TRAVEL+FOOD

Yucatan × The Cruise Industry

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As a part of its strategy amid the COVID-19 crisis for attracting more tourists to Yucatán State and ensuring the permanence of cruise line itineraries that call there, Michelle Fridman, the state’s tourism minister, says Yucatán’s government has connected with cruise companies, port authorities and tour operators in North America and the Caribbean through an informative newsletter detailing the destination’s support for the cruise industry.

To that end, the debut Yucatán Cruise Newsletter aims to maintain promotion and interest in the Port of Progreso, the state’s main port of call, as a leisure cruise destination. The newsletter reports activities, statistics, and projections related to the cruise industry in Yucatan.

From 2015 to 2019, Progreso increased its reception of cruise ships with the arrival of 30 additional vessels, representing growth of 47.8% in the volume of annual passengers received. Passenger numbers rose to 470,418 in 2019, compared to 318,234 in 2015, an increase of 152,184 registered passengers, which places Progreso sixth among ports with the highest reception of cruise passengers in Mexico.

The State of Yucatán has extended its support to the cruise industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a humanitarian response, the Port of Progreso welcomed the Gulden Leeuw school ship, allowing 50 crew members to disembark and return to their homes. As cruise ports closed globally, Progreso showed solidarity by allowing 48 British passengers to disembark Marella Cruises’ Marella Explorer 2 ship on March 31. The Mexican Navy oversaw the transfer using maximum health-security maneuvers, directing passengers to Mérida International Airport and sending them home on charter flights.

Progreso continues with its port improvement plan and other urban projects. 53.4 million Mexican pesos (about U.S. $2.4 million) have been invested in the first part of the urban improvements in Progreso’s tourist area to provide passengers with areas for fun and recreation while visiting the state. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the “Puerta Progreso” project continues and construction work is expected to resume, with completion later this year of exhibition areas, a restaurant, and a beach club. All these improvements, along with the new International Malecon, confirm the Port of Progreso as one of the best destinations for attracting more tourists to the State.

As part of its commitment to the cruise industry, the Yucatán Tourism Board maintains its membership in the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and continues to participate in its events, such as the first FCCA PAMAC session in Jamaica and Puerto Rico in 2020 and the Seatrade Cruise Global 2021.

Significant efforts to strengthen the global industry have also been undertaken by the private sector, including the “Destination Together” platform, whereby tour operators compare data and talk and interact to be ready when cruises return to Caribbean destinations.

In addition, tour operators and local private companies continue to strengthen other tourist attractions throughout Yucatán State, offering different experiences such as archaeological, nature and colonial jewelry micro-destinations near Progreso, to ensure that overseas visitors know more of what the state has to offer.

Cannabis Trends During COVID-19

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As people deal with COVID-19, how is cannabis use changing?

SōRSE Technology, a food science emulsification company pivotal to the cannabis and CBD edible supply chain, was created by a team of mindful, physically active people. They have rowers, skiers, cyclists, yoga enthusiasts and runners, all of whom are passionate about CBD and THC. The company understands these sports are easier to do when you are healthy, and being healthy means making wise choices about what you do to your body. They developed their emulsion to allow people to get CBD or THC into their system without inhaling, which is important for athletes, but also important when it comes to protecting your lungs- even more important now as we deal with COVID-19.

At SōRSE Technology, innovation means creating new platforms and new ways to incorporate products into beverages, food, or topicals. The company wants consumers to be aware of these platforms so that they know they have options when it comes to using cannabis. In terms of R&D, they are spending a lot of time researching trends and how consumers think about wellness. With this, they are also seeing a need to for an all-natural CBD emulsion which will be available very soon. Consumers are concerned about their health and immune systems and are looking at ingredients that can support a healthier lifestyle. SōRSE Technology wants customers to have a natural option if that is what they want for their food or beverage.

2020 started with new and exciting flavors; “exotic and accessible” was a trend in January and February. Yet when people feel uncomfortable or uncertain about the future, they have a tendency to circle back to the past and their positive memories, which makes them feel nostalgic. This will be reflected in consumers trying to recreate experiences from recent fond memories, from a wonderful vacation they took or a cocktail from their favorite restaurant – something that reminds them of a happy time when they were together with family or friends.

