Investment Properties Mexico

Merida Real Estate: Turning a Mexico Vacation into Relocation

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Many travelers have dreamed of buying a home in another country for years, but are still searching for the perfect location. Price, safety, and proximity to fun activities and attractions are all important considerations, and many buyers are also interested in owning property near the beach. The problem is, many beachside communities are either very expensive, or so far off the beaten path that it is daunting to imagine buying a home in the area. 

Fortunately, there are a number of beautiful areas in Mexico that are still affordable, safe and offer close proximity to modern amenities and a wide variety of attractions. In fact, the amazing lifestyle offered in communities like Merida, Mexico, have caused many buyers to turn a vacation home into a permanent residence, opting to relocate to Mexico full time after experiencing all that life here has to offer. 

Merida and the surrounding area is not only naturally beautiful, but it is close to the beach and offers a variety of affordable real estate options, including beachfront homes and condos that are situated within easy walking distance of the ocean. There is also an active community of expats in the area, offering a multitude of social activities.

Mexico also offers a stable economy for working-age adults who may be tired of the increasing social, economic and political issues that are present in the United States. Merida real estate is known for its high standard of living and chic, cosmopolitan ambience at a bargain price compared to other popular destinations near the beach. In addition, the people are friendly and there are plenty of opportunities for expats looking for a rich cultural experience. 

There are also a variety of business opportunities available for those who opt to relocate in Mexico. For example, the Centro downtown area of Merida is home to a number of buildings that are very affordably priced and, with a little love, could quickly be renovated to house your dream business. Many expats who relocate to Mexico are doing just that – finding what they love and following their dreams to lead fulfilled and exciting lives in a tropical paradise.

So, what to do next?

Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

News for Mexico Real Estate: AXA Financial Recognizes Mexicos Long-Term Potential

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on AXA Financial’s acquisition of HSBC Holdings, which the article says demonstrates the French insurer’s faith in “Mexico’s long-term potential.” AXA has been very careful in its spending choices due to the current European credit crisis, which is why the company chose to buy general insurance corporation HSBC’s businesses in Mexico in a $494 million deal.

“From the beginning of the discussions [with HSBC], Mexico was a top target,” stated Xavier de Bellefon, who is a chief executive for AXA Mexico, in a recent interview with Dow Jones Newswires. “Mexico is a success story for AXA; that’s why the company is willing to invest more.”

AXA has maintained a strong presence in Mexico since 2008 when it purchased ING’s Mexican insurance business. The insurance giant has invested more than $150 million in Mexico since that time in addition to the money it will now spend to purchase HSBC.

As the market leader in non-life insurance policies, AXA already holds around16% of the Mexican market, which will increase by at least 1% after the purchase of HSBC is finalized. The acquisition is also expected to increase distribution of AXA products in Mexico real estate, thanks to exclusive marketing of auto and property insurance policies throughout the country. 

According to de Bellefon, since 2011 AXA has more than doubled its net profit in Mexico and has also increased the total number of premiums by around 15%. Last year the French company realized a net profit of $32.5 million and issued more than 28 billion (pesos) in premiums, according to Mexican insurance regulators.

As the world’s 13th-largest economy, and as Mexicans continue to accumulate more wealth, AXA has seen a steady increase in the historically low number of people who purchase insurance, giving the insurance giant good reason to project substantial growth over the coming years.

“Over the next 30-40 years, with our market share and potential for growth, Mexico will be one of the company’s most important units,” stated de Bellefon.

Mexico Real Estate News: Air Traffic Increases New Flights Available to Mexico

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

According to a recent report published online by the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch, air passenger traffic figures for Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) in Mexico were up 2.2 percent overall, and 4.4 percent among domestic travelers last month, compared to the month of April, 2011. In addition, new flights to Mexico have been announced from Denver to Cancun, and from John Wayne Airport in Orange County California, to Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City. 

AirTran Airways now offers a new, low cost, daily roundtrip service from Denver, Colorado, to Cancun through July 7. From July 8 through August 12, service will run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, followed by Saturday and Sunday only service August 13 through November 2. The new flights will provide a fast, affordable way for travelers to reach Cancun, and will help make it easier than ever to enjoy all that Mexico real estate has to offer. 

Starting on June 3, AirTran Airways will begin offering daily flights from John Wayne Airport in California’s famed Orange County to Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City. The routes were chosen for the expected popularity of these two destinations.

“We chose Cabo and Mexico city because we felt we could support those flights due to a good mix of business and leisure customers,” shared Ashley Dillon, a spokeswoman for Southwest, which owns AirTran. “We are pleased with the booking performance since we opened the service for sale in December and we expect full flights out of Orange County.”

GAP currently operates 12 airports throughout Mexico’s Pacific region, including the popular tourist hotspots of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, La Paz and Manzanillo, as well as the major cities of Guadalajara and Tijuana. In addition, MarketWatch reported that VivaAerobus has opened a Mexico City to Cancun route, while Volaris has opened a Cabo to Puerto Vallarta route, and an Aguascalientes to Cancun route, as well as a Guanajuato to Cancun route, due to the ever-increasing popularity of these destinations.

Cancun Real Estate: Five Things to Experience Whilst Visiting

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Cancun is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world for a variety of excellent reasons. Here are five of the most popular excursions for visitors who want to get the most out of their time in the Mexican Caribbean.

Cancun’s beaches are one of the top reasons to come to this vacation hotspot. With miles of soft white sand that is framed by stunning crystal blue waters, it is easy to while away the day – or the week – soaking up the sun. There are a number of excellent beaches in Cancun that are perfect for families or couples to find a spot to enjoy the sand and sea, and there is hardly ever a problem of space or crowding if you are willing to do a bit of exploration.

No visit to the Yucatan Peninsula would be complete without going to see the ruins of Chichen Itza. This magnificent destination is one of many archaeological sites in the region that allow visitors to catch a glimpse of the ancient Mayan civilization that once ruled this part of Mexico. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chichen Itza is home to the breathtaking pyramid of Kukulcan, as well as the impressive Great Ball Court and Temple of the Warriors.

There are also a variety of ecological theme parks around Cancun, including Xcaret, which is arguably the most popular. Here, you can swim in an underground river, view local wildlife and take in shows designed to be both educational and entertaining. 

Snorkeling is another fabulous way to experience Cancun, thanks to the Great Mesoamerican Reef, which lies just offshore and is the second largest coral reef in the world. There are a large number of snorkeling spots that are safe and beautiful, including El Garrafon National Park near Isla Mujeres, or Punta Cancun, which is home to many exotic parrotfish. 

Finally, consider taking a day trip to view the nearby town of Tulum, which is just 82 miles away from Cancun real estate and home to a spectacular seaside pyramid and ancient walled city. The historic ruins are perched atop a cliff and provide stunning views of the ocean and the nearby jungle. 

So, what to do next?

Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

Tulum Real Estate: Growing Economy Good News for Mexican Workers

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

The Mayan doomsday rumors stemming from Mexico’s Riviera Maya may have some people thinking the end of the world is coming later this year, but they have meant a new beginning for many Mexican workers in the country’s booming south.

Although for several generations Mexican workers have migrated north to find better work, the recent economic downturn has reversed this trend, causing many Mexicans to stay in Mexico and find new ways to make a living. This is made possible in large part by Mexico’s recent economic success, which has led to “expanding opportunities in Mexico,” according to President Felipe Calderon.

“As a kid, like everyone else, I dreamed of going to the United States,” Everardo Tejada, a Guadalajara native, told Dallas Morning News. “Not anymore. I know it’s hard to believe, but this part of Mexico doesn’t feel like Mexico. It’s something else.”

One of the destinations attracting the largest number of Mexican workers from around the country is the Riviera Maya, which lies along the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The Riviera Maya is also located thousands of miles from the drug-related violence along Mexico’s northern border, and here communities such as Tulum have already seen growth of more than 15 percent in recent years. 

Tulum real estate is sure to continue to benefit from all of this international attention, and new investments in infrastructure here – including a new airport and a four-lane highway – have been developed to support the coming growth. 

In a campaign dubbed “The Mexico You Thought You Knew,” the government is successfully attracting foreign tourists, and is committed to making it easier than ever to get a visa. 

“We’re convinced that tourism remains a fully untapped market for us,” shared Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete of Mexico’s Tourism Board. “The United States, Texas particularly, is our priority. But we’re also aggressively pursuing international tourism… to create more opportunities, good-paying jobs, for Mexicans.”

