Travelore News: Sheinbaum To Replace Maya Train With World’s Longest Cable Car

Aiming to solve what officials delicately called “a minor enthusiasm deficit,” the federal government announced Wednesday that the Tren Maya — the multi‑billion‑dollar rail project promoted as the crown jewel of Mexican infrastructure — will soon be replaced by an enormous aerial cable car system stretching across the Yucatán Peninsula.

An impression of what the potential new cable car service would look like... if this was real.

Officials described the project as a “logical next step” after noticing that, on most days, the train’s 1,500 kilometers of track were primarily used by a rotating cast of two tourists, a mango vendor, and at least one enthusiastic influencer filming a “solo jungle commute” vlog.

The new Teleférico Maya will reportedly stretch across five states, eight ecosystems, and approximately four billion bureaucracy forms. Engineers describe it as a “sustainable aerial ribbon of progress,” though sources confirm that 40 percent of it will be conveniently “under repair” before it opens.

Asked about the environmental impact, officials emphasized the project’s “minimal footprint,” noting that “it only requires cutting down a few trees for support towers, which is still fewer than last time.”

Sources confirmed that preliminary surveys already showed increased public interest—though most respondents believed the project was satire.

At press time, the Secretariat of Tourism unveiled plans to market the new ride as “the most Instagrammable infrastructure project in Latin America,” emphasizing that while it won’t connect Mayan cities by rail, it will offer “unparalleled views of all the archaeological sites we definitely didn’t disturb.”

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/author/el-jalapeno/

Turkish Airlines To Launch Flights To Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, And Santiago

Turkish Airlines is set to expand its presence in the Americas through the planned acquisition of Air Europa, expected to be completed within 12 months. Currently, Turkish Airlines serves 26 destinations across the Atlantic from Istanbul, while Air Europa flies from Madrid to 22 airports, mainly in Latin America.

Pexels image by Necati Ömer Karpuzoğlu

Nine of Air Europa’s destinations overlap with Turkish Airlines, including New York, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Bogotá, Panama, Cancún, Miami, Havana, and Caracas. The remaining 13 destinations—such as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Medellín, Lima, and Montevideo—present opportunities for Turkish Airlines to strengthen its footprint in the region.

To facilitate the deal, Turkish reportedly proposed adding up to 12 Airbus A330neo aircraft to support Air Europa’s operations at Madrid-Barajas Airport, with six planes supplied by Turkish Airlines and six by Air Europa, according to El Economista.

https://dominicantoday.com/

Now Largely Vaccinated, Cubans Prepare To Welcome Visitors

HAVANA (AP) — Crafts vendors are returning to the streets, transport between provinces is gradually returning to normal and crowds once again line the seafront Malecon boulevard as night falls over the Cuban capital.

The characteristic bustle of the Caribbean nation is gradually rebounding after 20 months of pandemic restrictions, with the key moment set to occur on Nov. 15 with the start of the full opening of airports, gateways to a tourism industry that feeds thousands of families.br />

A significant decrease in infections and mortality caused by the virus has followed an inoculation campaign with three locally developed vaccines — Soberana 02, Soberana Plus and Abdala — even if some fear the reopening could bring a resurgence of COVID-19.

“Thank God we have a job again,” said Manuel Santos, a 58-year-old taxi driver who is awaiting the arrival of tourists after surviving for months delivering packages rather than visitors in his mid-50s Chevrolet convertible. “Let’s see if everything continues like this and this country can move ahead.”

So far, Cuba has registered 956,452 infections of the new coronavirus and 8,265 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The vaccination campaign, covering everyone 2 and up, has given all three scheduled doses to 7.3 million people on this island of 11 million people.

What authorities call the “new normal” will retain safeguards: Facemasks and cleansing gel will be mandatory. There may be no quarantine, but all travelers will have to have complete vaccination or a negative PCR test.

Cuba’s gross domestic product fell by 11% in 2020. For the population, that meant long lines, shortages, blackouts, a black market and unemployment. The problems were exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and by the socialist government’s financial reorganization, including the elimination of a dual currency system.br />
have recognized that inflation is a problem. While the U.S. dollar officially is priced at 24 Cuban pesos, it goes for 70 pesos on the street — the only place where you can get a dollar because the government does not sell them.

Opposition groups have called for a protest march on Nov. 15, but the authorities denied permission. Instead, the government of the capital has scheduled several events to commemorate the 502nd anniversary of the city’s founding.

