Bright Burning Candle

The Grand Velas on the Riviera Nayarit and its cousin on the Riviera Maya have been listed by Forbes as among the “10 coolest” all-inclusive resorts anywhere. Both are among the properties owned by Eduardo Velas and both already are among the seven hotels in Mexico rating five AAA diamonds.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting From Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Debts, No Taxes

Eight of the leading seaside resort destinations in Mexico are in debt to the tune of 3.7 billion pesos, starting with Cancun, which owes 1.4 billion. Even when converted into dollars, this is a large amount of money, so much that Moody’s and Fitch Ratings advice lenders against lending any more. The borrowed funds apparently were invested in needed infrastructure, but municipal tax collection systems are considered inadequate, making repayment iffy. Meanwhile, tourism to these destinations is setting new records.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting From Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Medical tourism declines

Only 1 percent of the Americans traveling abroad for health care come to Mexico, according to the International Chamber of Health Tourism. Costs in Mexico are a third or more less than they would be in the United States, transportation costs are lower and there are other advantages. These, however, amount to nothing when compared to the feeling of insecurity resulting from gang wars in Mexico.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting From Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Thefts, dog breeds and Visas

Here is the latest news from Global Traveler (www.globaltravelerusa.com). JFK Reports 200 Thefts A Day

New York’s local news station CBS2 reports 200 thefts each day from checked baggage at John F. Kennedy International Airport. According to the report, baggage handlers, tarmac workers and even security officers are among the alleged thieves. There are no security cameras in the belly of the plane to monitor these workers. Investigators claim the thieves engage in luggage profiling, looking for expensive luggage and targeting bags based on the passenger’s destination. No arrests have been made.

United Bans Certain Dog Breeds

Following the merger of the two airlines, United Airlines has adopted Continental Airlines’ longstanding PetSafe policy, banning certain dog breeds on aircrafts. Nine breeds, or mixes, are listed as dangerous: Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa (or Tosa Ken) and Ca de Bou. Before the Continental merger, United had no breed restrictions. PetSafe employees are stationed at all airport hubs to ensure customized and safe animal transportation.

Philippines Extend Visas

In an effort to boost tourism, the Philippines is extending its free visa policy. Tourists from 166 countries can now stay in the country for 30 days and retirees can stay for six months. The new visa program is the first of several measures implemented to lure tourists. The Philippines will remove the Common Carriers Tax and the Customs and Immigration Quarantine, which affect cargo and inspections, respectively, to further ease travel.

Double-Deckers for Mazatlan

Mazatlan recently introduced a fleet of five double-decked, open-top “Fun Buses” that seat from 52 to 78 passengers. The brightly painted buses pick up individual riders on morning and afternoon runs and also can be chartered by convention and meeting groups. Until now, Mazatlan has been noted for its distinctive, open-sided taxis known as pulmonias. Double-decked tour buses are a standard feature in many Mexican cities.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting From Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Baja Turnpike

Baja California Sur is completing work on a throughway that will link Los Cabos with La Paz, capital of the state. The 120-mile-long improvement is badly needed. The original Baja highway from Tijuana to Los Cabos was completed in the early 1970s but in stretches is in poor condition. The improved freeway will cut driving time in half and should help reduce accidents.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting From Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

Foreign Travel Declines

The number of foreigners arriving by air in Acapulco last year declined by 46 percent. It was down 12 percent in Zihuatanejo (Ixtapa) and 10 percent in Mazatlan. These figures were gathered by Francisco Madrid, a former undersecretary of tourism who now directs the School of Tourism at Anahuac University. He made his announcement shortly after President Felipe Calderon predicted that Mexico soon will rank fifth among the most visited countries in the world.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting From Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers