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05/04/09
Cancun, Stunned by Swine Flu News
Filed under: Cancun Tourism, Island Sounds, Cancun Swine Flu/AH1N1
Posted by: Dangers @ 4:01 pm

Editor’s Note: We’ve taken the liberty of posting hotels reporting closings or major changes below at the bottom of the blog for those interested, courtesy of Funjet, please keep in mind, these are reported as of today, may not include all resorts, and may change.

Cancun, holding tough in the face of the swine flu, influenza A(H1N1), onslaught took another heavy blow today as reports from the Office of the Governor of Quintana Roo, confirmed two cases of swine flu in the resort city by the sea. The two cases bring to three the total of cases confirmed in Quintana Roo in the last 24 hours.
http://www.noticaribe.com.mx/chetumal/2009/05/confirman_primer_caso_de_influenza_h1n1_en_qr_fuera_de_peligro.html

The populace had already been reeling from the effects of the swine flu scare in Mexico City, some 1200 miles away, and the rest of the world, when the reports were announced on Sunday afternoon. Cancun, previously free of confirmed cases of the virus, is heavily reliant on the tourism industry and previous reports had already created thousands of cancellations and delayed bookings with major tour providers in some countries canceling tours en masse over the next few weeks due to government warnings.

Reports of Hotel “consolidations” are rampant with discussion openly now amongst hotel owners of possible closures should the swine flu scare continue and occupancy numbers continue to plummet. In short, consolidation means the resort chains with multiple hotels in the area will move guests booked for one resort to a sister resort in order to minimize losses while closing down or partially closing the other resort.
http://www.noticaribe.com.mx/cancun/2009/05/anticipan_cierre_de_hoteles.html

The reality is that resorts such as the Barcelo, Riu and Melia chains have already begun to do so while other resorts will likely follow suit where able.

Reported hotel occupancy as of Sunday, May 3, had fallen to 27%, which is staggeringly low for a major resort city, especially Cancun. http://www.ahqr.com.mx/ingles/bien.php

Thus far, the hardy faithful, tourists and visitors whom were able to arrive in Cancun have been doing so despite often insurmountable odds of tour cancellations, flight cancellations and adverse public opinion at home, with some visitors even making claims of employer harassment should they go forth with scheduled plans to visit Mexico. We highly advise all people with plans in Cancun to now confirm all details and aspects of their trips with their tour operator if applicable, airline and hotel.

But that is far from the worst of it, tens of thousands of Cancunense are now looking at layoffs, shrinking wages and tips, widespread unemployment and more difficulty in trying to make ends meet. While it may be hard to feel sympathy for large hotels in the region ran by international companies, the bottom line is that these resorts provide thousands of jobs and clients that spread the tourist dollar widely across the region. The local business sector and their owners will be hard pressed to remain operational as tourism drys up under the sway of international scrutiny and adverse opinion.

And, now, with the first cases of confirmed A(H1N1) virus in Cancun, the weight of public opinion becomes that much harder to dissuade.

Cancun, the real estate, doesn’t know swine flu from sunshine as beautiful beaches, seas and weather continue, as her hardy inhabitants once again are forced to brace themselves for major economic shock, while going about their day to day lives.

But, those ancient cities of the Maya tell another story as they stand vacant waiting for guests,Tulum still sits patiently, if not majestically on her Caribbean Sea perch, Coba stands mightily, guarding the crossroads of the ancient Maya, and Chichen Itza, the magical city of Maya empire, looks down upon the confusion of swine flu in disdain.

Watching human behavior over 1500 or so years can do that for a gal…

Dangers…

Below…another from the YouTube favorites video collection, this by “letstalkaboutstuff” featuring the sights of Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean along with Spanish singer extraordinaire, Rosana. Trust me on this one, if this doesn’t get one in the mood for Mexico and the Caribbean, nothing will. 

Enjoy.




As of today, and thanks to the folks at Funjet, here’s at least a
partial list of closures (9 Hotels in total) and consolidations. I’d
caution folks to keep an eye on closings and consolidations beyond the
current dates posted if traveling regarding their resorts and note once
again, there’s likely to be additional resorts not mentioned here
involved.

As always, be prepared to contact your hotel or travel provider for confirmations and additional info.

Barcelo Tucancun:

Due to the temporary closure of the Barcelo Tucancun guests due to arrive 5/6/09 through 5/19/09 will be upgraded to the Barcelo Costa Cancun. Policy Expires - 05/15/2009

Grand Oasis Caribbean:

Updated: 5/1/09 Due to the temporary closure of the Grand Oasis
Caribbean guests due to arrive 5/5/09 through 6/5/09 will be upgraded
to the Grand Oasis Cancun.

Grand Oasis Playa:

Updated: 5/1/09 Due to the temporary closure of the Grand Oasis
Playa guests due to arrive 5/5/09 through 6/5/09 will be upgraded to
the Grand Oasis Cancun.

