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SITE REVIEW PUERTO VALLATRA MEXICO NOT THE MEXICO YOU THINK By Brienne HerBert white sand beaches and breathtaking resorts,Mexico is nowmore famous for its rising death tolls. Unfortunately for the tourism industry inMexico, themedia ismore concernedwith news ratings than actually presenting the whole truth.The fact of the matter is, in any country, if you’re looking for trouble you will find it.PuertoVallarta is not theMexico you think. Whether you are planning a meeting, or preparing T to host a large convention,PuertoVallarta is a premier location to accommodate any need. The Puerto Vallarta Convention Center www.cicpuertovallarta- .comwas designed to provide PuertoVallarta with the necessary infrastructure to host large scale business and entertainment events such as conferences, conven- tions, exhibitions, sporting, artistic,musical, and cultur- al events amongst others. Located just five minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the International Convention Center is conveniently situated just a short drive from the major hotels and resorts of the city.The two levels of convention and exhibition areas feature 53,821 sq. ft. of column-free space on the ground level, and 4,844 sq. ft. of fully carpeted space on the upper level.The exterior plaza area features 247,578 sq. ft. of space with 4 independent docking platforms for a total area of 46,360 sq. ft., and a 188,368 sq. ft. parking area for 645 vehicles and 91,493 sq. ft. for 50 buses. In addition, the PuertoVallarta Convention Center features the same amenities that meeting and convention planners would expect to find at any top notch convention center;Voice &data structured network, sound-proofwalls and acoustic ceil- ings,closed circuitTV,emergency power system,WiFi, surround sound, air conditioning, security and generalmaintenance serv- ice.These elements combinedwith its capacity in service,assort- ment of hotels and a diversity of activities have positioned this destination as a highly coveted hot spot for accommodating a variety ofmeeting and convention planning needs. With all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, the elaborate assortment of hotels and resorts sets PuertoVallarta apart from its neighboring cities.Located justminutes south of the city on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the Garza Blanca is a true hid- den gem http://www.garzablancaresort.com. The resort is nes- tled between the forests of the SierraMadreMountains and the 14 hese days, it’s hard not to turn on the news without being bombarded with more stories of violence and crime on the boarder of Mexico. Once known for its PacificOcean,allowing guests to experience the ulti- mate tropical getaway. The Garza Blanca does an excellent job of utilizing the natural beauty of Mexico to its fullest potential in the landscaping of its hotel property. From the infinity pool that appears to literally spill over into the PacificOcean, to the outdoor excursions through the jungle, The Garza Blanca is committed to a harmonious rela- tionship with its natural surroundings. Features and amenities are only the very best in quality and serv- ice. Each guestroom features; Large flat screen TVs, DVD/CD players, cable television, furnished ter- race, hammock, central air and broadband internet. Guests can also take advantage of the Hamara Spa for a day of pampering, or dine at the Blanca Blue Restaurant and Lounge. A modern take on classic Mexicana, The Garza Blanca offers a one of a kind experience. Also located just 20 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa www.dreamsresorts.com sits on one of 40 beaches along Bahia de Banderas. As an AAA Four Diamond Award recipient, Dreams Puerto Vallarta offers a first class experi- ence for couples and families alike. Every room or suite comes equippedwith a private ocean viewbal- cony or terrace, daily refreshed mini-bar, spacious living area and satellite TV. Just five minutes to downtown Puerto Vallarta, guests can take advan- tage of antique shops, local restaurants and site see- ing tours.After a day of sightseeing, check out The Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa’s www.puertovallartamarriott.com Ohtli Spa. As the largest andmost luxurious full service spa in PuertoVallarta, theOhtli Spa features 2,000 sq. ft.of relaxation and wellness facilities. On a larger scale, The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center www.sheraton.com- puertovallarta features 500 rooms and suites, 17 Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com