As for Mexico, reports on Tuesday showed that the number of new cases reported has actually been declining daily, according to the Associated Press. This is obviously a very good sign that seems to have escaped most cable news stations. That’s unfortunate given the negative impact this outbreak is having on entire countries and the travel industry in particular. Literally millions of people are being adversely affected by news of this outbreak, much more than the actual outbreak itself, which in Mexico has been limited to approximately 2,000 people mostly around Mexico City. Contrast that with this fact: the “regular” flu kills roughly 35,000 people in this country alone each year

I’m not discounting the potential for a serious health crisis here, just the sensationalist approach that the consumer news media seem to take on virtually any story that’s comes to light in this multi-media age. There are so many ways that consumers get information that the new mantra in serving that information is “more is more,” regardless of whether it’s on target or relevant to most of us.

It is certainly prudent for all of us to take appropriate precautions whenever there is “something going around.” We do it with our kids, our employees and our work spaces. It’s part of everyday life.

Cable news channels and other media sensationalized the outbreak as if it were a Hollywood movie–a real-life sequel to Dustin Hoffman’s 1995 hit Outbreak. A medical historian at the University of Toronto, Edward Shorter, watched what was going on and called the phenomenon “mass psychosis.”

Meanwhile, that year–and in every year this decade—between 30,000 and 50,000 American deaths were recorded from complications related to the seasonal flu. Another 40,000 people died in automobile accidents. And each year, gunshot wounds account for 30,000 deaths, around 4,000 people drown while swimming or boating and 60 people die from lightning strikes.

“The public is driven by irrational fears. They didn’t go to medical school,” says Shorter. “They’re responding to an abdication of leadership by political leaders.”

So far, the U.S. has responded to the swine flu with restraint. President Obama said the problem is a “cause for concern” and “not a cause for alarm.” And the declaration of a public health emergency is not quite as scary as it sounds. It is an important precautionary measure, like declaring a state of emergency in Florida because a hurricane may or may not hit. But Russia banned pork imports from Mexico. And Hong Kong has said it won’t accept flights from Mexico. “That’s irrational, except to whip up public sentiment against the Mexicans,” Shorter says.

The American public—and the news media—was captivated for an entire weekend by the prospect of a swine flu crossing our border. Is it the beginning of the next pandemic? Will the U.S. State Department ban travel to Mexico? Will the border be sealed? Will San Diego be next?

Let the public health officials make these decisions, Shorter recommends. No matter how virulent an outbreak seems at the beginning, public health departments will react aggressively. That’s their job—better safe than sorry—and that’s how epidemics are contained. But everyone else should learn to relax.

Record-low prices can mean some great vacation deals, but they can also be a sign of a travel scam. Carefully evaluate any travel offer before spending your hard-earned dollars. For many, now is a great time to plan a vacation or get-away. Prices have dropped and furthermore, who couldn’t use a bit of relaxation in the midst of all this bad news. But with every dollar at a premium, it’s more important than ever for you to ask yourself if a vacation deal is simply too good to be true. Using a reputable travel agent such as PENNY SHELDON to arrange your vacation plans provides consumers peace of mind, knowing that they are working with a trusted travel professional with IATAN credentials.

I advise consumers to be extremely skeptical about unsolicited email, postcard and phone solicitations saying you’ve been selected to receive a fabulous vacation or anything free. Be especially wary of firms requiring you to wait at least 60 days to take your trip. Be sure to read the fine print. Be cautious about  giving out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business. You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price; cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components of the package. Know when to walk away. High-pressure sales presentations  which require that you disclose your income are red flags to be heeded.

 CALL PENNY TODAY FOR AN ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT - (888) 336-8133 ~

 EMAIL TRAVELAGENT@CABLEONE.NET

Nowhere else in The Bahamas but at Sandals Royal Bahamian do travelers have an opportunity to have a custom Red Lane Spa treatment on an exotic and private offshore island. This tropical isle, known as Sandals Cay, offers guests a quiet and private spot to sunbathe, snorkel or simply indulge in the island’s natural splendor. Guests who book a minimum five-night stay in a concierge level suite or higher by May 31 for travel between Aug. 1 and Dec. 26 can receive a $250 Red Lane Spa credit, valid for use at the resort’s exclusive Sandals Cay. Located just off shore from Sandals Royal Bahamian, Sandals Cay is enveloped by pristine beaches. Dual beachfronts offer guests two, distinct experiences; the first is a hideaway for sunbathers, while the second is a snorkeler’s paradise with underwater displays. The offshore island additionally boasts its own restaurant, Café Goombay, a Zen garden, a freshwater pool and a Jacuzzi.
Guests using the $250 spa credit will be taken to a private Red Lane Spa treatment at Sandals Cay, featuring lush tropical plants, fountains and the sound of the ocean cresting on the sand. Located on a 13-mile stretch of Nassau’s Cable Beach in The Bahamas, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island is 15 minutes from Nassau International Airport and close to the downtown area.

