Attractions include Polynesian day beds, cabanas and a swim-up bar. YHI Spa with hydrotherapy circuits, afternoon golf at the Playa Mujeres or Cancun Golf Clubs, snorkeling and scuba attractions off the coast of Cozumel Island, food at four Mediterranean & Asian Bistro inspired restaurants. Live DJs and VIP bottle service global music, fire dancers and more entertain visitors at night, creating an immersive relaxing experience. To book a vacation you won’t soon forget, visit ME Cancun.

From 2002 to 2008, local filmmaker Laurence Salzmann made repeated trips to Puebla state in southern Mexico, the rural birthplace of many of them, seeking to understand what drew them to el Norte.

The result is Echele Ganas — A Life Left Behind, an unblinking look at Mexico’s faded farmland and the relentlessness of immigrant ambition.

His video and photographic projects are centerpieces of De Pueblo a Pueblo, a citywide celebration of Mexican culture that begins Friday and runs to June 10.

Salzmann’s work, a catalyst for the festival, tracks the lives of Alberto, Ramon, Adan, and Hernan, laborers he met in 2003 and employed to build his West Philadelphia photo studio. He chronicles their coming to the United States, and its impact on their families still in Puebla.

The Mexican populations of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties more than doubled between 2000 and 2010, from 22,690 to 57,523. In Montgomery County, where the growth was largest and spurred by affordable housing in such places as Norristown, it soared 300 percent, to 13,386.

At the same time, Mexicans often keep a low profile because many are illegal immigrants. They are, said Salzmann, the busboys, gardeners, and laborers glimpsed at work, often with their heads down.

Organizers of De Pueblo a Pueblo, which means “From Town to Town,” hope its lineup of more than 40 films, folkloric dances, craft workshops, traditional feasts, and discussions about immigration will put a face on the people in the shadows, highlight their contributions to regional revitalization, and build relationships between them and the wider community.

The daylong San Mateo Carnavalero, an annual parade of revelers in extravagant costumes, culminating in a dance party in a park at Fourth Street and Washington Avenue, anchors the festival’s first Sunday next week.

The mostly free events are subsidized by the organizations presenting them. Venues include the University of Pennsylvania’s International House, Fleisher Art Memorial, and Drexel University.

“A lot of people see the immigrant population growing, and see only the bad part of that,” said Marcela Garza, executive director of the Mexican Cultural Center, an offshoot of the Mexican consulate in Philadelphia. “We hope, as people get to know more about our culture, they will see that Mexicans want to work hard for a better life.”

Organizers know their efforts won’t end the policy debates over the nation’s estimated 11 million illegal immigrants of all nationalities, how to secure U.S. borders, educate immigrant children, or protect American jobs for American workers.

They hope, however, that by showcasing Mexican culture, they can play a role in dispelling contempt.

“The more you know about somebody,” Salzmann said, “the less you see them as being a threat.”

From miles of pristine white sandy beaches to impressively eco-friendly resorts, ancient Mayan temples, snorkeling, scuba diving and cave diving, Mexico’s hip Riviera Maya has it all — and, for those with kids in tow, there are even direct flights.

Here are our recommendations for making the most of it.

What To Do

Riviera Maya scores high when it comes to having tour operators who can point out its many unique aspects. For families seeking fun-filled days with activity levels suited to the needs of all, the convenience of booking through such an operator cannot be overstated. Our top picks:

Xplor (xplor.travel/) in Playa Del Carmen offers such adventures as ziplining through the verdant jungles, and underground floating and rafting tours in cenotes, freshwater sinkholes, which are exclusive to this area.

For adrenaline junkies there’s an extreme adventure tour with Hidden Worlds (hiddenworlds.com), near Tulum. This includes the jungle and splash zipline (down into the water!) and the Avatar, a sky cycling adventure where you do the work on a bike suspended above the jungle. There’s also the first roller coaster zipline in the world — insanely fun!

Water sports are taken to an entirely new level with the Dolphin Royal Swim at Dolphin Discovery (dolphindiscovery.com/mayan_riviera/riviera-maya-location-overview.asp). It’s like water-skiing with a push instead of a pull. Grab the dorsal fin and speed through the water on the ride of your life. Dolphin Discovery has several locations in Riviera Maya.
Explore Ancient Cities

Once the very heart of the Mayan civilization (about 2,000 B.C.-900 A.D.), the Riviera Maya is known for its archeological sites. Among the marvels to explore:

Tulum

After telling of the Mayan culture, rituals and ways of life, professional guides walk visitors back in time to tour the ruins perched on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean.

