Monday, January 27, 2020

Boutique Hotel And Tourism In Mexico Tourism Essay

Boutique Hotel And Tourism In Mexico Tourism Essay Introduction This report conducts the feasibility study to invest a boutique hotel in Mexico. It illustrates the structure of Mexico economic system, tourism industry, and the situation analysis. In order to evaluate the potential business, marketing mix is carefully analysis. Since the product is already chosen as boutique hotel, we must define boutique hotel and where is the location to be investing in. A boutique hotel is a small to medium size usually with no more than 150 rooms; provide personalized service and distinction design to attract the niche market. Boutique hotel is attracting the niche of customers looking for individual and special needs different than other property can offer. The investing boutique hotel will be located in Cancun Island, which is well known by its sea resort, and wide variety of activities can be done; it is voted one of the best tourism destinations. Mexico United Mexican States, which is commonly known as Mexico; it is located in the central of Americas. Mexico is the 14th largest nation in the world with estimated population 112 millions. Before Mexico declared independence in 1821, it was Spain colony for three hundred years. The most spoken language in Mexico is Spanish. The GDP by country in 2009 is 1.017 trillion. Felipe de Jesus Calderon Hinojosa is the current president in Mexico. Cancun Cancun is located in the east part of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo alone with the Caribbean Sea. Cancun is famous by the beautiful nature, beach, and the ancient Mayan archaeological sites. There are about 140 hotels in Cancun with 24000 rooms (Cancun Tourism Center); the occupancy focus in 2010 is 80% during the high season in July to the end of August. The weather of the city is sunny 70% the time during the year, and the temperatures are between 26C to 36C all year around. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Cancun city with the water activities in the beach, nightlife in the downtown, and also the well famous heritage, the Mayan ruins. Yucatan General Information State name: Yacatan Capital: Merida White City (955,000 population) Population: 1,945,840 Area: 39,612 square kilometers Currency: Peso (1 Peso = 100 Centavos) Language: Spanish Religion: Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6%, other 0.3%, unspecified 13.8%, none 3.1% Cancun population is 542,043 people. Tourism industry in Mexico Tourism is a very large industry in Mexico; it is rank as 2nd foreign destination within Latin America, 1st in Spanish speaking country, and 10th place in term of international tourists arrival (World Tourist Organization), figure 1 shows the international tourist travel around the world. Tourism sector 8% of the total GDP in Mexico. Mexico has one of the largest tourism industries in the world; in 2008, it had total 22.6 million tourists, with 13 billion generated by tourism industry. However, due to the economic crisis and swine flu H1N1 in 2009, new visa regulation and drug dealer violence act; Mexicans tourism industry had a large drawback, which causes the tourism visit Mexico drop by 16% in the 2nd quarter of 2009. The year 2009 was rather difficult for Mexicos travel and tourism industry. The situation expects to change in 2010 with 5% annual growth for the next decade. Experts of the AMHM are looking forward to 2010 are forecast this year will become an eventful year for Mexico with the upcoming bicentennial and action plans for extensive program of events. The tourism and hospitality industries are counting down on these events as a lot of tourists are expected to come to Mexico, which will become the first step to recover from the recession. The tourists will be able to learn more about Mexican culture, history, and the people. International tourist arrival Tourist (Stop-over) Arrivals in by Year Destination 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Bahamas 1450043 1514532 1491663 1527726 1462404 1326722 Cancun 2331362 2134180 1586942 2022302 2165320 1434416 Jamaica 1414786 1478663 1678905 1700785 1767271 1837091 Tourist Attraction An amazing fusion of European and especially Spanish and Meso-American cultures, which make up a unique culture, plus the coastal climate make Mexico even more attractive. The peak seasons in the country are during the month of December and the months of July and August. Cultural event in Mexico are mainly focused on: An amazing fusion of European and especially Spanish and Meso-American cultures, which make up a unique culture, plus the coastal climate make Mexico even more attractive. The peak seasons in the country are during the month of December and the months of July and August. Cultural event in Mexico are mainly focused on: Religion Art Literature National holidays Music Dancing Cuisine Cinema Sport There are three categories of event in Mexico: Catholic religious events, national events cultural events. El Dà ­a de Los Reyes which is the Three Kings Day is the traditional gift giving day. Carnaval (Mardi Gras) festivities take place from February to March with parades, dancing, fireworks and music. From 10-13 May, the Cancà ºn Jazz Festival takes place, featuring top musicians. The nation celebrates Independence Day on 15 and 16 September with fireworks and parties. The International Caribbean Festival is celebrated in November which is followed by the Fiesta of Isla Majors that honours the patron saint and the Cancun Fair in early December. Potential Problem in Mexico tourism industry Passport Visa requirement Start from June 2009, all the U.S. travelers returning/entering to the United States from Mexico must present a valid passport or other WHTI documentation, such as passport card, birth certificate or enhanced drivers license. Hurricane impact the coast Since our hotel is located in at the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun, the area can be affect by the hurricane season. Hurricane season in Mexico last from June to November, in 2009, the hurricane season was relatively mild in comparison with the