February 2017 Newsletter

Mexican gasoline prices rose as much as 20.1 percent compared to the highest recorded prices in December 2016, as part of a program to end years of government-set prices at the pump. In a statement, the finance ministry said the widely used Magna gasoline grade (comparable to regular unleaded)  rose 14.2 percent and will sell at an average price of 15.99 pesos (78 cents) per liter at retail, while Premium grade rose up 20.1 percent to an average of 17.79 pesos per liter. Diesel rose 16.5 percent, with an average price of 17.05 pesos per liter. Gasoline prices in Mexico are higher than in the United States, where market prices prevail, hopefully with Mexico joining the international market Mexico’s  Pemex loses about $3 billion a year importing gasoline into Mexico, will no longer happen.

Cocina de Autor at the Grand Velas Los Cabos, has been named among the best resuaurants for 2017 by the international media giant CNN. Lead by Two Michelin Star Chef Sidney Schutte of the Netherlands, Cocina de Autor presents a creative, playful and 8-10 course tasting menu. Each dish requires the careful selection of fresh produce and local meats from the region’s surrounding towns, as well as hours of research, experimentation and fun in the kitchen by a star-studded team of chefs. The restaurant overlooks the resort’s half-moon lily pond with koi fish.

Forbes Travel Guide recently published its “Top 12 Destinations of 2017” and the Riviera Nayarit made this list, which highlights its hotel infrastructure and its events. The article presents the cities and destinations as extraordinary areas that are set to become the best options for 2017. It’s the only Mexican destination chosen to be included in this prestigious publication specializing in tourism. According to the article’s description of Mexico’s Pacific Treasure: “Mexico’s Pacific coast isn’t a new entry on travelers’ radars by any stretch. But because of the region’s 2017 calendar, it should get more than the casual consideration when families start planning their vacations.” It goes on to mention events such as the XIII San Blas International Migratory Birds Festival and the Beach Polo Cup. It also highlighted its ultra-luxurious hotels such as the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. In closing, it recognized the international positioning acquired by the destination, quoting “this exclusive swath of beachfront certainly has earned our attention.” It’s worth mentioning the Riviera Nayarit was the only destination in Mexico chosen by this prestigious publication specializing in tourism.

MIE welcomes Erin Lee as our new Account Manager. She was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  She graduated from SAIT in Calgary with a Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management and enjoyed working in the sales for hotels such as Radisson and Marriott as well as Meetings and Conventions Calgary where she handled International and USA accounts. In 2014 Erin decided to split her time between Puerto Vallarta and Calgary to enjoy the best of both climates.  She has traveled to and lived in Mexico for over a decade and is passionate about the culture, traditions and food – especially the tacos!  Erin speaks Spanish, loves biking, hiking in the rocky mountains and spending time with her family and friends worldwide.