Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen : Industry

Job Opening: Playa del Carmen Real Estate Company Seeks Office Manager

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 GMT

Playa del Carmen Real Estate Company is now hiring for the position of Office Manager.

Title: Office Manager   

Job Description: Support operations of a small real estate company by maintaining office systems and supervising staff. Reports to Principal Owner/Broker.

Responsibilities:

Supervise the daily activities of in-office administrative and social media staff.
Assign tasks and monitor the activities of virtual assistants.
Complete operational requirements by scheduling employees and assigning tasks; monitor work results.
Maintain office efficiency by establishing and implementing office systems, procedures and policies.
Keep management informed by analyzing employee work results and productivity.
Train new administrative employees and virtual assistants.
Discipline employees as necessary within established legal framework.
Establish and maintain communication with Buyers and Sellers and provide reports as needed and instructed.
Coordinate with agents to collect, organize and file property information and images and create compelling real estate listings for web distribution.
Maintain computerized filing systems and monitor database usage and management.
Maintain employee files and coordinate with Payroll Company as needed.
Maintain employee work schedules and office vacation calendar.
Manage equipment and office supply procurement.

Skills/Qualifications: Native English speaker. Working knowledge of Spanish a big plus. Must have strong written and verbal communications skills and be able to write real estate listings. The right candidate will be mature, organized and self-motivated. No experience in real estate required.

Salary: Based on experience.

Serious candidates are asked to please email inquiries with current CV or resume to info@BuyPlaya.com.

***Applicants must have been employed in Mexico for at least two years and be able to supply appropriate letters of reference.

Tampa - Progresso Ferry Service Considered (Questionnaire)

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:56:00 GMT

Greetings "Life's a Beach" readers!

What follows is a message from Tamara Magnusson (tamarainprogreso[at]gmail.com) who is once again seeking information from the US and Canadian ex-pats and snowbirds in Mexico and Central America. Plans to initiate a ferry service from Tampa to Progresso are back on the table at United Caribbean Lines and they are looking for our input to help them move forward with this ambitious investment.

To help United Caribbean Lines make an informed plan to bring this ferry service to the Yucatan, please copy and paste the questionnaire below into an e-mail and send to BNIERENBERG@AOL.COM. Don't forget to share this blog post with your expat friends so that they too can weigh in on this exciting development.

"The past year has not brought a lot of forward momentum with the ferry project in spite of the interest of three different ferry companies and many false start dates. The scandals which precipitated personnel changes at the Progresso Port Authority certainly didn't help the situation either, however, things have been happening behind the scenes and from what I understand a number of feasibility studies have been done in the Tampa area showing the ferry project is viable but the inability to do a feasibility study within the expatriate community continues to be a stumbling block especially with investors.

Having learned from the mistakes of the previous ferry services in the area and responses from the previous expat surveys, the original plans have been modified. Super high speed ferries are now being considered to shorten the crossing time, frequent user plans, and even free vehicle bonuses are being considered. A year round weekly crossing schedule with frequency based on use patterns and peak seasons will be offered. As this service will take some years to become profitable investor backing will be the key to success.

I know many of you have already completed one or both of the previous surveys, but United Caribbean Lines is asking for our input once again. The results will directly influence investors and the more responses the better so please forward this email and ask everyone you know who may travel this direction to answer the questions and forward their responses to United Caribbean Lines. If you have access to expatriate websites, blogs or travel groups please have all your members respond and forward the questions on to any other websites and blogs you use anywhere in Central America. Even if you have no interest in using the ferry service please respond because part of the purpose is to try to establish how many expats live in the Yucatan and Central America.

If you are comfortable letting UCL know how to reach you they would like to extend some special courtesies, goodies, discounts and upgrades for helping them, when the ferry service begins. Just put your email address and mailing address in Central America on your answers to the questionnaire so UCL can reach you with the offers when they get started. "

Questionnaire for Ex-Pats living in Central America for new Ferry Service of United Caribbean Lines

1.       Where in Mexico/Central America is your current home?

2.       How many family members reside in your Mexico/Central American home?

3.       Do you maintain a second home in the U.S. or Canada?

4.        When you travel to go to the U.S or Canada to visit friends family etc. What is your destination?

5.       How many times a year do you make this trip?

6.       If you have more than one place you travel to in the U.S or Canada please list those additional destinations

7.       How often to you travel to these secondary destinations each calendar year

8.       When you go do you drive or fly? If both what is the approx. % for each?

9.       Do you have pets? Do you take them when you return to the U.S or Canada?

10.   When you return to the U.S. or Canada do you shop for supplies etc. For your home in Mexico/Central America?

11.   When you travel from your home in Mexico/Central America to the U.S. or Canada are there times of the year you do most of the travel? If so, when?

12.   Do friends and family come to Mexico/Central America each year to visit you? If so how often?

13.   Do you own an RV in Mexico/Central America?

                   a.       Would you take it on the ferry?

14.   What would be the most important reasons you would take the ferry to Florida?

Please number the following reasons in order of importance for using the ferry.   Number 1 being the most important, and Number 10 the least.

1.      Go back to other homes in U.S. and or Canada ____

2.      Visit family and friends ____

3.      Shopping ____

4.      Vacationing in Florida ___

5.      I can take my car or RV ___

6.      Go to Florida to use airports for further travel ___

7.      Go to Florida to get on a cruise ____

8.      Just to get away for a short trip ____

9.      Travel for medical purposes ___

10. Other ( please name ) ______

      Additional comments or things you would like us to know to help serve you better with our new ferry service

New Clothing Optional Resort to Open in Puerto Morelos

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:42:00 GMT

April 6, 2012
Joe Pike - Travel Agent Central

Original Resorts, a Mexican hospitality brand, continued its strategic plan to expand with the opening of its new clothing-optional resort, Desire Pearl Resort & Spa on March 30.

Original Resorts opened the first clothing-optional hotel of the group, Desire Resort & Spa, in the Riviera Maya. This new five-star hotel complex, located on a beautiful beach in Puerto Morelos, just a few minutes outside of Cancun, is an exclusive couples only-hotel, marking the brand's fifth resort in Mexico.

Rodrigo de la Pena, president of Original Resorts, announced that after his successful negotiations with the owners of the hotel, previously known as Ceiba del Mar, the property will be operated by Original Resorts Group to offer the region's second clothing-optional resort.

The decision to transform this hotel into Desire Pearl comes from a high demand for unique clothing-optional resorts that, until now, only Desire Resort & Spa was able to offer.

Desire Pearl Resort & Spa includes 32 Oceanfront Rooms, 13 Junior Suites, 36 Master Suites, and seven Penthouse Passion Suites. Clients can enjoy the hotel's grand pool, the 80-person private Jacuzzi, a tennis court, a holistic spa and a pier with docking facilities, among other luxurious amenities.

For information about real estate in Puerto Morelos and all along the Riviera Maya, contact Rob@BuyPlaya.com.

Mayakoba Golf Classic Extends Contract with PGA TOUR Until 2018

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, México - The PGA TOUR, along with officials of the Mayakoba Golf Classic and its sponsor OHL, announced today a six-year contract extension through the 2018 season. With the initial six-year agreement running through the 2012 tournament (February 22-26), the new contract represents a total commitment of 12 years by the PGA TOUR to Mexico and Playa del Carmen.

”The Mayakoba Golf Classic has been a terrific addition to the PGA TOUR schedule and its success since 2007 has helped to pave the way for our increased presence throughout the region with the Nationwide Tour and the newly announced PGA TOUR Latinoamérica,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “We are delighted that OHL remains committed to the success of the Mayakoba Golf Classic and we look forward to working together to help grow the tournament and its charitable impact throughout Riviera Maya and Cancún.”

Read more....

The Mayakoba Golf Classic made golf history when it became the first PGA TOUR event to ever be contested outside of the United States and Canada in February 2007. Today, the Mayakoba Golf Classic remains “Mexico’s Only PGA TOUR Event” as it prepares to enter its sixth year. The event is regarded as one of the finest on the PGA TOUR by players, their families, sponsors and the TOUR itself. With a purse of $3.7 million USD, the Mayakoba Golf Classic boasts the largest amount of prize money of any golf tournament in Latin America. Held annually in February, the tournament features 132 professional golfers participating in four rounds of stroke play competition at the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón Golf Club at Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, in the Riviera Maya-Cancún regions of Mexico. Johnson Wagner, a five-year veteran of the PGA TOUR, claimed the title in 2011, winning $666,000 USD. Other past champions include: Fred Funk (2007), Brian Gay (2008), Mark Wilson (2009) and Cameron Beckman (2010).

Mayakoba is situated just south of Cancun on Mexico’s prized Caribbean coast – the Riviera Maya. A mere 40-minute drive from the towering hotels of Cancun, visitors will discover a completely different experience. Here, nestled in a lush natural paradise, lies Mayakoba—a truly unique resort destination. Mayakoba is comprised of three luxury hotels, each featuring a range of culinary and spa experiences. An 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course, El Camaleón, managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offers players an ever-changing terrain that moves gracefully from mangroves to the sea. Created to harmonize with the unspoiled tropical forest, Mayakoba is connected with a series of lagoons enabling guests to wander effortlessly from place to place through the resort using the “lanchas” (covered boats) as well as a network of trails. Mayakoba, a luxury destination like no other where you are immersed in unspoiled natural beauty and the mysteries of an ancient civilization.

Kay Walten's Social Media Boot Camp for Riviera Maya Tourism!

