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.