Cobá

This large city of ruins features the Nohoch Mul, a 126-foot pyramid and the largest surviving temple from its time. Opt for a guided tour.

Xcaret

Xcaret in Cancun once functioned as an important Maya trading center and is today a hybrid park and ecological sanctuary where many original structures still exist. Among the all-day family attractions: an authentic Mayan village, ceremonies and dances, a traditional Mexican cemetery, a Mexican rodeo and seven restaurants.

Where to Stay

Tucked away in jungle along a white sandy beach, yet close enough to Cancun for shopping and sightseeing, the exceptional Maroma Hotel in Cancun is for families who want to get away from the crowds and splurge a little. Rates start at $765 a night and include an a la carte buffet and complimentary snorkel trip every day. Maroma takes their younger guests seriously, with a game center and kids given their own guide to the many supervised activities, including classes on making cupcakes and Mexican kites.

The goals of the slogan and advertising campaign are to lure to the state adventure-seeking young people with a “thirst for authenticity” and to combat the misconception that there’s nothing to do in New Mexico, said state tourism secretary Monique Jacobson.

“New Mexico is about site doing, not sightseeing,” Jacobson told Reuters. “It’s a place with true beauty, adventure and rich, authentic experiences.”

The $2 million campaign kicks off on Tuesday in Texas, Arizona and Colorado.

Television advertising spots, created by Austin, Texas-based Vendor Inc., highlight couples, families and individuals relaxing in natural hot springs, kayaking, making pottery or guiding llamas down winding forest paths.

Print ad tag lines include “Adventure that feeds the soul begins here.” Another is an effort to appeal to those who suffer from heat waves in their home states: “A state can be a beautiful air conditioner.”

The campaign got off to a rocky start earlier this year when its casting call ad requested Caucasian or light-skinned Hispanic actors. Newspaper editorials castigated state officials for a lack of tact.

Jacobson declined to comment on the casting call, saying: “We hope that’s behind us now. The spot really does celebrate New Mexico.”

New Mexico’s $5.5-billion tourism industry – its second-largest, behind oil and gas – employs more people than any other industry in the state, accounting for 56,000 jobs. Yet the state ranks 38 in the country in terms of number of visitors, according to Jacobson.

Some 29.8 million people visit New Mexico each year, but many of them are just passing through. The state gets 13 million overnight visitors per year, Jacobson said.

Among the state’s recent visitors are Judy Hargis, 64, and Walt Hargis, 70 from Colorado. The couple was headed to Texas but said heavy rainfall made them change their minds and come to Santa Fe.

“I’m surprised at how beautiful it is here compared to eastern Colorado, where it’s dry, flat and the wind blows all the time,” Judy Hargis said last week.

Ron Pomerantz, 58, and Karen Pomerantz, 60, were passing through Santa Fe last week on a cross-country road trip from south Florida to Juno, Alaska. Ron Pomerantz called Santa Fe a “great little town with galleries unlimited.”

“Our trip is short this time around, but we’ll come back and spend some time because New Mexico looks a lot better than Texas and it’s not Arizona,” he said.

But since news broke last year that the town’s family-friendly wedding destination Ceiba del Mar Resort and Spa would be transformed into Desire Resort and Spa — a couples-only, clothing-optional swingers resort – locals have been concerned that tourism will take a hit.

Desire has another location in Puerto Morelos in a more secluded area six miles from town, but the new space, which opened this month, is on the strip of beach in between the town center and a hotel zone that is frequented by locals and vacationers.

The opening of the second Desire location comes as Mexico, and the Yucatán Peninsula in particular, prepare for December 21, the date in Mayan mythology that marks the end of a 5,125 year-long cycle, which some believe could mark a doomsday-like scenario. The day has been a big tourist pull, and the Mexico Tourism Board estimates that 52 million domestic and international tourists will visit the southeastern part of the country in 2012.

Tourist have already been flocking to sites that are catering to all type of tourist, from the luxury-seekers, to the foodie-types, to those looking for a more spiritual break.

But local restaurant owners and tour operators say they’re not interested in getting the type of tourist Desire is expected to attract, and don’t want their businesses exposed to the potentially tawdry goings-on at the resort.

“People in Puerto Morelos don’t like the idea of Desire. People here are conservative,” Wilmo Zetina, the co-owner of Pelicanos, one of the town’s largest restaurants and beach clubs, told FoxNews.com.

“You shouldn’t have to walk by the beach and see that,” said Goyo Morgan, an American ex-pat who has called Puerto Morelos home for more than three decades. “This is a family-oriented town,” he said. “I want my grandkids to enjoy that beach.”

Jose Jiminez, who takes tourists out on snorkeling and dive trips complained that the changing of the guards at the resort will be bad for business.

“Those people don’t want to snorkel. They’re busy doing other things,” Jiminez told FoxNews.com.

So far the locals have not formally organized to try and stop Desire from operating in their town. Since it only officially opened they are waiting to see how things play out before taking any action.

The Cancun Visitors Bureau, which oversees Puerto Morelos had no comment for this story.

According to Don Hughes, chief operations officer for Desire Vacations and Lifestyles Travel in the United States, there will be security guards posted at each end of the beach to keep people moving along, but because the beach is public there is no way to keep anyone off it. Currently, there is nothing shielding pedestrians from viewing the activities in the resort.

Hughes said that he is unaware of any complaints, and said the March renovations to the resort to transition from Ceiba del Mar to focused on upgrades that would meet the standards of the new visitors.

“I’ve never seen turquoise water like this before. It’s a beautiful thing,” Schum says.

The couple had heard of Mexico’s cartel killings, casino firebombs, bribery and corruption. But like millions of other Americans craving a break this spring, these workaholics couldn’t resist the low prices, flowing drinks and sunny, 26-degree escape.

“We know not to leave the resort, drink the water or eat the vegetables,” says Levy. “We arranged for a shuttle from the airport, we wouldn’t get in a taxi. And yeah, we feel safe.”

Plus they got a great deal, adds Levy: Just $1500 for five days, four nights – food, drinks, airfare, transportation, everything.

While American tourism to Mexico slipped 3 percent last year, the country remains by far the biggest tourist destination for Americans, with about 20 million US visitors a year, according to annual survey of bookings by the largest travel agencies. It’s as if the entire populations of New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia and Phoenix all went to Mexico on holiday each year.

And for those Americans who do stay away, it appears that it’s also finances, not just violence, that’s to blame. The US Department of Commerce reports that the economic recession forced 4 percent fewer Americans to travel abroad in 2011 compared with 2010.

While some can’t afford the trip, others do stay home out of fear.

The US State Department warns of “gun battles in broad daylight” as Mexican drug dealers fight to control the lucrative trade in marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine that reaps an estimated $25 billion in US sales each year.

Mexican officials say 47,515 people were killed in narcotics-related violence in Mexico between December 1, 2006, and September 30, 2011. Most were people involved in the drug trade, but the number of US citizens murdered in Mexico increased from 35 in 2007 to 120 in 2011.

Certain areas are more dangerous than others, the State Department says. Tourists are advised to stay near resorts and not to travel at night in the resorts of Acapulco and Mazatlan, for example. And in February, 22 Carnival Cruise Lines passengers were robbed at gunpoint during a shore excursion near the Mexico seaside resort of Puerto Vallarta.

Cancun, however, has remained relatively unscathed. And millions of Americans still come, especially during spring break, when the town becomes a weeks-long party.

Mexican and US law enforcement officials say the region is relatively free of violence because trafficking in the area is controlled almost exclusively by just one cartel, the Zetas, a brutal and high-tech gang founded by rogue Mexican Army special forces who deserted their units and entered the drug trade. In contrast to many other areas of Mexico, the Zetas are virtually uncontested in Cancun, Latin America security analyst Samuel Logan says.

“The area is safe because Los Zetas control the area and are too dug in for their rivals to fight them for it,” he said in an email.

Logan said the cartel maintains control over the region by shaking down business owners, forcing them to pay for “protection” or risk attacks. He said the cartel likely has far more weapons and power than local law enforcement, and that they’re likely paying off politicians and police.

“Extortion is the name of the game,” said security consultant Walter McKay in Mexico City.

McKay said going to bars, buying drugs or getting involved in illicit activity would put a tourist at great risk in Mexico. But he said it’s a safe vacation for the multitudes of bikini-clad visitors who have a singular goal when they reach the numerous resort cities that dot the east and west coasts: to lie on the beach with a beer and a taco.

Other Americans come south to visit family or travel on business. But the draw of sunshine, low prices and close flights are – for many in need of a vacation – the key, irresistible combination. And Cancun, with miles of all inclusive luxury resorts, is the top tourism spot in Mexico. Tens of thousands of bell boys, concierges, clerks, cooks, security guards and housemaids in starched uniforms here depend on the tourist dollars to send their children to school, put food on the table, take care of their elderly.