few previous years, but the heavy storms had affected the tourists come to visit the country. Economic in Mexico The economy of Mexico is rank at the 14th largest in the world, and place 11th by the purchasing power parity. Since the year 1994, when the most severe crisis in the whole history of Mexico, Mexican peso suddenly suffered devaluation due to the high inflation rate, nearly 50% of the population suffered due to the no value in the currency. However, the country has made an impressive recovery, building a modern and diversified economy, and financial support from the U.S. government; even the 2002 South America economy crisis, it didnt influence much of the countrys economy as the government did everything possible in order to improve countrys economic fundament. Mexico is characterized by macroeconomic stability, by reducing inflation and interest rates to increase per capita income; however, enormous gap remain between the urban and the rural area, which only the rich and poor people remain, the middle class is almost disappearing. The Mexican government is facing the challenges include the upgrade of infrastructure, the modernization of tax system and labor laws, and the reduction of income inequality. Mexico has a strong business relation with the U.S., it suffered from the economic slowdown and economic recession by -6.8% in GDP in 2009. In 2010, Mexico is expecting a 3% growth and 2-3% growth for the next decade. Economic system Free Trade ActMexico is a free-market based economy, by signing up free trade agreements (FTAs) with more than 40 countries, which including the European Union, Japan, Israel, and much of Central and America. More than a quarter of the countrys GDP are generated from the export goods to the U.S. Mexican government are welcome for business to enter. Mexican economy is depending on the following: agriculture and food production, industry natural resource and services. Figure 2.2 shows the GDP sector. Taxation In order to open and develop a business in Mexico, there are some factors that should be taking into consideration before planning the correct strategy of investments. The political situation of the country, economical situation and demand that will help to build a marketing plan directed to making high revenue. Federal tax in Mexico may vary from 10% to 28% despite to the income. Corporations are been charge for 30% tax rate; however, for foreign private investors, the tax rate is set at 25%, which is slightly lower than the residents. This has a positive effect on the development of business in Mexico and attracts entrepreneurs to invest their money. The value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of goods, rendering of services, granting the use or enjoyment of goods and importation of goods or services is normally set at 16% in Mexico. In the border areas (international land border areas) is at 10%. (www.taxrates.cc) The concept of capital gains in Mexico does not exist. The earning that one gains from the sale of a product is treated as normal income. S.W.O.T. analysis of Mexico Strengths: Location is good because it is the major connection between North and South America. Tropical climate two main seasons (rainy and dry) Beautiful nature and rich culture with a lot of history Weaknesses: Economy is closely related with export to USA around 70% is export. Swine flu that hit very badly the whole country and they need to close it to stop the spread of the flu Big problem is drugs (selling and transport to USA) Natural disasters tsunami, earthquakes and hurricanes Split oil in the Gulf of Mexico related with tourism Treats: Economy depends too much on USA economy High violence because of drug traffic and cartels related with it Opportunities: Reducing dependence of USA economy and increase independency of the economy Development of the economy S.W.O.T. analysis of Cancun Strengths: Good location Very good known like tourist destination world wide Popular with Mesoamericans history and Maya`s ancient buildings Big variety if worldwide well known hotels A lot of options to explorer Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico also regions around Cancun (scuba diving, fishing, jeep trips, Mayan ruins, parks, museums) also there are 475 bird species, over hundreds different mammals and twelve hundred plants. Accessible (airport 10 km) Weaknesses: Too crowded because of the many tourists Hurricane ( Dean 2009) Treats: Depend too much on the tourism and hospitality industry Opportunities: Encourage people to invest and extend the agriculture (support and subsidize the sector) Develop green sites of the city Foreign investors in infrastructure Conclusion Investment Three quarter of the hotels in Cancun city are rated as 5 star luxury hotels. The average room rate is $80-200 according to dealbase.com, which is relevantly cheaper than Miami resort, start from $119 and go up. Cancun city became a favorite tourists destination by the U.S. and European. The occupancy rate is consistently stayed above 70% in the regular bases (Latin American Berald Tribune), which provide large clienteles to make profit. Cancun city has 140 hotels with very few boutique hotels in the area, by the research on escapio unique hotels web site, there are only 2 unique hotels can be fit into the boutique hotels categories. They are Hotel Villas HM Paraiso Del Mar and Las Nubes de Holbox. These hotels have standalone building for each room and only 20 rooms and 26 rooms each. This creates a huge demand of boutique hotels once the concept and advertising are spread in the area. Since there are only few unique style hotels in Cancun, the sustainability is low, it create inela stic of demand. This is why we think it is a good idea to invest boutique hotel in Cancun. From the customers side of view, the VAT is Cancun is at 10% rate, which is 6% lower than other inner states, because it is on the border of Mexico, this will attract more potential customers to Cancun. As we mention earlier, the taxation is set at 30% to corporation in Mexico, 33.3% in Jamaica, 20% in Belize. From an entrepreneur point of view, the taxation is quite high compare to the neighbor country Belize. To start the business, we must look at the factor of production: capital, labor, entrepreneurs, and land. The capital will be the most important factor to invest due to the high startup capital. However, our aim is to open a boutique hotel with 40 rooms, this can be an advantage to enter the business with lower initial investment. The labor cost is cheap in Mexico; the average minimum wage is at $4.5-6 per day. To maximize the profit, the operational expense will be the key to success, which the salary will be limit to the bottom to maximize the profit.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Industrial Revolution :: essays research papers fc

