Elemental Kite Club Opens its Doors for Kitesurfing Instruction
Mexico’s newest kitesurfing school is officially open, offering kitesurfing lessons on the Costa Esmeralda in Veracruz
Veracruz, MEXICO: Elemental Kite Club is pleased to announce the launch of its kitesurfing school, which currently offers a variety of beginner and intermediate kitesurfing lessons. Additionally, Elemental Kite Club is an excellent location where more advanced kitesurfers can come to perfect their skills.
Located on the pristine beach of the Costa Esmeralda, Elemental Kite Club offers a wonderful, relaxing kitesurfing holiday complete with all of the essentials one could wish for: excellent winds, spacious seashore, abundant sunshine and first-rate kitesurfing facilities.
Great accommodation packages are provided by Taboga Hotel, located on the same grounds as Elemental Kite Club. Taboga Hotel provides tailored service for kitesurfers including delicious, locally inspired food; comfortable accommodation; tropical beach bar; swimming pool with Jacuzzi; spa treatments and gracious hospitality. Other exciting opportunities for adventure can be arranged, such as volunteering at the nearby turtle research center, whitewater rafting, mangrove boat tours, deep-sea fishing, visits to area waterfalls, tours of the El Tajin archaeological site and much more. These activities are also ideal for non-kitesurfing guests and low-wind days.
“Our experienced kitesurfing instructors are certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) and provide lessons in both Spanish and English,” said Peppi Stunkel, General Manager of Elemental Kite Club. “Costa Esmeralda is the perfect spot for adventurous kitesurfers from all over the world to get together and share their passion. Here kitesurfers can enjoy our windy season from October through June, and we welcome all to join us on the beach in the evenings for bonfires and endless stargazing!”
Elemental Kite Club’s kitesurfing classes range from beginner to intermediate skill level and are available as private or group lessons at reasonably priced hourly, daily and weekly rates. For more information visit Elemental Kite Club’s website at: www.elementalkiteclub.com.
New research confirms Mexico’s tourism will remain strong over long term
(August 10, 2009) — WTTC expects Mexico’s Travel & Tourism Economy GDP growth to average around 5% per annum over the next decade (2009-19), generating some 2 million direct industry jobs by the end of the period.
As the first country in the world to experience an outbreak of the now widespread A (H1N1) influenza virus, Mexico has been really hard hit in terms of tourism demand over the past three months. Preliminary estimates from the Mexican Government put the impact so far at around US$200-$300 million, but the final toll could well be much greater. More than 2,000 inbound flights were cancelled during the early stages of the crisis.
“Mexico should be applauded for the way it handled the swine flu crisis,” said Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Operations Officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), speaking at a recent media breakfast organised by the Mexico Tourism Board. “The Mexican Government and other stakeholders in the local Travel & Tourism industry have taught us all a lot because they have shown great leadership during their period of crisis, not to mention responsibility, timeliness and effectiveness.
“This was one of the clear messages that came out of our 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, held in Florianópolis, Brazil, in May 2009,” Ms Ibrahim added. “The virus and the need for the global Travel & Tourism industry to prepare for a pandemic were top of the agenda at the Summit, and Mexico’s responsible approach to reporting the outbreak and its impact impressed delegates from around the world.”
In 2008, international tourist arrivals in Mexico grew by 5.9% to 22.6 million while US dollar travel spending by all visitors rose 3.4% to US$13.3 billion. More significantly, WTTC’s research shows that the country’s Travel & Tourism Economy increased its contribution to 13.2% of Mexico’s GDP, growing by 3.8% – as against stagnation in Travel & Tourism Economy GDP posted by the Americas as a whole.
In addition and, even more importantly, given the global economic situation and rising unemployment around the world, an estimated 40,000 additional jobs were created directly last year by Mexico’s Travel & Tourism Industry, raising the total number of people directly employed in the sector to 1.7 million.
Mexico’s Travel & Tourism started 2009 on a positive note …
Despite the intensification of the global recession and continued drug-related violence in Mexico, international tourist arrivals continued to expand (+5.9%) in the first four months of 2009. However, the gains were concentrated in January and February, while April saw just a 0.2% year-on-year rise and the growth is estimated to have come mainly from lower-spending visitors staying near the US border.
For more on this story, visit WTTC’s Tourism News.
