With a commitment to sustainable eco-tourism, Mayan Palace resort is currently participating in a certification process by the environmental organization “Earth Check,” who certifies companies that comply with optimization processes in the use of soil, water, and the surrounding environment.
As part of the certification strategy is to help the community and raise awareness about use of the environment in a favorable and sustainable way, the resort is currently promoting programs within Peñasco through the involvement of elementary schools. The primary objective of these programs is to provide young minds with basic knowledge of the importance of separating trash, as well as that of reforestation. The company is also donating a variety of items, including labeled receptacles for the separation of trash, so that students can participate in this effort directly.
Furthermore, Mayan Palace is promoting drawing contests and rewarding winners with a guided tour of the hotel so that students may learn more about how the resort operates, how they are separating trash, the importance of water as a precious resource in this region, as well as about the waste water treatment plants.
It is important to note in the reforestation phase, the program has planted nearly 300 trees in different spots since it began in April of this year. The resort has its own greenhouse, with nearly 2000 plants including mezquite and tabachin (peacock flower), which are for local schools and city parks, as well as for the resort itself.
Alejandro Ruiza, general manager of the resort, along with the corporate offices of the Mayan Group, are currently in talks with the local administration in order to work as a team in bringing these very important programs to the community.

Highway and beach clean-up
Sadly, in Puerto Peñasco the trash index along
the highways and city’s beaches is quite high, having a direct effect on tourism and impacting the overall image of this port. The certification being sought by Mayan Palace includes road clean-up and in a first phase stretches along 10 kilometers, from km. 14 to 24 on the Peñasco-Caborca highway. In a record time of just 15 days, a brigade of workers from the hotel picked up 5.8 tons of trash including plastic, cans, glass, and also came across unregulated dump sites. A second phase will include an additional 10 kilometers along the same route. Furthermore, these types of activities will be constant in order to maintain Earth Check certification.
With these objectives in mind, executive security manager Ernesto Ramess invites all local schools to contact the Human Resources department of Mayan Palace for training in order to join these clean-up campaigns. He also extends the invitation to any institution wishing to join in this effort in order to become a part of the important Earth Check program.

More than 10,000 tourists, and hotel occupancy rates at 61% among principal accommodation providers, helped confirm that negative promotion of the area had minimal impact during the recently celebrated U.S. Memorial Day weekend from May 27-31, reported Oscar Palacio Soto, President of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV).
Palacio Soto indicated the city was able to overcome various negative factors, including an alert about unofficial stops along the highway into the city, issued by the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, as well as questions of safety on the Mexican side of the border and current economic difficulties in the neighboring state of Arizona.
He detailed that, according to periodic monitoring over the busy weekend, Thursday, May 27 reported a 30% occupancy rate while on Friday this rose to 58%, 88% by Saturday and 69% on Sunday.
Based on this, he remarked, the average occupancy rate for the holiday weekend was 61%, representing positive numbers that undoubtedly could have been better.
Palacio Soto added 2010 saw a 17% increase over the data from last year with respect to influx of cars to the area over the holiday weekend.
According to reports from the U.S. customs office in Lukeville, AZ, 5,941 vehicles crossed back into the U.S. from Sunday to Tuesday over the 2009 Memorial Day break. In 2010 the number of cars returning between Sunday to Tuesday was 6,931, or rather 990 more vehicles.
The OCV President stated the statistics from average hotel rates, at 61%, and those of the nearly 7,000 vehicles returning to the U.S. after the holiday, confirms that easily there were more than 10,000 tourists in Puerto Peñasco for U.S. Memorial Day, the majority coming from Arizona.
Palacio Soto noted the unfortunate loss of life of a 58 year old tourist due to a 4-wheeler accident did not taint the overall vacation period, as this was an unpredictable event and one that was difficult to prevent.
He reiterated the alert issued by the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, with respect to false traffic stops along the Peñasco-Sonoyta highway, had minimal impact as room cancellations were substituted by walk-in guests.
In general, Puerto Peñasco had a good influx of tourism, he underscored, particularly following the negative image created essentially one week prior to the U.S. Memorial Day celebrations. Fortunately, they were able to combat this with reliable data demonstrating the reality of this tourist destination in respect to safety.
Palacio Soto considered Puerto Peñasco can be thought of as a safe and stable destination for tourism from the U.S., and particularly for those from Arizona.