The Industrial Revolution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Industrial Revolution had transformed the economic and social structure of Europe. Europe shifted from a traditional, labor-intensive economy that was manly based on farming and handicraft to a more capital-intensive economy based on manufacturing with machines, specialized labor, and industrial factories. This revolution had changed Europeans, their society, and their relationship with other countries. The development of large factories forced people to move from the countryside to the urban areas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Men, women, and children were part of the work force. The children started to work as young as 8yrs. old. They would work long hours; 14hrs a day 7 days a week, they would have little time to eat or take breaks, and they were paid very little. They lived quite a long distance from work, so they would have to wake up really early to go to work, and sometimes they wouldn’t have much time to eat breakfast. They would be working in unhealthy conditions and in uncomfortable places, this would lead to a future with disabilities or they wouldn’t see the future at all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"- When did you first begin to work in mills or factories?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When I was about 10 yrs. of age.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   -What were your usual hours of working?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We began at five and gave over at nine, at five in the morning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   -At what distance might you have lived from the mill?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   About a mile and a half. -Is their not considerable dust in a flax mill?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A flax mill is very dusty indeed!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   -What were your wages at 19yrs. old at Mr. Benyons?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I think it was 4s [shillings] a week.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the mines it would be a little bit different, in a sense that they couldn’t use boys under the age of 10 because they would need boys that would be a bit strong, in occasion they would have 4-5 boys under 10yrs. old, and they would be working with their fathers. They would still need children to be in the small tunnels occasionally opening doors for ventilation, and pulling the chariots full of coal using a harness and chain/rope. They would be in they most uncomfortable positions that, like I said before, would lead to disabilities when they grow up. â€Å"Not more than five or six boys under the age of 13; the two youngest are from eight to nine yrs. of age, who work with their fathers. The boys, in carting out from the googs [narrow inclined planes up which the coal is pulled by a chain and windlass]†

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Different Human Resources Practices Among Different Cultures

Culture according to Harper (2001) from the Latin cultura stemming from colere, meaning â€Å"to cultivate. Culture generally refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activities significance and importance. Cultures according to Vaughn and Rodney 2006) can be â€Å"understood as systems of symbols and meanings that even their creators contest, that lack fixed boundaries, that are constantly in flux, and that interact and compete with one another†. Culture has been called â€Å"the way of life for an entire society.† It includes codes of manners, religion dress, language, rituals and norms of behavior such as law and morality, and systems of belief as well as the art. Main Body Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that is passed down from generation to generation. Culture varies from different communities and different populations in the world. Religion plays a key role to our culture different religions have different practices. Religion can dictate the dresscode, working hours including breaks, working days.A country like United States of America where they are liberal when it comes to religion does not really dictate the dress code. The dress code varies from company to company depending on the kind of work they do from Casual to formal wear to all sexes. Unlike Muslim religion dominated countries where all women are supposed to cover their heads at all times and sometimes dresses in a specific gown. Morality varies from culture to culture and it plays a big role for religion . Some organizations may consider premarital pregnancy an immoral issue while some will not see it as an issue.Marriage plays a role to religion. Culture makes human resources practices to differ from the languages used officially by the countries . Example an English speaking country may find it difficult to adapt to the French speaking culture habbits if they are sta ting in the French speaking country. Both parties may have a language barrier in the ways they translate their English, two they are certain practices by this two different cultures of which none of the parties are not used to example hugging and a kiss on the cheek may seem to be unprofessional to one of the parties unlike to the other.Politics and the political system of a country or a territory vary from different communities and in different cultures. The human resources practices also depend