The two mile-long flamboyant and dynamic offers fun for all ages’parade will feature more than a hundred floats and thousands of dancers and hundreds of musicians. For the first time since its opening, observers will take over Puerto Vallarta’s newly remodeled iconic boardwalk, el Malecon, and follow the parade to its end point in is Zona Romantica where it will come together for a big street party.

The Puerto Vallarta Carnaval Parade will be held on Saturday, February 18, from 9 pm to midnight. The parade route begins at the northern end of the new Malecon at Parque Hidalgo, continuing south on Paseo Diaz Ordaz, Morelos and Ignacio L. Vallarta streets to continue on Basilio Badillo street where it turns west and then south on to Olas Altas ending at the far southern end of that street.

For more information on Puerto Vallarta’s Carnival, please visit: www.carnavalvallarta.com

For more information on Puerto Vallarta visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

The property is now the Viceroy Riviera Maya (www.viceroyrivieramaya.com).

“The renovation has transformed the Viceroy Riviera Maya, making it even more comfortable, luxurious and enjoyable,” said General Manager Pedro Lara, adding, “We are an ideal fit with the Viceroy portfolio because of our mutual emphasis on outstanding personalized service, beautifully appointed accommodations, signature amenities and sophisticated dining.”

The renovation of the all-villa resort, set on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and immersed in a jungle ambiance, included:

11 new luxury villas with plunge pools, including the resort’s first beachfront and ocean-view villas. The 11 new villas increased the resort’s total to 41 villas.

A new entrance, motor court and reception area, bringing a sense of arrival that is more welcoming and convenient.

A new casual restaurant, the Coral Grill, located at the sand’s edge featuring a Mexican-Mediterranean menu cooked on wood-burning grills.

A reconfigured and remodeled La Marea, now a fine dining restaurant located on a romantic sea-view loft with a new menu of refined Mexican cuisine accented with international influences.

Revamp of the lounge to create the Library Lounge with a luxurious residential feel, a lending library and intimate seating areas where guests can relax and enjoy favorite beverages and snacks.

Revitalization of the interiors of the original 29 villas including new lighting, furniture and décor accents.

Complete renovation of the interior of the Presidential Villa and redesigning the landscaping to open up an ocean view.

A new fitness center with an ocean view and state-of-the-art workout equipment.

A new retail boutique offering a wide range of resort and personal products.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a serene hideaway that merges every luxury amenity with dramatic sea and jungle, bringing together the best of the destination. The restaurants, lounge, swimming pool, fitness center and lawns with day beds are set by sugary white sands lapped by the warm Caribbean. The villas, except for the new beachfront and ocean-view villas, are immersed in a jungle ambiance dense with ferns, palms and guava trees that is the playground of a resident family of friendly spider monkeys. Every villa features a completely private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling, thatched-palapa roof that resonates with the jungle environment. Guests arrive to a Mayan Blessing, performed by the Mayan shaman on staff, releasing you from your cares and worries into a new, relaxed beginning at the resort. At the spa, Mayan healing techniques and traditions infuse every aspect of the guest experience.

The six-acre resort is on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula 40 miles south of Cancun and its international airport, and three miles north of popular Playa del Carmen, known for its beach scene, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. Guests may stroll miles of beautiful white-sand beach along the spectacular Riviera Maya coast. The resort has its own pier where guests sunbathe, enjoy massages, savor romantic dinners, and may be conveniently picked up by boat for snorkeling, diving and other excursions. Opened in 2002, the resort originally was called Ikal del Mar, becoming The Tides Riviera Maya in 2006. For additional information on the Viceroy Riviera Maya or to make a reservation: toll-free 866-332-1672 or reservations@viceroyrivieramaya.com.