In recent weeks, social isolation measures have been eased in almost every sector. Children are back in classrooms, theaters and cinemas have reopened and the famous Tropicana cabaret will return to the stage. Stores have fewer restrictions and more government offices are open.

Officials dropped a ban on congregating on the Malecon seawall to enjoy the ocean view. A nighttime curfew in the capital was lifted. Interprovincial trains and buses began to schedule departures.

“After two years, I will reunite with my mother, my neighbors, my town, my province. I am very happy,” said Bárbara García, 63, a native of Ciego de Ávila, as she waited at a bus terminal in Havana.

Restaurants are authorized to serve at tables once again after months of take-out or home delivery.

At the privately owned La Guarida restaurant this week, workers were trying to regain their rhythm and restock good that are now sometimes lacking or are only available in dollars.

“We have had a pretty tough financial and emotional time. Many families from many private businesses in Cuba have been at home without work, ” said Vivian Aymerich, manager of La Guarida. “I think that from the 15th, there will be an improvement.”

The restaurant began as a small place with 12 chairs during an early opening to private business 25 years ago. Today it has 50 employees who were unemployed for nearly two years, subsisting on their savings. Celebrities such as Madonna, Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, Rihanna and Queen Sofia of Spain have visited La Guarida.

The island received 4.2 million tourists in 2019, generating about $3 billion dollars. That dropped to barely a million visitors in 2020 — concentrated in the first quarter before the pandemic broke in earnest.

This year, from January to September, only 280,000 travelers arrived, mostly Russians who concentrated in relatively isolated tourist areas. some Canadians and Cubans living abroad who came to visit their families.

The authorities estimate that after the reopening, about 100,000 more visitors will arrive this year.

France Suspends All Brazil Flights Due To Virus Variants

PARIS (AP) — France suspended all flights from Brazil on Tuesday amid mounting fears over the particularly contagious coronavirus variant that has been sweeping the South American country.

Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the suspension to parliament.

“We note that the situation is getting worse and so we have decided to suspend all flights between Brazil and France until further notice,” Castex said, drawing scattered applause from lawmakers.

Although France has seen comparatively few known cases of the P.1 variant striking Brazil, the ravages it is causing in Latin America’s largest nation are increasingly raising alarm bells in France.

Castex noted that travelers from Brazil already needed to test negative for the virus before their departure and upon arrival in France, and also quarantine for 10 days. But the government was also facing mounting calls from health experts for a flight suspension to further limit potential spread.

Boris Vallaud, a lawmaker for the opposition Socialists, called the flight suspension “necessary and a very good decision.”

The prime minister’s office said the suspension would start Wednesday, and concerns flights from Brazil to France. National carrier Air France cancelled all its flights both to and from Brazil on Wednesday and said its flight schedule beyond that would depend on government instructions.

France has had 5.1 million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, the highest number in Europe, and has seen over 99,000 people die. The country is struggling with another wave of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations that is straining hospitals in Paris and elsewhere.

To curb France’s surge in cases, restrictions on travel and movement are enforced nationwide, on top of an overnight curfew. Schools are in the midst of a shutdown scheduled to last for at least three weeks.

French Health Minister Olivier Veran told parliament that a variant which first swept through Britain before spreading to continental Europe is now responsible for about 80% of infections in France and that the variants first seen in Brazil and South Africa make up less than 4% of French infections.

“Proportionally, we are seeing a retreat of these variants because they are less contagious than the English one,” Veran said.

Even before the flight suspension, passenger traffic from Brazil had already been drastically curtailed by pandemic travel limits. The transport minister said this week that as few as 50 people per day were flying into Paris’ main airport from Brazil, down from 50,000 per week before the health crisis.

Mexico Complains Of Mask-Less Tourists, Closes Ruin Site Chichén Itzá

(AP) — Authorities in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula complained Friday about tourists not wearing face masks, as Mexico braces for a surge of Easter Week visitors.

The acting police chief of the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo patrolled the streets of the resort of Tulum, reminding people to wear their masks and complaining about how few people did.

“It is regrettable to see how undisciplined things have become,” said Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez. “It was truly frustrating to see hundreds of people walking around without face masks,” noting that tourists were the worst offenders.

“It really is embarrassing that we have to get to this point, of asking people (to wear masks), when we should be conscious of the risks we face,” he said.