Letter from the Editor – May
Reporting from Stockholm, Sweden, on May 19th…meetings today included relationship-building with VisitSweden.com, The Swedish Ecotourism Society and Nature’s Best, a 80-member group of tour operators here in Sweden. ATTA’s visit here builds upon the ATTA’s 2008 Adventure Travel World Summit (host destination: Norway) efforts to strengthen the global network within Scandinavia.
Our visit here comes on the heel’s of last week’s trek through New York City, where National Geographic Adventure graciously hosted more than 90 adventure travel trade professionals at our May 13th regional meeting, which included ATTA member tour operators, destination marketing organizations and service providers, plus an impressive contingent of influencers new to ATTA and eager to connect, plus quality media keeping tabs on our industry’s progress. Attendees networked early in the meeting, gained insights from ATTA updates, and then participated in several group discussions.
Given the gravity of the crisis in Mexico concerning the so called “swine flu”, the ATTA lent Mexico Tourism Board’s Deputy Director Clara Torres the floor to provide the very latest update from Mexico: her update served as the first discussion item about crises affecting the entire supply chain and moved quickly into discussions about media treatment of crises and the need for industry-wide contingency planning. Perceptual issues also became a hot-button of discussion for the group, and emerged out of further exploration of special marketing and promotional strategies that could help our industry weather challenging economic times.
These were just two of the key topics addressed at our most recent ATTA regional meeting – stay tuned to another regional meeting update when ATTA President Shannon Stowell arrives in the Boulder/Denver, Colorado to host at REI the May 29th regional meeting there. Of course, in between our physical world meetings, jump into AdventureTravelNews.com, contribute to our updates and to stay tuned on the latest from the field.
Yours in adventure, Chris Doyle
Editor
ATTA Lends Adventure Travel Industry Voice, Perspectives at Events Worldwide
ATTA’s leadership, advisors and strategic partners are playing active roles in the industry and getting out and about. This synopsis of where the ATTA is representing the industry’s voice is the start of what we hope will become regular updates within AdventureTravelNews.com. Our intention is to give ATN readers insights as to where ATTA team members are throughout the year. If you’ll be in the region where we’re headed and you’re interested in connecting with us, please write to info@adventuretravel.biz.
For April and May, here’s where the ATTA will be represented:
Belize (April)
Shannon Stowell will be a guest keynote speaker in Belize City at the Belize Tourism Board’s annual industry event on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009. It is one of the Board’s signature events and has an attendance of approximately 350 tourism stakeholders. It provides the public sector arm of the tourism industry an opportunity to share with their tourism partners a review of the Board’s efforts over the past year as well as future development plans that will impact tourism growth and market development. Shannon’s presentation will focus on the state of the Adventure Travel Industry, and how Belize and its tourism businesses might increase their market share in a competitive and challenging environment. Shannon will join the Belize Minister of Tourism, the Director of Tourism and the CEO of the Belize Tourism Board in this event.
Mexico (April)
Shannon Stowell, Christina Heyniger (long time ATTA partner and President of Xola Consulting) and Antonio del Rosal, ATTA Executive Director-Mexico, have been invited to speak during the 34th edition of the Tianguis Turístico in Acapulco Mexico, which will be held from the 26th to the 29th of April. During their intervention, ATTA and Xola members will explain the strategic importance adventure travel holds with regard to the development of Mexico’s Tourism Industry, and the crucial role ATTA will be playing in its growth. ATTA and Xola are collaborating with Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism to develop a National Adventure Travel Assessment. This assessment is expected to allow the ATTA, SECTUR and the Mexican Tourism Promotion Board (CPTM) to assist the government in developing a market positioning plan for the Country. With the opening of ATTA representation in Mexico, the ATTA hopes to become a strategic ally for the Mexican Government and for local operators who wish access to: best practices worldwide, strategic media, top tier specialized tour operators and travel agents, and position Mexico as a world class adventure travel destination.
During Tianguis, the ATTA will sign a strategic alliance with AMTAVE, the Mexican Adventure and Ecotourism Travel Association and two-year ATTA Association Partner, through which the benefits of ATTA membership will be more readily available to AMTAVE’s nearly 100 members. Witnesses of honor to this signature will be: The Mexican Tourism Promotion Board, represented by Marketing Director Steve Austin, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, represented by Monica Vejar, Director of Alternative Tourism and the Secretary of Tourism for Mexico City, Alejandro Rojas.