About Viceroy Hotel Group

Viceroy Hotel Group delivers one-of-a-kind lifestyle experiences that bring together provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. The current portfolio of managed properties includes two luxury brands, Viceroy and The Tides. Viceroy Hotels & Resorts exemplify a passion for authentic, visionary design and personalized service. Signature Viceroy amenities and services created for the brand’s diverse business and leisure guests include dynamic dining venues featuring world-class culinary talents and destination spas specializing in health, fitness and beauty. Current Viceroy properties include hotels and resorts in Santa Monica, Palm Springs, Miami, Anguilla, Snowmass, Colorado, Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi with forthcoming openings in Beverly Hills (in what is currently L’Ermitage Beverly Hills), the Maldives and Bodrum, Turkey. The Tides brand offers chic beachfront backdrops that inspire reconnection through cultural experiences delivered with style and spirit. Every Tides destination interprets indigenous cultural elements, expressed in each property’s décor, cuisine, and spa. The Tides collection includes resorts in Mexico’s Zihuatanejo, as well as upcoming developments on St. Lucia in the Caribbean, which is currently operating as Jalousie Plantation. The Urban Retreat Collection includes Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, Maison 140 in Beverly Hills, and Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica.

An incredibly enjoyable tour in Mexico is to the Jose Cuervo Tequila plantation and distillery in the town of Tequila, near Guadalajara in the Jalisco State of Mexico. Here, you’ll be able to tour and follow the entire tequila production process, from seeing the blue agave cactus leaves chopped off to reveal the meaty bulb, to watching how the huge bulbs are steamed, distilled and made into a variety of different tequilas. And then there’s the sampling! I have personally witnessed a diehard whiskey fan convert to tequila after tasting some of the Cuervo tequilas in the cellar of the estate!

SOME HISTORY

Jose Antonio Cuervo obtained the title to a parcel of land in Tequila in the Jalisco State of Mexico and began producing tequila in 1758, and the private family distillery is still found on this same land today. The history of the Cuervo family is very much linked to the development of “The Tequila Region,” and also to a growing appreciation of the spirit that derives its name from it.

JOSE ANTONIO CUERVO

Founded in 1812, Fabrica La Rojena is the oldest active distillery in Latin America. It is possible that Cuervo’s use of a crow as a logo that marked the product could be the first evidence of product branding in the world. It wasn’t until 1873 that the first documented export of the tequila to the United States had three bottles going on the back of a donkey! 1995 marked the 200th anniversary of the production of tequila at the Jose Cuervo distillery, and today over 5 million cases are sold annually.

THE FACTS

The family that invented Tequila has assembled the following list of all of the legends, myths and facts of this refined spirit.

Fact #1

WAS THERE REALLY A PERSON NAMED JOSE CUERVO?

Yes. Jose Antonio de Cuervo was the first Tequila producer, obtaining the land from the King of Spain in 1758, before Mexico became an independent republic. In 1795, Jose María Guadalupe de Cuervo made the very first Vino Mezcal de Tequila de Jose Cuervo when he received the first official permit from the King of Spain to produce Tequila commercially

Fact #2

WHO WAS THE FIRST PRODUCER OF TEQUILA IN THE WORLD?

Jose Cuervo, of course, since 1795.

Fact #3

WHERE IS JOSE CUERVO TEQUILA REALLY MADE?

All Jose Cuervo Tequila is made in the central Mexican town of Tequila in the state of Jalisco. According to the DOT (Declaration for the Protection of the Denomination of Origin—this is the Mexican law that oversees the protection of Tequila), only alcoholic beverages made with Blue Agave or agave azul (Agave Tequilana Weber blue variety) grown in the states of Jalisco,Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas can be labeled as Tequila. No agave grown outside this region, including other countries, can be used for any product labeled as “Tequila.”

Fact #4

WHAT IS TEQUILA MADE FROM?

Real Tequila is made from a plant called Blue Agave. Only the Agave Azul Tequilana Weber variety (Blue Agave) can be used for Tequila. Classified by German botanist F. Weber in 1905, the Blue Agave is commonly mistaken for a cactus, but it is really a relative of the lily (amaryllis) family. Blue Agave is sometimes known as maguey, mexic, pita and teometl.

Fact #5

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN AGAVE PLANT TO REACH MATURITY?

Blue agave can take anywhere from 6 to 12 years to mature. This is when the Agave reach their peak in sugars and will yield the most Tequila. The plant is used entirely once and then more agave must be planted to continue the production process.

Fact #6

IS TEQUILA MEZCAL?

No. They are often confused, but they’re really not the same at all. For example, Tequila can only be made from the Blue Agave, grown in specified regions of Jalisco, while mezcal can be made from many different varieties of agave such as Mano Larga, Espadin, etc..Tequila is always double-distilled, while mezcal is generally distilled once.

Fact #7

WHY IS THERE A WORM IN MY TEQUILA BOTTLE?