Beginning mid-June, World Cup fever began its run through Peñasco, as well as across the globe. As I write this, sadly both the U.S. and Mexico have been knocked out of the tournament and the 8 teams to move on have been decided. Yet, whatever happens I am reminded at this time of the impact sports can have in bringing people together if only for a moment to cheer and gasp, celebrate and agonize or even hold our collective breath in waiting for that last shot. This feeling in June also rang through Peñasco’s sports bars during the NBA finals, the Stanley Cup, not to mention the National Basketball Championship hosted right here in Rocky Point.
So, as of June 11th I have been held hostage by the World Cup – well, that and with the road work in front of my office in the Old Port I prefer to work at home. I have woken up early to watch the 6:30 a.m. matches; I waved my U.S. flag and wore my blue bandana, I donned my Mexican team jersey from the ’96 Cup in Germany, but alas to no avail. After Mexico beat France 2-0 it was a thrill to hear cars honking as they drove by. When the U.S. was almost knocked out of the first round, only to bounce back with a fantastic goal in extended time, I about wore out the floor tile just from pacing back and forth.
As the summer wanes on in Peñasco, and many of us look to escape the heat, I am looking forward to wading into July with anxious anticipation to see who takes the Cup. I know, I know….though soccer is the national sport in Mexico, here in Sonora it seems to be baseball…and the U.S. is just starting to grab hold of the anxiety and delight of watching a 90 minute match that can wind up at 1-0. Yet, with everything else going on in the world – and even certain recent events here in Peñasco – I am glad to turn to the World Cup and lose myself in the drone of the vuvuzela.

In recognition of department founders and those who have died in the line of duty, the 36th anniversary of the founding of the Puerto Peñasco volunteer Fire Department was celebrated the afternoon of June 11th.
Miguel Ángel Sarabia, Norberto Pino, Silvestre Olivas and Eduardo Heredia, founding members of the fire department and in attendance at the event held at the city’s central fire station, were reminded of the dream that became a reality with the creation of a department to combat fires and respond to emergencies.
The act to commemorate 36 years of constant struggle and work was attended by local authorities, members from the institution and invited guests from Prescott, Arizona.
Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall used this opportunity to present the Puerto Peñasco fire department with a fully-equipped 2004 Ford ambulance.
Prior to this, Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro praised the work of the fire department founders who in 1974 had the vision of creating this institution in Puerto Peñasco, leading to the saving of many lives.
He deemed the work of firemen to be often misunderstood despite the fact that day in and day out they are at the service of the community, particularly during difficult times, such as those that have occurred during the period of the present administration.
Civil Protection Director, Rubén Salido Martínez, led the recognition with applause and a minute of silence for the men who 36 years ago forged ahead with their dream that is now a solid reality.
He expressed gratitude for the support received from the local administration, which has been rewarded with the work of the fire department, and asked for actions of support to continue.
Keys to the ambulance donated by the city of Prescott, Arizona were presented to the department at the end of the anniversary ceremony, which was followed by a lively get-together.

Miss Erika Bernal, originally from Hermosillo, was crowned Miss Sonora 2010 on Saturday, June 12th, before a crowd of more than 1,000 who attended the event held at Las Palomas in Puerto Peñasco.
The National Director of the Miss Mexico events, former Miss Universe Lupita Jones, along with 2009 Miss Sonora Lorena Camargo, Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro and his wife Marcela Albelaiz de Zepeda crowned the incoming state beauty queen.
During the evening, which was full of elegance and glamour, the event showcased the 12 state semifinalists in three runway walks including casual dress, bathing suit, and formal wear, and highlighted their own confidence and style.
At the gala event, Jessica Lerma was chosen online by Imparcial followers as Miss Sonora, receiving nearly 4,655 votes. Lerma was also chosen as best hairstyle, while Nina Aguilar was selected as Miss Congeniality, Sheila Longoria as Miss Photogenic and Erika Bernal as Miss Elegance.
Awards were presented by Miss Sonora 2007-turned-actress Carla Cardona and actor René Strickler
Alejandra Aguirre Palma, Astrid Rivera Hurtado, Erika Bernal López, Jackeline Rodríguez, Jazmín Navarro, Jessica Lerma, Lizbeth Espinoza, Luz Wimmer, Marina Ruiz, Nina Aguilar, Sheila Longoria, and Peñasco’s own Roxana Contreras were the 12 young contestants whose talent and beauty shone during the event.
Those attending the event were entertained by the swooning voice of Italian singer Marco Di Mauro, as well as the dancing talents of Saygod Ballet Group.
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda was visibly enthusiastic this municipality was chosen to host this very important and renowned event, which was aired live in 8 states. The show highlighted the natural beauty the city and its surroundings possess, once again placing Puerto Peñasco on the national stage.
The City Leader extended his congratulations to the winner who will have the opportunity to represent our state on a national level. He similarly congratulated all the beautiful participants for their dedication and performance on the stage.

