Taking steps to improve the Mexican Riviera

[Aca_Port Dude]

Hi to all,

 

I wish to inform our WWW cruise community know that the Mexican State Board of Tourism (SECTUR) will be having a work shop next week in Puerto Vallarta. The motive is to give each destiny a face of their own.

 

The Ministry of Transport (SCT) hired a a survey team to visit each destination to investigate problems, weak points and also address each one of the activities, sights and merchandise that make us different, we will look at their findings and then cooperate with all of the players to have solutions in the near future.

 

There will be people from each destiny; City Hall, Tour Operators, Port Authorities, State Authorities meeting to discuss soley the Mexican Riviera (Pacific). We expect to provide each other with regular practices, recommendations, and other insightful information that will make each one of our ports a better place for cruise guests.

 

We are currently under the microscope and just to let you know we are taking big steps to insure you will continue to visit us.

 

I can only speak for Acapulco and we will undergo a pier expansion in the coming months, the opening of a new military command post inside the port (water and land side to deter any ilegal acts) next week, as well as the restatement of our cruise ship commitee that has a big say in providing solutions for our guests.

 

If you wish to make any comment/recommendation/complaint feel free to do so.

[SDPadreFan]

Ensenada needs major resources invested if it is going to become a regular tourist stop for the cruise lines. Cabo is fine but would like to see the elimination of the American chain restaurants. Could also stand some improvement in the downtown area roads and sidewalks. The main drag is good but one block off the main drag and things detoriate quickly. PV is fine. Mazatlan is fine. Zihua/Iztapa is fine. Manzanillo could also use alot more investment. Acapulco is fine, but buildings/structures near the port area need to be refurbished, building finished or just torn down. Would like to see better pedestrian access to Fort San Diego (signage pointing the way, etc.). Topolobampo - there is really nothing there unless you want to ride the very long train trip to Copper Canyon.

[Bemidji Ty]

I agree with everything the Pad's fan said. I would like to add that my DW said she doesn't want to go back to Mexico until it's safer. We've been going at least once a year for over 20 years. We love the people, the culture, the food, everything except the violence. We were once attacked by banditos outside of San Felipe a few years ago. I know this can happen anywhere. But you gotta admit it's getting out of hand.

 

Thanks for your help.

[Tacos&Beer]

We would like to thank you for your fine commentary about port related issues. It is difficult to keep the tourist population up to date about current events at the ports because it is not usually reported by the media in other countries.

 

Finest Regards From Your Friends.

[Aca_Port Dude]

All of the ports/cities in the Pacific will combine efforts to improve and resolve different issues; most of them will not involve a big infrastructure change in their respective cities, but, small things such as wheel chair ramps on streets, proper signs to direct tourist to points of interest, city image issues such as garbage, dirty streets, land scaping, security, etc.

 

Also the goal is to develop efficient communications with all goverment entities (state, federal and city hall) to make the necessary adjustments with tour related businesses as well as program budgets targeted at these improvements and last but not least product identification, if you have gone to every destination in the pacific they offer basically the same; Mariachi, Tequila, Folcloric dancers, and same t-shirt different name. We wish to change that and have each destiny embrace their local culture and craftsmanship.

 

There is a lot that will be done, in our case, today we have a cruise commitee meeting to start forming work groups that will have specific duties. In my case I will handle the procedures for turnaround operations and cooperation with all the players involved, service provider work shops for service excellence (Quality doo hickey) we allready had 2 workshops in the last 3 years and will have a permanent program to create awareness with every one involved, we sponsor this workshop and it's completely free for all tour guides, operators, grund handlers, baggage men, terminal shop owners, goverment employees of tourist related offices, etc. Last time we had a turnout of over 400 service providers.

 

Nice to see you on the boards Intersol, I am sure we can all help our visitors fall in love with Acapulco as we did.

[Tacos&Beer]

Thank you very much for your kind words. We think it is important for people to know how safe Acapulco really is. We realize that there is a lot of rhetoric being spread in the Media about Acapulco and violence.

 

Acapulco like any major metropolitan city in the world is going to have it's share of ills. But is she unsafe? NOT A CHANCE. Acapulco is very safe and very secure. When President Calderon took office he made it a point to assure that Acapulco would remain a safe and pleasurable destination for travelers.

 

The changes taking place at the port are not in response to any security issues there now, it is forward thinking. Measures are being made to assure that the port "Remains" safe and secure.