THERE ISN’T. What you have is not a bottle of Tequila. The worm is found only in certain bottles of mezcal. The worm is nothing but a marketing gimmick!

Fact #8

WHAT IS A PIÑA?

The piña (Spanish word for pineapple) is the heart of the agave from which sugars are extracted and Tequila is made. The word piña is used because once harvested, the heart of the plant resembles a pineapple.

Fact #9

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO GREAT TEQUILA?

Experience, handcraftsmanship and recipes that have been handed down generation through generation. Jose Cuervo has been making Tequila the same way for over 250 years. Carefully choosing the best agaves, meticulous fermentation and distillation, and final processing result in the world’s finest Tequila.

Fact #10

WHY IS TEQUILA STRONGER THAN OTHER SPIRITS?

It isn’t. Jose Cuervo produces at 38% to 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), just like most spirits. Tequila, however, has a unique flavor and is frequently consumed straight as a shot. This intense taste experience may be what leads people to mistakenly think that Tequila is “stronger.”

Fact #11

WHICH JOSE CUERVO PRODUCTS ARE GLUTEN-FREE?

Being straight distilled spirits, all Jose Cuervo Tequilas are gluten free. In addition, Jose Cuervo Authentic Cuervo Margaritas, Margarita Minis, and Golden Margaritas are also gluten-free.

Fact #12

WHAT DOES “AÑEJO” MEAN?

Translated from Spanish, “añejo” means “aged.” In Tequila terms, “añejo” is the designation for Tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for at least one year.

Fact #13

WHAT DOES “REPOSADO” MEAN?

Reposado means “rested.” Tequila must be “rested” in wood barrels, for a minimum of two months. This is a requirement of the Mexican government. The “resting” mellows and refines the Tequila, producing a combination of superb smoothness and great taste.

Fact #14

WHAT ARE NORMAS?

Normas are the standards set by the Mexican government, specifying what Tequila is and how it must be made. Each bottle of real Tequila must have a NOM (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas) 4-digit number on the bottle. This number indicates the distillery where the Tequila is made. Jose Cuervo’s NOM numbers are 1104 and 1122.

Fact #15

WHICH TEQUILAS ARE REAL MEXICAN TEQUILAS?

Real Tequila can only be produced in five very specific regions in Mexico. Tequila received a Designation of Origin (appellation de controlee) in 1997. It’s the same as an appellation for Bordeaux, Bourbon or Cognac. The Mexican federal government has established strict requirements governing Tequila production.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.josecuervo.com

TO BOOK A TEQUILA TOUR

Email: laceves@visiontour.com.mx

WEB:  www.visiontour.com.mx

The information here has been collected from the Jose Cuervo website.

A trip to the sanctuary is not only educational, but a rare treat to see these magnificant creatures up close. Children of diverse educational and social backgrounds were invited to the Turtle Sanctuary and given a tour.

In an attempt to put an end to the customary practice of sea turtle depredation by the regional population it is important to reach out to the new generation and elevate the consciousness of the children who are the future care givers of this endangered species.

During the 2010 season, approximately 1800 students of diverse educational and social backgrounds were invited to the Turtle Sanctuary and given a tour. The talks included general information about the sea turtle as well as the process and manner in which we can protect this ancient creature.

Encouraging the children and students to make contact with this organism endangered of extinction, they were each invited to release a brand new baby turtle. This type of educational work with the local population is with out a doubt very important in bringing about a higher sense of awareness and respect of nature as well as the values of environmental protection and conservation.

Three work shops were also hosted by the sanctuary consisting of approximately 5 hours each involving primary, high school and college level students.

These outreach efforts being are made in the attempt to install a more deeply rooted conscience within our society about the sea turtle. Education is vital to the conservation process as the local inhabitants begin to share in the responsibility for the care and protection of this vanishing treasure.

It was our honor to participate in the radio program “ECO NATURALEZA” with the theme; “The behavior of the sea turtle population during the year 2010.”

It was also an honor to participate in the XVI ENCUENTRO DE LA NINEZ DE LA ZONA SUR DE SINALOA COSERVACION DE LA TORTUGA MARINA, and hosting the conference; WHAT IS A TURTLE SANCTUARY? HOW, WHEN AND WHERE DO THEY FUNCTION, held at the Auditorio de Acuario Mazatlan.