Federal authorities have decided to close the Chichén Itzá Maya ruin site in neighboring Yucatan state from April 1-4 to avoid the possible spread of coronavirus. The sprawling temple complex is Mexico’s second most-visited archaeological site, and usually draws about 1.8 million visitors per year.

And for the second year in a row, Latin America’s most famous re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ will be held without spectators in Mexico City. The multi-day ceremony will be broadcast instead.

The spectacle had drawn about 2 million spectators in recent years, but authorities said such big crowds would be too risky during the pandemic.

The detailed performance has played out in the borough of Iztapalapa since 1843, but was closed to the public in 2020 for the first time in 177 years because of the virus. It was first performed in 1843 after a cholera outbreak threatened the then-rural hamlet.

Mexico City Launches Latin America’s Latest Cable Car Line

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City has launched the first of what it hopes will be several cable-car lines serving the poorer outskirts of the city of 9 million.

Thursday’s inauguration of the first leg of the “Cablebus” line marks the latest chapter in Latin America’s love affair with cable cars, which are seen in much of the world as largely for tourists and ski slopes.

The neighboring State of Mexico already has a cable car serving one northern Mexico City suburb, and the city’s own first line was also built on the poor, crowded north side.

Cable cars are seen as a cheaper, quicker way to bring public transport to poor communities located high up hillsides. Since they’re airborne, the car lines also don’t have as many difficulties with Latin America’s notoriously difficult issues of chaotic development, bad traffic and lack of rights-of-way.

By June, the line will run almost 9.2 kilometers (6 miles) from Cuautepec, a working class neighborhood on the northern edge of Mexico City, to the nearest subway and bus station. The stretch inaugurated Thursday covers just 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) of that route, to the neighborhood of Tlalpexco.

At present, officials explained, residents at the top of the hill in Tlalpexco have to board crowded, small vans that travel much more slowly. Plus, they don’t have the nice view the cable cars offer from their big windowed cars that can seat 10 passengers at a time. The cars run on electricity and can travel about 13 miles (20 kilometers) per hour, far faster than most traffic in the city.

“There are nearly a million inhabitants living in the area around the Cablebus, and they make their trips in small vans that descend through narrow streets, and that may take, from the highest point ... as long as 55 minutes or an hour,” Guillermo Calderon, director of the electrical transportation system Mexico City.

Traditional transport solutions like bus or subway lines are almost impossible here, both because there are no rights of way in the densely packed slums, and they are crowded along hillsides on steep 15-degree slopes.

Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said a second cable car line is being built in Iztapalapa, another working class neighborhood, to the east.

“Having the best transportation for the poorest parts of the city reduces inequality,” Sheinbaum said.

Cuautepec resident Evelyn Sánchez said that, like most people here, her biggest challenge is getting to the nearest subway station.

“It does take us a long time, and now with this, well now it is going to be a lot quicker,” Sánchez said.

The city of Medellin, Colombia, launched its cable cars in 2004. Since then, many other Latin American cities have followed suit, ranging from from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to La Paz, Bolivia.

Brazil Enjoys Fun In The Sun As COVID-19 Deaths Top 200,000

SAO PAULO (AP) — The night before New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro, thousands of revelers clad in their bathing suits crowded onto the iconic Ipanema beach to have some seaside drinks. It was one of many open-air parties occurring along Brazil’s vast coastline since the summer heat set in, and as the COVID-19 death toll climbed higher.

“It was so packed, you couldn’t set foot on the beach,” said a maintenance worker at a luxury apartment building across the street. “And it wasn’t just at night; the beach was packed during the day, too. And no one wears a mask!” he added, insisting on not being quoted by name out of worry the building’s owner would punish him for speaking to a reporter.

The explosion of celebrations came just ahead of a pandemic milestone: Brazil passed 200,000 deaths Thursday, rising 1,524 in the previous 24 hours to a total of 200,498 for the pandemic, according to data released by Brazil’s health ministry. It’s the second highest toll in the world, behind the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University’s database.

Many Brazilians have been straining against quarantine for months, going to bars or small gatherings with friends, but massive blowouts had been few and far between since the pandemic began. Festivities kicked off after the Southern Hemisphere’s summer started on Dec. 21.

