IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO GEARS UP FOR A STRONG WINTER SEASON
After experiencing record-breaking summer numbers, Mexico’s twin-destination predicts a busy winter season complete with new direct flights for the United States and Canada markets, and promotional events
IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO, MEXICO (November 13, 2014) - Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is one of the roads less traveled when it comes to Mexico. The twin-destination, which boasts of Conde Nast-approved resorts and an authentic, small-town feel, is looking to position itself as a must-see for 2015. After achieving a 16.4% increase in arrivals this past summer season, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo's tourism office is hard at work to ensure that the positive trend continues through the end of the year and replicates in 2015. Signs look good that this winter season will go down in the books as a success with new air and sea transport options from major cities in the United States and Canada and an attractive list of promotional events."Our goal is to increase accessibility to the North American market," said Tourism official Javier Aluni. "Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a dual destination that offers something for everyone, from world-class fishing and stunning beaches, to authentic cuisine, and ecotourism; it is a destination worth exploring," he added.A new nonstop Delta Airlines service from Los Angeles to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo was announced on November 4th during a cocktail reception held in downtown Los Angeles. The flight will begin operating on December 20th with five frequencies: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, transporting approximately 750 passengers to the destination on a weekly basis. Delta's announcement is the latest in a series of new routes confirmed this year. Westjet initiated the winter season with a direct flight from Calgary operating Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until April 25, 2015. Sunwing Airlines added additional weekly flights departing from Winnipeg, Kelowna and Regina-Saskatoon beginning December 11 through April 2015. The Canadian airline also offers direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.Those traveling by sea will be in for a treat courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). The cruising company will begin its activity in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo during the 2015-2016 season with a total of five ships. Each ship will transport close to 3,000 passengers for a total of 15,000 tourists, a venture expected to impact the cities' economy and add yet another connectivity option for international travelers. The Tourism Board has also been negotiating the destination's integration to the Amazing Pacifico route, which includes the Mesoamerican countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. In terms of accommodations, the area is equipped to receive tourists from all over the world with an impressive roster of more than 7,000 hotel rooms, some of which have been recognized as the best in Mexico. La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo came in at number eight in this year's Conde Nast Best Hotels in Mexico list. Just a spot above was the Capella in Ixtapa in the 25 Best Resort Hotels in Mexico category. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo also offers travelers AAA Diamond properties such as Las Brisas in Ixtapa and the Viceroy Zihuatanejo. The Tourism Board has also confirmed a series of events to attract visitors, ranging from sports to music. From the 28th through the 30th of November, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo will be the setting for the second edition of Campus Yoga. The event will feature holistic therapies, music, a children's program, and recognized national and international instructors like Rodney Yee and Alejandro Maldonado. The Surf Open Ixtapa is slated for December 12-14. More than 100 surfers from all over the world will participate in the tree-day event held at Playa Linda beach. Gary Linden, one of the first surf board makers and big wave surfers will be in attendance, along with former World Champion, Corky Carroll. Music enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the 12th International ZGuitarFest 2015 (March 6-15, 2015), a week of beach-front live music. Artists from Pakistan, Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Switzerland, Spain, United States, and Canada will be featured. This is a non-profit community sponsored festival; all organizers are volunteers and the musicians perform for free. A percentage of proceeds goes to support local arts and culture projects in the community. Film buffs can participate in Mexico's first festival in partnership with the Madrid Fashion Film. The first phase of the Mexico Fashion Film will glamorously kick off in Zihuatanejo on November 20th with an outdoor showing and a luxury event featuring beats by Goldroom, champagne and an impressive guest list.###Unlike any other Mexican resort destination, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is comprised of two different areas with two distinct lifestyles located side by side, offering travelers an interesting contrast. Both destinations offer a paradisiacal natural scenery and enjoy great weather. Ixtapa boats high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, world-class restaurants and upscale shopping options. Its neighbor town, Zihuatanejo offers a laid-back atmosphere complete with folk art shops, boutique hotels and palapa-style restaurants. Both destinations are ideal for active vacationers who can enjoy watersports, gold, eco-excursions and deep sea fishing. For more information about Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, please visit http://ixtapa-zihuatanejo.triangulodelsol.travel/ and follow @visitiz @TriangulodelSol.
