It hasn’t been the best of years for the Mexico tourist destinations of Mazatlan as a series of violent incidences this year prompted several cruise lines to cancel calls there and also resulted in a slight drop in arrivals.
The real blow to the beach destinations best known for girls and guys getaways was in March when Princess Cruises and Holland America Line followed in the footsteps of Disney Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruises when they became the latest lines to cancel calls to Mazatlan, throughout the winter/early spring due to a handful of violent incidents that occurred in tourist districts.
But the destination is beginning to see its luck change for the better. Earlier this month, Princess Cruises recently announced a tentative plan to return to both Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta after canceling calls there earlier in the year due to a U.S. Travel Advisory to both destinations. The line could return calls there as early as November of 2012.
"The possibility of returning to these destinations is very exciting for us," says Anthony Viciana, regional sales director for Princess Cruises. "Mexico has always been a staple for us."
And most recently, Wyndham Hotel Group announced the addition of the 68-room Wyndham Las Villas Resort Mazatlan to the upscale Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand’s growing resort portfolio. Wyndham Las Villas Resort Mazatlan is situated along three and a half miles of secluded beach within the gates of Estrella del Mar, Mazatlan’s premier master-planned community located on 816 acres along the Mexican Riviera.
The recent string of positive news can definitely help push Mazatlan back in the right direction. And celebrities making the trip despite the negative publicity can also add some reassurance to U.S. clients that the getaway is a safe place to travel to.
In fact, Hollywood starlet Eva Longoria and her beau, Eduardo Cruz, vacationed in this vibrant destination over a weekend in April, where they were immersed in Mazatlan's rich culture, cuisine and warm hospitality amid a romantic coastal backdrop.
Hopefully, Mazatlan – and Mexico in general – can continue to clean up its image and attract clients who are smart enough to realize the only danger here is running out of beer on the beach.
Visit www.gomazatlan.com