While many countries imposed new restrictions to limit the spread of the virus in mid-December, the administration of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro gave its blessing for holiday fun in the sun. Tourism Minister Gilson Machado told radio station Jovem Pan that gatherings of up to 300 people were perfectly acceptable. The decision to impose restrictions is the prerogative of local governments; some that did so saw their rules ignored.

A prominent YouTuber organized a party near a river beach for hundreds of people in Alagoas state, in the country’s northeast region. Days later, local media reported that 47 people, among unmasked guests and staffers contracted COVID-19. At least two were admitted to intensive-care units.

A five-day New Year’s bash drew 150 people near the property owned by soccer star Neymar outside Rio, although he denied any association with the VIP event.

Outside Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro kicked off 2021 by jumping off a boat and swimming towards a throng of unmasked, cheering supporters.

And cops in the city of Bertioga on Sao Paulo’s coast used tear gas to disperse a celebration in the early hours New Year’s Day.

“Right before the parties, the situation was already getting bad. But this week or next, it will get even worse,” Domingos Alves, an adjunct professor of social medicine at the University of Sao Paulo, told The Associated Press this week.

Alves, who leads a team of researchers tracking COVID-19 data, warned that several states’ daily confirmed cases have already surpassed the numbers seen during Brazil’s peak in July.

Intensive-care units in many cities are once again slammed with COVID-19 patients. The mayor of Amazonas state’s capital Manaus — which one local study speculated may have reached herd immunity after its brutal first wave — declared a 180-day state of emergency Tuesday and suspended all permits for events. State authorities prohibited all nonessential activities for 15 days in most of the city

The city of 2.2 million has recorded 3,550 deaths since the start of the pandemic, and the number of COVID-19 burials has surged. Outside at least one graveyard, cars lined up filled with people waiting to bury their loved ones.

Vanda Ortega, a volunteer nurse in Manaus’ Community of Indigenous Nations, told the AP the city had adopted a hands-off approach toward the virus, first during November local elections with large rallies and long lines of voters.

“Then we had the holiday season, with a lot of secret parties,” said Ortega, who belongs to the Witoto ethnicity. “We live in an area where rich people have cabins. They have parties every week.”
M
any mayors on Sao Paulo’s shore ignored holiday restrictions their governor imposed. In at least 12 cities, mayors kept stores, hotels and beaches open to tourists.

Images of traffic jams and packed beaches, with crowds largely unmasked, were so jarring that European Union commissioner Paolo Gentiloni expressed his disbelief on Twitter, saying “I saw shameful images from Brazil.”

And Bolsonaro — who has consistently downplayed risks of the virus despite catching a case himself — signaled with his New Year’s swim that he will continue to ignore protective measures observed in most countries.

“I dived in with a mask on so I wouldn’t catch COVID from the little fish,” he joked a few days later outside the presidential palace.

Even some Brazilians who consider themselves cautious are letting down their guards. Soccer fan Ricardo Santos, 46, says he covers his face each time he goes out, carries hand sanitizer in his bag and observes social distancing. But on Wednesday, he and a dozen of other Palmeiras fans hit a bar in downtown Sao Paulo to watch their team play.

“I spent New Year’s with only two friends who live in the same building. I take precautions. But sometimes you have to accept a little risk to preserve your mental health, too,” Santos said.

Back on Rio’s Ipanema beach, Joao Batista Baria, 57, said he blamed authorities for not protecting its poorest residents.

“Everyone is talking about these beach parties, but crowding also happens on the bus, on the subway,” Baria said while cleaning the foldable chairs tourists and residents rent to soak up the summer sun. “People come to the beach because they choose to. I need to take the bus to get to work.”

Puerto Rico To Reopen Beaches, Relax Coronavirus Curfew January 8th

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s new governor announced Tuesday that he will reopen beaches, marinas and pools, eliminate a Sunday lockdown and shorten a curfew that has been in place since the pandemic began to control the number of COVID-19 cases.

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi stressed alcohol will be banned at beaches and other places, and that social distancing is required between people who are not family members, with no large groups allowed to gather. Meanwhile, the new curfew will run from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and face masks remain mandatory.

He said the new measures go into effect Jan. 8 and will be in place for 30 days but can be amended any time if there’s a spike in cases.

The announcement was cheered by many across Puerto Rico who have long sought to visit the U.S. territory’s beaches that had remained off limits to all except those doing exercise.

“It’s quality of life,” Pierluisi said.

He also ordered Puerto Rico’s Treasury Department to use federal funds and create economic incentives to help tens of thousands of small and medium businesses hard hit by strict closures that have been in place since March.

