Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on around the Bay of Banderas and the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Mexico and Puerto Vallarta news headlines, plus a couple of weekend happenings and upcoming events that you won't want to miss.

HRHV Wins 2016 Meetings & Conventions Gold Platter Award

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (HRHV) has been singled out by the readers of Meetings & Conventions (M&C) as the winner of the 2016 Gold Platter Elite Award, the only one to received this recognition in the Riviera Nayarit. This award pays tribute to the most outstanding hotel event catering departments according to the readers of the M&C who have the certified criteria necessary thanks to their ample experience in the segment. Some of the elements considered when choosing the winners were: menu creativity, originality, personnel enthusiasm and professionalism, ambiance, and the quality and flavor of the food. This year, 40 establishments received this award after online voting was counted. All the winners will be included in the M&C Annual Gold Awards special edition magazine, which will be published by November 2016 both in hard copy and online; it will directly reach 50 thousand readers and be available for an entire year. Read more at RivieraNayarit.com.

Aeroméxico Offering New Austin-Mexico City Non-Stop Service

Aeroméxico, Mexico's biggest airline, announced Tuesday it would launch new nonstop flights between Austin and Mexico later this year. The new service is scheduled to launch Nov. 17, officials at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport said. The announcement comes two days after ABIA officials staged a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark non-stop service between Austin and Guadalajara, Mexico offered by Volaris airlines. Austin Mayor Steve Adler lauded the new service. He framed the link between cities through the prism of artistic and cultural exchange. "Aeroméxico's new Austin-Mexico City service will build a bridge to opportunities in Mexico," Adler said in a prepared statement. "This new direct flight links our two capitals and brings Mexico City's ancient pyramids that much closer to our statues of Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Welcome, Aeroméxico." While there are still a few months before flights, tickets can already be secured at www.aeromexico.com or by calling 1-800-237-6639. From Austin, the flights will depart Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:09 p.m. arriving in Mexico City at 3:33 p.m., according to airport officials. Return flights from Mexico City will depart on the same days at 9:30 a.m., arriving in Austin at 11:53 a.m., officials added. Read more at Patch.com.

'Made in Mexico' Returns to Puerto Vallarta in September

Join us this September at Garza Blanca Resort and Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta for the second edition of Made in Mexico. The cultural event is set to celebrate all things Mexican in honor of Mexico's Independence Day on the eve of September 16th with an intense program in the run up to the national holiday as well as tributes to Mexico throughout the month. Guests are invited to embrace the colorful, warm and vibrant heritage of Mexico in a series of Mexican themed activities including a Mexican expo of fine Mexican produce such as wine, cheese, crafts and fine art. The resorts will also be welcoming guests of honor, fashion designer Maria Rosario Mendoza to showcase her Takasami label and studio potter Valentín Garcia Magaña from Tonala, Jalisco who will be representing Artesanías Erandi, as well as Mariachi, dancers and other tributes to Mexico's ancient traditions. More information » 

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• Feria del Elote Continues in Jala, Nayarit through August 15

• Go Mediterranean in Vallarta at Kaiser Maximilian

• Democrats Abroad Social at Luna Azul on August 16th