Because of COVID-19, almost everyone is going through a difficult time right now. We have higher stress levels, and we worry for our families, unemployment and the uncertainty of the future. SōRSE Technology knows that health, and specifically, respiratory health is very much on customers’ minds.

People were already looking for new ways to consume their cannabis that didn’t involve inhaling it. Consumers were also trending towards functional health beverages that placed emphasis on boosting the immune system, improving sleep, or reducing stress. COVID-19 has accelerated that trend and made people even more concerned about their health and well-being. This could explain why CBD sales have been strong the past two months. In states where it is medicinally and/or recreationally legal, THC sales are up as well, which could indicate that people are using it as a way to escape from the stress and anxiety the COVID is causing and bring themselves back to a more relaxed space.

In terms of working with partners and customers, SōRSE Technology sees that people are spending time at home innovating on new ideas. They have budding entrepreneurs reaching out who are interested in starting their own businesses, especially in the realm of e-commerce, and are using this time to reset their lives and reflect on what matters to them. The company’s job is to help customers go in the right direction, knowing that there are a lot of changes happening with the consumer mindset and consumer expectation. They are trying to stay on top of the changing trends so that they can help customers make the right decisions.

Harry Hudson Releases Music Video

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Harry Hudson Releases Music Video For New Single “Give Up On Us” PRESS HERE

To Watch Announces Positive Pack No. 1 Merch Collection Out Friday, May 29th PRESS HERE

For The Lookbook Featuring Harry Hudson and Jaden Smith “‘Give Up On Us’ [is] a must-listen… this song is the perfect musical retreat…” – V Man “Hudson defies the trends while defining himself” – The Fader

“[Harry] is ready to ride into the spotlight” – Harper’s Bazaar

“Harry Hudson is as eccentric, fantastical and enthusiastic about life as you would expect” – Billboard

“[Harry is] defying odds and showcasing his strengths as an undeniable force in the music industry” – V Magazine

“[His music] overflows with the unbridled optimism Hudson displays when you’re around him with songs that are rooted in folk with pop, rock and urban influences” – LA Times

“There is no one else quite like Hudson who weaves sonic meditations from the threads of infectious pop-minded vocal melodies” – Ones to Watch

Singer-songwriter and fast-emerging pop star Harry Hudson has released the music video for his new single “Give Up On Us,” out now via Roc Nation. PRESS HERE to watch. The track, a stripped-down guitar and vocal confessional recalling the bittersweet moments of a relationship and pondering its future, was recently featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist and Apple Music’s Beats 1 with Zane Lowe, with support from Justin Bieber who talked with Harry on his Instagram about the new song and why using your voice to help others is important – PRESS HERE to watch their conversation.

“It’s about loving yourself enough to know what you deserve in a relationship. It’s about letting go of what once was and walking into a new light. Life is too short to be living in fear. This video is a portrayal of a broken, one-sided relationship told through FaceTime,” shares Harry.

Today, Harry has also unveiled a sneak peek of the Positive Pack No. 1, his brand new merch collection out this Friday, May 29th. PRESS HERE to check out the lookbook featuring Harry and Jaden Smith, which includes the hoodie Harry is wearing in the “Give Up On Us” video. On the collection, Harry shares, “Hey, you woke up today. I’m happy you’re here. Staying positive is tough. So I made a merch collection called the ‘Positive Pack No. 1.’ Now you can share positivity with everyone around you, even when you aren’t feeling that way.”

Stay up to date with Harry’s new merch collection by heading over to www.instagram.com/hhmerch.

To purchase the Positive Pack No. 1 this Friday, PRESS HERE.

Harry Hudson and Jaden Smith For The Positive Pack No. 1 Collection An intriguing and multi-faceted young voice in music, Harry Hudson’s artistry is marked by a wisdom beyond his years and a positive outlook informed by his life experience. After surviving and recovering from cancer, and bolstered by the strength and support from his family and friends, Harry emerged with a brighter view of the world that inspired him to put pen to paper, creating music that shares a path of understanding the meaning of loving yourself, embracing individuality, and using our voices to help others. A creative soul and global citizen, as well as an ambassador for Teen Cancer America, Harry’s honest, visceral songwriting and philanthropy, continue to bring light to others.