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:35:00 GMT

Wow. Just wow! I knew I was going to come away with some good info when I registered for Kay Walten's Social Media Boot Camp for Tourism but after reviewing more than 10 pages of notes I am seriously appreciating the value of the information she is sharing with us.

For those of you who don't know her, Kay Walten and her husband Gary came to the Riviera Maya way back in the late 1980's, when the area of pristine beaches and jungle south of Cancun was referred to, unceremoniously, as the Cancun-Tulum corridor. It's a good thing some bright DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) came up with a more elegant name, dubbing it the Riviera Maya and hereafter making our marketing efforts infinitely easier. Gary and Kay began their life in this new, virtually undiscovered area leading tours of cave divers through the mystical cenotes that are now so famous in this region. To supplement their income and to provide added value to their guests, they began offering vacation rentals to their groups and in 1996, LocoGringo was officially born!

As tourism to the Riviera Maya became more and more popular, so too increased the demand for rental properties. Soon, this became their primary focus and LocoGringo became an industry leader in online vacation rentals. Overwhelmed with the hundreds of questions they would receive about travel to this area, they created the LG Forums, a message board drawing on the individual and collective experiences of people who had previously visited the Riviera Maya. This very early foray into what we now call "social media" helped them to grow their company and their reputation astronomically. In 2007, LocoGringo officially merged with Akumal Vacations and by 2010 was ranked #20 in the "Top 50 Social Media Influencers in the Travel Industry" with Kay herself named the "Leading Micro-blogger for the Riviera Maya". Who better to lead the first conference on destination marketing and social media for Cancun and the Riviera Maya?!

Seminar leader Kay Walten

My husband will tell you...rolling his eyes...that I am a seminar/workshop junkie.

I'm the first one clamoring to reserve my spot.
I always want to sit up front.
I take copious notes.
I always have follow up questions.
I want to discuss everything I've learned afterward.
I am dork.

He would like me to believe that I am alone in my dork-dom, that no one else shares my need to learn MORE and that my weekend mornings might be better spent bringing him breakfast in bed. Yet, every time I sign up for a "webinar" or attend a "tweet up" or a conference such as this one, I am able to implement some new marketing strategy and he sees a bump in his leads. He may not fully understand "return on engagement" but I know he sees the value in this sharing of information when it leads ultimately to new customers and more real estate sales.

So, I'm a dork. I don't really see him complaining. ;)

Kay covered a lot of ground today in Day 1 of the Social Media Boot Camp for Tourism: the history of social media, the various popular platforms and how to best utilize them, what to do and what NOT to do on Facebook, Twitter etc... As I mentioned, I have 10 pages of notes to go through and organize. As I looked around the room, it was nice to see so many faces I already knew from their blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. Some, I had met before at other networking events. Some will become new friends thus extending our respective spheres of influence. In my estimation, the investment in my time (and BuyPlaya's money) will be well worth it!

If you didn't get in on this seminar, the first of what I hope will be many similar events from Kay Walten Consulting, I would strongly recommend you make the effort to attend the next. I will look forward to meeting you then.

I'll be the one sitting in the front row with my hand raised.

If you are interested in social media and interested in tourism don't miss Kay Walten's upcoming webinar series. It is reasonable priced and includes a line-up of great speakers and instructors. You can sign up right HERE.

Sign Up Now for "Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011"

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:11:00 GMT

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011, Cancun-Riviera Maya, is a new marketing seminar that focuses on social media and social media marketing for the tourism industry in Mexico. This two-day seminar will discuss tourism marketing and how social media can be used effectively by travel & tourism businesses. This seminar is an invaluable information resource that includes lessons and strategies to further social media marketing efforts of individual businesses while increasing the strategic use of travel and tourism marketing for the area.

Mexico is in the process of winning the battle against negative press. Social media and the use of social networks has assisted in overcoming some challenging international press. It is through the use of social media and social networks that travel and tourism businesses can work for themselves and together to promote destinations, activities, hospitality options, tourism attractions and Mexico as a tourist destination. In 2008, early adopters of social media and social networks in the Mexican tourism sector.

“We are really excited to bring the first Social Media Boot Camp to the Riviera Maya, a seminar that will prove to be an invaluable resource for tourism businesses. It will also gather industry professionals together where they can share ideas to boost the economy and increase individual profits”, said Kay Walten, the keynote speaker and coordinator of the Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011.

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 will educate more industry professionals on how they can have a voice for their business and work with others to promote this destination. This seminar is ideal for marketing professionals, business owners, management staff and employees in the Mexican tourism industry, resort hotels, small hotel owners, hotel marketing professionals, e-commerce site owners, tour companies, small business tourism focused businesses such as dive shops, restaurants, golf courses, wedding planners and spas.