American tourists in many Mexican resort cities often holiday in a bit of a bubble. They are met at the airport by a driver holding a placard with their name, whisked past street markets, taco stands, schools and health clinics in an air conditioned car. They settle into their resort for the entire stay, venturing out only for an occasional shopping trip in a secure part of town.

Strolling through an upscale La Isla shopping mall in Cancun, Irene Hanson pushed partner Debbie Streeter’s wheelchair past one familiar shop after another: Cold Stone Creamery, United Colours of Benetton, Roxy. The Boston couple has travelled the world over the past two decades, and said they were looking forward to swimming with dolphins later in the afternoon.

Mexico’s tourism ministry reports a record 190 million domestic and international visitors toured the country’s attractions in 2011, an increase of 3.7 percent from 2010. Most of those tourists were Mexican.

“I have no safety concerns,” Streeter said. “I grew up street-wise and I can tell if someone is trouble, but these people make their money off tourists. They’re not going to hurt us and scare others off.”

Nearby, three Brooklyn friends – Carmine Pennella, his brother Dominick and their friend Frank Cirrincione – flexed their sizable biceps into bodybuilder poses when asked for a photo.

“If they wanna kidnap me, have at it,” said Pennella, who came down for a bachelor party. Then, growing serious, his brother said they’re being careful.

“We heard about hostages and drug wars,” Dominick Pennella said, “and we’re not wandering around at night. It’s common sense. Me, I don’t go to places out around Coney Island at night, either.”

They say, despite the horror stories that exist, quality work can be found – and as one Calgary man found, the money saved can be incredible.

Eating is something Mark Eberwein will never again take for granted.

“I bit down on an olive pit… and it shattered one of my teeth and killed the nerve,” says Mark.

Over time Mark lost several teeth.

Eating became so difficult that his health suffered. Finally his parents suggested he speak with a dentist in Mexico.

“I found this dentist through my mom and my stepdad. They have a house in Bucerias, Mexico which is just north of Puerto Vallarta. Everybody comes from North America and goes and sees Dr. Adrian,” says Mark.

“We take pride in our work here. We have our own dental lab, I do most of my designs as well, and we’re particular – especially about our prosthetic work,” says Dr. Adrian.

Mark ended up having all of the necessary dental work done in Dr. Adrian’s office. He says not only was he happy with the results, but also with the money he saved.

Dr. Adrian’s says his North American business is thriving, with about 85% of his clients coming from Canada.

The increased demand, however, comes at a price. Unqualified dentists have been known to try to cash in

“If you don’t look into where you’re going, what you’re doing and what they’re doing to you… problems begin,” says Dr. Adrian.

That’s why Mark was careful to do his research, and now he says he’s so pleased with the experience, he’d recommend his Mexican dentist to anyone.

Our two-part series on dental tourism continues on Tuesday, with a closer look at some of the risks involved with heading south to the dentist, and how a so-called ‘dental travel agent’ can help steer you in the right direction.

That was 1964.

Flash forward to 2012, and the onetime haunt of Hollywood starlets, international jet-setters and canoodling presidents-to-be (both the Kennedys and the Clintons honeymooned here) has become a symbol for the human and economic toll exacted by Mexico’s ongoing war with rival drug cartels. Foreign tourism has plummeted, prompted in part by headlines like “Headless bodies flood Acapulco sidewalk” (from the Jan. 9, 2011 New York Daily News, reporting on a particularly gruesome discovery outside a local shopping center).

Now, a new promotional campaign and English-language website dubbed “Remember Acapulco” is trying to reassure would-be visitors – and rekindle some of that old glamour.

“The goal is to regain confidence,” said Graciela Baez Ricardez, head of tourism for the State of Guerrero (where last month’s 7.4 earthquake caused no damage to the city’s hotels or other tourist facilities). “We realize that Acapulco has faced many challenges over the past few years and we want to remind travelers why they fell in love with Acapulco in the first place. This was a destination that attracted the world’s most elite travelers; the glamour, hospitality and charm still exists and needs to be brought back to the forefront.”

A recently expanded U.S. State Department travel warning advises that Americans defer non-essential travel to areas farther than two blocks inland of the Costera Miguel Aleman Boulevard, which parallels the popular beach areas, and a quick perusal of RememberAcapulco.com reveals nothing about the city’s efforts to beef up security. (It does, however, boast that “if there was an Olympics for nightlife, Acapulco would win a gold medal.”)