“Give Up On Us” follows a string of previously released singles including “Let Me,” “Just Slide” ft. Jaden Smith, “Mean To Love,” and “Pendulum.” Harry’s stunning 2018 debut album, Yesterday’s Tomorrow Night, is a highly personal batch of pop music released via Roc Nation and Willow and Jaden Smith’s MSFTS Music. The album has garnered over 35 million streams on Spotify alone and features hit single, “Yellow Lights,” which has amassed over 17 million streams and reached Spotify’s Top 10 on the U.S. Viral Chart. Harry has garnered major media attention from Billboard, People, Rolling Stone, MTV, LA Times, Harper’s BAZAAR, Complex, The Fader, Nylon, WWD, Teen Vogue, HighSnobiety and more, and has been named an artist to watch by Pandora and Ones To Watch.

Stay tuned for a lot more music from Harry Hudson coming soon!

MGM Resorts Reopening

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MGM Resorts International announced its planned June 4 reopening of Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature, following the closure earlier this year of all of its U.S. properties amidst the coronavirus crisis. At opening, amenities at all properties will be limited. As demand for the destination builds, additional venues within these resorts will open and other MGM Resorts properties on The Strip will reopen.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in the communities where we operate, and around the world, who has been personally impacted during this time of crisis,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ Acting CEO and President, “As we plan for these openings, the health and safety of our guests and employees is at the forefront of all we do. Getting many of our employees back to work and welcoming guests through our doors once again will allow us to do what we do best – entertain. The team is ready and we can’t wait.”

Key Initiatives include;

A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminder
For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks
Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors
Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App will allow hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions
Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms
In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers will be utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently
Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets
To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests receive text message notification when their tables are ready

MGM Resorts’ full “Seven-Point Safety Plan,” designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees, and rapidly respond to potential new cases can be viewed here.

For a full list of offerings and to make reservations, click here.

Moab Adventure Center Reopens

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As the community opened earlier this month, the staff of the Moab Adventure Center- the pulse point for all things adventure-related in Moab, Utah- is prepared with newly instituted pandemic-prevention protocols to serve visitors.

As of May 1, 2020, the Southeast Utah Health Department authorized a phased reopening of businesses. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are now available and operating within recommended guidelines. And just announced, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are scheduled to reopen on May 29.

Moab Adventure Center is offering most of its regularly-scheduled activities along with newly added private tours. These include Hummer Safari outings for up to nine people; private canyoneering adventures, exclusive Arches National Park morning tours and private stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons for up to six people; and private Moab rock climbing outings for up to four people.

These programs, assisted by dedicated staff and guides, adhere to new COVID-19 mitigation, operation, and safety protocols enacted to give travelers confidence and assurance. Protocols include cleaning of equipment and vehicles; daily staff and guest health screenings and regulations around food preparation and service.

Vacation-related accommodations are open with occupancy limitations and mandatory 24-hour rest periods between each room use. Moab restaurants are open for carry-out and will also seat a limited number of diners with appropriate spacing. Details on Moab Adventure Center’s full COVID Mitigation and Operations Plan can be found here.

“We’re offering most of our regular adventures in addition to new private tour options for families and colleagues who self-designate as small groups for multi-day rafting adventures and full- and half-day programs,” said Cort Wright, General Manager, Moab Adventure Center. He noted that bookings for private tours of all kinds are up considerably over the same time last year.

The six tours that have been re-tweaked for private groups are;

Private Slickrock Hummer Safari, a two-hour, off-road excursion in the world’s most serious 4×4. The rate for up to nine people is $795.
https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/private-moab-hummer-tours-hells-revenge
Private Sunset Hummer Tour with hors d’oeuvres and the setting desert sun for three hours. The rate for up to nine people is $895.
Private Canyoneering Adventure for five hours with two rappels: 90′ into a hidden chasm and 120′ off a giant rock arch. The rate for up to six people is $795.
Private Moab Rock Climbing Lessons for three hours for gym and beginning climbers and kids. The rate for up to four people is $595.
Private Arches National Park Morning Tour, a four-hour scenic bus excursion for up to six guests, at $695 per group.
Private Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons on the Colorado River, a three-hour float with transportation, board rental, instruction, guide, snacks and water. The rate for up to six people is $595.

