This week in Latin America

By Travel@Latin America
ARGENTINA
Buenos Aires can become a five star hotel Mecca
In a short term a dozen five star hotels could be added to the 10 already existent five star properties in the capital of Argentina. Hyatt, before the end of the month, will open the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, and in the next months the St. Regis – luxury hotel chain from St. Regis – and the Mexican Mayan hotels are confirmed to open also. Ritz Carlton could also be added, for the company is studying two proposals in Buenos Aires, while other three local investment groups are carrying out negotiations with different international chains and planning to open facilities in Puerto Madero.

LAN Argentina announced flight to Miami
LAN Argentina announced the operation of its first direct international flight Buenos Aires – Miami, beginning August 15th. LAN Airlines operates in Argentina from Buenos Aires, with nine daily frequencies to Santiago; LAN Peru with 11 weekly frequencies to Lima, and LAN Ecuador with two weekly flights to Quito and Guayaquil. 
   
 URUGUAY
“Route” designed for whale sighting
 The Organization for the Conservation of Cetacean designed a "route" or map of the coastal platforms that exist in the country in order for tourists to observe the arrival of the whale during the months of July and November. 
   
 BRASIL
Tourist route Yguazu-Misiones is created
 Recently the launch of the Project known as the route Yguazu-Misiones was launched in Sao Pablo. This project will cover areas of the province of Misiones (Argentina), the states of Parana and Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil) and the departments of Itapua, Misiones and Alto Parana, considering the great potential of these regions for the establishment of an integrated process that will permit the expansion of the results of tourism in each one of them. 
   
PERU
Best adventure destination
In the framework of the International Travel Expo of Hong Kong (ITE), one of the most important tourist fairs in China, Peru was recognized by the organizers of this event as the Best Adventure Destination 2006, stated Prom Peru. Two presentations for professionals were also carried out, for the first time in Cantonese, offering tourism alternatives of the Southern and Northern circuits. 
   
 Ecotourist circuits in Pantanos Villa
 With the objective of promoting ecotourism in the Pantanos de Villa, on the outskirts of Lima, four tourist circuits were implemented to make known the attractions of the area. Visitors will be able to see a video, in English-Spanish, on the history of the reservoir; carry out long walks and boat rides and obtain information on biodiversity, with the support of tour guides.
   
Pisaq tourist circuit is promoted
The Municipality of Pisaq is working on the implementation of a new tourist circuit that will be promoted and offered to tourism. This circuit will begin at the right border of the Vilcanota River where a space destined to local economic development will be fitted out allowing the peasant communities to offer the visitors their craftwork and culinary work. This new tourist circuit, of live culture, is expected to be another showcase for foreign and domestic visitors. 
   
 Piura's gastronomical route for tourists
The Management of Economic Development of the Regional Government, Mincetur and the Hotel and Restaurant Association presented "Piura's Gastronomic Route" made up by the main restaurants of the region. For a fee of US$15 tourists will be able to enjoy the Northern flavor. This service will begin to operate in July. 
   
Hertz Arrives to Cusco and Arequipa
Hertz will soon open new offices in Arequipa and Cusco. Inka's Rent a Car, Hert'z franchise in Peru and Servicios Turisticos signed a contract in which this last company will be in charge of the operations of the new offices. 
   
ECUADOR
Whales arrived
This present sighting season, that will have approximately 250 whales, began last 17th and will end on September 30th. Also, the first research institute of the cetacean of the Pacific, on the coast of Puerto Lopez is soon to be inaugurated. The project has the support of the Pacific Whale Foundation, research organization of the mating.
   
New airport of Guayaquil is inaugurated in July
The new National and International Airport Simon Bolivar in Guayaquil will be inaugurated on July 27th. It is a 50,000 sq. meters building equipped with the most modern airport systems; it will have seven boarding ramps, a modern luggage transportation system, a new parking area, a platform for the parking of 95,000 sq. meter aircraft and eight lighting towers; a new tower control, and a new cargo terminal, among others. 
   
COLOMBIA
AeroRepublica requests new frequencies to Panama
AeroRepublica asked the Civil Aeronautics for authorization to fly seven weekly frequencies between Bogota and Panama. The decision is based on the passenger mobilization growth registered by the passengers between the two destinations, which is close to 20% in the last 3 years. 
   
EL SALVADOR
Hotel Infrastructure increased by 20.7 percent in 2005 
The hotel infrastructure grew by 20.7 percent in 2005, reaching 5,757 guest rooms, stated the Ministry of Tourism. The increase of the availability of guest rooms was due to the expansion of hotels in the cities and the construction of new beach properties on the Ocean Pacific and in mountain areas, stated the official balance. 
   
MEXICO
Quintana Roo will install information booths
The Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo will place 15 information booths throughout different points of the main tourist areas, in order to orient visitors, using the "touch screen" technology. 
   
Grupo Posadas launches new hotel chain
The Mexican operator of the Grupo Posadas hotels launched a new five star hotel chain. Posadas plans to build 20 hotels in 10 years under its new concept, called “Lat 19″ because of the latitude of the City of Mexico and it will target close to 350,000 travelers from the individual guest segment. This concept is about hotels with an emphasis on style, concept that has built the reputation of the W hotel chain, of Starwood. Many others have been added, such as Intercontinental Hotels Group, through its Indigo hotels.  
   
InterContinental will open a new hotel in Cancun under its Holiday Inn brand
In November InterContinental Hotels Group will open the hotel Holiday Inn Cancun – Arenas. The hotel is undergoing remodeling with a total investment of US$ 8 million. The new establishment that will operate under the all inclusive formula is located on Boulevard Kukulcan, across from the Isla Mujeres, 25 minutes from the international airport.
   
Mexicana opens route Mexico-Dallas
Beginning July 1st Mexicana will offer two direct flights to the city of Dallas, Texas, thanks to the growing demand of leisure and business travelers. 
   
Air Canada launches daily flights Montreal-Mexico
Air Canada launched new direct daily flights between Montreal and Mexico DF using A319 aircraft. 
   
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Received 12.62 percent tourists by air travel during the first five months 
 During the first five months of the year 2006, the arrival of foreign visitors by air to this nation increased by 12.62 percent, according to statistical data of the National Hotel and Restaurant Association. Between January – May over 1.5 million tourists arrived to the country. 

June 28, 2006   Posted in: Central America