The U.S. territory of 3.2 million people has reported more than 127,000 confirmed and probable cases and more than 1,200 confirmed deaths.

Pierluisi kept in place other measures implemented by former Gov. Wanda Vázquez, including the closure of bars and a limited capacity at gyms, restaurants and other places.

“Our goal has to be to be able to return to a new normal,” Pierluisi said. “We have to keep taking preventive measures in the meantime.”

The announcement comes the same day that health experts began receiving the second COVID-19 vaccine dose, with some 60,000 people vaccinated so far and an expected 90,000 by the end of the week. Those scheduled to be vaccinated soon include teachers, with Pierluisi saying in-person classes could resume by March on a gradual scale.

Carlos Mellado, Puerto Rico’s designated health secretary, said he expects 40,000 vaccine doses to arrive on the island every week.

Meanwhile, officials reported an outbreak at a prison in the northern city of Bayamon, with more than 140 inmates testing positive. Nearly all are asymptomatic, but two have been hospitalized. Officials said the outbreak began when a corrections officer who had COVID-19 came into contact with five inmates.

If Traveling To Brazil You Should Consider Personal Bodyguard Protection

Brazil Bodyguard Protection 

 Brazil Bodyguard Protection is offering top level, intelligence driven personal security for those wanting to travel with confidence.

All plans are customized to fit the unique needs of each individual client. This concierge style structure ensures that every client receives the same watertight security strategy, whether they’re die-hard sports fans, holidaying families or corporate executives. With the majority of Executive Security personnel trained by and recruited from military and police forces, Brazil Bodyguard Protection offers clients corps standard security. All operate under a strict code of conduct, and are part of a small demographic who may legally possess, carry and use firearms in Brazil.

While Latin America boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and cultures on the planet, it is also notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous destinations. The latest survey from Mexico City’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice revealed that 43 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are in Latin America, including 19 in Brazil. This reputation was reinforced during Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, which was marred by violence and petty crime. For those wanting to enjoy the Olympic Games with the total peace of mind that their back is covered at every corner, a personal bodyguard is a must.

As a holistic consultancy group, Brazil Bodyguard Protection offers clients a comprehensive range of services. As well as private bodyguards, the company also offers ground and air transportation, interpreters and guides. Guards are multilingual English and Portuguese speakers, which gives clients the ability to overcome any language barriers. It’s the convenience of a translator and the safety of private protection, rolled into one. For travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture without having to worry about safety concerns, Brazil Bodyguard Protection is ideal. 

Silva adds, “Brazil and its neighboring Latin American countries are incredible places, but it would be naïve to romanticize the region as a destination that’s just as safe as its Western counterparts. Our service exists to help both private and corporate travelers experience everything the region has to offer, without the lingering shadow of safety concerns.”

For more information about Brazil Bodyguard Protection, and to request a quote go to: http://www.brazilbodyguardprotection.com/

About

Based in Sao Paulo, Brazil Bodyguard Protection is a privately owned personal security consultancy operating across Brazil, and wider Latin America. The company offers its services to both private and corporate clients. As well as bodyguard protection, the company also offers interpretation, transportation and security-centric tour guide services. Clients and partners include media companies, business VIPs, celebrities and several close protection firms in UK and USA.

First hotel in Latin America Joins Curio - A Collection By Hilton

Hilton Worldwide and PKF hotelexperts Latin America announced that Anselmo Buenos Aires will join Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global brand of distinctive upper upscale and luxury hotels, hand-picked for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences. The signing of Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton was announced at the recent 2015 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, exactly one year after the launch of the Curio collection. The hotel will be the first Curio hotel in South America when it opens in July of this year.

Hilton Worldwide hosted a cocktail reception at the Hilton Buenos Aires hotel in honor of the addition of Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton to its portfolio on Thursday, June 18.

“Our location in the heart of Buenos Aires backed by the Hilton engine will set us apart in the Latin America market,” said Carlos Alonso, managing partner, PKF hotelexperts Latin America. “But it’s our love for Argentine culture, and our passion for making guests feel inspired by making new discoveries, that will make us an integral part of the Curio – A Collection by Hilton culture of being individual and independent.”