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 will build an understanding about social media, define the best social networks for tourism based businesses, provide free resources for the ongoing successful use of social media strategies and bring tourism based businesses together to discuss and learn the most effective ways to coordinate promotional strategies for the destination, a much needed strategy after recent challenges faced by the Mexican tourism industry. The seminar is designed to empower and educate more tourism industry professionals on the use of social media marketing techniques for their businesses and inspire marketing professionals to work with others to promote the Riviera Maya as a first class vacation destination.

Kay Walten, the speaker at the event and owner of Kay Walten Group, an international social media consulting firm, is a the owner of LocoGringo and a well respected social media marketing voice in the industry. The success of individual marketing campaigns and the expressed need for more education so the voice of Mexico through social media can become stronger has prompted the design and execution of the Explore Tourism™ business concept and development through the Kay Walten Group.

Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 will be held October 8 and 9, 2011 at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa from 9 am to 2 pm each day with a networking lunch included. Discounted enrollment is $1750mn and available online when attendees sign up prior to September 15, 2011. Group discounts are offered until September 1, 2011. For additional information for the Explore Tourism™ Social Media Boot Camp 2011 review all seminar details at http://www.kaywalten.com .

Looking for a Job in Paradise?

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:13:00 GMT

POSITION AVAILABLE - TEACHING CHEF

Personable, charismatic Teaching Chef needed for Tourist Cooking School on Riviera Maya, conducting classes in Authentic Mexican cuisine to curious travelers. Classes conducted in English but Spanish spoken to our 2 Mayan women assistants.

WHAT IT IS: Tourists book in advance and come for a 5-6 hour adventure that includes

a light breakfast (we prepare)

a 4 hour cooking class time

a full sit down lunch of all dishes that were prepared with the help of our 2 Mayan women assistants.

Established Curriculum, 1st season completed with 500 happy students already passed through our doors. Many 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: It's an asset if you have a Mexican heritage or connection, and can share something of Mexican culture with little stories along the way, while demonstrating the recipes. We really want someone who is totally in sync with authentic Mexican food. This is not strictly a business but is also a passion of the owners.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: We provide a set schedule of 2 - 4 confirmed classes every week from October through June; a competitive salary; and an opportunity for other activities like catering or selling prepared food items in our shop. We have successful recipes but welcome your input on new ones. We also do significant promotion and marketing so this might be a chance to get your name and profile 'out there'.

WHEN: School starts up for Season 2 in October. We are looking for the right person, now.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please email teatimetango@gmail.com and put Cooking School Chef in subject header. Send CV, and phone number and importantly the reason why this opportunity is of great interest to you. We will follow up with selected candidates with a phone interview.

Purchase Property in Mexico Without a Fidecomiso?

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:57:00 GMT

A new proposal may make this a reality! Currently, unless you are a Mexican national, you purchase property that falls within Mexico's "Restricted Zone" using a fidecomiso or in a foreign owned corporation. A change to the law has been proposed by Mexican Senator Mario López Valdez wherein foreign ownership may no longer require either of these instruments. While we have run into very little resistance from investors in regard to the laws governing foreign ownership of property on the Riviera Maya, I have feeling if this revision is approved, we are going to see a sharp increase in interest from Canadian and American buyers. Savvy investors may want to scoop up well priced properties now, before the restriction is lifted.
The following article about the proposed initiative has been taken from Mexidata Info.
Mexico Might Allow Foreign Ownership of Coastal Property
By Brian Flock
. . .A new constitutional amendment, proposed by Mexican Senator Mario López Valdez of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) on March 5, 2009, sets the stage for what could become one of the most dramatic changes in Mexico’s regulations on foreign real estate ownership and investment since the 1971 recognition of the “bank trust,” or fideicomiso.
The fideicomiso being a mechanism for foreigners to control coastal property, as the document gives the trust deed moral Mexican citizenship by law, and as such trust owners may hold the property to the sole benefit of the foreign beneficiary. Prior to 1971, foreigners were relegated to controlling real property through either leases or time-share clubs.
Mexico boasts nearly 7,000 miles of coastline, ranking it the 12th longest coastline in the world. The country’s 1917 Magna Carta reads, in Article 27, Section 1 (in part), “Under no circumstances will foreigners be able to acquire direct ownership of land and waters within a zone of one hundred kilometers [62 miles] along the borders, and fifty (kilometers) [31 miles] along the shores.”¹ (This language was adopted by Mexico in the Constitution of 1917, after hundreds of years of invasions by Spanish, French and even United States forces.)
However, the current global economy and the importance of international tourism make such restrictions anachronistic and inhibitors to investment. The current Constitution has been viewed by many in the business sector as impeding the proper functioning of the tourist sector.
According to Senator López, even the time-tested bank trust (aka fideicomiso in Spanish) has made it unnecessarily complicated for foreign visitors to enjoy their properties. The myriad of paperwork requirements and fees have been an impediment to investment, and have sometimes further propagated long-standing myths about Mexico property ownership. For example, many foreigners still mistakenly confuse the bank trust with a lease of a fixed duration which it is not.. . .
. . .Senator López Valdez’s new constitutional amendment is trumpeted by proponents to be a major incentive for foreign investment in all of Mexico’s coastal regions with ample benefits for the general population.
He introduces his initiative by stating that the country had over 4,300,000 vacation properties (including timeshare units) in 2007 within the coastal regions, with nearly 70% of those belonging to foreigners. Additionally, 48% of Mexico’s financial investment came from foreigners, with nearly half of that being from the United States of America.
The initiative ensures that foreign ownership would be for habitation purposes only and, as such, will not threaten Mexico’s sovereignty, a major point of contention with more nationalistic voices.
The development of tourism is a national priority for Mexico, given its importance as a development factor and growth engine. Tourism is credited with elevating the country’s productivity, employment opportunities, and generally lifting areas of the country with fewer economic development options, thereby increasing the quality of life of the people.
The nation’s development plan of 2007 to 2012 has as one of its principal objectives to convert Mexico into a leader of the tourist sector, with the goal of raising tourism 35% by 2012 and an objective of gaining US$20 billion in tourist investment.
The creation of additional legal certainties for new investments is expected to be an important catalyst. The results should be a greater inflow of foreign capital, the creation of jobs, and it will contribute to Mexico’s leadership in tourism.
The constitutional amendment initiative has now been turned over to a Committee of the Senate for analysis and official opinion, a positive step versus immediate rejection.
Yet the future of the initiative is by no means guaranteed. Mexico’s current congressional session, with the largest block of seats [207 of 500] in the Chamber of Deputies held by the government's National Action Party (PAN), ends on April 30th, and the resulting lame duck deputies will be replaced as of September 1st, after July 5th elections.
Thus it is likely that the future of this Senate initiative will become clearer against the backdrop of September’s new congressional session.

