MEXICO: Yucatan Is A Weddings And Honeymoons Hot Spot

The tourism industry of “honeymooners”is becoming a strong potential for the state, coupled with destination weddings that for three years became a boom for these service providers, said the Council Business Tourism of Yucatan (Cetur).

The president of Cetur, Jorge Escalante Bolio, remarked that many people are choosing destination Yucatan to spend their honeymoon, especially in the haciendas and boutique hotels in Merida.

Fashion is in the city of Merida, especially in its beautiful ex-henequen haciendas, but it is also producing a boom of people who choose to spend their honeymoon in our city, he said.

He points out that Yucatan has the potential to be one of the country’s most important destinations in the honeymoon market, where haciendas, archaeological sites, beach hotels and local infrastructure are visited.

We have a great variety of services, offering the exclusivity and beauty of the haciendas, boutique hotels, gastronomy, historical sites and the mysticism of Mayan culture, for wedding services, he said.

In the months of April, May and June there was an important influx of wedding tourists from states like Tabasco, Veracruz, Michoacán, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, as well as from the United States and Europe.

Many couples are already choosing to marry in the state with pre-Hispanic ceremonies themes.

In recent years, the Historic Center of Merida has experienced a revival that, in the opinion of residents, business leaders, foundations, businessmen and habitual visitors, gives it new life and charm.

Remodeled and embellished by their owners, rescue programs of municipal and state governments, and in the last days by companies that rehabilitate them, the sites have now a different face in contrast to the past.

Hostels, hotels, inns, restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, multiple shops, offices and houses resurface like the phoenix, remodeled, painted and adapted to the needs of their owners around some traditional neighborhoods of the city.

Many of these places are embellished with trees and plants at their doors or with new windows and doors, according to the colonia area where they are located.

The same happens with parks, streets, passageways, avenues and emblematic buildings, as in Santa Ana, Santiago, La Ermita and the 64th street that goes from this place to the Arch of San Juan, or the neighborhoods of La Mejorada and Santa Lucía. This last one is one of those showing the most economic revival in the last five years.

In addition, the many cultural activities that take place in the so-called monuments area of the city, as well as sports and entertainment attract many people outside of those who circulate due to the commercial movement.

Also the multiple activities held in the downtown as “In the heart of Mérida”, which is held on Fridays at 60th Street; “The Mexican Night”, on Saturdays at the Paseo de Montejo Walkway; “La Vaquería” on Mondays at the gates of the Municipal Palace, and the “Pok ta pok” (Mayan ball game) on Fridays in the Cathedral, make this area of Mérida receive the admiration of everybody that comes to see.

To them are added “The nights of legend”, the serenades of Santa Lucia, the musical remembrances that take place on Tuesdays in Santiago, the nights of trova in the Museum of the Song, the Bike-Route, “Mérida on Sunday “, theaters and even the marathons that take place in centric streets.

All this means that Merida has not only local but also foreign vistas, such as the numerous neighbors of other countries who have adopted the city as their second residence and who have chosen the tranquility of some neighborhoods at the Center to establish themselves.

After acquiring and remodeling their estates, they live adapted to the customs of the region and they walk as anybody else through streets and markets, in search of healthy, fresh and organic products.

“My best customers are now the Americans”, commented smiling a woman at the market Lucas de Galvez when asked how currently her sales were going.

“They like to buy lots of fruit and vegetables, only the most fresh. They take it, they see it complete, they smell it and they take it, they even come with their sabucanes (A traditional bag commonly used in the region by the people when going to the market), you will believe, they only need to ask for a reduction like the ones here, but they do not, they pay what you ask them and if they think it’s expensive they go elsewhere and you lose the customer,” she said.

The Historical Center of Mérida was decreed under the legal term of Historical Monuments Zone, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on October 18, 1982.

It is considered the Historical Center with the second largest extension in the country, with an area of 8,795 km2 comprising 3,906 buildings with historical value built between the 16th and 19th centuries and 633 buildings declared Historic Monuments.

According to data from the subdivision of Economic Development, nowadays in this area are located about 19,950 properties, including those cataloged by the National Institute of Anthropology and History as Historical Monuments.