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Jennifer Watson

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The Untitled Space is pleased to introduce works available by artist Jennifer Watson. Watson is a recipient of the NJ State Council on the Arts Painting Fellowship and has been included in solo and group exhibitions at Morgan Lehman Gallery, NY; Geoffrey Young Gallery, MA; Brian Morris Gallery, NY; The Noyes Museum of Art, NJ; ada Gallery, VA; Project for Empty Spaces, NJ; Trestle Gallery, NY; R.Jampol Project(s), NY; Exit Art, NY; CWOW, NJ; and more. Watson is included in the current Spring Edition of ArtMaze Mag and her reviews and features have appeared in ARTnews magazine, Gannett Newspapers, The Star Ledgerand The Huffington Post. Watson holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studied visual arts at Mason Gross School of the Arts. She resides in Long Branch, NJ, and works in Newark, NJ.

Western River Explorations Supports 2020 Traveling

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Where in the world – and how – will families vacation this summer?

Given months of pandemic-driven lock-down orders, stay-at-home summer vacation won’t be high on many lists. What will be attractive will be vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature that can work wonders on family spirits and recovery.

For nearly 60 years, Western River Expeditions has operated top-quality river rafting vacations for individuals, families, and friends. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. Here are some of the many steps this company is taking to counter COVID-19 fears.

Screening Employees: Every day before work, each employee must pass both a temperature and pulse oximeter screen, and then answer a detailed questionnaire.
Screening Guests at Check-in: Guests exhibiting temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to travel with Western River Expeditions at the time they planned; instead, they will receive an “Adventure Credit” which allows the guest and any members of the group who were currently living at the same physical address during any of the 7 days prior to the trip to use the full paid value of their trip as a credit for a future trip at a later date.
Screening while on Multi-Day Trips: All trip participants and guides will have a daily temperature and pulse oximeter checks and fill out a daily review of symptoms questionnaire.

In addition, there are new protocols in place should someone experience COVID-19 symptoms during a trip. In such a case, steps will be taken to protect other guests from exposure during the remainder of that trip. There also will be protocols for toilet facilities, hand washing stations, and social distancing (when feasible) as well as reduced number of guests per raft.

The company will also implement specific guidelines that address everything from life-jacket use and sanitation to meal prep and service, use of shuttle vans, number of people per shuttle vehicle, sanitation of rafts, dry bags, cots, sleeping bags, and all associated equipment. For more details on Western River Expeditions’ specific protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19.

Western River Expeditions hopes to still operate late spring and summer 2020 trips, subject to the easing of government-mandated closures. Three suggested trips ideal for families are:

Desolation Canyon, a five-day trip through breathtaking Desolation Canyon and Gray Canyon on the Green River in central Utah. Trips are scheduled to depart June 7 through Aug. 12 with a minimum age of five years old. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
Southwest Sampler, a four-day adventure that includes an off-road Hummer Safari, Arches National Park tour, and overnight rafting trip as well as a stay at Moab’s Marriott SpringHill Suites. Departures are scheduled May 26 through Aug. 26. If National Park closures affect the operation of the Arches National Park tour, guests will explore another stunning location in Moab. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/moab-utah-vacation-sampler
Grand Canyon, the three-day option still has some limited space on certain dates from June 21st through September. Conveniently departing and returning to Las Vegas, NV, this 100-mile journey is suitable for families with kids as young as nine. For details see: https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 catalog, questions, availability, and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center.

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

Cannes Plans to Revive Tourism

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At the end of February and the first cancellations of events in Europe, David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, alerted us to the impact of the economic and social crisis which was about to hit the tourism industry in particular (cf. Nice-Matin of 5 March 2020).

Cannes is today a deeply impacted city: the tourist industry accounts for at least 25% of the region’s GDP (Cannes Lérins conurbation) whereas the departmental average is 15 to 18% and the national average 7.4%. It also accounts for nearly 50% of jobs.

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the mainstay of the destination, has seen a total and brutal cessation of its activity with cancellations of the MIPIM, MIPTV, Cannes Lions, Cannes Festival and Tax-Free, i.e. almost 289.8 million euros in losses. With the shutdown of hotels, restaurants, and beaches which will not return to full activity due to health protocols, the losses recorded by Cannes as a destination are estimated at 500 million euros.

On 14 April, David Lisnard proposed a national and European “grand Marshall plan” for tourism. Numerous announcements were made on 15 May by the Prime Minister after an International Tourism Committee in which the Mayor of Cannes took part.

