Get the Caribbean Resort Lifestyle for Less

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Dear Reader,

We have a news round up from Mexico this week...and a chance for you to enjoy four days in one of Mexico's top Caribbean resorts for only $180. More on that in a moment....

Let's start with Mexico's economy. The OECD raised its forecast for 2011 economic growth to 4.4% (up from an initial prediction of 3.5%), citing strong domestic demand as a major factor for growth.

The UN Economic Commission released a report on foreign direct investment in Latin America in 2010. Mexico ranked second, with foreign investment of $17.7 billion. This is expected to reach $20 billion in 2011. Almost 60% of the $17.7 billion went to the manufacturing sector...including the purchase of a local brewer by Heineken, to create one of the biggest brewing companies in the world.

Mexico's tourism machine is the envy of many other nations in Latin America. The country's tourism board invests heavily in promoting Mexico as a travel destination, with strong campaigns targeting specific markets. And a government agency called Fonatur identifies key areas, then develops the infrastructure, and encourages resort and residential projects in those areas.

Cancun is the most obvious Fonatur success story. Cancun celebrates the 41st anniversary this year of its transformation from a deserted sandy spit of land into a modern resort city. Its work done in Cancun, Fonatur's focus is now on the coast that runs south of Cancun to Tulum, known as the Riviera Maya.

At the Tourism Branding Forum 2011 in Florida, the Riviera Maya won the award for the Best Tourism Destination in America. It's not just the Riviera Maya that's benefiting from Mexico's tourism machine, though. In 2010, 22 million foreigners visited Mexico. That number continues to grow in 2011, with occupancy rates of 90% reported in many major resort hotels over the Easter period.

Mexico is the #1 tourist destination for Americans, and the #2 destination for cruise travelers. Not only are tourist numbers growing, so is revenue. Cruise ship travelers, for example, spent an average $90.72 per day in February 2011, an increase of 4.2% on 2010, and an increase of 12.4% compared to February 2009.

Despite the increasing tourism numbers, and encouraging growth in resort and residential development in the region, the Mexican government is working hard to protect the natural environment. Last December, they announced the expansion of the Sian Ka'an biosphere, located south of Tulum. This month, they designated three new protection areas, totaling more than 76,000 acres.

The Mexican government doesn't want another Cancun in this region. The little beach town of Tulum, for example, has strict building codes, height and density restrictions--and the beach itself is off-grid. The vibe is chic and rustic, yoga retreats and gourmet food...not wall-to-wall high rises and rampant over-development.

Tulum is following a different path to success, with sustainable growth and tourism amenities aimed at high-end travelers. There's a lot of natural beauty to protect here: stunning coral beaches, the world's second-largest barrier reef, rich tropical jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and a wealth of wildlife.

You can own a piece of this paradise (only 20 minutes from Tulum, and 90 minutes from the international airport in Cancun) from $800 a month. Here, you'll enjoy the crystalline sea...the powder-soft beaches...and a Caribbean resort lifestyle...in the most beautiful location in Mexico.

You don't have to take my word for that. You can test drive this location for yourself, over four days and three nights...for $180. That low price includes your meals, accommodation in a five-star resort...and even cocktails on the beach at sunset.

You'll see a prime residential development in the resort...where many of your fellow readers that have visited, have already bought a property. They fall in love with this place--and once you see it for yourself, you'll understand why.

If you've ever dreamed of owning a home in a Caribbean resort...but didn't think you could afford it...this is your chance. To reserve your spot on the next trip which runs July 14th-17th, contact Cathy Shelton here.

Margaret Summerfield