http://www.velasvallarta.com/newsroom/May 20,2013Robert ReidLonely Planet author  Every week or so I get asked, ‘Is it safe to go to Mexico?' I had always said, if you're thoughtful about where you go, yes. But after my most recent trip there, I'm changing my answer… to a question:Do you think it's safe to go to Texas?To be clear, violence in Mexico is no joke. There have been over 47,000 drug-related murders alone in the past five years. Its murder rate – 18 per 100,000 according to this United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime report – is more than three times the US rate of 4.8 per 100,000. Though Mexican tourism is starting to bounce back, Americans appear more reluctant to return than Canadians and Brits (5.7 million Americans visited in 2011, down 3% from 2010 – and, according to Expedia, more than four of five bookings were adults going without children). Many who don't go cite violence as the reason.What you don't get from most reports in the US 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. For example, the gateway to Disney World, Orlando, saw 7.5 murders per 100,000 residents in 2010 per the FBI; this is higher than Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, with rates of 1.83 and 5.9 respectively, per a Stanford University report (see data visualization here, summarized on this chart, page 21). Yet in March, the Texas Department of Public Safety advised against ‘spring break' travel anywhere in Mexico, a country the size of the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy combined. Never mind that popular destinations like the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica have far higher homicide rates (36, 42 and 52 per 100,000). Why the singular focus?Before you nix Mexico altogether, consider these five things:1. Mexico may be more dangerous than the US overall, but not for Americans.According to FBI crime statistics, 4.8 Americans per 100,000 were murdered in the US in 2010. The US State Department reports that 120 Americans of the 5.7 million who visited Mexico last year were murdered, which is a rate of 2.1 of 100,000 visitors. Regardless of whether they were or weren't connected to drug trafficking, which is often not clear, it's less than half the US national rate.2. Texans are twice as safe in Mexico, and three times safer than in Houston.Looking at the numbers, it might be wise for Texans to ignore their Public Safety department's advice against Mexico travel. Five per 100,000 Texans were homicide victims in 2010, per the FBI. Houston was worse, with 143 murders, or a rate of 6.8 – over three times the rate for Americans in Mexico.3. And it's not just Texas.It's interesting comparing each of the countries' most dangerous cities. New Orleans, host city of next year's Super Bowl, broke its own tourism record last year with 8 million visitors. Yet the Big Easy has ten times the US homicide rate, close to triple Mexico's national rate.Few go to Ciudad Juarez, a border town of 1.3 million that saw 8 to 11 murders a day in 2010 (accounts differ – CNN went with 8). It's unlikely to ever be a tourism hostpot, but things have been quietly improving there. By 2011, CNN reported, the homicide rate dropped by 45%, and the first six weeks of this year saw an additional 57% drop, per this BBC story.If that trend in Juarez continues all year, and it might not, the number of homicides would have dropped from over 3000 in 2010 to 710 in 2012. Meanwhile New Orleans' homicide rate is increasing, up to 199 murders last year, equivalent to 736 in a city with the population of Juarez.4. By the way, most of Mexico is not on the State Department's travel warning.The best of Mexico, in terms of travel, isn't on the warning. The US warns against ‘non-essential travel' to just four of Mexico's 31 states (all in the north: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango and Tamaulipas). The warning goes on to recommend against travel to select parts of other states, but not including many popular destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, the Riviera Nayarit, Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum.Meanwhile, 13 states are fully free from the State Department's warning, including Baja California Sur, Yucatan, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guanajuato and others.5. Malia Obama ignored the Texas advice.Of all people, President Obama and first lady said ‘OK' to their 13-year-old daughter's spring break destination this year: Oaxaca. Then Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum made snide remarks over that, perhaps overlooking that Oaxaca state has a smaller body count from the drug war than his home state's murder rate (Oaxaca's 4.39 per 100,000 to Pennsylvania's 5.2).Oaxaca state, not on the US travel warning, is famed for its colonial city, Zapotec ruins and emerging beach destinations like Huatulco. Lonely Planet author Greg Benchwick even tried grasshoppers with the local mezcal (Malia apparently stuck with vanilla shakes.)So, can you go to Mexico?Yes. As the US State Department says, ‘millions of US citizens safely visit Mexico each year.' Last year, when I took on the subject for CNN, one commenter suggested Lonely Planet was being paid to promote travel there. No we weren't. We took on the subject simply because – as travelers so often know – there is another story beyond the perception back home, be it Vietnam welcoming Americans in the '90s or Colombia's dramatic safety improvements in the '00s. And, equally as importantly, Mexico makes for some of the world's greatest travel experiences – it's honestly why I'm in this line of work.So yes, you can go to Mexico, just as you can go to Texas, or New Orleans, or Orlando, or the Bahamas. It's simply up to you to decide whether you want to.Robert Reid is Lonely Planet's New York–based US Travel Editor and has been going to Mexico since he was three (most recently to Chacala).Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2012/04/30/are-americans-safer-in-mexico-than-at-home/#ixzz1tvTELAzeRead more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/blog/2012/04/30/are-americans-safer-in-mexico-than-at-home/#ixzz1tvSxyANShttp://www.velasvallarta.com/newsroom/press-release/americanssaferinmexico.aspxMay 17,2012Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (June 25, 2012) – Travelers can enjoy ‘off season' discounts this summer at savings up to 30% offered at the all-inclusive Velas Resorts in three of Mexico's top beach destinations. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, Velas Resorts feature spacious luxury accommodations, world-class spas, a la carte gourmet cuisine at a selection of specialty restaurants, and an indefinable hospitality experience. The Grand Velas Resorts are the only AAA 5 Diamond family-friendly properties in North America.Velas Vallarta Studio Special Rate Starts at $132Located in the Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Velas Vallarta's special rates start at $132 per person in double occupancy in a studio suite. Book before July 2 to receive complimentary stays for the first child under 12 years. Studio suites feature one king or 2 single beds, a separate living area perfect for a family travel, with sofa bed, dining area and kitchenette. For more information visit: www.velasvallarta.com/puerto-vallarta-special-offers.aspx  Summer 4th Night FreePay three nights and enjoy the fourth night free at the luxurious Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, recently featured in Forbes' roundup of the 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts. Free nights are cumulative. This promotion includes 2 complimentary minors under 12 years old sharing suite with their parents and 50% off for children from 13-16 years old sharing suite with their parents. For more information, visit: www.vallarta.grandvelas.com/puerto-vallarta-resort-deals.aspx  Grand Velas Riviera Maya Package Special With nightly rates that start as low as $299 per person based on double occupancy, indulge in luxury at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In addition to low nightly rates, guests receive one Rio Secreto Tour or one Xplore Tour per adult, 10% discount at the resort boutique, $50 credit to the resort's Leading Spa of the World per adult per night and a free stay for children under 12 years old (Zen Grand).  Children are 2x1 when sharing the suite with their parents in Ambassador & Grand Class suites.  For more information, visit: http://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/riviera-maya-mexico-vacation-packages.aspx  Summer Spa PackageThe new Summer Spa Package at 80-suite Casa Velas, an all-inclusive adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club in Puerto Vallarta, features a spa treatment that features one fifty-minute massage per person, with unlimited use of the spa's hydrotherapy areas that include pressure showers, steam room with eucalyptus inhalation, and Jacuzzi. Guests will also be guaranteed a suite upgrade, 20% discount on additional spa treatments, roundtrip airport transfers, private beachside dinner, and will also receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, as well as a private four-course beachside dinner. For reservations or more information, visit: http://www.hotelcasavelas.com/spa/puerto-vallarta-spa-wellness.aspx.aspx The Velas Resorts' all-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, kids' club, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities and more. These offers are valid from now through - December 19, 2012. Restrictions and minimum night requirements apply depending on the resort. For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-309-5384or visit: www.velasresorts.com  About Velas Resorts:Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have earned 26 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award.  Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities are Virtuoso's "Best Spa", Conde Nast Johansens' "Most Excellent Resort" and "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences' 5 Star Diamond Award.http://www.velasvallarta.com/newsroom/press-release/summer-promotions-offered-at-mexico.aspxJune 25,2012 Puerto Vallarta (April 19, 2012).- After concluding an intensive agenda covering and moderating sessions held during the 2012  World Economic Forum on Latin America, journalist Sergio Sarmiento agreed to an interview with Velas Resorts. Velas Resorts had the honor of accommodating him during his business visit, and also hosted various grand events during the WEF.  With regards to tourism, Sarmiento, who has been decorated with titles such as Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, and named Associate Researcher of the Center for Strategic International Studies in Washington, opined that because Mexico is a country that is preferred by travelers throughout the world, and one that a great number of travelers return to, there are aspects that should be improved; these aspects include image, infrastructure and security. "By infrastructure I refer as well to better highways, better airports, and a greater number of flights. This implies opening more routes so that whomever wants to fly to Mexico can do so, and not have to wait until a Mexican airline is willing to fly to that country", he indicated, highlighting that our country is currently opening routes to Russia, a market that can be greatly expanded in the Riviera Maya for example.   Addressing the city of Puerto Vallarta's new slogan, "Puerto Vallarta: You live it more than once", Sarmiento commented that not only would he return, but has visited innumerable times, and that it has unique competitive advantages in the region, above all the kindness of its people, its natural beauty, the variety of activities available for enjoying its tranquility or nightlife and quality restaurants. "It is one of my favorite destinations in the country", he stated, and such is his like for the city that he rearranged his schedule to be able to enjoy Puerto Vallarta and Casa Velas, his host hotel.   