But a multimillion dollar “Safe Guerrero” campaign, launched late last year, includes new lighting along Costera Miguel Aleman, the placement of more than 600 surveillance cameras and the deployment of federal security forces to take over nighttime law enforcement. As a result, officials say, homicide rates have decreased 40% since October.

The Mexico Tourism Tianguis, hosted by Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta until March 28, brings together domestic and foreign buyers interested in tourism in Mexico, including Mayan culture, World Heritage Cities, Magic Towns, Mexican cuisine, adventure tourism and destinations of sun and sand, among others.

In his inaugural address, President Felipe Calderon said the Tourism Tianguis will promote all the tourist destinations of our country without distinction, and will undoubtedly be an important source of business opportunities.

He stressed that this event shows positive results by allowing the creation of jobs and income of foreign exchange, prerequisites for improving the quality of life for families.

He recalled that in 2011, declared as the Year of Tourism in Mexico, achieved a record high of more than 190 million domestic and foreign visitors to the country, thanks to joint efforts in all sectors of this important industry.

The president also acknowledged the effort and participation of those who joined the National Agreement on Tourism, a tool that marks the way forward to strengthen the tourism industry in Mexico.

At the opening ceremony, Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo said that Mexico is experiencing a historic moment in the development of tourism, as the support and commitment of the President to the country in this activity is unprecedented.

The Tourism Secretary explained that this year’s Tianguis includes more than 22 000 business appointments, exceeding by nearly 40% the previous year, involving more than 50% of domestic and foreign buyers, of which 70% are wholesalers. This event will feature more than seven thousand people, exceeding last year by 75% For his part, the Governor of Nayarit, Roberto Sandoval Castañeda , said it is an honor for Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to host Tianguis which will show the world the riches of our country. He welcomed the participants and wished every success for entrepreneurs and tour operators involved.
In turn, the Governor of Jalisco, Emilio González Márquez, said that Mexico is a magical place and we must share with the world the richness of our culture, nature and warmth of our people. The president said he was convinced that tourism is an important lever of economic development to provide employment and improve the quality of life for our families.

Even one full day before it concludes on Wednesday, the annual tourism trade fair has surpassed expectations, with 7,000 businesses and travel associations in attendance compared with about 4,000 last year.

According to Gloria Guevara, Mexico’s tourism minister, there are 50 per cent more buyers than last year. She also says that companies attending the fair had already notched up 21,742 business appointments before the start compared with just over 16,000 by the conclusion of last year’s event.

“We’ve raised the fair to a new level,” she told beyondbrics.

All of that is good news for Mexico as it attempts to diversify what it can offer tourists, as well as attract visitors from new countries against a backdrop of its military-led offensive against the country’s drug-cartels.

More than 50,000 people have been killed in drugs-related violence since the centre-right administration of President Felipe Calderón first made fighting organised crime a priority in December 2006.

But against all the odds, the country has not only managed to defend the number of foreigners visiting Mexico but even increase the number. According to statistics compiled by Mexico’s migration authorities, just over 1m foreigners went to Mexico in January of this year, a 4.5 per cent increase over the same month last year.

2011, by the way, ended up being a record year for foreign tourists visiting Mexico, with a total of 22.7m.

There is more of an upbeat atmosphere among those doing business at the trade fair, too. Walking through the seemingly endless marketplace, a huge white tent filled with beauty-pageant queens, dancers wearing over-sized feather headdresses, and stall after stall of travel companies, hotel chains, state promotion agencies and real-estate developers, there is a buzz that wasn’t present in its previous incarnations.

Ana Olarte Beltrán, who works at Vive Un Nuevo Destino (Live a New Destination), a Mexico City-based travel broker that connects buyers and sellers, says that she has filled her contact book already.

“It’s really swinging,” she says, in an adjacent plaza where clowns walk on stilts and leggy hostesses greet newcomers. “There is much more on offer, too. Everyone is genuinely optimistic.”

Much of that has to do with this year’s change of venue for the first time in almost 40 years. The move was controversial, not least because it stripped the fair from Acapulco, Mexico’s once-glamorous, now faded-and-edgy tourist resort, which has suffered a rash of drugs-related violence in the last couple of years.

But the move has also opened up the event to Mexico’s other states, which now compete with each other to become host (next year, it will be in Puebla, to the southeast of Mexico City; and in 2014, the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo will host the event).

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Acapulco, which now needs business and investment more than ever. But changing venue, and giving industry players a chance to see what else Mexico has on offer, was the right thing to do.