Viva Azteca & Viva Vallarta, Mexico, Receive 'Distinctive H' Award From The Mexico Secretary Of Tourism

MIAMI, FL (April 22, 2003) – Viva Resorts' Viva Azteca, located in Playacar in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and Viva Vallarta, located in Vallarta Bay, Mexico, have been awarded the "Distinctive H" recognition, which is given by the Mexico Secretary of Tourism to those hotels that adhere to strict guidelines for food handling and hygiene.

The objective of the "Distinctive H" award is to eliminate diseases transmitted by foods. The Tourism Secretariat visited Viva Azteca and Viva Vallarta and verified that the two hotels fulfilled all of the food hygiene and handling requirements set forth by the Mexico Secretary of Health, which are based on the international standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In order to receive the "Distinctive H" symbol, Viva Azteca and Viva Vallarta had to undergo a series of audits and certifications to ensure that they fulfilled the requirements by attaining a score of at 100 percent. The hotels were judged on the following:

• Food Reception
  
• Food Storage
  
• Process used to wash and disinfect fruits and vegetables
  
• Process used during food preparation
  
• Temperatures and process of baking, conserving and reheating food
  
• Temperatures of food presentation
  
• Process used to wash and disinfect the food staff members' hands
  
• Process used to wash and disinfect kitchen utensils and cooking equipment

"We are very proud to receive the ‘Distinctive H' award in recognition of our commitment to the highest possible food-handling standards," said Monica Arango, general manager of Viva Vallarta.

"We have worked hard to meet all of the requirements set forth by the Tourism Secretariat and the WHO because it is essential to the well-being of our guests for us to act responsibly when it comes to food preparation, storage and cleanliness," said Renato Scampuddu, general manager of Viva Azteca.

Viva Azteca
Set in a lush tropical setting, the 234-room resort overlooks one of the most pristine beaches in the Riviera Maya and is located just moments away from a challenging 18-hole golf course. Beyond the resort's extensive activities and offerings, hotel guests enjoy additional value as they are invited to use the facilities at the resort's sister property, Viva Maya, just a short walk away.

Viva Vallarta
Viva Vallarta features 355 brightly-decorated rooms and rests on the Pacific coast of Mexico, surrounded by 15 acres of lush botanical gardens. Overlooking the beautiful waters of Vallarta Bay, the resort affords guests spectacular views while indulging in the sensational spa services offered at Viva Vallarta. The resort is conveniently located 12 miles from the airport and 20 miles from the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta.