THE MENS
PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION (PGA) announced it will
stage the tours first-ever official-money event in Mexico next
year, on the Riviera Maya. The $3.5 million Mayakoba Classic will
be contested in late February 2007 on the 7,067-yard El Camaleon
course at the Mayakoba Resort, a $2 billion mixed-use resort
development that includes the Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Resorts
Laguna Kai (opening in 2007) and the Banyan Tree Mayakoba (opening
in 2007), among other luxury properties. Felix Gonzalez Canto,
governor of the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and
the Riviera Maya, called golf a growing
and important component of the regions overall tourism product. The
El Camaleon course was designed by golfer Greg Norman and is
managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. The event, which will
feature 132 players vying for a first-place check for $630,000,
will be televised on the Golf Channel.
UNITED
AIRLINES said it will launch service between Chicago and
Puerto Vallarta and Los Angeles and Cancun, starting March 4. The
weekly Saturday flight between Chicago and Puerto Vallarta is
scheduled to increase to daily service starting Dec. 15. The weekly
Saturday flight between Los Angeles and Cancun will switch to
Uniteds low-cost carrier, Ted, and increase to daily service on
June 8.
THE RIU
PALACE RIVIERA MAYA opened near Playa del Carmen on Feb.
3. The new resort brings to 11 the number of Riu Hotels &
Resorts properties in Mexico and is the fourth Palace property in
the country. The resort features 400 junior suites with
hydro-massage bathtubs, restaurants, water sports and lighted
tennis courts. Guests have access to all the other Riu properties
within the Riu complex: Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, Riu Tequila and
Riu Palace. To promote the opening, Riu Palace Riviera Maya is
offering a Grand Opening All-Inclusive package priced from $185 a
night per person, double, through April 16. To book, call (888)
666-8816.
TESORO
RESORTS, the new, all-inclusive resort chain, introduced a
three-night Romance Package at its Manzanillo and Los Cabos
properties for $650 per couple through April 6. The package
includes an upgrade to a junior suite, one 30-minute massage for
two people and a bottle of champagne. All Tesoro Resorts packages
include meals, snacks, beverages, water sports and entertainment.
For information or reservations, call (866) 99-TESORO or visit www.tesororesorts.com.