And this strategy is already proving to be successful. In 2011, The Mexican Tourism Industry says it logged an impressive 22.67 million visitors, which is an increase of more than 2 percent over the previous year. 

Mexico Real Estate: Citigroup Expects Mexico to Become One of 10 Largest Global Economies

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Thanks to its stability and growth, Mexico is poised to become one of the world’s 10 largest economies by 2030, according to a recent statement by Renato Grandmont, executive director and chief investment officer of the Department of Wealth Management Latin America for Citigroup. 

Mexico is expected to take this position regardless of whether or not planned structural reforms are actually carried out, thanks in large part to the country’s solid foundation. This has made it attractive for investments – both domestic and foreign – throughout the recent economic crisis and will keep Mexico growing at a steady pace throughout 2012 and 2013. It is also excellent news for the value of Mexico real estate, which is expected to increase dramatically in a number of locations over the coming months.

According to Citigroup, Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is expected to grow at 3.5 percent this year, which would be well above the 2.6 percent that is projected for the global economy and the even lower 1 percent that is expected in most industrialized countries. Grandmont also pointed out that other European countries could fall into similar trouble as what has been seen recently in Greece, Portugal and Ireland, which could prolong the current European recession. 

In this climate of economic uncertainty for global leaders, emerging nations could see substantial economic growth, with a combined GDP of at least 5.2 percent. Part of the reason for this growth is the lack of substantial debt, compared to countries like Japan, which has around $12.6 trillion in debt, the U.S., which is carrying around $11.6 trillion in debt, and Italy, which is in third place with around $2.6 trillion in debt. 

As the U.S. continues to struggle with increased taxes and a slowdown in consumption, Mexico’s economy has managed to emerge strong despite the close ties with its northern neighbor. And by all accounts, this trend will continue in the coming months and years, as Mexico becomes a major player in the global marketplace.

Mexico Real Estate: Latin Americas First Fleet of Hybrid Buses to Hit Streets of Mexico City

Sat, 12 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

The government of Mexico City announced recently that it has plans to launch a fleet of eight new diesel-electric hybrid buses, which will be the first of their kind to operate in Latin America. 

The new buses will operate with an internal combustion engine that is combined with an electric motor. They will operate on the Mexico City Metrobus system’s new Line 4, and will provide a much-needed link between the capital’s downtown area and the city’s international airport, according to a recent statement by the local government.

The hybrid buses were unveiled by Mexico City’s Metrobus director Guillermo Calderon at the Expo Foro 2012, which showcases the latest and greatest advancements from manufacturers and distributors of buses and other commercial vehicles. The new hybrid propulsion system will allow the buses to operate more efficiently, using around 30% less fuel. They will also emit around 50% less carbon dioxide, 60% less nitrogen and 80% less particulate matter, making them far less polluting to the environment than their traditional counterparts.

There are also a total of 46 non-hybrid buses in operation on Mexico City’s Line 4 that operate on Ultra-Low-Sulfur diesel and have been awarded the highest environmental certifications available for vehicles in their class. The local government has been making a concerted effort to continue using more environmentally friendly public transport options to reduce the amount of pollution in the air. 

This will not only improve air quality, but it will also help reduce the amount of damage that is done to Mexico City’s many historical buildings and monuments. In fact, the reduction of greenhouse gasses resulting from the new eco-friendly buses that will operate on Line 4 is expected to reach around 110,000 tons annually, which will significantly improve air quality in the capital of Mexico real estate, which is home to more than 20 million citizens. 

Mexico Real Estate News: Americans Safer In Mexico than U.S.

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

On his blog for Lonely Planet, travel expert Robert Reid recently wrote about the safety of traveling in Mexico, even going so far as to suggest that Americans are often safer in Mexico’s biggest tourist destinations than they would be in many parts of the U.S.

Although there are undoubtedly plenty of drug-related murders in parts of northern Mexico, this violence is located far from the country’s vacation hotspots. 

“What you don’t get from most reports in the U.S. is statistical evidence that Americans are less likely to face violence on average in Mexico than at home, particularly when you zero in on Mexico’s most popular travel destinations,” writes Reid. 

He goes on to cite the fact that Disney World in Orlando, Florida, experienced 7.5 murders per 100,000 people in 2010 according to FBI records. According to a Stanford University report this number is significantly higher than Cancun at 1.83 and Puerto Vallarta at 5.9 per 100,000. The fact is, Mexico encompasses a landmass that is roughly the size of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK combined, which leaves plenty of room for the drug-related violence to be isolated from the country’s major destinations. 

Also, the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica all have much higher homicide rates, at 36, 42 and 52 per 100,000 respectively. Furthermore, in response to the recent travel advisory issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which warned Americans about the dangers of traveling to Mexico on spring break, it is important to note that Americans are more likely to be murdered in Houston, which experienced a homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 in 2010, more than three times the rate in Mexico. Finally, New Orleans has a homicide rate that is ten times that of Mexico.

The reality is that most Mexico real estate is not even on the U.S. State Department’s travel warning, which advises against non-essential travel to only four of the country’s 31 states, but does not include popular destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit and Tulum. 

“As the U.S. State Department says, ‘millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year,’ writes Reid. “Mexico makes for some of the world’s greatest travel experiences.”

Cancun Real Estate: Sophisticated Travelers Enjoy Cancun End of the World Celebrations

Thu, 10 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Ok, by now most of us realize that the world is not really supposed to end in 2012, but according to a recent Fox News article, that isn’t stopping travelers from making the most out of Cancun, Mexico’s, luxurious doomsday offerings.

As the article points out, “If the world was going to end, you’d want to spend the last days in style, right?”

From eating like the end of the world is imminent, to partying like there’s no tomorrow, Cancun truly has something for everyone who is looking for a little escapism. Although Cancun real estate has been a tourist hotspot for decades, this year travelers are coming in search of more than just the usual great times coupled with some serious fun in the sun. According to the MesoAmerican calendar, December 21st is the day the Mayans marked as the end of a 5,125-year cycle that is based on astrological calculations. 

Many scholars have described this time as a period of renewal, according to Mayan mythology, but some doomsday theorists have predicted that the Earth will come to an end on that date later this year. Regardless of what happens, Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is prepared to host visitors from around the world in grand style, with areas like Cancun and the surrounding Riviera Maya projected to experience record tourism numbers throughout the year. 

“As we close the traditional Mayan calendar and welcome a new era, Cancun is embracing a ‘new beginning,’ which invites locals and guests to think different and behave different by exploring the evolution of humanity and redefining our experience in the land of the Mayans,” Erika Mitzunaga of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau told Fox News. “Just as Times Square in New York City is the most exciting place to ring in a new year, Cancun is the only place you’ll want to celebrate the beginning of a new era.”

Tulum Land and Large Jungle Lots Available in Mexico for as Low as 400 a Month

Thu, 10 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Whether you are obsessed with living an eco-friendly lifestyle or not, the tropical ocean side destination of Tulum, Mexico, is sure to delight. Many international travelers who have been to the Riviera Maya – including Cancun and Playa del Carmen – which lie just to the north of Tulum, have discovered this gem on the Mexican Caribbean and are interested in the fabulous real estate opportunities it presents. 

For one thing, a new International airport is being planned for Tulum, which is sure to put this small but chic town on the map and make buyers from around the world sit up and take notice. Home to some of the best beaches in all of Mexico, Tulum is surrounded by pristine jungles that are full of countless birds, butterflies, flowers and monkeys, to name only a few of the many exotic species that can be seen in the region. In addition, the area is dotted with freshwater cenotes, which are excellent for swimming and diving, as well as stunning limestone boulders and interesting rock formations. 

Many beautiful properties are available in Tulum real estate, either right on the beach or just a few minutes inland, and offer close proximity to the town itself, which is best described as eco-chic and is home to a number of excellent restaurants and various boutiques. Some developments offer lots of up to five acres, and boast community centers complete with clubhouses, entertainment venues and nature trails. 

Tulum is focused on remaining very eco-friendly, but still offers buyers access to the many modern amenities that make life comfortable. Still, if you want to live “off the grid,” it is possible in Tulum, which offers plenty of sunlight for power, and refreshing ocean breezes that keep temperatures at a comfortable level. Many of the lots for sale include large rock formations that make an interesting addition to your landscaping, and they are located in self-sufficient communities that are truly unique and incorporate some of the most cutting-edge technologies available today.

So, what to do next?

Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

News for Mexico Real Estate: Mexico Mortgage Now Available With Fixed Rates

Wed, 09 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Bloomberg News reported this week that Infonavit, Mexico’s largest mortgage provider, will now offer fixed rate loans for the first time ever, following receding inflation. As early as June of 2012, buyers will be able to get a 30-year Mexico mortgage with fixed rate financing. 

Inflation in Mexico has declined to a mere 3.73 percent, falling from an all-time high of 52 percent in 1995, which was caused by the so-called ‘Tequila Crisis’ when the peso’s devaluation led to massive capital outflows. According to Bloomberg, today Mexico boasts the second-lowest inflation rate in Latin America. 

“It’s a much more mature country than during the disaster of the Tequila Crisis,” shared Alan Boyce, CEO of the Absalon Project, which is backed by billionaire George Soros and promotes the Danish mortgage model in countries around the world. “Mexico is in a better position than others, as it’s very hard to have a mortgage market when your real interest rates are so high.”

In addition to fixed-rate Mexico mortgage loans, Infonavit also plans to offer mortgage-backed securities in pesos by 2013 to match income with obligations, marking the first sales of this kind since 2004. The lender has reportedly made roughly 4.4 million loans since 2001 – a sign of the growing strength of Mexico real estate. 

In minutes published from its March meeting, Mexico’s central bank board opted to leave the interest rate at a record low of 4.5 percent, stating, “If current favorable conditions in the inflation outlook are consolidated, it may be advisable to adjust downward the benchmark interest rate.”

Banco de Mexico will also receive increased credibility on the world stage due to the new offering of fixed-rate loans from Infonavit. The number of loans financed by the lender reportedly increased by a record amount of 2.57 million under current President Felipe Calderon, including a record number of 501,292 loans in 2011.

Find a Dream Home in Mexico Just Minutes from the Beach

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Tulum, Mexico, is a tropical paradise that is fast becoming world famous for its pristine white sand beaches, but there is much more to this gem on the Mexican Caribbean than first meets the eye. If you venture inland from the coast, for example, there are miles upon miles of unspoiled jungle that is home to countless species of birds, butterflies, flowers, monkeys and other wildlife. In the area around Tulum you will also find many natural freshwater wells and jagged limestone boulders dotting the landscape. 

There are a variety of homes available in and around the small city of Tulum, many of which are located in small private subdivisions and boast large, 5-acre lots with bright colorful flowers and thick native vegetation. The many natural rock formations also add a unique touch to the landscape, as do the man-made water features that are very popular in the region. 

The vast array of Tulum real estate and homes available are both chic and modern, and are attracting a variety of wealthy locals, North Americans, and other travelers from around the world who are looking for a second home or permanent residence. Many of the new homes in Tulum are “off the grid,” offering an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional dwellings, and most of the developments offer access to a clubhouse, entertainment area and swimming pool. 

Brightly colored birds are often guests in the gardens of Tulum, and the homes are often designed to have an open floor plan, with the main living quarters situated upstairs in order to catch the fresh ocean breezes and keep temperatures at a comfortable level. The craftsmanship in the new developments is second to none, and the price of around $80 per square foot and $60,000 per lot is tough to beat. Many of these homes are located just a few minutes from the beaches of Tulum, which were voted the world’s #2 beach destination by TripAdvisor’s 30 million+ readers. 

So, what to do next?

Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

Mexico Real Estate News: Karisma Luxury Resorts Go Green

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

The Karisma luxury resort chain, which owns eight eco-friendly resorts in Mexico, has established itself as “a pioneer in the country’s ecotourism sector,” according to Forbes. 

Mexico’s Karisma resorts, which are all located along the stunning Riviera Maya, offer a variety of educational and sustainable activities for eco-conscious travelers. Karisma’s luxurious El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, and the brand’s Azul Hotels, have taken the all-inclusive concept to the next level, which Karisma calls “gourmet inclusive.” 

The properties boast their very own newly expanded 100,000 square foot greenhouse, incorporate a variety of sustainable practices, and are situated on some of the most beautiful Mexico real estate that is available anywhere in the country. Impressively, the greenhouse grows all of the resort chain’s produce, yielding more than 120 crops each year. Located on the grounds of the El Dorado Royale, the greenhouse helps supply the goods to make the impressive meals for which the Karisma name is known. 

“Our gourmet inclusive philosophy is rooted in culinary excellence and we feel these enhancements heighten the dining experience at El Dorado Royale while educating others about the greenhouse’s impact on the environment,” shared Jeroen Hanlo, vice president of food and beverage options for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels. 

Locals, tourists, nearby resorts and employees can also purchase the freshly grown produce, and there are also learning tours available that take the time to explain the organic growth process. In addition, visitors can take part in organic cooking seminars and often get to taste the goodness of freshly picked fruits and vegetables.

The Karisma resort chain also incorporates solar powered water heaters, regular tree plantings and major recycling efforts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, helping the region to remain at the forefront of modern luxury eco-tourism, which is attracting a new breed of travelers from around the world. 

Mexico Real Estate: Mazda Says Mexico Great Place for Investment

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Japanese automakers are in serious competition to gain control of the market in Mexico, which has historically been dominated by the so-called “Big Three” from Detroit in the U.S. At the recent International Contest of Elegance in Huixquilucan, which is part of greater Mexico City, Mazda Mexico President Leopoldo Orellana told reporters that more investments in Mexico real estate are coming over the coming months and years. 

“We already are the fifth vehicle exporter and eighth producer in the world, but with new investments announced, Mexico tends to become a universal leader in this industry,” he shared.

Mazda has already invested $500 million to build its first plant in Mexico, along with $2 billion by Nissan and $800 million by Honda, followed by Ford’s recent announcement that it will invest $1.3 billion, and Audi’s intentions to build a new plant here this year.

“I do not think these are all the investments that will arrive in Mexico this year; I think there will be more, because Mexico nowadays is very attractive and there is nothing better for Mexico’s economy than becoming this – a world leader in automotive production,” Orellana continued.

Although Mexico’s automotive industry is still largely controlled by the Big Three, Orellana believes that eastern manufacturers may realize the highest percentage of market penetration by the end of 2012. At the end of the first quarter Mazda held fast to its 3 percent share of the Mexican market, but the automaker is forecasted to close the year with a growth of at least 10 percent.

“I think that competition is becoming more global; in Mexico we have investments from Asian, American and European brands, but above all the Japanese are directing a lot of capital into our country,” shared Orellana. “I am convinced that ultimately it is the tendency of the Mexican market to open up even more.”

Mexico Real Estate: Tourism Hits Record Breaking Numbers

Sat, 05 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Early in 2011 Mexico’s government promised that Mexico would become one of the world’s top five tourist destinations by 2018, and if the current trend is any indication, that goal is already well within reach.

Mexico is currently listed as one of the world’s top ten tourist destinations, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, but the government has been working hard to improve that ranking. From aggressive advertising campaigns in North America and Europe, to serious efforts by the Mexico Ministry of Tourism to attract new visitors from China, Russia, and other parts of the world, interest in the country’s impressive array of offerings is growing worldwide in a grand way.

Growing Diversity Among Visitors A January 2012 article posted on the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.com stated that December of 2011 saw tourism in Mexico hitting record-breaking numbers, with a significant increase in the number of international visitors. According to the Mexico Ministry of Tourism, 1,072,180 foreign tourists made their way to Mexico in December of last year, which is an impressive 13% increase from the same period in 2010. This not only represents the largest number of visitors ever recorded for the month of December, but it also marks five consecutive months of increased tourism numbers, as compared with the same period in 2010.

According to the report, “More than half the December number was made up of visitors from the U.S., but the figures also show that the ministry has been working hard to attract tourism from non-traditional countries, such as China and Russia, where the number of visitors in December increased by about 50% year-on-year in each case.”

In 2011 Mexico also saw a significant increase in the number of visitors from Canada (up 9.1%), Spain (up 6%), Italy (up 10.5%), Argentina (up 21.4%), and France (up 12.4%).

The Mexico Ministry of Tourism predicts that at least 52 million tourists will visit Mexico in 2012, making it another record-breaking year. The government also plans to continue driving its aggressive strategy to attract diverse visitors from countries around the world in order to achieve its goal of being counted among the world’s top five tourism destinations by 2018.

“Mexico’s tourism industry is undergoing a stunning transformation – based on a bold strategy of diversification – focused on promoting a broader range of tourism products, such as cultural tourism, adventure travel and health-related tourism, aimed at attracting a new breed of global consumer,” stated Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, COO of the Mexico Tourism Board. “We will continue to market directly to tourists from non-traditiona l origins in Europe and Asia, while at the same time strengthening our hold on American and Canadian Travelers.”

