MEXICO OFFICIALS reported no major tourism-related
damage in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that rocked
western and central Mexico last week, killing more than two dozen
people and injuring hundreds more. The quake, which registered at
least a 7.6 on the Richter scale, was centered near the Pacific
Coast around Colima, located about 30 miles east-southeast of the
city of Manzanillo, where power was knocked out but damage was
reported to be light. According to reports by Mexico's National
Center of Communications, administered by the Department of General
Civil Protection Agency, airports in Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta
are fully operational, as are cruise terminals. The quake was felt
more than 300 miles away in Mexico City, where buildings swayed but
damage was minimal. Mexico City's airport is operating normally and
did not experience an interruption of service. The earthquake also
was felt in Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city, in the
nearby state of Jalisco.
PLEASANT HOLIDAYS added the Marriott CasaMagna
Puerto Vallarta to its product line for 2003. Special rates will be
in effect for Pleasant's guests who travel now through 2003;
children 12 and under will be able to stay for free; and daily
buffet breakfast will be included with all rates. Located in the
Marina Vallarta complex, the Marriott CasaMagna offers a children's
program, boutiques, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis complex, a
400-slip marina and three restaurants. Four-night packages start at
$254 per person, double, reflecting a savings of $152 per room.
Prices include roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and
surcharges. For information or reservations, call Pleasant at (800)
448-3333 or visit the Web at www.PleasantAgent.com.
MEXSEASUN added Veracruz to its roster of
destinations for 2003. All vacations include roundtrip air on
Mexicana Airlines, roundtrip airport transfers and 24-hour customer
support. Four-night packages start at $664 per person, double, from
Denver; $689 from Chicago; and $734 from Newark. MexSeaSun
previously added San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro and Monterrey to
this year's product lineup. MexSeaSun is available through the
major GDSs and via VAX Vacation Access. All electronic bookings
earn agents 15% commission. You can also book by calling (866)
263-9732).
THE INCLUSIVE 355-room Viva Vallarta in Puerto
Vallarta launched a Winter Paradise promotion. As part of the
promotion, the resort reduced its nightly inclusive rack rates to
$95 per person, double. The reduction saves couples up to $40 per
room, for travel Feb. 1 to March 31. In addition, children under 12
stay and eat free of charge when sharing a room with two paying
adults (maximum of two children per room). For more or
reservations, call (800) 898-9968 or e-mail [email protected].