Borneo Divers' Clemet Lee Awarded

Clemet Lee, owner of Borneo Divers and Dive Mabul resorts has received the Outstanding Contribution to the dive industry award earlier this year. Borneo Divers and Dive Mabul are located in the Sabah region of Borneo in Malaysia.

PADI Asia Pacific recently recognized Clement Lee with a Hallmark of Excellence Award for 2003 in the category of Outstanding Contribution to the Dive Industry.

Henrik Nimb (PADI Asia Pacific Vice President-Training and Education) said that Lee has had a “Profound influence on the growth and development of recreational diving and dive tourism in this part of the world.” He added, “The award is given to individuals who have selflessly contributed to the growth of the dive industry.”

Mr. Lee’s commitment to the industry includes a variety of key positions including Managing Director, Borneo Divers and Sea Sports; Vice President, Malaysia Sport Diving Association; Chairman, Sabah Tourism Association; Director, Sabah Tourism Board.

A committed conservationist with steadfast views of the importance of protecting and conserving the region’s unique marine attractions, Clement Lee believes the dive industry’s success has come through the teamwork of dive industry stake holders.
— from DiveNewsWire.com

Cozumel Carnaval Dates Set

Carnaval 2005 in Cozumel will be held February 9 - 16, 2005. This is one of the most popular events of the year—parades, floats, dancing, beautiful costumes, and parties, parties, parties! Then, during the day, fantastic diving. Booking your hotel and diving reservations immediately is suggested because places will fill up fast. For more information and to see pictures from this past year’s event, visit “The Official Carnaval Website” www.cozumelcarnaval.com.

Cozumel Resort to be Renovated

Plaza Las Glorias Resort in Cozumel was recently sold to Palace Resorts and is closed and currently undergoing significant renovation. Work is scheduled to be completed early March 2005. The renovated resort will have all-suites and is surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world. It is a divers’ paradise, offering snorkeling and diving right off its beach This Palace Resort is a beautiful combination of spacious colonial design with touches of contemporary Mexican décor. It has two delicious restaurants, a pool with a fabulous swim-up bar, a kid’s club, unequalled water sports, and 24-hour room service. Every suite has a Jacuzzi and balcony with a hammock, and most have ocean views. The renovated resort is located within walking distance to Downtown San Miguel.

Palace Resorts will continue their all-inclusive packages here, which will include luxurious accommodations, taxes and gratuities, all meals and snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorized water sports, and nightly entertainment. Wedding and golf packages are also available.

Palace Resorts now offers ten resorts in Mexico and one in St. Thomas, USVI. For information on any Palace Resorts vacation property, please call (800) 635-1836 in the United States and Canada or (52-998) 881-6088 in Mexico. For group sales call 800-539-3313. Visit Palace Resorts on the Internet at www.palaceresorts.com .

Alaska Airlines to Serve Loreto

Alaska Airlines announced recently its non-stop air service to Loreto starting February 2005. The airline’s objective is to service two weekly non-stop flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) to provide travelers in Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, and western Canada hassle-free travel to the seaside town.

The charming town of Loreto, located 150 miles north of La Paz, the state’s capital, and next to the Sea of Cortez in the Baja Peninsula is one of five areas identified by FONATUR (Mexico’s tourist development agency) as a leading tourism growth site in the country.

Loreto is not only known for its marina and cobalt blue beaches but for its wide range of activities including fishing, water sports, scuba diving and authentic cuisine. Of particular interest to divers in the Loreto National Marine Park with its fantastic diving with a myriad of marine life.

The proposed flights will operate Sundays and Thursdays. They will depart Los Angeles at 11:10 a.m. and arrive in Loreto at 1:59 p.m. Return flights will depart Loreto at 4:00 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles at 4:55 p.m. Alaska plans to use MD-80 series aircraft on the route—seating 12 in first class and 128 in the main cabin.

For more information and reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com.