In the year 2000, Estrella Del Mar began to coordinate the operation and established THE CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM OF MARINE TURTLES in a permanent manner which continues today.

The operation of this program becomes possible thanks to the support of the Stone Island Development Company who is in charge of providing such as human resources and necessary materials for the suitable handling of the program.

We have to emphasize that the Program of Protection and Conservation of Marine Turtles Estrella del Mar counts on the support of the Secretary of Public Security in the State of Sinaloa, since the 2001 Season, who from that year consecutively has sent a brigade of the Preventive State Police, with specialized equipment to support the labors of protection and conservation of this species, achieving with its intervention in reducing considerably the depredation of this organism in part of the locals (theft of eggs and turtles).

Learn more about the turtle sanctuary research and protection programs here:

http://estrelladelmar.com/TurtlePreserve/Turtle_Preserve_Details.htm

Info about Estrella Del Mar:

http://estrelladelmar.com/

The Oasis Jazz U Festival will present performances by the most prestigious and world-renowned jazz artists who consistently top the Billboard charts from living legend Chick Corea (pictured above) to one of the hottest young artists today, Trombone Shorty. The program will encompass concerts by six principal jazz artists in addition to other performances throughout the Festival period. For a true jazz aficionado, there is simply no better place on earth to experience great jazz than while staying at one of the most comprehensive and picturesque resorts in the Mexican Caribbean.

The current schedule for the Oasis Jazz U Festival is as follows:

May 17th – Trombone Shorty (www.tromboneshorty.com)

May 18th – Dianne Reeves (www.diannereeves.com)

May 19th – Chick Corea and Gary Burton (www.chickcorea.com)

May 24th – Maceo Parker (www.maceoparker.com)

May 25th – Brad Mehldau (www.bradmehldau.com)

May 26th – Diego “El Cigala” (www.elcigala.com)

For additional information on the Oasis Jazz U Festival, visit www.oasishotels.com.

ABOUT OASIS HOTELS & RESORTS

Oasis Hotels & Resorts provides a trademark Cancun all-inclusive resort experience which focuses on properties that feature some of the finest beach locations in Cancun; the largest pool in Cancun (at the Grand Oasis Cancun and Oasis Cancun); an affordable family program where two kids 12 and under stay and eat free when sharing a room with their parents; a wide variety of dining options that range from buffets to Italian to Mexican, steakhouses, etc.; beautifully landscaped grounds; tennis and water sports activities; and more.

For additional information, contact TravAmerica at (800) 44-OASIS or (770) 448-7700, or visit the website at: www.oasishotels.com

Regarding the reports of violence, Guevara pointed out that when there are increased reports of violence in the U.S., the cities are specifically reported, discouraging beliefs that violence as a whole has increased in the entire country. Secretary Guevara said, “For us in Mexico, when we talk about the U.S., we don’t say the U.S., we say Orlando, L.A., Washington. If something happened last week, if there was a shooting in East L.A., does that mean you can’t go to Washington? Of course not.”

According to Guevara, out of more than 2,500 counties in Mexico only 80 are prone to violence, dismissing media claims that the entire state has seen an increase in drug-related violent activity. Guevara also notes that 90 percent of Americans go to six destinations in Mexico, none of which are included in the 80 troubled counties.

As with any tourist in any new destination, Guevara recommends visitors carry a map to avoid being lost in unfamiliar territory. She also recommends that visitors explore outside of the typical destinations, suggesting Huatulco and Oaxaca for a more traditional Mexican cultural experience, or Campeche for those interested in the Mayan culture.

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo / Image via blogspot.com

Facilities under construction for this special year include two new museums on the Maya, and the public opening of several new archaeological sites.

Early Planning is Essential! Put a Stay at Hacienda Xcanatun on The Calendar Now.

Savvy travelers are already reserving luxury accommodations at the historic and centrally located Hacienda Xcanatun (www.xcanatun.com). The elegant, boutique hotel is set on the outskirts of Merida, and recommended by Patricia Schultz in the second edition of her book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Guests enjoy a prime vantage point for sampling a luxe lifestyle and easy access to all the special events and new venues in and around Merida during The Year of the Maya.

What’s On Tap for 2012?

