THE MEXICAN
STATE OF SINALOA, which includes the popular destination
of Mazatlan on Mexicos Pacific coast, raised its tourism state tax
from 2% to 3%. The tax is levied on all tourists who stay in hotels
throughout Sinaloa. The state congress, which raised the tax on
Aug. 1, said the additional funds will go toward a marketing
campaign to boost tourism throughout the state. According to
figures, tourist arrivals to Mazatlan alone jumped 21% from 2004 to
2005. During that same period, airlift increased 24%.
OCCIDENTAL
HOTELS & RESORTS is offering a free night when
customers book a minimum three nights at participating Allegro and
Occidental Grand properties in Mexico, and at the Royal Hideaway
Playacar in the Riviera Maya. Rates at the Royal Hideaway Playacar
start at $362 a night per person, double; $69 at participating
Allegro properties, and $73 at participating Occidental Grand
properties. The promotion is valid for bookings received by Aug. 31
for stays through Dec. 22. For information or reservations, call
(800) 858-2258 or visit www.occidentalhotels.com.
MARRIOTTS
TWO CANCUN PROPERTIES, the Marriott Cancun Resort &
Spa and the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, are offering
incentives this summer to boost business after reopening following
renovations due to Hurricane Wilma. At the 448-room JW Marriott
Cancun, for example, guests who stay from Aug. 16 to Dec. 16 can
sign up for a complimentary 15-minute back massage poolside from 10
a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition, a 50-minute version will cost $85 per
person, a 15% discount. During the same period, both properties are
offering a fifth night free to guests who book the Sand Dollars
package for four nights. A $100 dining voucher is included. For
information or reservations, call (888) 727-2347 or visit www.jwmarriottcancun.com or www.casamagnacancun.com.
AMERICAN
AIRLINES said it will launch nonstop service from New
Yorks Kennedy Airport to San Jose del Cabo, effective Dec. 16.
American will operate one flight a week on Saturdays through April
9. The new route will use Boeing 757s with 188 seats in coach and
business class. The New York flight is scheduled to depart at 11
a.m. and land in San Jose del Cabo at 3 p.m. The return flight will
depart San Jose del Cabo at 4 p.m. and arrive in New York at 10:50
p.m.
FRONTIER
AIRLINES said it will enter its eighth Mexican city when
it launches roundtrip service between Denver and Guadalajara on
Dec. 22. The flights will operate four times a week on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. In anticipation of strong demand
for the route, Frontier said it has scheduled over 30 connections
linking Guadalajara to cities throughout its U.S. route network.
Frontier said it will offer a promotional $198 roundtrip fare on
the new route.
Mexico
E-Letter Editor:
Jorge
Sidron
Phone: (973) 898-0011
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].