With the prospect announced by the Prime Minister of a reopening on 2 June of this year in the “green” departments, David Lisnard is launching an action plan of 13.4 million euros to relaunch in complete safety Cannes’ tourist industry around two main axes:

1 – Economic aid: 10.1 million euros including 2 million euros in exemptions

Since 3 March, the Town Hall and Cannes Lérins Agglomeration have been careful to tailor their approach, to listen to professionals (permanent hotline), revive the banks, financially support professionals (hoteliers, beach operators, retailers, restaurateurs, kiosks, fishermen, etc) through direct aid and highway exemptions and fees (almost €10.1 million in support, details in the annex), to facilitate and simplify daily life for professionals during this unprecedented crisis.

2 – Campaigns to boost the destination with 3.3 million euros based around “local exoticism”

A new campaign to relaunch the destination begins tomorrow, Tuesday 19 May: “Cannes, our end of the world”. It targets proximity as a safe option and promotes the richness of our coast, our cultural heritage, our hotel establishments, our restaurants, bars, and local shops. It complements the campaign to support local trade “Support our retailers – let’s go back to shopping local” launched on 11 May and which now becomes “Support our retailers – let’s consume local” on 2 June for restaurants and cafes. This campaign draws on active marketing to offer visitors a moment’s escape, a moment of exoticism in Cannes at a time when the resumption of hotel and train reservations is underway, to offer visitors a catalog of wonderful events and sites to visit. Cannes’ hotels, through their federation, are heavily involved in this campaign, offering the 4th night free for the first 5000 reservations for any 3-night stay purchased, valid in all hotel categories. In parallel, a call is being launched to share the best images currently being taken of Cannes by its residents, professionals, and first customers around #CannesNow. Cannes is reinventing itself in terms of events and entertainment and rethinking events to avoid large gatherings:

Cannes Ciné Drive at Palm Beach and Stade Pierre de Coubertin
Major exhibitions in public spaces (Cannes refait le mur; Nikos and his Test of Time on the Croisette)
New events to catch the eye of passers-by (Light Show on the Palais, Town Hall, and Le Suquet; Cannes Drive Electro; Terrasse on Air (with carte blanche on the roofs of the Palais)
If developments with the pandemic allow it, from September, a major drone show in the bay of Cannes

This immediate campaign to generate flows will be supplemented by the CRT Côte d’Azur France “Change your Scenery” campaign in early June and by a Mice (Business Tourism) recovery plan which will start in the autumn in major European capitals to attract new recurring events to Cannes.

“This Covid-19 crisis is far from over. Safety takes precedence over everything else so we will adapt to the epidemiological situation. Such dramatic times can also be an opportunity to review our model and further improve our destination by developing “Cannes exoticism”. It is a question of bringing ourselves to become consumers of the tourist offer before us to make it a civic tourist act based around “local consumption”. Holidays are about changing places and worlds. We have the capacity to experience Cannes in high season with low-season spatial conditions and rate offers: in hotel establishments in every range, from the campsite to the palace, in complete health and safety and with full accessibility. We are lucky to have access to this diversity of landscapes, cultural facilities, varied shopping, wonderful spaces, the magnificent Mediterranean and numerous activities on land and sea that we will further develop with family packages and free offers for children.”

— David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes.

Economic support measures for tourism professionals:

Assistance for beach operators:
- Exemption from fixed fees for the duration of the lockdown
- Reduction in charges of €215 000 per month, i.e. €645 000 over three months
- Suspension of fixed and variable fees until the end of the year
- Reduction in cash charges of €3.45 million
- Guarantees replaced by a single bank guarantee
- Cash support of €2.8 M

Assitance for hoteliers:
- Postponement of the collection of tourist taxes to help the cash flow of hoteliers and other collectors
- Cash support: €358 000
Assistance for retailers including restaurants:
- Exemption from duties on terraces, sign overhangs, display stands, rotisseries, market stalls, kiosks, tourist train rides: March, April, and May
- Total amount: €585 000 (€195 000 / month)
- Exemption from kiosk fees: €76 000
- Exemption from tourist train fees: €21 000
- Exemption from fairground ride fees: €4000
- Total amount of public domain occupation exemptions: €686 000

Assistance for major brands (more than 12 metres / Le Martinez, for example, is covered):
- 25% reduction on TLPE (local tax on outdoor advertising)

Puerto Vallarta Re-opening

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VENTURE OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN PUERTO VALLARTA

Mexico is known for its outstanding beach towns, which pull hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. But just because a destination is popular with tourists does not mean that there are no local, under-the-radar secrets to be discovered. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s west coast beach capital, is a destination that is very much on the tourist trail, yet still provides adventures off the beaten path for those who are willing to look.