CALL PENNY TODAY (208) 336-8133 OR EMAIL TRAVELAGENT@CABLEONE.NET

Once again, we find ourselves in the middle of a media storm that threatens consumer confidence and travel. The revised Mexico Travel Alert issued by the U.S. Department of State was updated on February 20, 2009 and is designed to inform travelers of the issues and common sense precautions to “ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable”. We do not take this alert lightly, nor think it’s unwarranted, but it needs to be taken in the proper perspective. 

The media has painted the country of Mexico with one brush, when in fact the drug related violence that triggered the update is centered in border towns hundreds of miles from the tourist destinations frequented by our customers. We agree with the position taken by the Mexico Tourism Board that “Mexico remains a safe tourist destination.”

As a leading travel provider to Mexico, we will provide you with accurate information .  We encourage you to read through the information we’re providing to address your concerns with clear and correct responses.
We’re committed to our customer’s vacation experience and their safety is a cornerstone of our company’s values. We encourage people to use common sense when traveling anywhere, not just Mexico. We offer customers peace of mind and care throughout their vacation with our 24/7 customer support desk .

In 2008, 18.34 million U.S. visitors traveled to Mexico and came home with experiences that only Mexico can offer. Mexico continues to be an amazing, safe, fun and affordable place to go on vacation.

a result of increased violence along the US border towns of Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and

Chihuahua City. While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year, violence in the

country has increased recently, predominantly amongst the Mexican drug cartels.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

“Paradise — there is no better name for the beauty of the Bahamas and this island,” said Shugart. “The worldwide telecast will highlight the warmth, beauty and hospitality of the Islands of the Bahamas as well as the world renowned Atlantis resort. We have had a wonderful working relationship with the Bahamas and Atlantis for many years and I’m very excited this global event will take that partnership to a whole new level.”
“The people of The Bahamas are very proud and excited at the opportunity to host some of the most beautiful people in the universe in some of the most beautiful islands in the universe,” said Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism & Aviation for The Bahamas. “This feels like the perfect match. We look forward to showcasing the hospitality of our people, the clarity of our waters, the vibrancy of our music, dance, food and spirit.”
Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. Each contestant from more than 80 countries around the world will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2009. In recent years, worldwide distribution of the popular competition has topped more than 170 countries.

Jamaican Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett held an impromptu press luncheon in Manhattan on Monday and spoke bullishly of Jamaica’s 3 percent visitor growth of this February over last February. So far, he says, 2009 is tracking 4 percent higher in arrivals than 2008. “ The UNWTO is marveling at our performance.” He pointed out that in this difficult economy, “tourism is the only growth industry in the Caribbean and it remains the No. 1 earner of foreign exchange in Jamaica. While bauxite sales have fallen 30 to 40 percent, tourism continues to maintain job security for its 80,000 direct Jamaican employees. Our biggest challenge lies in our ability to maintain airlift. Some airlines are demanding guarantees; some are requesting 50 pounds per seat.”
According to Bartlett, there are three major bidders for Air Jamaica, which is scheduled to be sold by the government by the end of March. He spoke of other airlines filling the breech left by recent Air Jamaica route cuts. “Delta will increase its service to Montego Bay out of Atlanta. U.S. gateways are well served by Delta, Continental, USAir, Jet Blue and American. Our next biggest challenge is to maintain the quality of the experience, because in a buyer’s market, value is extremely important.” He cited Sandals and SuperClubs as local brands that have had success in delivering new product that is “exciting the market.”
Bartlett described the market as a multi-tiered pyramid whose bottom tier has fallen out. “In this environment what was considered luxury is now mid-market and what was mid-market is now selling at bargain price points,” he said. “It’s hard to make predictions because we don’t know how this economic situation will play out. What’s certain is that this situation will change the architecture of tourism as we know it.” He noted that the Jamaican government is helping small hotels with tax reductions and low interest loans to help them survive.
“Some of the smaller players may be edged out. That will be inevitable if you have low yield combined with low volume. One or two developments have fallen out. The Trident Hotel refurbishment has halted but the Harmony Cove is on track. The development of Port Royal is ongoing as is the Falmouth development. Jamaica’s location, its political stability and its enormous resources still make it attractive to investors,” Bartlett said. He noted increased interest from Chinese investors who may have taken a greater notice of Jamaica after the performance of Jamaican athletes during the Beijing Olympics. “Their performance created a kind of bond between the countries,” he said.