Scotland (April)
For the week of April 20th, ATTA Business Development Director Paula Mendes is on a trade mission to Scotland to size up its adventure travel market and to meet with its tourism officials and tour operators, and to participate in on-the-ground adventures there. For possible appointments there, contact Paula at paula@adventuretravel.biz.
Vancouver, Canada (May)
ATTA’s Shannon Stowell and Paula Mendes will co-host an ATTA Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Regional Meeting on May 5th.
South Africa (May)
ATTA’s Vice President of Business Development Chris Chesak will attend INDABA and will be available for appointments. Email cchesak@adventuretravel.biz
New York (May)
ATTA Vice President Chris Doyle will host an ATTA NYC Regional Meeting on May 13th.
Sweden (May)
Chris Doyle will work from Gothenburg, Sweden, May 15-28 to develop closer ties to the region’s adventure tourism industry. For appointments during his time in Sweden, please email cdoyle@adventuretravel.biz.
Elemental Kite Club
Elemental Kite Club offers an adventurous kitesurfing experience on the tranquil shores of Costa Esmeralda in Veracruz, Mexico. The peaceful beach and ideal weather conditions make the location perfect for this fast growing extreme sport. The Elemental Kite Club has teamed up with Taboga, a beautiful eco boutique hotel, to provide facilities tailored to meet the needs of kitesurfers. Good wind, delicious food, lots of sunshine and gracious hospitality will entice visitors to stay long past their holiday.
Guests can pump kites up on the large lawn between the rooms and the ocean, also providing ample space for cleaning, drying and storing kites. There are miles of empty, hazardless beach to enjoy—one may find oneself solo on the beautiful sea. After a brilliant session, kiters can land their gear on the lawn in front of the palm-thatch Palapa Bar and rinse off with a fresh water shower before relaxing with a delicious snack or a mango margarita. Guests can finish the day with a dip in the lovely pool.
The windy season on this part of the Gulf of Mexico starts in October and continues through to June, with wind direction is mainly sideshore or side onshore. From November to February strong northerly winds “Nortes” are common throughout the season. The wind usually blows all afternoon so mornings can be spent relaxing by the pool, treating yourself to a massage in our spa, enjoying the local nature on one of our eco-tours or by taking a trip to the ancient ruins of El Tajin. These activities are ideal for non-kiting guests and low-wind days so there is always plenty of fun to be had. In the evenings, guest can enjoy a delicious dinner at the Mexican Fusion restaurant, chill out in the Jacuzzi, and then join us on the beach for a bonfire and endless stargazing.
Elemental Kite Club was created by two keen kitesurfing friends. La Costa Esmeralda is the perfect spot for adventurous kitesurfers from all over the world to get together and share their passion. Here kiters can enjoy excellent living facilities and great service in a safe environment, plus miles of coast to explore by kite or on foot. In the near future Elemental Kite Club will open a Kitesurfing School offering lessons to beginners and intermediate students, as well as an equipment rental service and a kite store.
Elemental Kite Club also organizes downwinders to and from our beach plus kite trips to nearby locations such as the huge Laguna Tamihua, a relatively unexplored spot combining flat water and strong winds.
If you are eager for great kiting and a peaceful holiday, come join us here on the Gulf Coast of Mexico! For more details, please visit www.elementalkiteclub.com
Mexico Tourism Board CEO Oscar Fitch Gómez Issues Statement Concerning U.S. State Dept. Alert
Editor’s Note: Mr. Gómez’s letter to industry partners regarding the U.S. State Department’s Feb. 20, 2009, alert regarding crime and violence in Mexico is offered in its entirety below. ATTA has recently opened its first branch in Mexico to be led by ATTA Mexico Executive Director Antonio de Rosal, who is diligently working with public, private and NGO organizations to help accurately convey to inbound travelers the adventure travel conditions throughout Mexico – not just conditions of crime and violence reported in the isolated locations indicated in media reports.
“Mexico City, Tuesday, March 10th, 2009.
Dear American Tourism Industry Partners,
As you may know, the media has been stressing news about the violent issues related to drug trafficking in Mexico; however, consumers do understand that these are isolated events taking place in perfectly delimited areas and most of them occur far away from tourist destinations. Mexico continues to have a positive image among American travelers according to studies conducted by Y Partnership. The results indicated that people are still traveling, but some of their standards have changed; such as proximity and destinations with good connectivity. At the same time, tourist activity continues to throw favorable numbers; data reported on February 15th, indicates that hotel occupancy rates in the main tourist destinations exceeded those of 2008.