Riviera Maya – Mexico’s Tourism Hotspot   One of the most popular regions for tourism in Mexico is the Riviera Maya, which is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. Home to the vacation hotspots of Cancun, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, as well as the up-and-coming city of Tulum, visitors from around the world are increasingly drawn to the rich cultural heritage and stunning beauty of the Mexican Caribbean. In fact, the 80 mile stretch of coastline from Cancun to Tulum accounts for more than 70% of the tourism in all of Mexico each year. The Riviera Maya is located the only Caribbean coastline in Mexico and runs along 80 miles (128 km) of stunning white sand beaches that Conde Nast magazine recently named the most beautiful in the world.

Impressively, more than 47 countries are represented in the local culture of the Riviera Maya, with residents hailing from the U.S., Italy, Canada, Argentina, Spain, Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, France, and many more. The region’s diverse culture has been the focus of articles in the New York and LA Times, which compared Playa del Carmen to “a beautiful, boutique European village sitting by the sea.” As a result, most of the locals speak English, and typical modern amenities and American brands, such as Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Starbucks and Blockbuster are everywhere. In addition, all of the movie theaters here show films in English. Throw in the ancient Mayan culture that still thrives throughout the region, and it starts to become obvious that the diversity found in the modern-day Riviera Maya is truly unique in the world.

Entertainment, Fashion & Food in the Riviera Maya That might explain why Corona beer has chosen to film its now-famous commercials in Tulum, and why A-list celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, Drew Barrymore, Fergie, Mick Jagger and many others prefer this region’s secret hideaways to other, less private tropical destinations. The water here is always warm – between 80ºF/27ºC all year – and visibility in the clear turquoise water is at least 300ft/90m.

A recent article by The New York Times dubbed Tulum the world’s “new fashion hot spot,” thanks to a growing number of fashion insiders, photographers, stylists and creative directors who are buying property and frequenting the area. Early in 2012, the article stated that Tulum had become “a destination so popular with the fashion crowd that it almost feels like Fashion Week.” Notable visitors include Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa, Linda Fargo from Bergdorf Goodman, Amanda Hearst of Marie Claire and Michael Carl of Vanity Fair.

The Riviera Maya also boasts some of the best gourmet dining and couture shopping in the world. Many of the local eateries have been featured in Gourmet Magazine, offering fabulous French, Thai, Mayan, Italian, Argentinian and Brazilian cuisines, in addition to some of the freshest Sushi on the planet and, of course, exceptional traditional Mexican fare. If shopping is your thing, the Riviera Maya is home to boutiques of famous brands like Coach, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Cartier, to name only a few.

Also of note, Hard Rock International has announced that a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will open in Cancun by spring of 2012, followed by another in the Riviera Maya that will open in the fall near Puerto Aventuras, a world-class residential community. These are the first properties for the Hard Rock brand to open in Mexico. Playboy also owns a $7.5 million casino in Cancun, offering slot machines, gaming tables and a betting parlor where sports fans can place bets on major international sporting events.

Mayan Heritage & Archaeological Sites In fact, the region’s Mayan culture is partially responsible for the growing tourism numbers, thanks to the “Mundo Maya” campaign launched by Mexican president Felipe Calderon, who plans to spend upwards of $23 million to promote the region and attract visitors from around the world. This coincides with the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, which marks the completion of a 5,125-year cycle and has some doomsday theorists predicting cataclysmic events.

Although scientists say it was actually intended to be a celebratory time for the ancient Mayans, more than 18.2 million visitors have already made the trek to visit the various archaeological sites, museums and historical monuments located throughout the Riviera Maya in 2011. And thanks to efforts by the Mexico Ministry of Tourism, including updating existing infrastructure and launching in-depth presentations at international expos in Greece, India and China, many more visitors are expected to do so in 2012.

As part of the festivities, Sir Paul McCartney is scheduled to perform in early 2012 at the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, which are located a little more than an hour south of Cancun near the city of Tulum and have been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. In addition, the city of Tulum itself is also home to a number of impressive Mayan ruins, including the only pyramid on earth that overlooks the sea.

“We have no intention of simply being seen as a sun and beach destination,” stated Lopez-Negrete. “Mundo Maya is a prime example of this strategy as we are converting the southeast into a coveted tourist destination internationally.”

Golf Rules on the Mexican Caribbean Mexico is also home to a number of the world’s best golf courses. In fact, according to the Mexico Ministry of Tourism, Mexico is second only to Hawaii for U.S. golf enthusiasts. From the unique beauty of Baja California and Puerto Vallarta on the west coast, to the fantastic professional courses located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico is home to more than 150 golf courses, many of which were designed by some of the world’s top architects, including Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

When you consider the many benefits that a trip to Mexico has to offer, it’s really no surprise that Cancun was named one of the favorite destinations for travelers between the ages of 20 and 60, according to surveys conducted by the Mexico Ministry of Tourism. In addition, Felix Gonzalez, the governor of Quintana Roo, said he also expects international tourism to continue to increase dramatically, with the Riviera Maya attracting around 80% of the growth, making it an obvious niche market for international travelers and retirees alike for years to come.

Medical Tourism in Mexico Travelers from North America and other locations around the world have been visiting Mexico to access affordable medical care for many years. But today this trend is more popular than ever, thanks to the growing number of high quality hospitals and medical clinics that can be found throughout Mexico’s largest cities. From cosmetic surgery, weight loss surgery and dental work, to heart surgery, orthopedic treatments and many more, Mexico’s state of the art hospitals offer visitors affordable access to procedures that can be very costly elsewhere in the world.

Mexico is easy to reach from almost anywhere these days, thanks to a large number of daily and weekly round trip flights from around the world, which also helps add to its appeal for tourists seeking medical care. In some cases, Mexico’s physicians also have much more experience than doctors in the US or other countries, since certain procedures have only recently obtained approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA. In 2009 a study by researchers at UCLA showed that more than 1 million people from the US state of California headed to Mexico for medical care, a number that continues to grow and attract interest from more international travelers each year.

One more thing… Airline traffic is another important indicator of the economic health of any region, and according to a recent report by Travel Weekly travelers to Mexico in 2012 will have more flight options than ever before. Here are a few of the recent additions:

Russian airline Aeroflot offers flights between Moscow and Cancun.British Airways offers service to Cancun.Air France offers service to Cancun.Virgin America launched a new service in 2011 from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta, and also regularly serves Cancun and Los Cabos. Aeromexico offers nonstop flights between Chicago and Zacatecas, Denver and Mexico City, from Brownsville, Texas, to Monterrey, and from Las Vegas to Guadalajara and Monterrey.Southwest Airlines and its subsidiary AirTran will begin offering flights in 2012 from Orange County, California, to Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City, and also from San Antonio to Cancun and Mexico City.Interjet offers service from San Antonio to Mexico City.VivaAerobus offers service from San Antonio to Monterrey. Also of note, many of the new routes are added after existing flights become critically overbooked, forcing airlines to offer additional service. Air France, British Airways and Virgin America are among those that have followed this trend, adding a number of new flights after experiencing an overwhelming response from travelers who are interesting in flying to Mexico.

Perhaps most importantly, however, there is a new international airport in the planning stages that will be built in Tulum as early as later this year. It will have the initial capacity for up to 3 million travelers each year and will open up tourism throughout the region. Located just over 60 miles from the existing Cancun International Airport, it will continue to bring improvements to the local infrastructure and is expected to cause real estate prices in the area to skyrocket.

“The government wants the Riviera Maya International Airport because the region, just south of Cancun, is a booming tourist area – especially around Playa del Carmen – which is popular with U.S. and European visitors.”

So, what to do next? Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

Mexico Real Estate: Look Whos Talking About Us

Sat, 05 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Some of the world’s most respected businesses and news organizations have noticed that Mexico is making a name for itself on the world stage, emerging as a global leader in tourism and as one of the smartest places to invest. 

But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what the big guys have been saying about Mexico:

Mexico Prepared to Meet the Needs of Retirees

According to President Felipe Calderon, Mexico is prepared to meet the varied needs of its seniors, which is good news for those considering retiring south of the border. This includes extending healthcare to all citizens. “We are about to reach universal health care coverage, which means there will be doctors, medicine and treatment for every Mexican who needs it,” he shared.

According to the AARP, Mexico’s countless real estate bargains, fabulous beaches and close proximity to the US have also made it a favorite choice for American retirees.