Among those in attendance at the event were Sonora Tourism Coordinator Javier Tapia Camou, Carlos Antonio Rico, Producer of Miss Mexico, Ana Laura Cabral, National Coordinator of Miss Mexico, actress and Miss Sonora 2007 Carla Cardona, actor René Strickler, and Miss Sonora 2002 Elizabeth Palacio.

Sonora has a variety of unique characteristics that has allowed for great back drops during the filming of numerous soap operas, highlighting how “filmable” Sonora is, expressed well known producer Pedro Damián.
During a press conference, Damián stated Puerto Peñasco in particular has lighting and clarity that benefits film making, which is why during two weeks the city’s beaches provided the backdrop for the soap opera “Niña de mi corazón” (Girl of my heart). The Mexican soap opera recently filmed 20 episodes and 125 scenes in Peñasco, which were to air during the month of June.
For two weeks, approximately 50 people from Televisa, among them lead actors, their nemeses and secondary actors, directors, cameramen, technicans and support staff worked on the filming. This included the use of natural locations including the beach, Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, urban settings, La Cholla, and the marina, among others.
Each scene filmed in Puerto Peñasco was mentioned in the accompanying credits, helping to promote Puerto Peñasco and Sonora to the over 14 million people who tune to watch the show on a daily basis, which is aired on the renowned “channel of the stars.”
Pedro Damián furthered in addition to him feeling right at home, this fourth trip to film a soap opera in Puerto Peñasco was an opportunity to show people from across the 170 countries where the show is distributed to see and learn about attractions in Sonora.
Young actress Paulina Goto expressed her gratitude for the welcome received and stated she would surely promote this tourist destination among her friends back in Mexico City upon her return, not solely as a place with unique landscapes and a variety of activities, but also for the kindness and warmth of the Peñasco community.
Sonoran actress Isela Vega pointed out she felt good returning to her native state with a show such as this one, and to be able to participate in promoting the natural wonders of Puerto Peñasco, among them the mystery surrounding the combination of desert and sea.

In order to join efforts in emergency care, Peñasco recently hosted a binational gathering of rescue responders from Arizona, Sonoyta, and Puerto Peñasco.
A local hotel was host to this gathering, which included the participation of nearly 100 emergency responders from Mexico and 35 paramedics from the U.S.
Eleazar García, coordinator of Binational Programs of the Southeast Arizona Educational Health Center, remarked that this is the tenth annual conference of this non-profit organization, and represents coordinated work with the University of Arizona.
He noted this is the seventh time Puerto Peñasco has served as host and the objective is to strengthen the collaboration that has always existed between Peñasco and Arizona.
Eleazar García stated that, although they had expected negative repercussions due to problems surrounding Arizona’s law SB 1070 set to go into effect at the end of July, this did not impact the course or results of the binational exchange.
The coordinator of Programs of the Southeast Arizona Educational Health Center indicated during the event participants shared knowledge and experiences with basic medical emergencies, in working towards making standard criteria in an effort to save lives throughout the region.
A series of practice simulations were held at the end of the training, which had brought together fire departments, the Red Cross and the National Emergency Commission of Puerto Peñasco. Furthermore, a number of participants from the U.S. visited hospital centers in order to learn more about the work of local paramedics.

Promoting a culture of clean-up among all sectors of the community, particularly youth, is the objective of the campaign “Smile, they’re watching us,” recently launched by the Municipal administration.
Within the framework of the first Civic Wednesday out in the community, Mayor Alejandro Zepeda made note of these efforts to improve the image of Puerto Peñasco by presenting a cleaner look to the entire urban area.
The first session of “Smile, they’re watching us,” which will be held at least once a week, was carried out in the area of Nueva Esperanza and included the participation of neighborhood residents and a brigade of at least 300 people.
Buttons denoting the program, and the painting of a wall at a park, were symbolic actions marking the launch of the clean-up campaign that encourages Peñasco residents to pick up around the front of their homes, deposit trash in appropriate spots, and other steps to create a better city and dignified spaces for recreational activities.
Mayor Zepeda Munro reiterated the primary intent is to create conscientiousness while raising awareness of keeping the city clean. Efforts will be focused on all city sectors, though principally with children who are an important engine within the families of Peñasco.
The Mayor called on the community in general to join and work together in order to ensure a cleaner Peñasco. He noted this is not for luxury’s sake, but rather necessary in working to prevent diseases.
The City Leader detailed that during the first Civic Wednesday held outside of City Hall, they met with 144 people, 40 people received free haircuts, and paramedics from the UTH and the Civil Protection Unit offered their services to those in attendance.