Among the land uses in this area are 13 cellars, 96 meeting centers, 4,712 shops, 131 for private education, 66 for public education, 66 for cultural use, 21 for events, and 19 for private recreational use.

Other land uses include: 187 parking lots, 181 government buildings, 400 for industry and seven for infrastructure, as well as 225 offices, 470 for the private health sector, 8 for the public health sector, 3,049 for service, 15 churches, 21 parks and 10,294 for housing and different uses.

EGYPT: Sierra Resort Honeymoon Guests Awarded £12,000 After Food Poisoning

Guy Chapman & Denise

Newlyweds have won a five-figure settlement from Thomas Cook after they both fell violently ill during their dream honeymoon at a luxury Egyptian resort.

Guy Chapman, 37, and wife Denise, 50, travelled to the four-star Sierra Resort in Sharm el-Sheikh in June 2013 for what should have been a fortnight of sun, sea and relaxation.

But instead the Birmingham couple were hit by gastric illness after eating in resort restaurants and spent much of their holiday confined to their room with sickness.

Their symptoms continued after they arrived home and they instructed Birmingham law firm Irwin Mitchell to take legal action against Thomas Cook.
Despite no admission of liability being made, the holiday company has now paid out £12,000 to the Chapmans, who had paid £1,800 for the honeymoon.

Mr Chapman, an engineer, said: 'We were looking forward to this holiday for a long time and were excited to be celebrating our honeymoon and also my 35th birthday.

'The illness severely impacted our enjoyment of the holiday and every time we look back on it, all we have are terrible memories.'

'We ate in the restaurants at the resort but were extremely disappointed. On occasions we noticed the chicken sometimes was being served pink on the inside and some food did not feel hot enough.'

Nichola Blackburn, from Irwin Mitchell, said: 'This couple suffered terrible symptoms while staying at the Sierra Resort, including stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting, on what was supposed to be a relaxing and luxurious holiday.

'Guy and Denise are extremely relieved that they have now received a settlement from the tour operator, which they placed their trust in when booking this holiday.'

A Thomas Cook spokesman said: 'We know how important holidays are to our customers and how upsetting it can be when they fall unwell while overseas. We have been liaising closely with Mr and Mrs Chapman's appointed solicitor and are pleased to have reached an agreement with them to amicably resolve this matter.'

According to their website, the resort boasts seven pools, a private beach and a buffet-style restaurant called Akuna Matata - which means 'no worries' in Swahili.

PANAMA: Visit Panama

Share the day with an authentic indigenous tribe in Panama.

No more selfies with your feet and the beach in the background! It is time to elevate your vacation experience in Panama or wherever, and divide your expenses, but without getting carried as a pack in a 50 people bus. Kings Vacation with backpacker prices in 3 easy steps.

Open a new message from my contact form is, sometimes, very sad, because after the excitement of watching that someone wrote me about some matter related to their Panama Vacation, I open the email and is a very well thought-out post, especially dedicated to me, personally directed, and are not a copy-paste text sent to the TOP 10 of Tripadvisor.com, asking suggestions for their Vacations in Panama without even visiting my web site, as often happens. No, this mail lists what they liked from my website, the wonder of my Tours in Panama, which are exactly what they want to do on their Trip to Panama; they write about the comments made about my Panama Vacation Packages, and appreciate how convenient my prices are, which will be their salvation, because I showed up to rescue their already tired credit cards after they have paid the airfare and hotel. So..Which is the sad part? When I’m floating in the air because of much praise, full of pride, I come to the part of the email in which they say that they are 2 people … or 3 or 4! and that is very sad for me :(

So I sigh again, more deeply this time … and I think, here I go again, and start writing my classic answer to these emails: “I specialize in Tours in Panama and Luxury Vacation Packages for groups from 8 persons or bigger, mainly due to the size of my vehicle and agreements I have with my suppliers. Sorry I can not serve you this time, but I have nothing competitive for less than 8 people. I hope to help you in the future to have a wonderful Travel to Panama with your friends or your family. ”

I press Send, and I know I’m killing an illusion on the other side. How I wish! I wish I could offer the same experience, the same details and the same Panama Tours for less than 8 people, but it is impossible.

