President Felipe Calderon has declared water potability and treatment a matter of national security.  The Mexican Federal Government is therefore committed to providing every Mexican with drinkable water, proper drainage and working wastewater treatment plants.  The President recently released funds from the Program of Incentives for Wastewater Management.  This program pays municipalities and operating organizations for the amount of water treated. 

The Program allows for each municipality to receive up to one peso for every cubic meter of water delivered.  This subsidy ultimately reduces the cost of water treatment which will allow plants to modernize and expand capacity.  The Mexican National Wastewater Treatment coffers were recently funded with $700 million USD for the construction of new plants and $1.5 billion for operation and maintenance of current municipalities throughout the country.

While water treatment has come a long way, these subsidies will help greatly to bring systems up to speed nationally.

Did you know that Mexico has a slew of discount airlines that are not only affordable, but will take you to interesting spots all over the country?  Airlines such as Aladia, Alma de Mexico, Aviacsa, Avolar, Viva Aerobus and more have steadily been adding destinations, so travelers can now access any part of historic Mexico sometimes for as little as $100!  More than 50 cities are accessible from beachfront to the colonial middle ground.  Places like Aquascalientes have a historic hot springs and colonial architecture while Campeche is full of historic haciendas and ancient Mayan ruins.  For beach goers, Cheturnal is an interesting place to visit with unspoiled white sand beaches. 

There are so many special places to visit in Mexico - from cowboy towns to sleepy beach  historic cultural centers to fishing villages.  Enterprising vacationers can now get out an explore the friendly skies for less than half the price we pay in the US!  Take advantage and experience some Mexican culture.

Remember that 10-15% sales tax attached to just about everything in Mexico (10% in the Baja Peninsula)? You’ll be pleased to know that the Mexican Tourism Ministry has decided to give it back to you!  That’s right, beginning this month at five Mexico airports (Mexico City, Cancun, Los Cabos, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta), foreign tourists spending more than 1,200 pesos in approved shops (this will unfortunately not apply to hotels and restaurants) can get a refund of their sales tax at special airport kiosks.

Tourism is a $13 billion industry for Mexico - the third most important source of foreign income.  80% of that $13 million is coming from Americans.  The Mexican Ministry realizes many Americans are going through tough times right now and cutting back on vacation spending.  They want to provide some economic incentives to keep you all coming back and reward those who continue to patronize the Mexican vacation spots they love.

The program is new and therefore may likely improve over time, but for now you can look for airport kiosks labeled "Premier Tax Free, Global Refund Mexico or YVESAM.  You can expect half back in cash and half to be credited … You’ll also need to be wary of getting a special receipt each time you shop - it’s a start at least!

For more information please contact Alfredo Cristo

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Following along in the footsteps of many US localities, the Mexican Federal Government recently "officially" announced a nationwide prohibition against smoking in enclosed public buildings, restaurants and bars.  The new law will go into effect on September 1st, 2008.  Smoking areas that are physically separated from non-smoking areas will need to be designated by walled off or glassed in areas.  New regulations mandate that non-smokers will not even have to walk through such areas - so they should be outside of the normal flow of the floorplan.  Government buildings, hospitals and schools will be entirely smoke-free zones while universities will be allowed to create their own smoking areas. 

Owners of restaurants and bars will have a 180 day cushion after the September 1st cutoff to comply with the new law and remodel their establishments.  This should be an interesting transition period for many local businesses.

Relocating to the Baja?  Please contact Alfredo Cristo for help with real estate options.

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