Tulum, Mexico Named One of the World’s Top Places to Vacation With Kids

Tulum was recognized for its Eco-chic Amansala Resort, which is located on the Riviera Maya close to some of the world’s most amazing ancient Mayan ruins and just two hours south of Cancun. The resort has been known to play host to celebrities from time to time, thanks to Tulum’s growing status as a destination for A-listers looking for a quiet place to get away from it all. Famous actors and musicians enjoy a level of anonymity here that can be hard to attain in many other areas of the world.

Riviera Maya Has Best Beaches South of the Border

Four of the eight beaches chosen hail right from Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, and number one on the list is Tulum. Once again, this ancient walled city has impressed some of the world’s toughest judges, with its talcum powder white sands and crystal clear water. Tulum is followed by Akumal Bay, Cozumel, and Isla Mujueres.

Mexico Foreign Direct Investment Hits $20 Billion

Mexico is expected to receive at least $20 billion in additional foreign investment dollars, securing its position as the second-largest economy in Latin America. Mexico also boasts a 25% lower manufacturing cost than the US, and is outdoing other countries in producing more engineers, making a variety of new trade pacts with other South American countries.

End of World Maya Legend Boosts Mexico Tourism in 2012

Visitor numbers will rise at least 10% from 2011, boosted by tourists drawn to Palenque, Chichen Itza and other archaeological sites. Mexico is investing almost $10 million to promote destinations and new tourism routes in five Maya states, where tourism officials expect visitors to total at least 52 million people in 2012. 

Cancun Remains a Top Spring Break Destination

Cancun has remained “unscathed,” from negative press, hosting millions of Americans each year, many of which come for spring break, when the entire town turns into a non-stop party for a few weeks. In fact, Mexico as a whole remains the number one tourist destination for Americans, with upwards of 20 million US visitors each year, according to a recent survey by the world’s largest travel agencies. It’s as if the entire populations of New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia and Phoenix all went to Mexico for vacation each year. 

Mexico is This Summer’s Hottest Destination

As the global economy strengthens, international travel is no longer as far-fetched as it was a few years ago and Mexico has been named the top destination for this summer by travel expert Mark Murphy.

Cancun Is the Caribbean’s Most Glamorous Resort Town

It’s easy to see how this gem of a city accounts for nearly one-third of Mexico’s annual tourist revenue, but Cancun is more than just a typical resort town. Beneath its impressive modern veneer, visitors will also find a taste of old Mexico, including the lush jungle, vibrant culture and scrumptious local fare that has made the Yucatan famous. 

Puerto Vallarta Named Best Place to Retire

“Mexico is always one of the top choices for retirees because it’s inexpensive, beautiful, the winters are warm – and it’s close to the U.S., a nice convenience for visiting families and friends. The fact that it’s popular is in itself a selling point – there are at least 50,000 Americans and Canadians living there right now.”

“The appeal of Puerto Vallarta is that it’s friendly with a nice small-town feel… Like the U.S. in the 1950s, with big plazas where people hang out. It’s also worth noting that it’s a very safe city, located far away from the crime in Mexico that is rampant along the U.S. border.”

Jim Cramer of Mad Money: Mexico Real Estate Profitable Investment

According to Jim Cramer, co-founder of TheStreet.com, a past manager of large hedge funds and current host of Mad Money on CNBC, it is profitable to invest in Mexico real estate and the drug wars do not effect most of the country.

“I have always felt strongly about diversifying investments, and Mexico is an ideal market. More so than the U.S. or Canada, Mexico is a top real estate investment choice for those looking for double digit return potentials.”

“Mexico is a big country and not every state is involved in the drug trade. The majority of residents and communities in this country never see any of it. This is true for local Mexicans who live in non-expat communities as much as for the expats who have made Mexico their home.”

Mexico Tourism on the Rise 

For more than two decades, Mexico has remained the top foreign destination for US travelers, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. The article was prompted in part by social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, which have been flooded with updates about spring break and family vacation plans centered around travel to Mexico, which bolsters the country’s expectations for a good year of tourism.

In 1990 more than 16 million US residents visited Mexico, and that number hit an impressive 20 million in 2010, according to the most recent data from the US department of Commerce’s Office of Travel and Tourism. In 2012 the Mexico Tourism Board is expecting at least 52 million visitors to head down to the southeastern part of the country, including a growing number of visitors from emerging markets like Brazil, Russia and China. 

While there are security concerns in certain areas of the country, particularly in the north, travel to traditional tourist destinations along the Riviera Maya remain safe.

CNN Travel Expert Robert Reid Names Top 8 Places to Visit in Mexico

In an article for Lonely Planet, CNN travel expert Robert Reid listed a number of excellent reasons to put a vacation to Mexico at the top of your summer wish list. Reid stresses the safety of areas like the Yucatan Peninsula, Baja, San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, where crime rates remain very low even by US standards.

 

Mexico Receives Most Hotels Ever on Condé Nast Traveler 2012 Gold List

“Each year, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine presents its list of best hotels and resorts from all around the world in its prestigious Gold List. The country of Mexico has a staggering 33 properties on the list this year – the most ever for Mexico and more than one-third the total in the Americas.”

Delta Air to Invest $65M in Aeromexico

“This only strengthens our respective positions,” Delta CEO Richard Anderson told the Wall Street Journal. “The Mexican economy is doing quite well. With Delta trimming flights to Europe, expansion in Mexico and South America offers one of the best opportunities in the world.”

 

Expedia Recognizes Cancun & Riviera Maya

“Historically Mexico has been a popular destination among Expedia consumers, and we saw that trend continue as travel bookings to Cancun and the Riviera Maya grew by 32% in the second quarter of 2011 over the previous year. International demand has risen among travelers from Europe, Asia and Latin America, which has experienced growth rates from 75% to 270% since 2010”

Expedia Reports Rise in Mexico Bookings

“Mexico remains a favorite destination for our travelers worldwide, with more than 1.5 million people booking travel to Mexico using Expedia websites in the last year. Bookings made on Expedia to Mexico grew more than 30 percent year over year in the second quarter of 2011 and Expedia’s commitment to Mexico has also grown.”

Cabo Azul Resort Named One of the Top-Ranked Hotels on Expedia Insiders’ Select List

The Cabo Azul Resort, which is located in Cabo San Lucas, was named one of the top resorts on the 2011 Expedia Insider’s Select list, which recognizes some of the best hotels around the world.

Expedia & Visa Show Sharp Increase in Travel and Spending in Mexico

“Expedia recently reported that travel bookings made to Mexico from its various brands, such as Hotels.com, was up nearly 25 percent. Visa also noted that the amount spent on its credit cards by inbound visitors had increased $4 billion in 2009 to $4.4 billion in 2010. Visa described Mexico as being a ‘sought after destination.’”

Asian Investment Boom in Latin America

“Asian investment in auto and other manufacturing in Mexican industrial cities has greatly expanded the middle class. A second gold rush in under way.”

Cancun Top Destination for Spring Break

“Mexico’s tourism ministry reports a record 190 million domestic and international visitors toured the country’s attractions in 2011, an increase of 3.7 percent from 2010.”

Cancun’s “low prices, flowing drinks and sunny, 80-degree weather,” are responsible for the city’s popularity, long with the large number of affordable flights. In addition, “the region is relatively free of violence,” and visitors will find familiar brands while shopping in Cancun, including Coldstone Creamery, United Colors of Benetton, Blockbuster, and many more.

 

Two Great Reasons to Visit Mexico’s Riviera Maya This Summer

“This part of the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Cancun, is very easy to get to and has everything you could want in a vacation destination, including some things you will find no place else on earth – endless beaches, ancient Mayan ruins (entire cities!!), and incredible watersports with world class fishing, world class diving and the world’s second largest coral reef.” 

“There are the unique freshwater cenotes inland, jungle adventures, eco adventures, a collection of great golf courses, and a slate of truly unique interactive theme parks. The towns, from Playa del Carmen to smaller oceanfront villages, are charming, and all over the region is great food, great drink, and a plethora of lodging options.”

Mexico One of the Best Countries for Business

“Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads, telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and airports.”

Forbes 2012 List of Billionaires Includes 11 Mexicans

The 2012 list of billionaires, which has been published annually by Forbes magazine for 25 years, includes 11 Mexican citizens: Carlos Slim, #1; Ricardo Salinas Pliego, #37; Alberto Bailleres, #38; German Larea Motta Velasco, #48; Jeronimo Arango, #276; Emilio Azcarraga Jean, #634; Roberto Gonzalez Barrera, #683; Carlos Hank Rhon, #913; Roberto Hernandez Ramirez, #960; Joaquin Guzman Loera, #1153; Alfredo Harp Helo, Tied at #1153.

