Mazatlan in an effort to double the number of foreign residents and quadruple the number of visitors to the city. During the meeting, the governor announced the following:
- Mazatlan’s local government is committed to serve visitors alongside the destination’s community of North American residents that represent an important part of the population.
- A local bilingual office will be specifically dedicated to assisting these residents in all matters of social, political and community affairs as an extension of the local government.
- A personal invitation was issued for a representative of this group to serve as part of his personal advisory board, as appointed by members within the community.
More than 9,000 US and Canadian citizens have made Mazatlan their permanent or seasonal home. Members of Mazatlan’s American community predominantly originate from California, Oregon and Washington; as well as Denver, Minessota, Arizona and Texas. The Canadian community predominantly originates from Alberta, British Columbia Saskatchewan and increasingly from Manitoba and Ontario. The meeting shows how important and valued the North American community is to the destination as well as the community’s commitment to Mazatlan.
Music and Fantasy Will Reign During Mazatlan’s 113th Carnaval Celebrations
28 Feb 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism, Uncategorized Tags: Carnaval, Enrique Patron de Rueda, Mardigras, mazatlan, mexico, Parade, Poetry Awards, Symphony Orchestra, Travel Deals
Vancouver, B.C. – February 28th, 2011- Mazatlan has celebrated one of the world’s largest Carnaval – Mardigras- celebrations over a century. This March, the city will once again become a cultural phenomenon filled with performances, fiestas and parades that will enchant hundreds of thousands of families. This year’s Carnaval theme is “The Return of the Muses” in honor of poetry.
Among other events, Enrique Patron de Rueda will conduct the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra along with two choirs. During this unforgettable performance, 120 artists will be on stage for the crowning of the Floral Games Queen and the Clemencia Isaura Poetry Award Ceremony. Visitors will view the elaborate floats that travel the streets of Mazatlan during the Carnaval parade. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration and delight in the dancers that will perform along the longest boardwalk in Latin America wearing colorful costumes. Carnaval-goers will be amazed during the traditional Naval Battle – a grand festival of lights that will brighten the night sky along the coast.
Carnaval is the crowned jewel of ongoing cultural celebrations that make Mazatlan a unique destination. It is the city’s rich cultural heritage that makes it a preferred beach destination for Canadian travelers. Mazatlan is Mexico’s only colonial city by the beach and plays host to nearly 2 million visitors from all over the world annually. For last minute travel deals visit www.gomazatlan.com
Mexico Remains a Preferred Travel Destination for Canadians
25 Feb 2011 1 Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: canadians, iTravel2000, mazatlan, mexico, Tourism, Travel, travel trend, Vancouver, westjet
As Director of Product for WestJet Vacations Yehudi Altman travels to Mazatlan several times a year on business. However, at the beginning of February Yehudi and his wife Jackie traveled as tourists simply to get away from the cold. Yehudi and Jackie -who live in Vancouver – are one of thousands of Canadian couples who flock to Mexico in a continued trend that saw record numbers of tourists visit the country in 2010.
According to iTravel2000, “… January saw an overall 3% increase of Canadian visitors [to Mexico].” The Canadian travel company credits the vast array of cultural features as one of the main draws. In addition, iTravel2000 mentions Canadian confidence in the present economic situation as a motivating factor. When asked why he chose Mazatlan as his preferred holiday destination Yehudi noted “… [Mazatlan] is so beautiful and sunny … it feels like home [and] the tourism infrastructure is superb…”
Mazatlan plays host to nearly 2 million visitors from all over the world annually, and that number has increased steadily for the past five years, according to Julio Birrueta, spokesperson for the Mazatlan Tourism Trust. He adds that many travelers return year after year for extended stays, with nearly 9,000 U.S. and Canadian citizens making this seaside destination their winter home. Visitors enjoy world-class cultural events throughout the year including February”s Air Show and the upcoming 113th annual Carnaval celebration.
Mexico Engages International Stakeholders at Tourism Convention
26 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: Americans, canadians, event, invest, mexico, Mexico Tourism Board, President Felipe Calderon, Rodolfo Lopez Negrete Coppel, Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo, Sinclair and Ruiz, Tourism, Travel
Mexico Engages International Stakeholders at Tourism Convention.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon Declares 2011 the year of Mexican tourism; while Mexico’s Tourism Secretary praised national and international stakeholders at National Tourism Convention.
Vancouver, B.C. – January 25th, 2011- Mexico’s third annual National Tourism Convention kicked-off yesterday in Mexico City. The convention is organized by the Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACOSERVYTUR), presided by Jorge E. Dávila Flores. This year’s event is the first to bring together national and international stakeholders in Mexico’s tourism industry, as well as government, and academia. Special guests include Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo and Joint Director for the Mexico Tourism Board Rodolfo Lopez Negrete. Industry speakers include Royal Caribbean Cruises Vice President of Government Relations for Caribbean, Latin America and Asia Michael Ronan; and Softec Mexico’s Associate Director Gene Towle.
President Calderon declared 2011 the year of Tourism at the convention’s inauguration. The President also announced he would sign a National Tourism Accord in February. These are among several actions that will promote international tourism and investment. The Tourism Secretary noted that Mexico has remained one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world for several years, thanks to all national and international stakeholders. “But we have the potential for further growth…and we recognize it is essential that government, legislators, private sector and academia align efforts towards common actions,” She said.
The magnitude of the 2011 convention is the brainchild of Mr. Davila Flores, who as president of CONCANACO SERVYTUR has encouraged positive engagement of tourism-related issues. Mr. Davila Flores promotes the “Let’s speak and act positively for Mexico” slogan. The phrase aims to motivate the nation’s private sector to focus and build on the country’s positive attributes. “We recognize the need to show tourists we can provide safe and certain conditions when they travel to our country,” noted Mr. Davila Flores. Secretary Guevara acknowledged Mr. Davila Flores’ commitment to concrete actions.
The President noted that the Mexican tourism industry grew by 10% in 2010 and that 99.9% of tourists are not affected by violence, but assured the country is working to improve Mexico’s situation. Mr. Davila Flores noted that tourism directly generates 2.5 million Mexican jobs and 5 million indirectly. Canada and the United States represent the largest source of international tourists for Mexico.
For further information, please contact:
Carolina Ibarra
1-866-836-8797
S&R to cover Mexico’s National Tourism Convention
24 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: CONCANACO, Felipe Calderon, Gloria Guevara, Latin America, mexico, Michael Ronan, National Confederation of Mexican Chambers of Commerce, National Tourism Convention, Royal Caribbean Cruises, S&R, Sinclair and Ruiz, Softec, Tourism
S&R to cover Mexico’s National Tourism Convention
…take place on January 25th and 26th at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico City. Featured guests and keynote speakers include, Mexican President … 2011 in Mexico City. This year’s event is the first to bring together national and international stakeholders in …