• • •

¹ Comparison of the proposed decree, and that included in the current Mexican Constitution (translations) (new addition to the law in red):
New, proposed Article 27, Section 1 (in part)
Foreigners will not be able to acquire direct ownership (of) land and waters within a zone of one hundred kilometers along the borders and fifty (kilometers) along the shores, except in the case of individuals who may acquire property for their own residential use, (and) not for commercial purposes.
Present Article 27, Section 1 (in part)
Under no circumstances will foreigners be able to acquire direct ownership (of) land and waters within a zone of one hundred kilometers along the borders and fifty (kilometers) ] along the shores.
Looking for Real Estate in Playa del Carmen?
Visit our website www.BuyPlaya.com.

"I Thought YOU Were Driving!" - Part 2

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:12:00 GMT

The second installment in the short series of articles I am writing for the popular regional website www.PlayaMayaNews.com has just been posted.

"I Thought YOU Were Driving!" - How a nice suburban family ended up in Playa del Carmen, Mexico accounts our experiences moving and adjusting to a new way of life in a strange new world. Part 2 covers our first full year in Playa including, but not limited to, purchasing our first piece of property, schooling our children and surviving Hurricanes Emily and Wilma!

"I Thought YOU Were Driving!" - Part 1

"I Thought YOU Were Driving!" - Part 2

Good times and good friends in Playa del Carmen - 2005

Blog Action Day - A Real Estate Throwdown on Ambergris Caye!!!

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:00 GMT

After thinking long and hard about poverty, the subject of Blog Action Day 2008, I find myself with more questions than answers. First and foremost is "What IS poverty?" and secondly "Who makes that determination?” Can we categorize poverty solely in economic terms? It certainly seems that our American politicians, on both sides of the fence, liberally pander to our populace living in so-called poverty in their efforts to curry favor and win votes. It would seem that they would certainly have a vested interest in where and how that poverty threshold is set. Currently, in the United States, anyone under the age of 65 with an income under $10,787.00 is said to be living below the poverty line. A family of four must have a combined income of under $21,027.00 to claim the title. These numbers are adjusted annually for inflation and in short determined by finding the total cost for the essentials a human needs to live a "tolerable life". As every country in the world has their own unique standard of living. Each has their own poverty line, their own pandering politicians and their own methods to determine where that line is drawn. But is this really how the rest of us should look at poverty? Is economics the only factor to be considered? Does total household income tell the whole story? Surely, there are other factors to be considered if we, the people, are to play a part in combating the causes and effects of poverty.