Almost around the corner from Hacienda Xcanatun, is Merida’s new archaeology museum: The Museum of the Mayan World (Museo del Mundo Maya). It is expected to open in October 2012. Interactive exhibitions will showcase rare Mayan miniatures and ceramic pieces, along with a collection of carved Chacmool statues. The Chacmool is often associated with the rain god Chac, and at other times served as an altar for offerings to the gods. Another major exhibit will document the rise and fall of sisal and the sisal plantations in the 18th century. Sisal, a.k.a. green gold, was essential for making rope, critical to the shipping industry. It became the Yucatan’s most important cash crop creating 100’s of millionaires who built opulent plantations and a lifestyle to match. Other exhibitions will showcase Mexico’s ethnic groups. A botanical garden and an IMAX theater will also be housed in the new facility

The Palace of the Mayan World (El Palacio del Mundo Maya) is under construction 7 miles from Chichen Itza, in the town of Yaxkaba. Promising a different kind of experience, The Palace will replicate a sacred Maya city when completed, where visitors can experience how life was organized and the daily activities in a holy center. For bikers, a trail from Chichen Itza to The Palace runs over a sacbe or “white road” similar to those great ceremonial avenues connecting ancient Maya centers.

Archaeological sites unavailable to the public will be opened, and several older archaeology sites are being further restored with improved access roads and facilities…

The Best Place To Stay? Hacienda Xcanatun!

Hacienda Xcanatun was once one of the largest and grandest sisal plantations in the Yucatan. Current owners Cristina Baker and Jorge Ruz, son of one of Mexico’s most famous archaeologists, spent five years transforming the estate into a luxe manor house hotel with acres of gardens and manicured jungle. From the beginning they have instilled the Maya legacy of living in harmony with nature into their management style. This commitment extends to the intimate spa, where Carolina Martinez, Xcanatun’s head Maya therapist, trained by her shaman (healer) grandfather, creates unique treatments from ancient Maya rituals. Very popular with guests are Hacienda Xcanatun’s customized private day trips guided by skilled archaeologists and ecologists native to the Yucatan. These trips should be arranged in advance when booking 2012 reservations!

Accommodations feature 18 high-ceilinged suites, each with a private balcony or patio. All are air-conditioned and individually decorated in a Carib-colonial style with hand-carved furnishings, antiques, and marble bathrooms. Two swimming pools provide a calm oasis deep in the gardens. Casa de Piedra, their gourmet restaurant, highlights enticing Fusion Yucatecan specialties. Ist is ranked among the top 50 restaurants in Mexico.

From 2011 through 2012 nightly rates range from $260 – $345 single or double occupancy (Christmas/New Year’s slightly higher). he rates include continental breakfast. Taxes and hotel service charges are additional.

For reservations and more information about Hacienda Xcanatun and the Year of the Maya call toll-free: USA 1-888–883-3633; in Canada: 877-838-1445.

The website is at www.xcanatun.com; or e-mail hacienda@xcanatun.com

Mexico Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo announced the prestigious designation at a press conference earlier this week, alongside Mario Lopez Valdez, Governor of the State of Sinaloa, and State Secretary of Tourism Oralia Rice.

“Mazatlan is one of the most attractive destinations in our country. The city hosts large events such as Carnaval, boasts great infrastructure for conventions and is easily accessible by land and air,” she noted. “That is why we consider it to be one of the destinations with greatest potential.”

During the joint conference, Secretary Guevara also declared that Mazatlán’s event would be without precedent. Mexico will appoint national ambassadors on behalf of Mazatlán – including renowned celebrities, artists and athletes.

“World Tourism Day spotlights Mazatlán’s ongoing commitment to preserve and encourage cultural legacies while broadening tourism opportunities for our beautiful city,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board.

“Millions of travelers are drawn to Mazatlán’s rich diversity of offerings – from our historic Colonial town and ecological wonders to modern resorts, gourmet cuisine and world-class events,” he continues. “We are extremely honored and delighted to be recognized as national host, and look forward to an unforgettable World Tourism Day celebration.”

Mazatlan’s has recently emerged as a top tourism destination, thanks to new development and the restoration of Mazatlan’s lively historic district. Investment in the new “Playa Espiritu” tourism corridor – spanning to the nearby eco-tourism destination of “Teacapan” – will further broaden the region’s scope of diverse experiences for travelers.