 

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula Named a Top Vacation Destination for 2012

Each year Frommer’s compiles a list of the world’s top vacation destinations, which are graded for their offerings, luxury and affordability. Frommer’s picked Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula this year because of all that it offers, including gorgeous beaches, fabulous cuisine, cultural festivities and access to many different kinds of exotic wildlife.

Al Cielo Hotel in Riviera Maya #1 on List of World’s 10 Best Beachfront Hotels

Frommer’s just named Al Cielo #1 of the top ten beachfront destinations in the entire world, thanks to its totally unique, rustic, yet luxurious experience. 

 

Google Director Says Mexico Ripe for Investment

“We are in a privileged position in a great industry and a great market. Latin America is Google's fastest-growing region – more than China, more than any other region in the world. And Mexico is a big contributor to Google's overall growth strategy. We are almost at 40 million Internet users and growing strong.”

Merida, Mexico, Named Best Place to Retire Abroad

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida received this designation thanks to the excellent access to health care and low cost of living that can be found here. According to the Global Retirement Index, a typical American couple can expect to pay around $1,700 per month to live in Merida and enjoy the unique colonial charm of this beautiful tropical destination. Situated just 22 miles inland, Merida has a distinct European vibe, thanks in part to a variety of interesting Old World architecture and a diverse population.

Mexico’s Economic Outlook Stable

“Mexico’s economy is well-placed to withstand shocks. Given a credit resilience that is comparable to that of higher-rated sovereigns, Mexico is considered to be one of the countries better positioned to confront an adverse global macroeconomic environment within the BAA category.”Tourism Up in Mexico, Attracts Non-US Visitors

“Last year 22.67 million travelers visited Mexico, breaking the record set in 2008. The United States was the source of the largest number of visitors, but the increase was also driven by travelers from other countries.”

Tulum, Mexico, New Fashion Hot Spot

Tulum is “a destination so popular with the fashion crowd at this time of year that it almost feels like Fashion Week.”

Cancun Named Top Travel Destination

“It was Cancun’s “warm climates and adventure activities,” that made it the number one choice for international travelers in 2011.

 

Mexico’s Resilient Stock Market

Over the years, Mexico has attracted many global investors thanks to its unusual identity as both a leader among emerging markets and a member of a huge trading bloc. Mexico holds zero debt with the IMF and has a credit line of over 70 billion US. Although Mexico is still considered an emerging market, it has exemplified substantial financial growth and fiscal responsibility to which the IMF holds its standards for inclusion in policy decision making positions.

 

Riviera Maya Makes List of Top 10 Spring Break Destinations

Last month a report from Reuters highlights the Top 10 Travel Destinations for spring this year, which were chosen by online travel adviser Travel Ticker. Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya made number seven on this year’s list, thanks to the excellent value, fabulous beaches and unique list of outdoor activities this vacation hotspot provides.

Mexico’s Economy Experiences Substantial Growth

Mexico's economy has expanded by around 3.7% so far during the second half of this year, proving that it has continued to recover from the global economic downturn.

Mexico Wins in World’s Best Awards

The August issue of Travel & Leisure Magazine has announced the winners of its annual reader survey “World’s Best Hotels.” Winners in Mexico for the World's Best 2011 Hotels include the One & Only Palmilla, Esperanza and Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas, the Ritz Carlton, Excellence Riviera Cancun and Maroma Resort in the Riviera Maya and the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico in Mexico City.

Cancun Named Top New Year’s Eve Destination

Travelocity published a list of the Top Ten New Year’s Eve Destinations, with Cancun as the #3 choice and the only international destination to make the list. With average airfare prices at around $550 and an average daily rate of $300, Cancun offers one of the most affordable and accessible options on the list, which was published online by The Wall Street Journal Market Watch.

Cancun Top Family Vacation Spot

Cancun, Mexico, has reached the number two spot on this exclusive list, and it is really not hard to see why. With one of the region’s busiest international airports, Cancun is the gateway to the Riviera Maya and the many resorts that line the magnificent white sandy beaches located throughout the region. With a wide variety of accommodations to suit any vacationer’s budget, Cancun will not disappoint.

Three Mexico Resorts to Adopt Hard Rock Brand

“Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya are perennially popular Mexican vacation spots and a natural draw for Hard Rock patrons.”

Mexico Most Visited Country for U.S. Travelers

“Mexico remained the most visited country in the world for U.S.-originating travelers in 2011, being the destination for a third of the 58 million Americans who traveled outside the country last year, according to the latest Commerce Department data.”

Two Mexican Caribbean Resorts Receive Magellan Awards

Being selected for a Magellan is a huge accomplishment and it demonstrates a high level of excellence in the tourism industry. For the second year in a row, the Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park Riviera Maya, which is a renowned ecotourism complex, received a Gold Magellan Award in the “Green Hotel” category, as well as a Silver Magellan Award for “Room Design.”

98 Percent of Visitors Would Return to Mexico

98 percent of those who had visited Mexico indicated that they would return to Mexico on a future trip. Mexico uses a variety of surveys each year, and the results for 2010 showed a 98 percent return rate among visitors. The surveys also showed that 99 percent of the visitors surveyed last year would recommend Mexico to family and friends.

 

Puerto Vallarta One of World’s Top Travel Destinations

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has been named on TripAdvisor’s 2011 list of the world’s top 25 travel destinations. Infused with a real cosmopolitan vibe, Puerto Vallarta lies at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range and has a newly restored historic center that is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene.

Cancun Chosen for New Flights

“Cancun is one of the top five long-haul leisure destinations for UK travelers, so we are delighted to be able to add this route to network,” stated Sir Richard Branson president of Virgin Atlantic. “We are so pleased to be launching flights to Cancun next year. Many customers have asked us to fly direct to this exciting destination over the years. With its superb beaches, great hotels and cultural sites, tourism in Cancun is thriving. We believe that we can drive demand ever higher by providing great competition to our rivals with our award-winning product and service.” 

 

Fashion Night Out Takes its Style to Mexico

“It's a chance to show the world that Mexico is able to have a fashion night rivaling the best that other cities in the world can muster,” said Vogue Editor in Chief Eva Hughes.

Mexico Poised to Break Tourism Records in 2012 

A great statistic for investment properties and real estate in Mexico, According to the Wall Street Journal, the country has shattered all tourism records by welcoming 22.67 million international visitors last year, breaking a record set in 2008 – which was historically Mexico’s best year ever for international tourism. 

Mexican Tourism Investment Up 127%

Private investment in the country’s tourism projects has risen 127%, hitting $903 million during the first three months of 2011 alone, compared to the same period in 2010. Since 2006 when President Felipe Calderon took office, Mexico has already secured more than $14 billion in tourism investment dollars.

Much of the new investment money will be dedicated to building new lodging and accommodations, while the rest will be dedicated to supporting and developing new real estate opportunities, as well as food and beverage services. 

Tulum, Mexico, Named One of the World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens

Mexico offers what International Living describes as best-value real estate. You can find a nice home for $167,000 in places like Tulum, on the country’s Caribbean coast. You can get by speaking English in many parts of the country, and it’s plenty easy to integrate into Mexico.

IMF: Mexican Financial System Well Positioned to Handle Shocks

Mexico’s banking system is well capitalized and positioned to deal with severe shocks after proving resilient during the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. In general, Mexican banks are profitable and well capitalized.

Mexico’s Economy is Going Strong

Mexico’s economy is continuing to impress investors from around the world, drawing interest from a variety of sectors.

Fall travel bookings to Cancun in 2011 were on the rise compared with the same period in 2010, according to a recent survey by international travel agent group Travel Leaders that was reported on by the Wall Street Journal.

In addition, Mexico was named one of the most favorable places to invest by Pimco’s founder Bill Gross, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

“We prefer the ‘cleaner’ dirty shirt countries of Cananda, Australia, Mexico and Brazil, where higher yields and more pristine balance sheets prevail,” he shared.

 

So, what to do next? Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

About.com Recognizes Puerto Vallarta as Top Destination for 2012

Sat, 05 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Puerto Vallarta recently received two Reader’s Choice awards from About.com, thanks to the city’s beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Puerto Vallarta was recognized as the “Favorite Beach Destination in Mexico,” and also as the “Most Romantic Place in Mexico” for 2012. 

