Center for Disease Control removes its original warning recommending against nonessential travel to Mexico.

CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak.

We are encouraged by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s May 15th decision to remove its original warning recommending against nonessential travel to Mexico.  

According to the official statement, “At this time, CDC has removed its recommendation that U.S. travelers avoid travel to Mexico.  CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of novel H1N1 flu in Mexico and, with the assistance of the Mexican authorities, has obtained a more complete picture of the outbreak.”

Beyond our contentment owing to further confirmation of the wellbeing and health of our guests and employees, we are very pleased to see the CDC consider the actual situation.

In reality, H1N1 has touched only .0018 percent of Mexico’s population, equating to one out of every 54,012 people.  Even in the U.S. where 36,000 Americans fall victim to the common flu each year, H1N1 pales in comparison, taking three lives and infecting only .0008 percent of the population or one out of every 118,158 people. 

Despite these telling facts, rampant media reports have inflated fears about H1N1 over the past few weeks, devastating tourism in Mexico.  In Cancun and Riviera Maya alone, one million local residents depend on tourism to survive, represented by more than 300,000 family providers employed by the hotels and other industry sectors. 

As we move forward, we ask you to consider the CDC’s current guidance and the true climate in Mexico, where residents are suffering in the wake of H1N1. 

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are operating normally, and we invite guests to continue with plans to vacation here or to book future trips to experience our warm weather, stunning beaches, rich culture, relaxing environment and welcoming communities. 

El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels are recipients of the Cristal award by Check Safety First, acknowledging the properties as abiding by the highest health and safety standards.  Despite the lifted ban, we are still employing extra measures to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and employees, including using Iodum to disinfect glasses for everyday housekeeping service and Chlorine on any surface that could be touched including faucets, toilet and seats, and strategically placing antibacterial gel throughout the properties.

Offering guests the ultimate assurance, we have also implemented a “Flu-Free Guarantee,” where any guest that contracts H1N1 at our properties will receive their next three vacations free.  For stays booked between May 8 and June 30, 2009 for travel taking place between now and October 31st, 2009, the ‘Flu-Free Guarantee’ signifies our certainty that Mexico is a safe and healthy destination.

Please direct any media inquiries regarding this matter to Jennifer Myres at 619-234-0345 or myres@formulapr.com.