News about the reactivation of the travel alert by the U.S. State Department has caused a good deal of controversy; however we consider the importance of putting the situation in context. In agreement with Leslie Bassett, Business Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico “the alert does not intend in any way to discard Mexico as a tourist destination, but to inform citizens on the precautions to be taken when facing definite violent situations.”
Mexico is the tenth most visited tourist destination in the world and the first destination for American tourists. As well it´s a very large country with safe destinations to visit. It is important for tourists who visit Mexico to be aware of the importance of using common sense and take the proper precautions that they would in any other country. In addition, it’s important to note that the security related to drug trafficking is concentrated in identified cities and not in the tourist destinations.
I want to emphasize that it is the Mexican’s government top priority to guarantee that our tourists go home with only the best memories of Mexico and that they enjoyed the experience during their stay in our country. This has been our main focus and that is why year after year we continue to welcome a larger amount of tourists.
Mexico remains a safe destination and this is reflected in the almost 23 million tourists that visited us in 2008, of which 18 million of these were Americans, a 5.9 percent increase compared to 2007.
Tourism is the third source of income for Mexico, and I want to assure you that we will continue working tirelessly to maintain a positive image for Mexico and to continue receiving tourists from all over the world that choose Mexico as one of the destinations with the greatest diversity of tourism offerings and the highest standard of quality and services Mexico has been traditionally known for.
Sincerely,
Oscar Fitch
CEO
Mexico Tourism Board”
Serena Hotel and Residences, S.A. de C.V.
Experience the extraordinary
A real find on the Mexican Riviera, Serena Residences is a world class experience with its private marina, its championship golf
course and its elegant residences. Still, what makes Serena extraordinary, is its unsurpassed hospitality.
Right at Serena Residences, a David Fleming golf course winds alongside the largest marina in Latin America. The boats of the resort’s fleet, anchored just a few steps from your room are available for fishing, whale watching or island excursions. Still, you may find it hard to pull yourself away from the property’s magnificent residences, finest amenities and outstanding service.
Facilities:
Golf Course
Private Marina
Restaurant/Bar
Private Sport fishing fleet
Whale watching Tours
Deer Island Shuttle
Pool
Jacuzzi & Spa
Private Airport Transfers
Room Descriptions:
Three Bedroom Bugambilia Residence.
Offers three bedroom residence marina view with one king and two queen beds, Egyptian cotton linens, walk-in closets, two marbled bathrooms, L’ Occitane bath amenities, Turkish towels, Kholer fixtures, private terrace, marina view, full kitchen with the state of the art appliances along with beautiful custom woodwork, travertine marble and Brazilian granite countertops. Comfortable living area features flat plasma TV with satellite channels, DVD player, Ipod dock and Air Conditioning. Residences are serviced once daily. Selected rooms with Jacuzzi and grill area. Living Area: 1,306 Sq.Ft. + Terrace: From 255 To 545 Sq.Ft. Maximum Occupancy 6 Adults + 1 Child.
Three Bedroom Mangrove Residence.
Offers three bedroom residence marina view with one king and two queen beds, Egyptian cotton linens, walk-in closets, two and a half marbled bathrooms, L’ Occitane bath amenities, Turkish towels, Kholer fixtures, private terrace, marina view, full kitchen with the state of the art appliances along with beautiful custom woodwork, travertine marble and Brazilian granite countertops. Comfortable living area features flat plasma TV with satellite channels, DVD player, Ipod dock and Air Conditioning. Residences are serviced once daily. Selected rooms with Jacuzzi and grill area. Living Area: 1,500 Sq.Ft. + Terrace: From 260 To 550 Sq.Ft. Maximum Occupancy 6 Adults + 1 Child.
Three Bedroom Palm Penthouse.
Offers three bedroom penthouse marina view with one king and two queen beds, Egyptian cotton linens, walk-in closets, three and a half marbled bathrooms, L’ Occitane bath amenities, Turkish towels, Kholer fixtures, private terrace, marina view, full kitchen with the state of the art appliances along with beautiful custom woodwork, travertine marble and Brazilian granite countertops. Comfortable living area features flat plasma TV with satellite channels, DVD player, Ipod dock and Air Conditioning. Residences are serviced once daily. Selected rooms with Jacuzzi and grill area. Living Area: 1,998 Sq.Ft. + Terrace: 1191 Sq.Ft. Maximum Occupancy 6 Adults + 1 Child.