The hotel was converted from an historic mansion built in 1906, which is rumored to have been originally owned by Anselmo Aieta, a famous tango musician and composer. To this day, the property maintains its original 1900s façade complemented by a modern design comprised of spacious rooms and upscale restaurant and bar concepts. The hotel will have its own internal plaza, reflecting the local Argentine culture by providing a place for guests to interact and feel at home.

“The Anselmo Buenos Aires is not just the first Curio hotel in South America, but also our first in the Curio collection to bring to life a piece of history that was never before part of the hotel industry,” said Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development – Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “This gives us the chance to further shape the brand with new, independent properties that are meaningful in their respective destinations.”

The 50-guestroom Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in the historic neighborhood of San Telmo. The hotel will face Plaza Dorrego, a major attraction due to its cultural, shopping and gastronomical offerings. On any given day in the plaza, there will be a combination of locals and tourists alike, browsing the Sunday antique fair, enjoying tango dancing and experiencing the cuisine and friendly culture at restaurants, bars and cafes.

"We are excited to introduce Curio to South America, and it’s so fitting that our first property in the region is in Buenos Aires, the heart of passionate Argentine culture, arts and cuisine,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio - A Collection by Hilton. “The eight opened hotels currently in the Curio collection are defined by the independent properties themselves, and there’s no question the rich history of Argentina as embodied in the original architecture of the Anselmo mansion will make a memorable impact on visitors.”

As members of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, all Curio hotels, including Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton, participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn both Points and Miles on the same stay and no blackout dates on reward stays. In addition, HHonors members can use Points to purchase unique experience rewards, premium merchandise, make charitable contributions and more.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Makes Rio Debut With Opening Of Hilton Barra Hotel In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Upscale Hotel Welcomes Travelers to Barra da Tijuca Neighborhood, Host of Many 2016 Summer Olympic Games and Fastest Growing Area of the City

 Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of the new 298-roomHilton Barra hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – the company’s first hotel in this booming metropolis.  With a privileged location on Avenida Abelardo Bueno in the heart of the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, this newest hotel in Rio de Janeiro is set to be the first choice of fans visiting the city for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.  To commemorate its opening, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro welcomes guests with special introductory rates starting at US$159* per night and rewards Hilton HHonors members with 1,000 HHonors Points per night.

“Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro is a one-of-a-kind property featuring a sleek, sustainable design that nods to the rich culture of this historic, cosmopolitan city and elevates our overall presence in this pivotal Latin America destination,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide. “This project marks an exciting milestone for Hilton as we continue to break into new Latin American markets to deliver the unmatched hospitality experience Hilton is known for.”

Developed by Carvalho Hosken S/A, the nine-story Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro displays a unique visual identity that blends a contemporary architecture and design, with the style and feel of the local Brazilian culture, all while contributing to the reduction of energy and water consumption.  Top architects, interior designers and landscape artists played a pivotal role in creating a space where guests are embraced by their surroundings, including their entrance to a lobby of monumental scale with 37 meter height that when illuminated in the evening, acts as a gigantic glass box shining light throughout the property.  Local artists contributed with exquisite works, and a key design element present throughout the property – a hollow form – creates a balance between light and the separation of space that allows a consistent flow through all ambiances.  An outdoor garden rich in colors and textures completes the exclusive design.

Just 30 minutes from Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport and five minutes from Jacarepaguá Airport in Barra da Tijuca, Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro boasts a strategic location with easy access to a number of corporate offices, convention and shopping centers and entertainment areas including HSBC Arena, Rock City and Citibank Hall.  The hotel is also close to the Olympic Park just five minutes away and 15 minutes to the best beaches in Barra.

“The opening of Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro is a momentous occasion for Hilton Worldwide, as it marks our entry into this important Latin America destination,” said Tom Potter, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “This project, fueled by innovation and leading technology, is the result of the hard work and dedication of many team members and partners, all driven by the desire to deliver exceptional guest experiences in one of the world’s happiest cities.” 

Stay:

Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, the upscale Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro features 298 guest rooms, including executive floor rooms and suites all outfitted with comfortable and luxurious bedding, smart LED TVs, radio clock with Bluetooth technology, wireless Internet access, Nespresso coffee makers with complimentary capsules and exclusive Malin+Goetz amenities found in no other hotel in the area.  Rooms are also equipped with sensors providing an automated system that combines guest comfort with energy efficiency.  Guests staying in an executive room or suite enjoy the added benefit of the hotel’s executive floor service and executive lounge, offering light snacks and beverages with spectacular views of the Barra lagoons.  Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro is the only hotel in Barra de Tijuca that offers this exclusive space and service.