Grand Oasis Viva:

Updated: 5/1/09 Due to the temporary closure of the Grand Oasis Viva
guests due to arrive 5/5/09 through 6/5/09 will be upgraded to the
Grand Oasis Cancun.

ME Cancun:

Updated: 5/1/09 Due to the temporary closure of the ME Cancun guests
due to arrive 5/4/09 through 5/27/09 will be upgraded to the Gran Melia Cancun.

Oasis Palm Beach:

Updated: 5/1/09 Due to the temporary closure of the Oasis Palm Beach
guests due to arrive 5/5/09 through 6/5/09 will be upgraded to the Oasis Cancun.

Oasis Viva Beach:

Updated: 5/1/09 Due to the temporary closure of the Oasis Viva Beach
guests due to arrive 5/5/09 through 6/5/09 will be upgraded to the
Oasis Cancun.

Riu Caribe:

Updated: 4/30/2009 Due to the temporary closure of the Riu Caribe
guests due to arrive 5/3/09 through 5/21/09 will be upgraded to the Riu Cancun.

Royal Solaris Cancun:

Updated: 5/6/09 Due to the temporary closure of the Royal Solaris
Cancun guests due to arrive 5/3/09 through 5/31/09 will be upgraded to
the GR Solaris Cancun.

For Hotels in Cozumel and the RM, along with more info follow the link:

www.funjet.com/advisories/advisoryDetail.asp…

8 Responses to “Cancun, Stunned by Swine Flu News”

  1. Louise Says:
    May 4th, 2009 at 5:49 pm I’m still determined to come June 6th! Thanks for the updates Dangers, I look forward to them as well as updates from Canuck in Cancun. I’ll be staying in Cancun but I’m planning on visiting Isla Mujeres for the Dolphin Swim. Stay well and I’m hoping that all of this craziness is soon behind us. My heart goes out to all of the locals affected financially by this.
  2. Dangers Says:
    May 4th, 2009 at 7:42 pm Louise~ Cancun needs your determination and that of other travelers, thanks for posting and please keep us informed as to your travels. ;-)
  3. leslie Says:
    May 4th, 2009 at 10:38 pm I want to thank you for posting the changes the hotels are making…turns out the place I’m heading for on May 6 is closed. Bumms me out; we were planning on staying right next-door to the place my parents are staying. Oh well…the airlines cancelled my flight as well, so now we have to drive to Orlando to make it! A lot of people think I’m crazy for keeping my vacation plans, but hey…I’m sure I’m exposed to worse things everyday, working in a hospital.
  4. Tom Says:
    May 4th, 2009 at 11:17 pm We’ve had an on/off plan to come to Isla Mujeres to stay in our condo (Puerta al Mar) this week. Do you know if ferries are still running from Puerta Sam and Puerta Juarez and if all other aspects of life in Isla are otherwise close to “normal” (restaurants, shops open, etc)? We are starting to warm up to the idea of flying down from Houston this Friday.
  5. Disgusted Says:
    May 5th, 2009 at 8:44 am More closings announced IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE SOME OF ITS RIVIERA MAYA HOTELS Due to decreased travel to Mexico as a result of the H1N1 Virus, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has voluntarily chosen to temporarily close some of its hotels in Mexico beginning May 8, 2009. This measure is being to taken in order to continue maintaining the high level of service that Iberostar is known for and provide guests with a memorable vacation experience. Guests who have booked upcoming stays or are currently staying at the hotels that will be closed are being informed and upgraded to other nearby Iberostar properties. The properties slated to close include: - Iberostar Paraiso del Mar—Guests will be upgraded to Iberostar Lindo/Maya - Iberostar Paraiso Beach—Guests will be upgraded to Iberostar Lindo/Maya - Iberostar Quetzal — Guests will be upgraded to Iberostar Lindo/Maya - Iberostar Tucan — Guests will be upgraded to Iberostar Lindo/Maya - Iberostar Cozumel — Guests will be upgraded to Iberostar Lindo/Maya Reopening dates will depend on increased travel to Mexico. The following Iberostar properties will remain open, fully operational, welcoming travelers: - Iberostar Paraiso Lindo - Iberostar Paraiso Maya - Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
  6. Dangers Says:
    May 5th, 2009 at 9:28 pm Leslie~ keep your chin up and know that Cancun awaits you. It’s even money that the red carpet will be laid out for those that continue with their vacations, have a great trip! ;-)
  7. Dangers Says:
    May 5th, 2009 at 9:31 pm Tom~ the ferry’s are still running and my favorite Isla is fully operational if not running entirely on Isla time altogether from my understanding. Just be aware that the ferries may not be maintaining normal schedules due to the lack of business, and shops and what not on the Isla may be running reduced hours for same. Have a great trip. ;-)
  8. Dangers Says:
    May 5th, 2009 at 9:33 pm Disgusted~ completely understand your anguish, it’s happening to thousands of tourists trapped in this frenetic madness surrounding the swine flu scare. Thanks for posting the additional hotels and good luck to you!

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