What I do is not a secret recipe, but it is magical. What I do is:

Get special arrangements with providers of land and water transportation, with restaurants and attractions, for better prices, promising to bring groups of 8 or more persons.
Divide the cost of transportation and tour guide among more people.
Selling directly to end customers through internet, without intermediaries that increase the final price.

This is the only possible way that you can obtain the following for your Family or Group Panama Vacation:

The convenience of Traveling through Panama in a Luxurious Mercedes Benz Mini Bus in which you can stand naturally, walk to the fridge in the back and take the drinks you want, as often as desired.
Having special lunches every day of your Panama Vacations… included in the price of the tours.
A wonderful price per person that includes all entry fees and some surprises, such as sunscreen, snacks and refreshing wet towel at the end of your Panama Tour.
More attractions and activities mixed in each tour.
The highest level of Customer Service.

But, really, this is not the most important. I only set the stage. Your friends or your family are who make the real magic.

Feed wild monkeys with your hands only in Panama

I am writing this lines in the lobby of a Panama Beach Resort, while one group of 8 good friends, mature adults, with a friendship of many years, they are enjoying a beach day I planned for them.

They have had a great time from the breakfast every day. Today I had to interrupt their endless jokes in order to make them to stand from the table and we could go out to the beach before it became later. If not, they would be there yet. They got on the bus dying of laughter, and during the trip to the beach, and although it is early, they began to open the first beers; holiday is a holiday, right? Tease one another, the laughs do not stop, I do not understand almost any joke, they should know their stories, but it is impossible not catch it the atmosphere inside the bus.

Ok, It is October, is supposed to be rainy season in Panama, so anything can happen with the weather. We arrived at the hotel and the sun shines brightly. All apply sunscreen. All comfortably installed in the pool to continue enjoying Panama. Let the laughter and drinks keep coming. At noon a rain cloud, the group moves to the restaurant, they had lunch and stayed talking until rain stopped. Nothing has happened. The sun rises again and they return to the pool. This is Panama. So rain or no rain, the group has its humorous jokes, the drinker continues to serve and ordering drinks, the quietest not stop listening and smiling, total, they all have a great time. That’s the magic to which I refer. Those are the moments that make your Panama Vacation unforgettable.

Now, something mean, do this exercise, imagine the same situation, but for a couple on vacation. Not a honeymoon. Not a journey to conquer. A vacation of a couple with years together…or maybe a small family. Is not the same true?

So, plan your family or group trip to Panama. It is time to boost your vacations. A journey with your best friends with their families. Three families, three couples and their children, or something like that. Find out how to travel in small groups triggered the quality of your vacation and the price you are paying will fall to the floor.

This is the midpoint between those impersonal massive tours of 45 people in a huge bus, running to fulfill an agenda, and customized private tours, with flexible schedule and great service. The Panama Vacation Packages and Tours that you see here offer the personal service and flexibility of a private tour, but the reasonable prices and the atmosphere of a group tour. What a simple and great idea! Luxury private tours for small groups. That’s the best way to travel, Raise the quality of the experience and share expenses!

I put the luxury car for your group in Panama, the most complete all inclusive tours, the most convenient prices per person, the easiest way to pay for your vacations and your friends or your family makes their magic in Panama. We will be a perfect team!

Step 1: Check out my Panama Vacation Packages to have an idea about 9 days of Vacation in Panama. If you think you can do it better than me, combine my Panama Tours to your liking. If you book 5 or more tours, write to me and I will give you free airport transfers, and maybe something else.

Step 2: Share this information with your friends or family to complete a group of 8 or more people.

Step 3: Book paying only 20% with your credit card through PayPal, the safest way to pay online, and pay the rest 15 days before arriving in Panama. We’re talking about you can book a 9 Days Panama Vacation Package for only $ 137 per person. Or you can book a one day, all inclusive tour from $ 21 per person.

Book with confidence. If you find something better or similar, show it to me and you will receive a total refund.

Take action now. My plans last 9 days, that means only 4 groups per month. Book Today, not cry tomorrow.