on the system of governance of a territory or a country. The political system contributes a lot to how an organization sets its policies and practices. Such human resource practices include when the financial year starts, rates of taxation, maternity leave for the women, religious to statutory holidays and also working hours.Human resources practices also depend on the organization culture which is affected by the founder of the organization. Most of the human resource practices depend on h ow the organization was founded and the beliefs and values of the founding team were. Example if the founders did not belief in certain dress codes like no trousers suits for women it happens that is habit is carried forward down to generations. This is called the founder syndrome and it tends to become corporate culture of the organisation.Corporate culture according to Hill and Jones (2001)comprises the attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values of an organization. It has been defined as â€Å"the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organization and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organization. Organizational values are beliefs and ideas about what kinds of goals members of an organization should pursue and ideas about the appropriate kinds or standards of behavior organizational members should use to achieve these goals.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Traditional Industries Forcing - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 686 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/05/07 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Industrial Revolution Essay Did you like this example? One of the five innovations, mass production through the division of labor, changed traditional industries forcing workers to grow a stronger work ethic, but took home lesser pay due to fewer skills required. Josiah Wedgwood changed the lives of Europeans with the start of his pottery business creating items from porcelain. The porcelain would not ruin the flavor of peoples tea, cocoa, or coffee. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Traditional Industries Forcing" essay for you Create order Wedgwood divided the work among the workers by breaking them up into doing different tasks, such as unloading the clay, mixing it, pressing flat pieces, dipping the pieces in glaze, putting handles on cups, packing kilns, and carrying things from one part of his plant to another (Bulliet et al. 476). He created what the United States calls today, the assembly line. The assembly line is still used to this day to quicken the process of production of items. During this period, the cotton industry boomed in Britain through mechanization the use of machines to do work that was previously done by hand. Mechanization had some advantages which were increased productivity for the manufacturer and lower prices for the consumer (Bulliet et al. 478). It brought the time it took to spin cotton from five hundred hours down to eighty minutes. Americas most valuable crop was cotton at the time of industrialization. The invention of the mechanical cotton gin by Eli Whitney created an enormous amount of cotton crop down South, and extended slavery by fifty years. The Americans ended up adapting the cotton industry into the United States around 1820 and are continuing to grow cotton present day. Another major innovation developed during the industrial revolution was the iron industry. Iron was generally used throughout Africa, China, and Eurasia for tools, household items, and weapons; however, charcoal was needed for iron, but the need for charcoal caused deforestation. In 1709, Abraham Darby found out that coke could be used instead of charcoal. Most of Britain was eventually making iron with coke which was cheaper, while other countries were still using charcoal. Coke-iron expanded greatly in Britain and their iron production rose relatively quickly. Cheap iron made mass production of objects appealing, but that brought along expensive labor. To lower the labor costs, manufacturers Eli Whitney and Eli Terry developed interchangeable parts which were eventually adopted worldwide. Interchangeable parts came to the Americas quickly using them for farm equipment, firearms, tools, and sewing machines. The firearms and farm equipment in America today are still made with interchangeable parts. The device that set the Industrial Revolution apart from all other periods of innovation was the steam engine. Thomas Newcomen developed first steam engine between 1702 and 1712; however, James Watt repaired Newcomens steam engine and patented his own product which became a commercial product. The steam engine was highly celebrated because there always seemed to be supply of coal and the steam-generated energy was a source of power. Steam engines were eventually put on boats. Steamboats could then sail upstream making it easier and quicker for people to get to certain destinations. The United States quickly became a nation that moved by water. Along with steamboats, railroads took a big turn with the production of the steam engine. Today, railroads and boats are major means of transportation for people and material. Lastly, electricity was applied to communication inventing electric telegraphs. The electric telegraph was the device that allowed rapid long-distance communication through an electric wire. Telegraph wires were spread throughout the eastern United States, western Europe, and eventually began a network of the entire globe. The people no longer needed to take a train, sail, or use a horse to communicate. The invention of the electric telegraph made it easier for countries to communication and receive and send information quicker than having to travel from country to country or even city to city. The telegraph was the first step to inventing what nations have today, telephones. In conclusion, the innovations from the Industrial Revolution led to profound changes in communication, society, and the economy. It had a major impact on the world people live in today. Britain set the standards for what every country strived for during that period.