Meet:
A great base for events and business travelers, the Hilton hotel in Rio de Janeiro provides approximately 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including 10 meeting rooms and two ballrooms, with total capacity for up to 950 guests.  All rooms feature modern audiovisual equipment, soundproof walls, wireless Internet access and all the amenities and services needed for productive and stress-free event planning, including access to Meetings Simplified – a bundled events program for smaller meetings.  The space is completed by a business center with cutting edge work spaces and seamlessly integrated technology for maximum efficiency.

Eat:
Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro offers a memorable dining experience with a signature restaurant for 140 guests, where the interior connects with the outdoor environment.  A breakfast, lunch and dinner menu features culinary specialties and regional fare.  The hotel’s rooftop is home to a charming Champagne House, welcoming guests to indulge in poolside beverages in an inviting ambiance.  An outdoor rooftop swimming pool and fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment complete the facilities. 

Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide.  Now through Sept. 1, 2015, HHonors members can earn 1,000 HHonors Points per night during their stay at Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro.

For more information and reservations, visit www.barrariodejaneiro.hilton.com

or call 1-800-HILTONS. Media may access additional information about Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro athttp://news.hilton.com/barrariodejaneiro and view more news about Hilton Hotels & Resorts openings and a development map athttp://news.hilton.com/openings.

*Rate is a starting rate only based on double occupancy, is subject to availability, does not include taxes, service charges, incidental charges or gratuities, and is subject to change without notice. Blackout dates, early departure fees, and length of stay, deposit and cancellation restrictions may apply. Other restrictions apply.

Delta Launches Two Routes Connecting Atlanta To Medellin And Cartagena

Delta Air Lines will continue expanding its network in Latin America with service from its largest hub in Atlanta to Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia starting Dec. 19, 2015.

Delta's Atlanta to Medellin schedule will operate as follows:

Flight Number Departs Arrives Frequency Effective

DL 983 Atlanta (ATL) at 5:30 p.m. Medellin (MDE) at 10:10 p.m. Daily Dec. 19, 2015
DL 982 Medellin (MDE) at 7:40 a.m. Atlanta (ATL) at 12:54 p.m. Daily Dec. 19, 2015

Delta's Atlanta to Cartagena schedule will operate as follows:

Flight Number Departs Arrives Frequency Effective

DL 989 Atlanta (ATL) at 9:45 a.m. Cartagena (CTG) at 1:50 p.m. Wednesday,
Saturday,

Sunday Dec. 19, 2015
DL 984 Cartagena (CTG) at 2:50 p.m. Atlanta (ATL) at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday,
Saturday,
Sunday Dec. 19, 2015

"Delta wants to be the best U.S. airline in Latin America by providing a comprehensive route network that meets our customers' needs, whether they want to relax by the beach or do business around the world," said Nicolas Ferri, Delta's vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean. "Our new routes in Colombia are the latest in a series of enhancements and a sign of our steadfast commitment to our customers in Latin America and the Caribbean."

Subject to government approval, the new flights complement Delta's nonstop service from Bogota to Atlanta and New York. The new ATL-MDE route will operate using 124-seat Boeing 737-700 aircraft, and the ATL-CTG service will operate using 160-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The route between Atlanta and Medellin will provide customers one-stop access to more than 200 destinations from Delta's largest hub, including key business destinations in Europe like London, Madrid, Paris and more. The Atlanta-Cartagena route presents customers with access to the Colombian Caribbean and its unique coastal cities.

Customers traveling to and from Medellin and Cartagena will benefit from an enhanced experience at the Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which features full Spanish signage throughout the airport. From the state-of-the-art terminal, travelers have access to Delta's more than 900 peak-day flights, including nonstop service to 62 international destinations.

Headed To The Caribbean? What You Need To Know About The Mosquito Virus There

This 2006 photo made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a female Aedes aegypti mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a human host at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. The Chikungunya virus, spread by mosquitoes such as this and the Aedes albopictus species, causes fever and agonizing joint pain that can last for months. (AP Photo/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, James Gathany)

Vacationing in the Caribbean? Thousands of travelers have caught a virus spread by mosquitoes that has recently taken hold in the region. Chikungunya (chih-kihn-GOON'-yuh) causes fever and agonizing joint pain that can last for months.