Recognized as one of the Top Ten websites in the United States, with more than 46 million unique visitors each month, the fact that About.com gave two Reader’s Choice Awards to Puerto Vallarta is a sure sign of the city’s growing appeal. This is sure to be good news for Puerto Vallarta real estate, which consistently attracts new buyers from around the world. 

Puerto Vallarta received the distinction of being the “Most Romantic Place in Mexico for 2012” in part because of the thousands of weddings that are performed here annually. The city beat out impressive competition from across the country, including Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, the Riviera Maya and San Miguel de Allende, which were also nominated.

Puerto Vallarta won the title of “Favorite Beach Destination in Mexico” over the fierce competition of Cancun, Huatulco, Cabo and the Riviera Maya, which are all stunning locations that are growing in popularity among international travelers. In fact, Puerto Vallarta is no stranger to receiving About.com Reader’s Choice Awards, having received the titles of “Friendliest City in the World” in 2011, and “Best Place to Retire in the World” by the AARP, as well as “Best Holiday Destination in Mexico by USNews.com, in 2010.

Situated on Mexico’s Pacific coast on Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta is known for its beautiful shaded plazas and is an eclectic mix of tradition and modernity. It’s easy to see why so many visitors decide to return for good, making this fabulous city their permanent home. Today, Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for U.S. and Canadian retirees, thanks in part to its location and safety. 

Mexico Real Estate: Increasingly Attractive for Business Foreign Investment

Sat, 05 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Bloomberg Businessweek recently reported that Mexico attracted an impressive $19.4 billion in foreign direct investment money in 2011, a number that is projected to increase dramatically in 2012.

These momentous numbers are thanks in large part to the Mexican government’s continued efforts to work with investors and large corporations that are headquartered around the world. The efforts have paid off. The European Union is currently coming in as Mexico’s third largest trading partner, with more than $50 billion in trade each year. And the Bank of Mexico announced that government securities held by foreigners grew from more than $16.7 billion in 2009 to more than $80.9 billion in early 2012.

Rising Business & Foreign Investment Capital in Mexico 

Mexico has made important strides in opening up to foreign investment capital in recent years by reducing tariffs on imports and exports, which allows corporations to make a larger profit on goods that are manufactured here. In addition, the government has opened up public services to private companies, and has worked to establish important trade agreements with other Latin and South American Countries.

Between 1999 and 2011 Mexico received a total of $102 billion in foreign direct investment from the EU – a number that is expected to continue growing thanks to broad opportunities in green technology, as well as in the automobile and aerospace industries, among others. In fact, according to the country’s German ambassador, Francisco Gonzalez Diaz, Germany is planning to invest more than $3.3 billion in Mexico throughout 2012, mainly in the aeronautics, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, and metal-mechanics sectors.

France is also ramping up its investments in Mexico, reaching more than $157 million between January and November of 2011. Pierre Lellouche, French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry, cited opportunity for growth as the main reason for the increase, which focuses largely on emerging markets. All told, 400 French companies have invested more than 13 billion Euros in Mexico, creating at least 90,000 jobs.

“Large investment groups of French, Germans and Koreans, among others, are looking to Mexico as a market opportunity, not only for this country, but to reach out to other nations of Latin America,” stated Lellouche.

One of the main reasons behind Mexico’s growing appeal for global investors is also due to its increased competitiveness as a production center, thanks to a structural decrease in the exchange rate and improvements in the country’s exports manufacturing industry. According to the CIA World Factbook, although many economies worldwide experienced slow or no growth in 2011, Mexico’s exports rose 13%, hitting an impressive $336 billion.

“Mexico has a productive capacity sustained by low operating costs arising from their geographical location, low wage levels, recent investments, and the advantages of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which makes it very efficient for industry worldwide,” stated Banamex-Accival analysts.

The fact that many major manufacturers have been pulling out of China recently is also good news for Mexico, which still offers a low-cost environment for manufacturers. China’s rising minimum wage and stronger currency means it can no longer offer the enormous bargains of yesteryear, which has increased the appeal of Mexico worldwide. For the first time in recent history, it is cheaper to manufacture in Mexico than China for companies targeting the U.S. market. Also, since it takes only five days to ship from Mexico to Canada, compared to 46 days from China to Canada, companies can save time and money on shipping costs.

Mexico’s Rapidly Growing Economy

In 2010 Mexico’s economy grew by 5.5%, which is the largest jump in the last decade according to Bloomberg, CNBC and Reuters, while its trade deficit was reduced by 32%. This increased imports and exports, encouraging a renewed interest among foreign businesses considering Mexico as a viable place to invest. This points to a strong momentum for business investment in Mexico in 2012 and beyond. According to one conservative estimate by private consultancy firm CAPEM, there is a projected annual growth rate of at least 7% in 2011. Furthermore, according to analysts with Banorte-Ixe, the investment capacity of many global corporations is now back up to the highest levels since 2006.

Looking to the future, Goldman Sachs has predicted that Mexico’s rapidly advancing infrastructure, growing middle class and swift decline in poverty rates will create a higher GDP per capita than all but three European countries by the year 2050. Some analysts believe this could even be a conservative estimate, considering that Forbes magazine already named Mexico’s GDP the 11th largest in the world as of 2010.

NASDAQ has also chimed in, calling Mexico “one of the world’s largest developing economies,” in response to the fact that it is already larger than the economies of China, India and Brazil. Furthermore, the UK is currently one of Mexico’s biggest investors, and the UK Trade & Investment has announced that it expects Mexico’s economy to surpass the UK’s by the year 2040. All of this could explain why a report last year by the Financial Times compared Mexico’s current economic state to that of Spain 20 years ago.

Tourism has long provided a boost for Mexico’s economy; a trend that promises to continue throughout 2012 and beyond. In March of 2012, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that it would invest more than $150 million in Mexico’s major ports along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. NASDAQ reported that Carnival currently accounts for around 80% of the cruise business coming in to Mexico, which is an important destination for the company.

Mexico’s Aerospace Industry Over the past 20 years Mexico’s aerospace industry has grown dramatically and caters to the U.S., Canadian, German and French markets. Today Mexico is ranked 6th in the world for development investment and research in the aerospace field. Between 2002 and 2008, the industry’s exports tripled, reaching $3 billion, and by the end of 2010, it had reached more than $3.27 billion, with 241 companies employing more than 30,000 people.

In 2011, Luis Oliva, who is head of the Promotion of Foreign Investment Unit of Promexico, announced that Mexico’s aerospace industry would receive more than $100 million over the course of the next 12 months alone, with much of the money coming from the British firm Rolls Royce. Furthermore, 2011 saw more than $3.5 billion in aerospace exports from Mexico – a number that is expected to increase in 2012.

Mexico’s growing popularity in the aerospace industry is due to a variety of factors, including its geographical position in North America, and the established success of the automotive and electric-electronic sectors in the country, which have helped to create a solid supply chain. The pro-investment policies that are in place in Northern Mexico have also bolstered the country’s appeal for the aerospace industry, helping the sector to consistently achieve annual growth rates of 17%. In turn, many universities in Mexico have begun to offer state of the art engineering programs to meet the industry’s labor demands. As a result, Mexico now has a large number of graduates with degrees in engineering and technology, and nearly every component of a plane can be manufactured here.

Companies like Boeing, ITR, Honeywell, EATON Corporation, Cessna, Bombardier Aerospace, Raytheon Goodrich, GKN Aerospace and General Electric – to name only a few – have begun to utilize the opportunities presented by Mexico, which has signed the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with more than 40 countries. This effectively streamlines the supply-chain, allowing products to be shipped off for assembly without first undergoing an international inspection. In addition, since many of the world’s more than 20,000 commercial planes are now over 18 years old, they will need replacement at some point during the next ten years, virtually guaranteeing that Mexico’s aerospace industry will continue to grow.

The Automotive Industry in Mexico One of the sectors currently commanding the largest amount of foreign investment capital in Mexico is the automotive industry. Major automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Toyota, Volvo, Mercedes Benz Honda, Mazda, General Motors, Volkswagen and Nissan have invested heavily in recent years, with the industry bringing in more than $2.5 billion in new foreign direct investment money in 2011 and creating more than 500,000 new jobs. Mexico is currently the largest vehicle producer in Latin America and the 10th largest in the entire world, exporting to more than 100 countries.