As a member if the real estate and development industry I often feel conflicted about our connection with poverty. In that, I mean that I clearly see that although growth and development brings jobs and money spending consumers to a region, these geographic areas of are rarely those where help is most needed. Beach towns that become hot-spots for tourism can rarely support the explosive growth that comes with the interest of foreign investment. People flock to these coastal areas from all over Mexico to fill the hundreds of thousands of jobs created by the mega resorts and condominium developers. So far, along the Riviera Maya, it seems that our "demand" for laborers is keeping pace with the "supply" of migrant workers. There is little or no unemployment here. The working class may appear poor by our American standards but they are keeping roofs over their heads, clean clothes on their backs and food on the table. They enjoy the conveniences of a stable source of water, proper sewage and garbage removal, safe public schools to educate their children and police protection; the essentials one needs to live a "tolerable life".

However, this is not the case everywhere. Sometimes, the outside perception of a region's growth is askew. Sometimes, due to economic shifts and even normal market fluctuation, investment in seemingly popular areas tapers off. What happens when the "supply" of workers far exceeds the "demand"? Such is the case on Ambergris Caye, a small island off the coast of Belize. With its currency tied 2 to 1 to the American dollar, Belize feels every bit of the economic crisis in the United States. With much of the island's investment money coming from the US, it doesn't take an analyst to figure out what the market conditions have done to the rates of development and building on Ambergris. Ambergris is still growing, just not fast enough to keep up with the migration of hopeful souls who travel from the interior of Belize, Guatemala and even Mexico in search of a better life. They arrive, often having spent their last penny, only to find that the “Promised Land” is not exactly what they expected. Jobs are hard to come by, housing costs are astronomical and there is insufficient infrastructure in place to support all these families. In a half hearted effort to accommodate the working and non-working poor on Ambergris, an area on the island, just north of the tourist “Mecca” San Pedro, was "given" to these families on which to build their homes. In all fairness, they were told in no uncertain terms that no services would be provided to this "neighborhood". No water, no sewer, no garbage collection...nothing. They simply were being provided with a place to build shelter and live. Nothing more.

And so it is. Years later San Mateo is exactly as you would expect: a filthy, unsanitary blot on an island that demands and collects top dollars from tourists from all over the globe. Sandwiched between the desirable town of San Pedro and upscale villas and condominium complexes to the north, one can only wonder how long the residents will be "allowed" to inhabit this area. Already it seems, the powers that be are conspiring against the residents of San Mateo. Efforts to bring in clean fill to combat the almost constant flooding in the area have been blocked. Rumor has it that certain developers have lined the pockets of local politicians and service providers, thwarting the attempts of caring, local citizens to clean up San Mateo and create safe and sanitary living conditions for these families. The recent death of a young child, presumably due to the festering, disease infested water around her home sounded an alarm and elicited a public out-cry for governmental help and funds to ameliorate the deplorable conditions in this neighborhood. Months later, nothing has been done and everyone seems to have slipped back into complacency. Still, there is no source of clean water, so sewer system, no garbage removal service; nothing to sustain a "tolerable life". The wheels of change move slowly on this island.

The following pictures can tell the story better than my words. I took these photographs a few months ago while visiting the Holy Cross Anglican School. My friend Laurie chastened me a bit as I was framing up my shots, reminding me that the families of San Pedro were poor but not without pride. She asked me to consider that they might be embarrassed to have their living conditions plastered on the world wide web for all to see and, presumably, judge. So, until now, I have refrained from doing so. I do think, however, that this is an appropriate format and so I post them, not to exploit but with repect, to hopefully raise awareness. I have a strong suspicion that a vast majority of the visitors to Ambergris never venture outside of San Pedro and have never met their northern neighbors in San Mateo. I'm going to change that today. THIS IS MY BLOG ACTION.

I admittedly, do not know the whole story. I know that there are behind the scenes details and history that I am not privy too. I may not "have all my facts straight". Here is what I CAN say without a shadow of a doubt. PEOPLE LIKE TO FEEL WARM AND FUZZY ABOUT THIER INVESTMENT CHOICES. What do I mean by this you might ask? I'll make it simple. John and Jane America visit San Pedro and fall in love with the island lifestyle. They dream of owning their own little piece of paradise and begin the process of investigating real estate options on the island. While doing their homework on the internet, as almost everyone does in this day and age, they find many websites, articles and BLOGS about life and real estate on Ambergris Caye. Some of these articles will belabor the evils that seem to plague to our industry: disregard for the environment, suspect business practices etc... Others will talk about certain concerned citizens who have given back to the island they love; investors, builders, developers who have made a difference in the lives of the residents of Ambergris Caye. Who do you think John and Jane America are going to buy from? The philanthropic developer who donates his time and money to make life better for his less fortunate neighbors or the guy who gives gold watches to the owners of the island's service providers in order to buy their loyalty and restrict their operations.