Some things to know:

WHERE IT'S FOUND

Chikungunya spread from Asia and Africa in late 2013 to the Caribbean, Latin America and parts of South America and Mexico. It's in at least two dozen countries and territories in the Western Hemisphere now. About a dozen people are thought to have caught the virus in Florida.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE IT?

Symptoms can include fever, a rash, joint pain mostly in the arms and legs, headache, muscle pain and back pain. Symptoms usually start three to seven days after the mosquito bite. A blood test can confirm infection.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Mostly people are given medicines for pain, which can be severe enough to lead to hospitalization. The virus was first discovered in Africa in the 1950s and the name chikungunya comes from a word that means to become contorted, describing the stooped look of its victims.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

There is no vaccine, so prevention is mostly avoiding being bitten. Use bug repellent with plenty of the active ingredient - many experts recommend DEET. Keep arms and legs covered.

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Online:

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/

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Contributed by Marilynn Marchione. She can be followed at http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP

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Here Are The World’s Best Retirement Havens For 2015

The Annual Global Retirement Index profiles the best destinations for good-value living around the world today. Using input from a large team of correspondents on the ground all over the world, the Index combines real-world insights about climate, health care, cost of living, and much more to draw up a comprehensive list of the best bang-for-your buck retirement destinations on the planet.

“The world’s top retirement havens for 2015 may dot the landscape from Asia to Latin America to Europe, but they share certain assets,” says InternationalLiving.com’s executive editor, Jennifer Stevens. “They’re safe, offer good value, and are places you can settle with relative ease.

“Even though only 25 countries feature on our list, all of them are worth your attention. We selected them from among all the countries in the world for their qualities as retirement hot-spots, so even the lowest-ranked nation on our Index is still very much an option worth considering,” Stevens reports.

Ecuador wins this year’s Index with a score of 92.7 out of 100, but receives a perfect score in two categories: Real Estate and Climate…and high scores across the board in every other category.

“From the quaint town of Cotacachi to the vibrant capital, Quito, from Salinas on the coast to the peaks of the Andes, Ecuador’s diversity is a key part of the massive appeal for retirees,” says senior editor at InternationalLiving.com, Dan Prescher.

“Although prices have risen slightly in recent years, Ecuador’s real estate is still the best value you’ll find anywhere,” Prescher, who has lived in Ecuador for the past five years, reports. “And the cost of living is low, with couples reporting monthly expenses of just $1,400 a month.”

The country also offers a generous array of retiree benefits. Over-65s get discounts on flights originating in Ecuador, as well as up to 50% off entry to movies and sporting events. Discounts are also available on public transport (50%) and utilities.

Runner-up in the Index—and the best retirement destination in Central America—Panama offers retiree expats the advantages of the world’s best retirement program: the Pensionado visa.

“Panama wants you to come—and their policies court you,” says Jessica Ramesch, InternationalLiving.com’s Panama Editor. “The Pensionado visa is available to anyone with a lifetime pension of over $1,000 a month. Discounts you can get with the visa include 20% off medical services, 50% off entertainment, 25% off restaurant meals, 25% off air fare, and 25% off electricity and phone bills,” Ramesch reports.

Add all this to the country’s already low cost of living, and Panama is the very definition of an affordable expat haven. For under $2,000, a couple can live comfortably in a country with a well-earned reputation for being expat-friendly.

Malaysia comes in first position for Asia and fourth overall in the Index. Quality of life in Malaysia is cost-efficient as well as excellent. In typical expat locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, high-quality real estate is available for rent at a low cost. On a modest budget, a retiree can savor a life of luxury here.

The country makes a perfect base to explore the natural, historical, and cultural treasures that Southeast Asia has to offer. The proliferation of cheap Asian airlines in recent years has made it easier (and more affordable) than ever to explore the rest of Asia. Direct flights to the U.S. are also available.

Health care quality is top-notch, particularly in the larger cities, where it is comparable to that in any First-World nation. English is also widely-spoken here.

For those seeking sun and affordable living in Europe, Spain remains by far the best option available, evidenced by its standing as the top European nation in this year’s Index.

All the First-World amenities you would expect of a European country are abundant in Spain. The Internet is reliable and fast, with coverage everywhere. Public transport is efficient and home comforts—U.S. television, movies, and music—are easy to come by.
Spain’s health-care system is routinely recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the best in the world.

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