Puerto Vallarta is the jewel of Mexico’s west coast, strategically located on the Bay of Banderas. The city itself has a fabulous marina, hotel zone, and historic downtown, and is also within driving distance from some of the smaller beach communities that sit along the bay. It is a haven for luxury, fine dining, all-inclusive resorts, local culture, art, history, adventure travel, and more.

Of course there is plenty to see and do in the resort areas and on tours, but travelers looking to venture off the beaten path will find so much to discover. Adventure enthusiasts will love the many hiking opportunities available in and around Puerto Vallarta. One of the best is a coast-hugging hike that runs from the small village of Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas beach. The hike is relatively unknown to tourists and is mostly a local activity, but those who make the journey are rewarded with dramatic views over turquoise-colored water, private beaches and coves, and even a secret beach club that acts like a private party hideaway on its own stretch of sand. To access the hike, hire a taxi or take a local bus south to Boca de Tomatlan to find the trailhead. To return travelers can hire a water taxi back from Las Animas to Boca de Tomatlan.

Speaking of beaches, visitors can discover a small beach community only accessible by boat. The small fishing village of Yelapa is surrounded by jungle-blanketed mountains, offering a quiet beach escape far from the activity of Puerto Vallarta’s more central beaches. A handful of restaurants dot the shore, and there are a few basic hotel accommodations for those who wish to spend the night. One of the best things to do in Yelapa is to take the hike back into the jungle to find the beautiful waterfall.

Get your cameras ready for one of Puerto Vallarta’s ‘wow’ factors: its sunsets. Epic almost any night of the year, the skies over Puerto Vallarta explode with fiery colors. While most visitors will pick their perches down along the shore, those in the know will be high above the city taking in the sunset and views below from the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. This hilltop vantage point has sweeping views over the entire city, Zona Romantica, and the bay. It’s beautiful at any time of day, but for those truly Instagrammable photos, sunset is unbeatable.

Finally, foodies will delight at the off the beaten path dining that packs the city. While the restaurant gastronomy scene is absolutely worthwhile, it’s the local spots that truly set Puerto Vallarta dining apart. Roam the taco trucks in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, or sink your teeth into delicious fish tacos and ceviche at El Solar Beach Club.

Tip: Remain at El Solar after sunset for live music and a local party almost every night of the week.

From isolated beaches to the next undiscovered taco experience, adventures in nature, and everything in between, Puerto Vallarta might be one of the most popular destinations in Mexico but it offers a world waiting to be experienced off the beaten path.

About the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is responsible for promoting the destination in national and international markets. Nestled between the rugged, tropical Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay – Mexico’s largest natural bay and second largest on the American continent – on Mexico’s balmy Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible from the U.S. and Canada. The city enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures of 80°F and cooler evening temperatures in winter months. Located four miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Gustavo Diaz International Airport receives more than four million visitors annually. The destination is home to 300,000 residents and offers an estimated 12,400 hotel rooms, with more than half in 4-star-plus properties.

Morrison Hotel Gallery – Idols Exhibit

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From gallery walls to the Great Wall of China, Morrison Hotel Gallery invites you to hit the road with Idols, a web-exclusive world tour spanning seven continents and more than a half-century of iconic imagery. Playing on portrait tradition, conventional sites of exhibition and the pangs of wanderlust presently felt worldwide, Idols reframes the exemplary works of internationally-acclaimed photographers such as Terry O’Neill, Peter Hujar, Lynn Goldsmith, Bob Gruen and Timothy White through irreverent virtual renderings at the intersection of kitsch and hallmarks of human expression. Like uncanny postcards of iconic worlds colliding, Idols ushers in a new age of virtual expression and MHG experiences as this fine art activation makes its way to MorrisonHotelGallery.com on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Follow along both here and at @IdolsWorldTour on Instagram as we explore, in real-time, what it means to take these epochal works of modern portraiture beyond their Morrison Hotel Gallery home and out in the “real” world at large, situating iconic imagery in cross-contextual dialogue with billboards, megaliths and masterpieces.

WEBSITE / INSTAGRAM