 

The people of Acapulco are kind, generous and hard working individuals. Their lives are devoted to giving you a good experience. Universities give degrees and certificates in tourism and the Visitors Bureau also offers the same.

 

Acapulco is the original and most important destination in our country. When you visit her she will remain forever in your heart. When you are in your office in years to come, your mind will recollect her tropical warmth and magnificence.

 

Please visit Acapulco, she waits with loving and open arms.

 

Best Regards.

[Addictedtwo]

Hi to all,

 

I wish to inform our WWW cruise community know that the Mexican State Board of Tourism (SECTUR) will be having a work shop next week in Puerto Vallarta. The motive is to give each destiny a face of their own.

 

The Ministry of Transport (SCT) hired a a survey team to visit each destination to investigate problems, weak points and also address each one of the activities, sights and merchandise that make us different, we will look at their findings and then cooperate with all of the players to have solutions in the near future.

 

There will be people from each destiny; City Hall, Tour Operators, Port Authorities, State Authorities meeting to discuss soley the Mexican Riviera (Pacific). We expect to provide each other with regular practices, recommendations, and other insightful information that will make each one of our ports a better place for cruise guests.

 

We are currently under the microscope and just to let you know we are taking big steps to insure you will continue to visit us.

 

I can only speak for Acapulco and we will undergo a pier expansion in the coming months, the opening of a new military command post inside the port (water and land side to deter any ilegal acts) next week, as well as the restatement of our cruise ship commitee that has a big say in providing solutions for our guests.

 

If you wish to make any comment/recommendation/complaint feel free to do so.

 

 

Corrupt COPS! been stopped twice for so called speeding when I wasn't.

 

The 1st time he said the fine would be such and such and if I didn't want to be delayed to put the fee in between his book.

 

The 2nd time a couple years later i was stopped on the way to Mismaloya, told that I was speeding and that I would be ticketed, he took my driver's license and said that I could either go down to police station or city hall (forgot which one) and pay the fine in the morning and get my d/l back or I could just just pay him.

 

For anyone reading this the normal procedure is they are suppose to take you license plates off and then you have go retrieve them. If your renting a car ask your rental agency what they suggest so you know ahead of time.

 

The above issue has been going on for years. We have been going for 30 year, we used to stay 2 to 3 months but not any more only because we have enough of the crowds etc. A 2 week land stay is just fine.

 

The above is not to scare you but just to make you aware that it can happen. The speed limits also often can change from mile to mile, at least in PV.

[mrmac]

Aca & Intersol,

 

We have been to Cabo, Maz & PV many times but have not made it to Acapulco yet. But it's on our list. We enjoy the Mexican people and the ports very much. I am very happy to see someone sticking up for their town. The reports out of Acapulco have been scary the last year. We hear so much about the violent Mexican drug gangs. One thing that I would suggest: the soldiers with automatic rifles at the port and tender piers do not make us tourists feel safer. They only make us feel there must be a reason they need to be there, as if there was just some incident that they had to respond to. Having port security or police with a normal sidearm would be a big improvement and not draw nearly the attention that the soldiers with their rifles do.

[Tacos&Beer]

It can be very intimidating to see the Federal Police and Military with M16's and the Mexico government would certainly prefer not to have them on the streets either, it costs a lot of money.

 

Unfortunately the bad guys have bigger guns and better body armor. But the good news is the bad guys don't like to see the heavily armed forces ether. So the bad guys stay away.

 

Those forces look intimidating, not something tourists want to see. But they are not here to bother you, they are here to make sure that tourists and citizens are safe. And because of them, Acapulco is and will remain a safe place to visit. The issues are predominantly on the border of US / Mexico.

 

They deserve our reverence and respect; they have thankless jobs and are willing to risk their lives to save yours in an instant.

[mii]

2 years ago one of our stops was Acapulco. We did not have any shore exucrsions planned; just wanted to walk on our own around the area of the ship. We were so bombarded by tour guides who were extremely pushy and one was really realy bad. would not take no for an answer. Finally my DH and I turned right around and went back to the ship. It left a very, very bad taste in our mouths. Since then we have had Acapulco as a stop and this time we did a shore excursion for the simple reason we did not want to be bombarded again. Now I truly wish that the powers that be would talk to these people about being so pushy. They are in every stop along the Mex. Rivera; there are times it is extremely uncomfortable to be constantly saying no thank you, no thank you no thank you. I realize that these people have to make a living but just do not be so pushy.