For more information about Mazatlán and the destination’s 2011 World Tourism Day festivities, visit http://www.GoMazatlan.com

About Mazatlán

Mazatlán is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico’s second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 440,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán or Historic District and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation. Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Plazuela Machado, Sea Shell Museum, Mazatlán Aquarium, The Cathedral and the world’s second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local “pulmonías” or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city.

Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at http://www.GoMazatlan.com

Mazatlán recently celebrated a new partnership with the launch of American Airlines’ daily non-stop service from Dallas-Fort Worth, boosting tourism revenue by more than $15 million USD and affording new travel options for the more than 2 million travelers who visit Mazatlán each year. Earlier this summer, the destination’s legendary waves and golden-sand beaches hosted the world’s top surf athletes for the Quiksilver Clásico Mazatlán, a four-star event of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) international tour.

“Mazatlán’s rich culture and unrivalled hospitality sets our city apart from other destinations,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board. “Visitors here enjoy beautiful weather and Pacific Coast sunsets alongside a lively historic center, renowned cuisine and premier resorts. There’s also top-ranked spas, championship golf and year-round events. We are committed to showcasing the many sides of Mazatlán and look forward to making 2011 Fiesta Amigos the best ever.”

The 17th annual Gran Fiesta Amigos is presented by the City of Mazatlán, the Mazatlán Hotel Association and the State of Sinaloa. Among the highlights of this year’s celebration:

• Arts and Culture – During Fiesta Amigos, Old Mazatlán’s neoclassical Angela Peralta Theater and lively Plaza Machado host lively dinners and performances by internationally acclaimed artists. Visit ornate Day of the Dead altars, and enjoy walking tours of Old Mazatlán restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, jazz clubs, museums and arts schools.

• Scenic Excursions – Fiesta Amigos will feature tours of picturesque Colonial towns located in the Sierra Madre foothills just outside Mazatlán, such as Copala, El Quelite and La Noria. Visitors can savor authentic regional cuisine, visit workshops featuring local artisans, and explore 17th-century artwork, archeological museums, churches and historic sites dating back to the 1500s.

• Outdoor Recreation – Recognized worldwide as a first-class fishing destination, Mazatlán hooks anglers in pursuit of big game like sailfish, marlin and tuna that teem in the waters just offshore. Fiesta Amigos will also offer tee times at world-class courses, including El Cid Golf & Country Club’s Lee Travino championship course; Estrella Del Mar, a Robert Trent Jones design, and the new Marina Mazatlan Golf Course designed by David Fleming.

• Cosmopolitan Resort Amenities – In the beachfront Golden Zone resort district, guests will savor fresh Pacific seafood and breathtaking ocean views. Mazatlán’s cosmopolitan resorts and award-winning restaurants host dinner galas and cocktail receptions, as well as vibrant entertainment and nightlife.

• Professional Development – The destination’s state-of-the-art Mazatlán Internation Center hosts a full schedule of business events for travel partners. On November 1, a keynote breakfast presentation will spotlight distinguished travel industry guests and a featured speaker.

For more information on attending 2011 Fiesta Amigos and this year’s highlights, please visit http://www.gomazatlan.com

“La Quinta is pleased to welcome Aeromexico’s Club Premier as a travel partner,” said Julie Cary, Chief Marketing Officer for La Quinta. “In addition to being a valuable partner in Latin America, an important area for La Quinta’s international expansion, this relationship will provide frequent business and leisure travelers an opportunity to earn free travel quickly.”

“Aeromexico’s Club Premier is very happy to include La Quinta as a travel partner where its members can be rewarded for their loyalty every time they stay at La Quinta properties,” said Francisco Schnaas, VP Rewards and Travel Club Premier.

La Quinta’s continued growth in the U.S. and internationally are powered by an unyielding commitment to guest service and satisfaction along with a strong focus on brand standards. In Mexico, La Quinta recently opened two newly-constructed hotels in Poza Rica and Cancun and will open three additional hotels later this year in San Luis Potosi, Puebla and Reynosa.

Now through October 31, 2011 as a special bonus, members will receive 750 Club Premier miles per stay at La Quinta hotels located in the U.S. or Canada. For stays at La Quinta hotels in Mexico, members will receive 1,000 Club Premier miles. Guests can enroll in La Quinta Returns online at www.laquintareturns.com