Throughout 2011, Mazda, Nissan, Volkswagen and Honda announced plans to invest a combined $2 billion in Mexico’s automotive sector, while Audi and Toyota are also rumored to be following suit. Ford also recently announced plans to invest around $1.5 billion in its existing manufacturing facility in Mexico, while Mercedes Benz will invest an additional $10 million in 2012. Also of note, the Chinese automotive assembly giant JAC Motors has announced plans to start operations in Mexico this year , and in a recent statement Audi announced it will build a new factory in Mexico by 2016, instead of the U.S. as some previously believed. "As an established carmaking location, Mexico offers an excellent economic basis for Audi production operations," said Rupert Stadler, Audi's chairman, in a statement. "Mexico is one of the world's top ten automotive locations and offers a blend of tradition and experience."

90% of the world’s top auto part companies can be found in Mexico, including Delphi, Nemak, Magna International, Continental, Lear, Siemens and Bridgestone, among many others. In 2010, this sector experienced 45% growth from 2009, bringing in more than $60 billion. In 2012 German auto parts manufacturer Hella will open a new plant in Mexico at a cost of $97 million, while Japanese automotive components manufacturer DENSO will build a new $57 million production facility.

“Production in Mexico is absolutely being driven by exports, and exports continue to grow,” stated the Mexican Automobile Industry Association (AMIA) president Eduardo Solis to Dow Jones Newswires via FOX Business.

Mexico’s Booming Manufacturing Sector Mexico has managed to maintain a strong manufacturing and industrial sector by reducing tariffs on imports and exports, while retaining fixed production prices that are around 25% less than what can be found in other Western countries. Combine this with the growing number of skilled workers, and it’s easy to see why many experts predict this trend will continue throughout 2012 and beyond.

“Mexico’s state and federal governments are supporting foreign manufacturers with financial and other incentives for inbound companies,” stated Maricio Reyes, who is economic development manager at www.MexicoGov.org. “As economies have weakened, foreign companies are investigating manufacture in Mexico options at a pace we haven’t seen in years. We have received more requests for incentive estimates and other information in the last few months than in several prior years combined.”

Thanks to the low labor costs in Mexico’s off-border cities and the large amount of available industrial real estate, the country is becoming increasingly attractive as a manufacturing hub for global corporations like the US-based trucking and logistics firm Celadon Group, as well as Texas companies like Baker Hughes and supermarket giant H-E-B, which accounted for around $3.5 billion in new investment dollars pumped into Mexico over the last five years alone.

According to a recent article written by the Wall Street Journal online, Coca-Cola plans to invest more than $1 billion this year in Mexico as part of the beverage giant’s five-year $5 billion investment plan for the country.

“Without a doubt, this important investment will boost our economy and will create more and better jobs for Mexican workers,” stated president Felipe Calderon, who cited the country’s growing economy and per capita income as major factors that have helped Mexico attract large corporations such as Coca-Cola.

Other notable investments in Mexico’s manufacturing sector include a $190 million planned investment by Italian chocolatier Ferrero Rocher to build a new plant, and a new $900 million container terminal that will be built by Danish group AP Moller-Maersk in the Mexican port of Lazaro Cardenas. In addition, DuPont will invest around $300 million annually in its Mexico plants, totaling almost $1 billion by 2014.

The Expanding Mexican Energy Sector Mexico has also successfully encouraged innovation in its growing energy sector, particularly in the development of alternative sources of clean energy, such as wind power. The Mexican government has created a $3 billion peso fund for renewable energy projects, promote biofuel production and protect the environment. In addition, Mexico’s natural geography gives it excellent potential for development of geothermal power sources, and the government hopes to produce at least 2.5GW of wind-powered electricity by 2013. Mexico is also rapidly moving ahead with plans to increase its oil production and could produce up to 220 million barrels of oil per day in the coming years.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg Businessweek, Morgan Stanley is planning to invest between $35 and $110 million in a number of Mexico’s top energy companies as the nation continues to open up the industry to private capital. In addition, investment in Mexico’s wind energy sector has already hit $2 billion as of early 2012, according to Leopoldo Rodriguez, who is president of the Mexican Association of Wind Energy (AMDEE), while the country’s geothermal energy capacity is set to benefit from a $39 million investment by the French corporation Alstom.

Mexico’s Technology Giants Mexican telecom giant America Movil is planning to invest $9 billion in 2012, with total capital expenditure plans over the next four years projected to reach $35 billion. The investments will integrate the company’s mobile and fixed networks, and copper cables will be upgraded to fiber optics to improve the speed at which information can travel.

Forbes magazine also reported that IT exports surpassed $3.5 billion in 2011, while exports of cell phones reached more than $8.5 billion in recent years. Also of note, NI Holdings, formerly known as Nextel International, is a major wireless phone provider in Mexico with big plans for the future, while Swedish telecom giant Ericsson has invested more than $20 million in a new network operations center located in Mexico City.

For more information about Mexico’s foreign investment potential, please visit http://www.promexico.gob.mx/en_us/promexico/Empresario_Extranjero

So, what to do next? Free Chill Weekend Well, why not take advantage of a 2-day visit with accommodations pre-booked for your arrival? On our viewing trips there will be no high pressure sales pitch and no obligation to buy. Investment Properties Mexico is currently offering laid-back viewing trips that include a complete reimbursement of two round trip tickets upon closing. Let us show you a fabulous array of properties that meet your price range and exceed your criteria. A full investors pack is also available upon request and mortgage and legal advice is readily available.

Laid back viewing trips 5-star stay for 2 nights FREE No pressure, no obligations We will reimburse you for 2 roundtrip tickets at closing

Mexico Real Estate: Live in Hollywoods Favorite Destination

Fri, 04 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

There are plenty of great reasons to consider buying Mexico real estate; from the fabulous beaches to the exciting nightlife and excellent cuisine, there is always something new to experience. Perhaps this is also why so many Hollywood stars choose to visit Mexico each year over other tropical destinations. Most recently, Cancun and Cabo were the destinations of choice for some of the world’s biggest stars, who were spotted in Mexico enjoying quiet weekend getaways and attending film promo events. 

Cancun recently hosted the Summer of Sony 4 Spring Edition promotional event, which celebrated a number of upcoming films, including Quentin Tarantino’s latest creation Django Unchained, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington, who were in attendance. At the same time, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill were also on hand in Cancun to promote their new film, 21 Jump Street, while Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel joined co-star Colin Farrell at a photo call for the upcoming remake of Total Recall. Salma Hayek and Kevin James were also in Cancun to promote their new film Here Comes the Boom, as were actors Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield and Rhys Ifans, to promote their new film, The Amazing Spider-Man. 

Meanwhile, on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Cabo San Lucas, rockers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale enjoyed a quiet family vacation with their two young sons. Both Stefani and Rossdale showed off their fabulous bikini bodies and enjoyed spending time on the beach soaking up the sunshine. Actress Julianne Moore was also spotted in Cabo recently with her family, lounging by the pool at one of the area’s many exclusive resorts, taking a break from her most recent project, a film that will also star Scarlett Johansson. Finally, Glee star Lea Michelle was seen flaunting a sexy black bikini in Cabo with beau Cory Monteith on a quick weekend getaway.

Tulum Real Estate: Named One of Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens

Thu, 03 May 2012 20:12:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch recently reported on the world’s top 10 retirement havens, and Tulum real estate on Mexico’s Caribbean coast snagged the number three spot on the list. Compiled by editors at International Living, the list includes destinations that offer retirees a safe environment with a low cost of living and affordable real estate. 

Places like Tulum allow retirees to live the good life at “a fraction of the cost of living in the U.S.” and also provide a quality of life that is well above average. Described as “best value real estate,” you can still find a really nice home in Tulum for as little as $167,000. In addition, you can easily get by with speaking English here and in many other areas of Mexico, and it is very easy to get involved and become a part of the local community.

Tulum is quickly becoming a favorite destination among savvy travelers who fall in love with its beautiful sunsets, fantastic ancient Mayan archaeological sites and rich cultural heritage. Those who choose to call Tulum home during their retirement years will enjoy easy access to the ancient seaside Mayan pyramid located here, as well as a number of other well-preserved temples and shrines. Tulum offers many activities for retirees, including yoga on the white sand beaches, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. 

In fact, there are a variety of places in Mexico that hold great appeal for retirees. According to International Living, for example, there are more than 80 interest groups in the Lake Chapala area, which is home to Mexico’s largest expat community and lies just inland from Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Another benefit of retiring in Mexico for U.S. and Canadian citizens is that you can drive home if you prefer, and there are plenty of affordable flights daily from major cities throughout the country. 