And so, investors and developers on Ambergris Caye I throw out down the gauntlet. This is a Real Estate Throwdown! Use your influence; use your contacts, your resources and your money to fix San Mateo. I'm in the business. I KNOW how much money you're making. Answer my challenge I will do everything in my power to make sure that I use every weapon in my online arsenal to make sure your efforts are recognized and publicized. Use your powers for good and I will do the same. We bloggers have the World Wide Web in our pocket. Laurie, Collette, Cindy, Sharon...they've all got my back on this issue and we are a powerful pack of women with a remarkable web presence!! What do you want our web to say about you?

Bric International - Growth and Expansion

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:59:00 GMT

This is a recent update from Marcus Roehmer of BRIC International regarding tremendous new additions to their already impressive portfolio of Vacation Rentals and an amazing new residential development in Belize.

"We are proud to inform you of two significant contracts secured by BRIC International in recent weeks.

In Playa del Carmen, we have secured a preferred vendor contract with Origo Developers, developers of THE ELEMENTS in Playa del Carmen, THE ELEMENTS in Puerto Aventuras and Vaiven in Playacar Phase II.

The Elements – Playa del Carmen will be delivering its first units beginning September of this year. We expect to be adding 50-75 of these units to our full time vacation rental inventory!

Vaiven Playacar – will begin delivery in 2009 and represents almost 250 units!

The Elements – Puerto Aventuras will begin construction this year. A Super High-End project directly on the ocean will add another 100+ units to available inventory.

(For sales information, please contact Mr. Rob Kinnon of BRIC International)

BRIC International has also secured a contract with Orchid Bay, a 115 acre master planned development on the waters in Northern Belize. This project will be managed by Mr. Tony Moreno of BRIC International.

21 beach casitas are being delivered Q4 of this year and should be available for Holiday rentals. An additional 150 custom homes, townhouses and condos will follow in 2009 and beyond. You can see more on this project at:

www.orchidbaybelize.com and www.orchidbaybeachclub.com

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and help as this significant growth certainly would not have been possible with your assistance."

Sincerely,

Marcus Roehmer, Partner
BRIC International

Playa del Carmen Construction Update June 2008

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:41:00 GMT

Well, I guess I have put this off long enough. It has been so rainy and miserable, I just haven't wanted to go out and tromp around on muddy construction sites. My good friend Mike (of WWMD fame) gave me a gentle nudge via email this morning, so out I went. This is going to be a brief update. Not only did the rain and stormy weather keep me in, it also kept a lot of jobsites from working at max capacity.

This month we received an overwhelming amount of interest in this new modern complex, Haab. This project has gone up very quickly. With 2 bedroom condos, 2 minutes from Shangri La Beach, and lofts starting at just $180K, this is certain to sell out quickly. Check out the guy in the red shirt putting on a show for me!

While some condominium complexes seemingly spring up overnight, this project, Zaphira, on the corner of 5th Ave. and calle 38 has been a long time in the making. It sould have been because of the weather, but I didn't see anyone on site at all. I have a feeling there may be a cash flow issue at play here. The plans and renderings all look very nice and we look forward to its completion.

Another luxury project making excellent headway in the construction process is Lotus, another stylish development from Bertram Rothe. His previous buildings, like The Shailly, have been very attractive, well built and well received by Buyers. This is certainly no exception. I believe there is only one unit still available!

Not too much to report on this month. Frankly, I'm about done with the weather. Everyone think warm, sunny thoughts.

Grand Opening - Origo Offices in Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:17:00 GMT

Yesterday evening, Rob and I were invited to the grand opening party for the offices of Origo, the prolific developers of the fabulous condominium projects "The Elements, Playa del Carmen', "Vaiven" in Playacar and coming soon...."The Elements, Puerto Aventuras". The offices are located, conveniently, just down the street from our house on 10th Avenue in the Tendenza Building. The offices, which are beautiful and completely reflect the style that these developers are knon for, have been built for the use of local Brokers and Agents working with clients and customers. Access to this chic new space is going to be another one of the great sales tools that Origo provides for us in support of our sales efforts. Bravo!

For more information about Origo and their current projects Vaiven and The Elements, contact us through our website www.BuyPlaya.com.

April 2008 - PDC Construction Update - Issue 1

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:12:00 GMT

In response to numerous inquiries from friends and customers, today I will be starting a series, reoccurring monthly, of construction updates via actual photos of projects going up in and around Playa del Carmen! Many of you have already purchased pre-construction property here in the area and are now back at home, no doubt, wondering what the heck is going on with your money! Well, here you go! At the beginning of every month, I will visit various properties in progress, take pictures and report back. And the best thing.....I take requests! That's right! Even if you are NOT one of our customers, (and shame on you for not coming to us) if you have made an investment here in Playa, let me know and I will be happy to go and snap some photos at the beginning of the month. Hopefully, this will be a good way to not only reassure you, the investor, but also your family and friends who may think that you had too many "Panty Rippers" while you were here on vacation, have clearly lost your mind and might as well have thrown your money into a giant cenote! For those of you still working through the process and trying to make a decision, I hope this helps you feel more in touch with the real estate market in Playa del Carmen and the many options available!