Under a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, travel restrictions may be eased for Cuban Americans wishing to visit Cuba.  

Current rules allow travel to Cuba only once every three years for visits to close family members. Visitors can stay up to 14 days and are not permitted to spend more than $50 a day.      

The new rules would lift the 14-day time limit, allow visits to relatives once a year and increase the spending limit to $170 a day. Additionally, the legislation would allow for general licenses permitting travel to Cuba for marketing and selling agricultural products.  

These changes are part of a larger spending bill that must now pass in the Senate before becoming law. The matter is expected to be taken up by the Senate as soon as Friday, but its passing is threatened by opposition.

Cuban-American Florida Senator Mel Martinez, for example, is not in favor of relaxing restrictions. He made this statement minutes after the House passed the bill: “I am very concerned about any efforts to modify our policies toward the Cuban government so long as the authoritarian regime continues to deny basic human rights to its people.”

AIR JAMAICA REVAMPS OPERATIONS

New leaner airline designed to reduce losses

January 27, KINGSTON— Air Jamaica has unveiled its 2009 Business Plan, which is designed to respond to the current global economic downturn, quickly stem the substantial cash losses at the company, and position the airline on a path to financial stability going forward.

The goal of the 2009 Business Plan is to eliminate cash losses by:

·        Exiting loss-making markets and revising schedules in others

·        Improving aircraft utilization by more than 25%, and

·        Executing an efficiency plan that will improve productivity and bring Air Jamaica’s unit costs in line with international norms.

“This is a pivotal year for Air Jamaica, as we must become a lean and efficient airline to survive these difficult times,” said Bruce R. Nobles, President and CEO. “This Business Plan requires a singular focus on rationalizing operational, infrastructure and overhead costs”.

The Board of Directors of Air Jamaica, the Minister of Finance, and the Cabinet have approved the Plan. Senator the Hon. Don Wehby, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance with responsibility for Air Jamaica, has reviewed the Plan in detail and fully supports the strategy.

Schedule Reductions

Effective February 26, 2009, Air Jamaica will exit Atlanta, Los Angeles, Grand Cayman, and Miami, and will discontinue service between Jamaica and Barbados and Jamaica and Grenada. This will result in the closure of the affected stations and reductions in the work force, accordingly.

With these changes the airline’s fleet will be reduced to nine aircraft, the appropriate number required to efficiently operate the new schedule. The airline will restructure existing leases and negotiate aircraft returns to accomplish this result.

“These decisions were not arrived at easily, and reflect a commitment to the people of Jamaica that we will do everything to reduce the airline’s impact on the national budget – something that is certainly even more important now as the country navigates through the global financial crisis,” said Mr. Nobles.

New Schedule

Air Jamaica’s new schedule has 218 weekly flights to 14 destinations, with service between Jamaica and Toronto, New York (JFK), Chicago (O’Hare), Baltimore, Philadelphia, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Curacao, Nassau, and Havana, as well as service between New York and Barbados and New York and Grenada.

“In our 40-year history as Jamaica’s flag carrier, this is without question our most challenging time. We are doing everything possible to minimize the impact on the Air Jamaica family, including voluntary redundancies and leaves of absence,” said Mr. Nobles. “Even tougher times may be ahead, but I believe that we have the energy and imagination required to become the kind of airline that will have a future for many years to come.”

Privatization

The Government of Jamaica is in the process of privatizing the airline to meet a March 2009 deadline, and a sub-committee of the Board of Directors is engaged in talks with potential investors. The Divestment Committee of the Air Jamaica Board also believes that a successful execution of the 2009 Business Plan will enhance the attractiveness of Air Jamaica to investors and will speed up the privatization process.  Further information on the privatization is available at www. http://www.airjamaicatransaction.org/

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure the best departure dates and most popular hotels.
Our nationwide feeder service from all cities serviced by United Airlines to Mexico and the Caribbean
are up for sale.

Please see below for our July - September flight schedule.

Washington Dulles to Cancun
Daily:
6/28/09 - 9/4/09

Denver to Cancun
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays:
6/27/09 - 9/4/09

O’Hare to Cancun
 Daily, Saturdays(2x) & Sundays(2x):
6/28/09 - 9/4/09

Denver to Los Cabos
Saturdays & Sundays:
6/27/09 - 8/30/09

O’Hare to Los Cabos
Saturdays:
6/27/09 - 8/29/09

Denver to Vallarta
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays:
6/28/09 - 9/3/09

O’Hare to Vallarta
Saturdays:
6/27/09 - 8/29/09

Washington Dulles to Aruba
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays:
6/26/09 - 9/4/09

O’Hare to Aruba
Saturdays & Sundays:
6/21/09 - 8/30/09