Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. So we've put together a brief overview of several of this week's headlines from local Spanish language newspapers, a few breaking Mexico news stories, and a couple of upcoming events you won't want to miss.

Mexico #1 for Cultural Tourism

Mexico is the country with the highest number of archaeological sites on the UNESCO's record in the whole of Latin America - and the seventh in the entire world. The sun and beautiful coast that bathes this privileged country are just a small part of what Mexico has to offer in tourism. It also leads the world when it comes to cultural tourism; that is why it is a priority for the current government to boost this segment. This was declared by the deputy Minister of Tourism, Carlos Joaquín González within the frameworks of the workshop called "A Diagnose of Cultural Tourism," which took place in Mexico City. He additionally stated that these workshops aim to raise the industry’s awareness and so to realize that the more diverse the supply is, the greater the demand. Read more and see the video at MexicoNewsTravel.com

Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood Association Meets with Seapal

In order to understand the problems of the sanitation infrastructure in Vallarta's Zona Romantica, Vallarta Seapal executives attended a Colonia Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood Association meeting at Playa Los Arcos Hotel this week. The neighbors expressed their concerns regarding the overuse of the area's existing sewer lines, and the resulting sewage overspills. However, Seapal executives said that this problem occurs consistently, and is caused largely by the solidification of fats that are dumped down household drains, in addition to the excess water that goes into the sewer during Vallarta's rainy season. Another concern expressed by the association was the proliferation of new developments within the area, which naturally need to be connected to the sewer lines in question. They pointed out that the existing infrastructure does not meet the area's current needs due to the number of developments already connected to it, and ask the authorities to give the matter appropriate scrutiny through feasibility studies. In response, Vallarta Seapal director, Cesar Abarca Gutierrez reiterated that rehabilitation and maintenance are Seapal's priority, because the sewage system represents the backbone of the city, that is, it carries 98% of the sewage generated in Puerto Vallarta. Abarca Gutierrez promised to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the sanitation infrastructure in the Romantic Zone in order to pinpoint the areas that need the most attention in the short term and analyze how to manage resources for their rehabilitation.

Vallarta Yacht Club Kids' Summer Sailing Camp

Know a child, teen or young adult who would like to learn to sail? Vallarta Yacht Club's sailing summer camps are back, and are bigger than ever this year. Students can now choose to learn Optimist dinghy, Laser dinghy or sailboard. Classes are offered for all levels, from beginner to advanced sailors. Students will be safely guided to sailing competency by our experienced and internationally trained instructors. All classes will be held in Spanish and English. Students should bring their own life vest, but all other equipment will be provided.

Sailing camps will be held over three weeks in July:
July 8-12: Sailboards for Beginners
July 15-19: Optimist and Laser Sailing for Beginners
July 22-26: Optimist, Laser and Sailboards for Intermediate and Advanced sailors

For more information, call the VYC office at (322) 297-2222, or visit VallartaYachtClub.org.

Mexico's Minister of the Interior Meets Governors in Nayarit

Operation "Secure Nayarit" was implemented in the Bahia de Banderas municipality on Thursday, as Mexico's Minister of the Interior, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, led a meeting with governors from 10 of the country's Western states, including the governor of Nayarit, Roberto Sandoval Castañeda. In preparation of the authorities' arrival, Nayarit Attorney General Edgar Vieytia ordered the southern entrance to the town of Bahía de Banderas to be guarded through the operational implementation of 150 Nayarit police units, 16 trucks and 3 trailers, in addition to the many state transit units. The meeting took place at a well-known hotel in Nuevo Vallarta, where the Interior Secretary arrived promptly at 11:30 am, accompanied by members of the Security Cabinet.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around the Bay
Click on titles for more information

• 'Cena con Causa' to Benefit Vallarta Firefighters

• Vallarta Celebrates Canada's 146th Anniversary

• North American Day Potluck BBQ at Captain Don's

• Vallarta Navy League & American Legion July 4th Cruise

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants in our 2013 Best of Banderas Bay Awards, right HERE on BanderasNews.com. We'll be collecting your votes in categories ranging from 'Best Breakfast' to 'Best Margarita' through December 31st, and the Puerto Vallarta restaurant with the most votes in each category will be named 'The Best of Banderas Bay' at an awards ceremony in early 2014. Click HERE to vote NOW!