Latest news with #EconomicDevelopmentandTourismof
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fyre Festival II ‘doesn't exist' says Mexican tourism board
Fyre Festival II is off to a rough start after a Mexican tourism board claimed the event doesn't actually exist. A top official with Isla Mujeres says his team did not know about the upcoming festival, which is selling packages ranging from $1,400 to over a million dollars. 'We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or company about it,' Edgar Gasca, Director General of Economic Development and Tourism of Isla Mujeres, told the Guardian on Feb. 27. 'For us, this is an event that does not exist.' Did Travis Scott give this WWE superstar a black eye? Gasca also told the outlet he reached out hotels that the festival listed as a part of their accommodations, and none of them have heard about the event. The luxury hotel, Impression Isla Mujeres, which is listed told the Guardian it hasn't been approached about this but they are investigating. Promoter Billy McFarland, who pleaded guilty to fraud after the first Fyre Festival ended in disaster claimed he's in full compliance with state and local government. Elton John joins Chappell Roan onstage for 'Pink Pony Club' However, in a post to Facebook, the City Hall of the Mexican island debunked that claim. 'Due to the information circulating in the media regarding the event 'Fyre Festival II' the General Directorate of Tourism of Isla Mujeres informs that no person or company has requested permits from this office of any other Municipal Government department for said event, ' the Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres said. The statement explained that any additional information about tourism-related events will be announced on their official social media channels. McFarland took to Instagram on Wednesday to clear the air following what the officials have been saying. 'First, Fyre II is real,' he explained. 'Second, we have incredible partners leading the festival. They're in charge of all the logistics, productions and operations. This includes an incredible production team in Mexico who does not F around. There is no way they would ever take on a fake festival.' He also said the festival does have accommodations as it was a 'huge point of emphasis' after issues over the first festival. 'One, our accommodations include contracts, the number of villas, yachts and hotels. This also includes two hotels who are contacted by the media and in response, gave misleading statements saying they never heard of Fyre and they aren't working with us,' he continued. 'After hearing this, I asked my team to terminate those contracts and to focus on the hotels and other partners who are eager to work with and support Fyre.' He also assured that the festival has various 'talent, artists, athletes and performers are on board and scheduled for Fyre.' McFarland also cleared the air that since his release, restitution has been paid and he's made it his mission to 'do more than legally required.''My partners and I have remained in communication with local and state governments to ensure full compliance and a successful event that benefits the local economy, shares the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean with the world and helps make right for all of the wrongs… Fyre II is moving forward, and we are moving forward with full integrity. From now on, updates will come directly from me,' he said. 'I look forward to continuing to work with my great partners to bring the vision of Fyre to life and to help make right for all the wrongs.' In 2018, McFarland was sentenced to six years in federal prison for fraud after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud for his role in defrauding Fyre Festival investors and ticket vendors of about $26 million. He was released early in May of 2022, according to Rolling Stone. He was held under house arrest until September 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fyre Festival 2 ‘Does Not Exist' According To Isla Mujeres Tourism Board, Organizer Still Claims It's 'Real'
Fyre Festival 2 is nowhere near fruition despite organizer Billy McFarland's claims, Mexican officials say. Tickets for the late May/early June 2025 event, reportedly being held on Isla Mujeres, have gone on sale, but the necessary paperwork hasn't been filed yet, officials say. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Ayuntamiento de Isla Mujeres (the city hall for the Mexican Island) released a statement about the planned follow-up to the chaotic 2017 event. The "General Directorate for Tourism of Isla Mujeres informs that no person or company has requested permits from this office or any other municipal government department for said event," it read. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The city hall advised people to get information about tourism-related events from their "official communicated channels." Edgar Gasca, Director General of Economic Development and Tourism of Isla Mujeres, also denied that officials were aware of the festival, telling The Guardian in a story published on Thursday, Feb. 27, "We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or company about it. For us, this is an event that does not exist." According to its website, Fyre Festival 2 is going to be held from May 30 to June 2, with general tickets starting at $1,400. PEOPLE reached out to Mexican government officials and Isla Mujeres officials for comment but did not immediately hear back. Related: Billy McFarland Reveals Fyre Fest 2 Details — and Cheese Sandwiches Will Be on the Menu The original iteration of Fyre Fest took place in April 2017 with big-name models and influencers set to be in attendance. Upon arrival, guests learned the event was disorganized, with makeshift tents and box lunches — a far cry from the promised luxurious experience. McFarland was found guilty of two counts of wire fraud in relation to the festival and served time in prison from 2018 until 2022. Following comments from Mexican officials regarding Fyre Festival 2, McFarland spoke out in a video on Instagram, saying, "I figured it would be best to hear directly from me what's actually happening." Related: Billy McFarland Announces Fyre Festival II Is 'Finally Happening' Following His Prison Release 'First, Fyre 2 is real. Second, we have incredible partners leading the festival. They're in charge of all the logistics, productions and operations. This includes an incredible production team in Mexico who does not F around. There is no way they would ever take on a fake festival," he said. McFarland told viewers that the festival had accommodations and talent are set to perform. "My partners and I have remained in communication with local and state government to ensure full compliance and a successful event that benefits the local economy, shares the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean with the world and helps make right for all the wrongs," he said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Fyre 2 is moving forward and we are moving forward with full integrity. From now on, updates will come directly from me," continued McFarland. Read the original article on People