We will be taking another Mex. Rivera trip this Oct. and on most of the stops we are staying on board. We just love the ship life and do not plan to get off except for Zihuatanejo which by the way they are not pushy there. Acapulco is the pushiest. Thank you for your time.

 

marilyn

[Tacos&Beer]

That is a good topic to discuss with Aca_Port. No one likes to be accosted during a vacation. It gives a very bad impression of the stop.

 

Here is some good advice, say nothing and ignore them. Walk by as if they do not exist. Polite is a two way street and if you are on a port with impolite people, save your breath and keep walking.

 

Bear in mind that they are not an example of what Acapulco truly is. They are just a first impression, albeit a bad first impression. Don't avoid Acapulco just because of them, you will rob yourself of some real adventure during your cruise.

 

Find a good agency that does not cater to this behavior and use their services. Take quality excursions, that are in deed excursions filled with the wonderment and adventure that Acapulco has to offer and avoid the tours that list "Shopping" in every other word.

 

Change is on the horizon in Acapulco. People who care, like Aca_Port hear your words and they are able to deliver this message to the people who can make a difference.

 

Acapulco can be a wonderful experience, give her a second chance.

[Aca_Port Dude]

Aca & Intersol,

 

We have been to Cabo, Maz & PV many times but have not made it to Acapulco yet. But it's on our list. We enjoy the Mexican people and the ports very much. I am very happy to see someone sticking up for their town. The reports out of Acapulco have been scary the last year. We hear so much about the violent Mexican drug gangs. One thing that I would suggest: the soldiers with automatic rifles at the port and tender piers do not make us tourists feel safer. They only make us feel there must be a reason they need to be there, as if there was just some incident that they had to respond to. Having port security or police with a normal sidearm would be a big improvement and not draw nearly the attention that the soldiers with their rifles do.

 

Times have changed and beedfed up security is now a standard not only in airports, bus terminals and ports. Besides being the Port operations manager, my other duty is Port Facility Security Officer. This title comes with a lot of responsibility and a huge work load, let me roll back a little to further enhance your understanding:

 

This is the 5 cent explanation and has a lot of depth, procedures, International agreements, duties and responsibilties.

 

After 9/11 IMO (International Maritime Organization) had an emergency session to make improvements and upgrades to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and they insituted the ISPS Code (International Ship and Ports Security) that gave all vessels that have a business relation ship and ports that recieve these ships a certification that is supervised by the MOT (ministry of Transport) of each country, the preimses is very simple compliant ship and port = welcome to the USA, non compliant ship or Port = Security risk. We have been a compliant port since July 2004 when every one had to be certified.

 

I work closely to the armed forces, Army, local and state poliice, Harbor master, Mexican equivelant of CIA and the Interpol, since I am responsible for providing security for vessels, passengers and crew of vessels that call Acapulco, it is my obbligation to provide a safe and comfortable stay for vessels, you prbably didn't realize that when you vessel arrived to Acapulco it already had a small Navy ship escorting the vessel til it sailed.

 

There are also armed marines on the pier, I can't detail a lot of stuff, but every port uses them for deterrance. I have instructed the Navy liaison to have the soldiers behind the stanchions out of the safe zone for cruise ship guests and crew on the pier, to avoid people feeling unconfortable of seeing a big M1 assault rifle. The cruise lines are very happy to have this public display of force and most guests are more than used to them every where they use a public transportation.

 

We are currently working with them in a special trained military unit that will have headquarters inside the port.

 

Remember we are doiing this to insure no one dares to try something stupid and if they do, you are in good hands.

[Aca_Port Dude]

2 years ago one of our stops was Acapulco. We did not have any shore exucrsions planned; just wanted to walk on our own around the area of the ship. We were so bombarded by tour guides who were extremely pushy and one was really realy bad. would not take no for an answer. Finally my DH and I turned right around and went back to the ship. It left a very, very bad taste in our mouths. Since then we have had Acapulco as a stop and this time we did a shore excursion for the simple reason we did not want to be bombarded again. Now I truly wish that the powers that be would talk to these people about being so pushy. They are in every stop along the Mex. Rivera; there are times it is extremely uncomfortable to be constantly saying no thank you, no thank you no thank you. I realize that these people have to make a living but just do not be so pushy.

We will be taking another Mex. Rivera trip this Oct. and on most of the stops we are staying on board. We just love the ship life and do not plan to get off except for Zihuatanejo which by the way they are not pushy there. Acapulco is the pushiest. Thank you for your time.

 

marilyn

 

These comments give us the fuel we need to make a difference, yesterday we had a the reinstitution of our cruise committee and we are starting to take steps to get rid of this problem (amongst other issues), we are recommending to have a maximum number of street guides in the park adjacent to the cruise terminal, behind booths and a 1km vendor free zone, unfortunately my "super powers" are only limited to the port, outside our gates it's City Hall that must regulate them.

 

Every one has a right to make a living and we are investing in our future with customer satisfaction. The problem is very simple to fix IMO, but, some one (City Hall) has to be the voice of reason and take measures in cooperation with local officials, vendors, and street guides.

 

We will continue to sponsor customer care workshops, we firmly believe that it's not throwing money away with these workshops, but, an investment in our future. (Mind you that we do not charge a single dime to the participants and all local cruise ships related service providers are welcome)

[Tacos&Beer]

Can you send the current arrival calendar for 2008 for cruise ship port arrivals? Thanks a million.

[Aca_Port Dude]

Can you send the current arrival calendar for 2008 for cruise ship port arrivals? Thanks a million.

 

 

Shoot me an email, need a formal request.

 

roberto.maciel@apiacapulco.com

[mrmac]

Aca Port & Intersol,

 

Thank you for your insights into your situation in Acapulco. It seems once more that we have the current American administration to blame for the state of fear and paranoia that they have imposed on America and her neighbors. They would have us believe that the terrorists could strike anywhere at any time. Just more fear and paranoia. Tourists and locals are much more likely to be victimized by local criminals than they are terrorists. Here in the states we have U.S. Coast Guard boats guarding the cruise ships while in port. Of course, once the ships leave port they're on their own immediately outside the harbor. So any terrorist could just wait until a ship left port before launching a suicide attack. It's all so ludicrous and expensive.

 

Once we were up in Alaska at a remote lake that had one excursion boat that would go out and visit a glacier. We saw a sign that made reference to Homeland Security funds that had been used to make this boat ride safer from attacks. How ridiculous that a terrorist would choose to attack such an obscure and remote target! And yet our taxes paid for this false sense of safety.

 

Aca Port, I have no doubt that you do a wonderful job and it's obvious that you are proud of your port and your city. Acapulco is a better place for your hard work and dedication.

[mrmac]

Aca Port & Intersol,

 

Thank you for your insights into your situation in Acapulco. It seems once more that we have the current American administration to blame for the state of fear and paranoia that they have imposed on America and her neighbors. They would have us believe that the terrorists could strike anywhere at any time. Just more fear and paranoia. Tourists and locals are much more likely to be victimized by local criminals than they are terrorists. Here in the states we have U.S. Coast Guard boats guarding the cruise ships while in port. Of course, once the ships leave port they're on their own immediately outside the harbor. So any terrorist could just wait until a ship left port before launching a suicide attack. It's all so ludicrous and expensive.

 

Once we were up in Alaska at a remote lake that had one excursion boat that would go out and visit a glacier. We saw a sign that made reference to Homeland Security funds that had been used to make this boat ride safer from attacks. How ridiculous that a terrorist would choose to attack such an obscure and remote target! And yet our taxes paid for this false sense of safety.

 

Aca Port, I have no doubt that you do a wonderful job and it's obvious that you are proud of your port and your city. Acapulco is a better place for your hard work and dedication.

[Aca_Port Dude]

Thank you for your comments, I have been very busy at work and wrote the first thing that came to my head and forgot to proof read it, yes, the USA made the ISPS mandatory for all of us, but, we are very aware of the risk involved.

 

We do not perceive our ports as possible terrorist objectives, but, we can not afford to risk leniency and have an attack in Mexican waters. This code applies to all ocean going vessels; cargo, supply, tugs, tankers, cruise, etc.