About his time at Velas Resorts properties, he indicated that they are of very good quality and have succeeded in positioning themselves due to their excellence and great service, adding that they are the best hotels he has visited: "They exceeded my expectations because I am accustomed to hotels becoming overwhelmed when they are under pressure, as they have been in these last few days due to the economic forum and the meeting of the G20 Ministers. However, the service was always excellent, always first-rate." Upon questioning him about the elements of Casa Velas that he enjoyed most, Sarmiento emphasized the treatment he received from the people, naming them "first-class staff, who go a step further to try to assist", as well as the hotel's tranquility, the fact that it is a boutique hotel, its Spa and exceptional facilities, and the gourmet experience. http://www.velasvallarta.com/newsroom/press-release/sergio-sarmiento-velas-resorts-interview.aspxApril 24,2012 Facebook Contest Offers Chance to Win a "Beyond All-inclusive, Beyond All Compare" Beach Vacation Share your Vacation Experience For a Chance to Win One of 12 Four-day, Three-night All-inclusive Vacations for Two At a Velas Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Riviera Maya. Puerto Vallarta (June 10, 2011) - If you are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit or Riviera Maya, from June 7th onward, share your vacation experience on Facebook for a chance to win one of 12 luxury all-inclusive vacations for two in any of the Velas Resorts. As part of "Share your Experience and Be an Ambassador" campaign, US and Canadian visitors are welcome to participate by sharing a brief paragraph and up to three photos of their vacation experience. Travel must occur from June 7, 2011 through February 29, 2012 in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit or Riviera Maya. Entries for the contest must be posted to one of the Velas Resort's facebook pages, 12 entrants will be selected by a raffle to receive a four-day/three-night all-inclusive vacation for two to one of the four Velas Resorts. Casa Velas, a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta a family-friendly suite resort & convention center located on the Banderas Bay, are in Puerto Vallarta. The only family-friendly all-inclusives in North America to receive the AAA Five Diamond are Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. Vacations at the Velas Resorts include spacious suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, nightly entertainment, all taxes and gratuities, and more. Entries can be submitted in three different periods: June 7 - August 31, 2011 | September 1 - November 30, 2011 | December 1, 2011 - February 29, 2012. Winners will be announced on September, December and March accordingly, on Velas Resorts' Facebook, Twitter and Blog pages as well as the official sites: www.ambassadorsofpuertovallarta.com, www.ambassadorsofrivieranayarit.com and www.ambassadorsofrivieramaya.com. *Travel experiences do not have to be to a Velas Resort. About Velas Resorts - Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have earned 26 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities are Virtuoso's "Best Spa", Conde Nast Johansens' "Most Excellent Resort", Expedia Insiders' Select™, and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences' 5 Star Diamond Award. Velas Resorts offer spacious luxury accommodations, world-class spas, a la carte gourmet cuisine at a selection of specialty restaurants, and an indefinable hospitality experience. http://www.velasvallarta.com/newsroom/press-release/facebook-contest-offers.aspxJune 10,2011 Space Available for the Holidays At Mexico's "Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" Velas Resorts Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (November 17, 2011) - This holiday season, the "Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" Velas Resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit still have space available for families and couples alike. The Velas Resorts' all-inclusive rates include spacious suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, kids' club (excluding Casa Velas), evening entertainment, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities, and more. All-inclusive nightly rates start at $235 per person, per night, based on double occupancy, at Velas Vallarta, $320 per person, per night, double, at Casa Velas, $509 per person, per night, based on double, at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Dec 19 - 25th and Dec. 30th - Jan 2nd only). European Plan rates at Casa Velas start at $250 per suite, per night in a Master Suite, plus taxes and gratuity charge. Minimum night requirements vary by resort. Children rates start at $60 per night at Velas Vallarta and $75 per night at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. For reservations, please call 1-866-847-4609 or visit www.velasresorts.com. About Casa Velas - Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta's 18-hole golf course, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award. Located just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport and only 15 minutes from the popular downtown area, art galleries and "El Malecon" (the boardwalk), the hotel features 80 suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Spa Casa Velas, a Leading Spa of the World, encompasses five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a fitness gym and a beauty salon. Emiliano a la carte fine dining restaurant is at the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and internati onal cuisine. About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit - Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award. The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites. The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife. About Velas Vallarta - Velas Vallarta, an all-suite resort and convention center located on 10 acres of oceanfront in Puerto Vallarta, is walking distance from Marina Vallarta Golf Course and just minutes from Downtown Puerto Vallarta's captivating attractions, activities and landmarks. Situated on the emerald waters of Banderas Bay, Velas Vallarta features 345 suites, a high-tech Convention Center that can accommodate up to 700 people, three swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and an inviting lounge with live music and entertainment nightly. http://www.velasvallarta.com/newsroom/press-release/space-available-for-the-holidays.aspxNovember 17,2011