MADAGASCAR: Drop In Visitor Numbers

Perched on the muddy bank of a river meandering through rolling green hills, the Lemurs' Park near Madagascar's capital is rated one of the city's top attractions, but you would not know it from the number of visitors.

On a Saturday in what is meant to be high season, only a handful of tourists are in the park to catch a glimpse of the furry creatures endemic to the tropical forests of this vast Indian Ocean island.

Tour operators blame the latest drop in visitor numbers on mass cancellations that followed a month-long Air Madagascar strike that grounded all internal flights.

But to Rakotomamonjy Andrianantoanina, a veteran Lemurs' Park guide, the long-term trend since a 2009 coup that scared off visitors and ravaged the economy has been just as worrying.

"In 2008, the tourism in Madagascar was very high. But there has been political trouble since 2009 so the tourists are fewer and fewer," Andrianantoanina said as ring-tailed lemurs scampered through nearby eucalyptus trees.

With the mining industry hit by low global commodity prices, the government has promoted tourism as a spur of growth and job creation in one of the world's poorest nations.

Touting its rainforests, reefs and weird and wonderful plants and animals, officials are aiming for 1 million tourists by 2020, five times higher than last year and more than double the 2008 peak, when 380,000 people visited the former French colony.

There are even lofty plans to compete for well-heeled visitors who flock to Mauritius and Seychelles, two "honeymoon" destinations where European elites have vacationed for decades.

But first the leaders of the world's fourth largest island have fix tourism's two biggest problems - a poorly run state airline and a toxic political system that breeds instability.

Efforts have not gone well on either front.

President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, whose peaceful election in late 2013 was seen as a new start for politics, was impeached in May. Even though he overturned the vote in the constitutional court, his government nearly fell in a subsequent censure vote.

Fixing the airline has also proved tough, with a month-long strike by Air Madagascar staff bringing the industry to its knees and adding to long-standing grievances against a loss-making and habitually late airline.

"It's easy to sell Madagascar abroad as a tourist destination but our main obstacle is air transportation," Tourism Minister Ulrich Andriantiana told Reuters.

FLIGHT COSTS

Tour operators gripe about Air Madagascar's domestic monopoly, saying visitors blanch at pricey international fares and the added cost of expensive internal flights necessary to avoid the abysmal roads.

A short internal flight that might cost as little as $50 in Kenya is as much as $300 in Madagascar.

"Everyone says 'Madagascar is beautiful', but Madagascar is not the only one that is beautiful. You can go to Cuba, Sri Lanka, Puerto Rico and they are all cheap," said hotelier Hely Rakotomanantsoa. "The flight costs are a really big issue."

Andriantiana, the tourism minister, said the strikes had prompted the government to "liberalize" the skies by introducing more competition, including on domestic flights.

"It's not good to have a monopoly," he said. "If Air Madagascar doesn't work well, every sector will fall down."

The government had held talks with Kenya Airways and Air France to introduce new international routes to open up markets in Africa, Asia and North America, he added.

Until now, Madagascar has marketed itself to adventure travelers as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit a "modern-day Noah's Ark" - a reference to estimates that 80 percent of its plant-life cannot be found anywhere on the planet.

"It's amazing how you can travel for six hours and go from desert to rainforest," said 19-year-old Briton Ollie Tiliouine, who volunteered for a marine conservation charity before criss-crossing the island on rickety minibuses.

Competing for the high-end tourists who flock to Seychelles and Mauritius, two neighboring Indian Ocean islands famed for azure waters and white sandy beaches, will prove tricky.

"Outside the capital, it's hard to find good services and hotels, especially for the upper market," said another tour operator who did not wish to reveal her name as she was critical of tourism policy.

That matters little to the likes of Pauline Geoffroy, a 22-year-old French tourist who traveled 3,000 km (2,000 miles) in cramped public buses across humid lowlands and undulating highlands dotted with shimmering rice fields.

"The sea, mountains and wildlife here are just so unique," she said. "It's like a paradise. I would definitely come back."