 

You can easily find more information online since there are a lot of examples of terrorist attacks involving vessels (ie. Aquille Lauro), and cruise ships usually operate at the highest level of security always, I receive a daily report of security threats that happen all over the world (every day there are many incidents, most small, some very serious- Knowing we are barely mentioned in those reports make me feel very good of all the hard work we do as a team in Mexico)

 

Most guests never get to see all of the work that is done behind curtains, we try to be as discrete as possible, but, at the same time we are watching everything that goes on inside and outside of the port, some ports prefer to have a big display of force. We have the exact same security measures; tourist friendly security is the best way to describe it. Instead of having an armed police officer at the entrance we have a security guard; friendly, helpful and strict enough to say no or call for help when required. If you've been to Acapulco you have noticed a police station next to the cruise terminal and I have a direct line to the police chief.

 

Security wise I think we have the perfect set up, regarding improving our destiny for tourist preference, well, we have a lot of work ahead.

[Sally Forth]

I agree about safer sidewalks required in Cabo. Also, I think PV should do more to promote the older part of the city. It's quite lovely and most people on cruises never discover just how lovely it is.

Viv

[mytime53]

I've found some of the comments regarding security very interesting. Our first trip out of the US (except for driving through Canada) was to Mexico, nearly 20 years ago. We were surprised and nervous when we saw the federal police on beaches carrying M16s. We thought there must be something going on at the time, on the beach we were on (Mismaloya), and didn't want to be in the middle of it. Since then, we have traveled many more places around the world and have seen M16s as the standard weapon in many countries. It no longer worries us. It does take getting used to, though. I wonder how tourists who come from countries where the police don't carry any firearm view the US?

[Clipsy01]

Very intresting thread! Although we won't we stopping in Acapulco as it's not one of our ports I glad to have found this thread. Clearly since 9/11 many things have changed all over the world. Being a police officer here in Pennsylvania I've chosen to deal with all walks of life and have grown to deal with it so for me I will not think any differently getting of the boat and seeing men with M16's. My wife on the other hand will be a nervous wreck! It's something I will just have to make her understand and not to worry about...

 

Thanks in advance to all of those who take pride in there job to protect us at the ports. I don't have any doubt's that this will be an experience "we" will not forget.

[pppiglet]

I'd like to visit Acapulco some day. Glad you are working on making it a safer place!

 

Thank you!

[Tacos&Beer]

Most people do not realize:

 

President Calderon's Alumni:

1. Escuela Libre de Derecho (the most prestigious of law schools in Mexico.)

2. Harvard University

3. Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (in English: Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology), commonly known as ITAM, is a private research university located in Mexico City, Mexico. It is one of the nation's preeminent institutions of higher learning, the best business and economics school in Mexico.

 

President Calderon has done more for Mexico in 2 years than the last several Presidencies combined. He has tackled head on issues from National Security to protecting the Monarch Butterfly habitat.

 

He made Acapulco safety a top priority when he entered office. The city was on a downward spiral, corrupt beyond comprehensible words. Those days are gone. Acapulco is probably one of the safest Ports of call in Mexico.

 

Now she needs a new image, an image to revive her right to be the best place to visit in Mexico. Acapulco needs an infusion of cash flow. Her main source of income is and has been in modern times, Tourism dollars.

 

Please visit Acapulco during your cruise. Acapulco supports many surrounding communities and the state of Guerrero. Schools, roads, medical assistance, housing assistance all of these happen because of your tourism dollars. Without you, the children suffer.

[Aca_Port Dude]

Very well said Intersol,

 

There is a lot of work to be done, it's not only the local tourism boards that are responsible for keeping a destiny on the grid via publicity; we as locals must also do our share to insure that guests feel welcome and appreciated.

 

This weekend I went to the turtle camp close to Barra Vieja and it was an awesome experience; there is so much to see and do in Acapulco, trust me I have done must tours and visited almost all of the attractions. Most of them are very good and there is an activity for every family member.

 

But, All of the attractions, activities and sight seeing can be ruined by one rude waiter, tour guide, taxi driver or a local that has no idea that even if he drives a cab in the suburbs of Acapulco, away from the tourist zone; his passenger is a waiter, bellboy, chamber maid or other. My point, all of us depend, directly or indirectly from your visit.

 

Tomorrow I will be flying out to Vallarta and hopefully I can bring back good news.

 

Feel free to ask, inquire or comment including your bad experiences.

[Tacos&Beer]

I was writing this thread with Aca_Port under a different name but the powers whom reign supreme over the board said I can't use my company name. So now I represent the company of Tacos&Beer a non-profit agency formed for the preservation and conservation of endangered tacos.

 

If you have comments or questions about Port Stuff post it here.