With more than 29 million international visitors in 2014 (a number that has climbed 20.5 percent from 2013), Mexico is well on its way to restoring its position as a tourism hot spot. And the momentum continues to build: 2015 is seeing the opening of several new properties, attractions and partnerships.
We've picked a few of our favorites, discovered at Tianguis Turistico, the Mexican Tourism Board's annual marketplace, held this year in Acapulco from March 23 to 26.
PROPERTIES
Teoticamp, Teotihuacan, Mexico
This “ecotouristic” Teoticamp complex, developed to attract visitors to the ancient city of Teotihuacan, promises to offer guests an otherworldly experience. The complex, located near the archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site northeast of Mexico City, will have its grand opening in May and include a new hotel, camping area, restaurant, multiple-use hall and an interactive farm.
AMResorts’ Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya & Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
Last year, AMResorts opened three new properties in Mexico and expanded its presence in the Mexican market by 12 percent. This year will see two new openings, said Colette Baruth, vice president of sales and marketing for AMResorts.
Both Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a 434-room adults-only resort, and the 169-room Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa, geared toward travelers looking to have a modern, trendy and “social experience,” are scheduled to open in November 2015.
Luna Liquida Boutique Hotel, Puerto Vallarta
This year has seen the opening of Luna Liquida, a boutique hotel located near the Malecon (boardwalk) in Puerto Vallarta. The property features five villas and provides each guest with a personal "Ambassador of Experiences," who will plan a customized agenda that can include guided tours and day trips in Puerto Vallarta.
Hyatt Ziva, Los Cabos
The Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is set to re-open in July 2015, almost a year after it closed for repairs in the wake of last September’s Hurricane Odile. The Hyatt Ziva Puerta Vallarta celebrated its grand opening in February.
ATTRACTIONS
“The Nickelodeon Experience” by Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Families will be able to sip on slime smoothies and party with SpongeBob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer and several other beloved Nickelodeon characters during the “Nickelodeon Experience“ at Azul Hotels, set to debut this July.
The unique family-friendly experience has been developed through a partnership between Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Viacom Media, and will be available at Azul Beach Hotel, Azul Sensatori Hotel and Azul Fives Hotel in the Riviera Maya in summer 2015.
Karisma and Viacom also announced the development of “Nickelodeon Hotels,” specific properties that give families even further opportunities to fill their vacations with Nickelodeon-themed attractions and entertainment.
Convention Center, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta will complete construction on a 12,900-square-feet meeting space in the summer of 2015, said Carlos Eguiarte, sales and promotion coordinator for Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition to the meeting space, the convention center, which is being built from the ground up, will also feature four breakout rooms.
Los Muertos Beach Revamp, Puerto Vallarta
Los Muertos beach in Puerto Vallarta will be receiving a revamp in 2015, according to Miguel Andres Hernandez Arteaga, director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Puerto Vallarta.
The Puerto Vallarta CVB, in conjunction with the Estate Tourism Ministry and the federal government, are investing $150 million to reconstruct the beach’s boardwalk, main avenue and pier as ”important icons [to] touristic activity.” Eighty percent of the construction will be completed by the end of the year.
Palcco, Guadalajara
Guadalajara will soon be home to Palcco, a state-of-the-art performance venue that is set to open on June 25, according to Jose Ludwig Estrada Virgen, the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Jalisco.
This complex will feature an opera house and concert hall, a telecommunications museum, a hall of fame, an art gallery, a convention center, dance and music schools, a restaurant, bars and covered parking, among other features.
TOURS
Turibus, Mexico City
Turibus, a bus tour operator in Mexico City, added a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Mexico City's Polanco District, reported Travel Weekly’s Gay Nagle Myers. Each bus holds 71 passengers.
Universe Travel Mexico, Mexico City
Universe Travel Mexico, a ground operator based in Mexico City, launched a new combination private-guided city and walking tour on Feb. 1, said Myers. The five-hour tour goes to several hot spots around the city, includes lunch and costs $310 per person. The new tour is not on UTM's website, so interested agents should email commercial director Raymundo Marcos Flores ([email protected]) for bookings.
The Details
Tianguis Turisticowww.tianguisturisticomexico.com.mx