GHANA: Axim Beach Hotel

The Axim Beach Hotel is situated on a huge palm covered tropical hillside that overlooks kilometres of deserted beaches. The hotel offers guests the opportunity to experience accommodation with traditional African characteristics in architecture, interior design and decoration.

The result – a palm covered oasis, surrounded by beautiful beaches that has found the balance between the natural environment and the requirements of clientele using a traditional and close to nature design.

The hotel recognises the importance of sustainable tourism industry for Ghana and as such has adopted environmentally friendly practices such as solar hot water and the use of bore water for facilities and where possible using recycled materials. And of course, the traditionally designed buildings employ environmentally friendly construction practices. The hotel employs all local staff, purchases local products and contributes to community projects in the Axim town.

Axim Beach Hotel is excited to announce that it will be adding a new service to its guests. The hotel will soon start providing traditional ayurvedic massage and relaxation therapies.

The area surrounding Axim is naturally covered in rainforest and is lushly vegetated. The climate provides an array of habitats for a range of flora and fauna. In particular, Ghana is a very worthwhile birding destination, with over 180 species found across the country. Some of the key birds that occur in Ghana are the white-crested tiger-heron, Congo serpent eagle, long-tailed hawk, white-breasted guinea fowl, white-spotted flufftail, yellow – billed turaco, black throated coucal, rufous fishing owl, the yellow casqued and black casqued wattled hornbills and many more.

The Ankasa Forest and Amansuri Wetlants which is only 40 minutes drive from Axim are some of the ideal forest and wetlands reserves worth visiting in the area to watch wildlife and nature.

The western region is a premier birding region due to its lowland forests which is home to 15 endemic species. One reserve which is close to Axim and protects these lowland forests is the Ankasa Resource Reserve. Here, over 300 plant species have been counted in one hectare and the reserve is home to more than 70 mammal species including forest elephants, bongo antelope, golden cats and hogs, as well as a variety of primates. In terms of birdlife, Ankasa is home to the spot-breasted ibis, grey ground thrush, white-crested tiger heron and white breasted guinea fowl.

ACCOMODATION
Honeymoon Chalets : ($110 Per Night)

Recently built, the new Honeymoon Chalets offers total luxury and comfort for Honeymoon couples and partners. It is directly situated on the sunset beach with a great ocean view. Facilities include a big veranda overlooking the sunset beach. Satellite TV, Double bed, air-conditioned, Mini bar, hot shower, and Wi-Fi Internet.

Deluxe Chalets : ($90 Per Night)

Recently completed, the new deluxe suites offer complete luxury. The conjoined double suites each have an extra large living area, bathroom and spacious balcony over looking the ocean. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator and hot shower.

Chalets : ($80 Per Night)

Uniquely built in traditional Ghanaian style, the chalets are available both in twin (two single beds) or double. All suites have their own bathroom and living space. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda.

Turtle Beach Villa : ($180 Per Night)

Overlooking the picturesque Axim beach, the turtle beach villa provides complete luxury. The suite can accommodate a minimum of four guests, consisting of two extra spacious twin rooms (which can be converted to doubles), each with their own bathroom. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda. The suite also has kitchen facilities and two outdoor verandas overlooking turtle beach.

Family Villa : ($240 Per Night)

Perfect for a travelling family or friends, the family villa has beautiful ocean views overlooking the property. The villa accommodates a minimum of six guests, comprising of three bedrooms (two doubles and one twin room), each with its own bathroom. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda. The suite also has kitchen facilities and dining area.

Family Bungalow : ($150 Per Night)

Great for a small family or travelling couples, the hotels family bungalows consist of two twin rooms (which can be converted to doubles) and shared adjoining bathroom. Facilities include satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, fan, mini bar, refrigerator, hot shower and veranda.

Budget Double : ($50 Per Night)

Double rooms each with their own bathroom facilities are located in the budget suite of the hotel which overlooks the water. It has no air-condition. Facilities include satellite television and fan.

Budget Single Room : ($25 Per Night)

Single budget rooms are located in the budget suite of the hotel. Each room has its own bathroom facilities. Rooms include satellite television and fan.

CONTACTS
Axim Beach Eco Resort: (00233) 31 7090099 or (00233) 31 2092397