Sabbia - Ave. 20 at Calle 34

Sabbia - May not look like much right now while they are digging and putting in the VERY IMPORTANT substructure but not to worry. There are tons of workmen bustling around the site and everything is moving along well. This is the slowest part of the process to show progress. All good here!

Oasis 12 - Ave. 15 and Calle 12

Oasis 12 - This project is flying along. Lots of people onsite. Their showroom is already complete. This should be a very attractive project, completed on-time if not sooner!

Arena - Coco Beach Area

Arena Condominiums - Done, just cleaning up a bit. Most, if not all, of the units have been delivered. A very nice project, well done.

Costa Turquesa - Coco Beach North

Costa Turquesa - This is a seriously HUGE project! The developers are very experienced and have plenty of money behind them. Lots of activity onsite and one of the condo towers appears to be nearing completion. Once that is complete and the showroom is open, right on beautiful Coco Beach...look out. Sales will start flying!!

The Elements - Coco Beach

The Elements - After what seemed like an eternity of drilling and ground work, (which we like to see FYI) The Elements has finally sprung skyward. The site is teeming with workers and the project is moving right along, it seems, on schedule. If The Elements turns out to be half as beautiful as the plans portray, it will be a real feather in your "investor cap".

Casa del Mar - Coco Beach

Casa del Mar - Moving right along, next door to The Elements. Well priced but no ocean-front condos remaining. Good purchase for those lucky Buyers who got in early!! Lots of workers onsite, everyone is hustling to get open before the next high season!!

Capri II - Ave. 10 and Calle 38

Capri II - Done and most units sold and delivered. Good location, not much from the outside but inside, the units are actually quite lovely.

The Building Loft I - Ave. 10 and Calle 28

The Building Loft I - Putting on the finishing touches, cleaning up and ready to go! The Winery had been open for some time and doing a brisk business. One unit left to sell in Phase 1? The Building Loft 2 is just starting on Ave. 10 and Calle 26. Lots of digging and groundwork for the supports and underground parking.

So, that's what I've got to show for this 1st monthly update. I hope this has been and will be helpful. Let me know what you would like to see michelekinnon@gmail.com and I'll be sure to get it up here. Updates will come in the first week of every month. Bookmark this site www.LifesaBeachBlog.com for easy reference or sign up for an automatic RSS feed if you don't mind suffering through all the entries about raising our children, travelling and the demanding social schedule here in Playa. OK, there's actually some good stuff there...so sign up!!

Mexico's Asur to Fight for Riviera Maya Airport

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:50:00 GMT

By Chris Aspin

MEXICO CITY, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Mexican airport operator Asur will fight to take part in the bidding process for a planned airport in the Riviera Maya region which will drain passenger traffic away from its key runways at the resort of Cancun.

Chief Financial Officer Adolfo Castro said on Thursday Asur (ASURB.MX: Quote, Profile, Research)(ASR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will take the case to court if government authorities do not allow the company to bid for the rights to build and run the airport in Quintana Roo state.

The government has not yet decided if Asur can participate in the bidding process. The sticking point is competition because Asur already operates nine airports in Mexico's southeast, including Cancun.

"If they do not allow us to participate we will use all the legal tools that we have in hand in order to protect our rights and in order to be part of the bidding process," Castro told a conference call with analysts.

The government wants Riviera Maya airport because the region, just south of Cancun, is a booming tourist area especially around Playa del Carmen, which is popular with U.S. and European visitors.

Castro said the airport, which could cost between $120 million and $200 million depending on its size and facilities, would take time to construct because it is in an area with no infrastructure.

"As I understand this is going to be located in the middle of the jungle. Provisional works will have to be performed to construct this airport. I believe that can take between three to four years at least," Castro said.

But once built, it will hit Cancun airport, which currently accounts for 70 percent of Asur's passenger numbers.

"Cancun airport passenger traffic will suffer because I'm sure that some of the traffic that is going today south of Playa del Carmen will go to this airport. I don't have a real estimate but if you want to put a real number there it could be 20 percent (of Cancun traffic)," he said.

On Wednesday, Asur posted a fourth-quarter net loss of 191 million pesos after a huge tax charge of 489 million pesos in the period. Asur reported a net profit of 136 million pesos in the fourth quarter of 2006.

The government of President Felipe Calderon introduced a new flat rate business tax at the start of this year and Asur opted to set up new deferred assets and liabilities provisions ahead of the changes.

Asur's local shares were down 0.23 percent on Thursday to 60 pesos. (Editing by Tim Dobbyn)