2020: The tourism industry status due to coronavirus COVID-19
December 30, 2020
Update from October 12th to 16th
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 5,514
Confirmed: 834,910
Suspects: 93,682
Deaths per day: 378
Total death: 85,285
Court on October 15th, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
Government acquires 116 million vaccines against Covid-19 coronavirus
- The Government signed an agreement for 35,153 million pesos for pharmaceutical companies to administer the necessary doses to vaccinate 116 million Mexicans against the Covid-19.
- Arturo Herrera, Finance Minister, explained that 51 million doses will be received from Covax, 34 million from Pfizer, 77 million from Astra Zéneca and up to 35 million from CanSino from China.
Covid-19 coronavirus vaccination will take a year
- The federal government announced that, through the National Health System, it plans to vaccinate at least 116.69 million Mexicans in a year, once the vaccine against the Covid-19 coronavirus is ready.
- About, the government signed three advance purchase agreements for 35 billion pesos for vaccines from international organizations and laboratories.
PAHO gave the country 200 thousand tests for the Covid-19 coronavirus
- The Pan American Health Organization donated 200 thousand rapid tests to detect Covid-19 coronavirus, which will be evaluated and used only if they present favorable performance results.
- Hugo López-Gatell, Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, reported: “PAHO announced a donation to Mexico of 200 thousand tests, and for 3 weeks Dr. Alomía has instructed InDre to evaluate these tests (…) The following week we will announce the result of the performance analysis and if it is favorable we will announce the use of this test”.
Local Tourism
The tourist infrastructure of Quintana Roo does not report damages because of “Delta”
- During the fourth edition of the Tourism Sector Funding Meetings, Miguel Torruco, Federal Secretary of Tourism, assured that the tourism infrastructure of Quintana Roo did not suffer any damage after the presence of hurricane “Delta”.
Yucatan restarts meeting tourism
- The Mexican Association of Professionals in Exhibitions, Festivals and Conventions (Amprofec) will hold The New Experience Expo & Congress in Yucatan.
- The format of this event will be a hybrid (face-to-face and virtual) and will be a test for the meeting industry to apply the new protocols needed to reactivate this segment.
Cancun: foreign tourism does not recover
- According to data from the Cancun International Airport, the arrival of international tourists to the Mexican Caribbean dropped by 60 percent between January and September of this year.
- September registered a 27 percent drop in domestic tourism, while international travelers maintained a 65 percent drop.
- During this month, Cancun recovered 73 percent of domestic tourism and 35 percent from abroad.
AMLO announces investment in Cancun
- President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) announced that, as part of the Mayan Train works, urban improvement works are being contemplated for Cancun.
- Likewise, the president announced the investment of 52 million pesos to combat sargassum on the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean.
- After the security assessment meeting in Quintana Roo, the president also reported on the progress in security: “In the case of Quintana Roo an effort has been made, this due to the coordination that exists between the Federal Government and the State Government”.
Puerto Escondido closes beaches due to Covid-19 outbreak
- Due to the reappearance of positive cases of coronavirus, municipal and health authorities of Santa María Colotepec and San Pedro Mixtepec, determined the closure of the main beach of Puerto Escondido, as well as three bays of the destination.
- Likewise, urban mobility will be restricted and the entry to the destination of national and foreign tourists will be limited.
Tourism Industry
AMLO foresees recovery in the Mexican Caribbean at the end of the year
- The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), estimates that by the end of the year tourism activity in the Mexican Caribbean will reach the levels it had before the Covid health emergency.
- “I predict by the end of the year we will almost be in a situation similar to that of before the Covid in Quintana Roo, that is, we will continue to recover (…) As the effects of the pandemic are already diminishing, since there is already a recovery in tourism, which is the main activity of Quintana Roo, little by little tourists are already arriving”, said the president.
IATA warns that aviation is not reactivated as expected
- Peter Cerdá, IATA Vice President for the Americas, mentioned that despite the reactivation protocols implemented by the airlines, the sector has not been reactivated as planned.
- “There are many countries worldwide that continue to have their borders closed, and although many have already opened, they maintain strict restrictions such as quarantines”, he added.
AMLO affirms investment for Cancun and Cozumel
- President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) announced an investment of 5,187 million pesos by the federal government and the Business Coordinating Council (Consejo Coordinador Empresarial, CCE), in order to carry out two projects in that area of the state.
- The plans are part of a package of 32 projects that are expected to be carried out at the national level during the next year.
Mexican Caribbean, recognized by international travelers
- The Caribbean was recognized by thousands of tourists worldwide in three of the categories of the 33rd edition of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Reader’s Choice Awards 2020”.
- The travel magazine published its list of winners of the best of international tourism. And due to the health emergency, this year the destinations and properties that tourists plan to visit again were recognized.
Airlines
Aeromexico obtains US $1 billion in financing
- The airline will have definitive access to the US $1 billion financing granted by Apollo Global Management.
- Andés Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico Group said: “The final approval of the DIP Financing (Debtor-in-Possession) is a major milestone in Aeromexico’s restructuring process.
Interjet without permission to fly to Canada
- Due to the lack of liability insurance coverage, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) announced that it suspended Interjet’s license to operate international air service in its country.
- The CTA explained that, in accordance with Article 69 of the Canadian Transportation, airlines that have flights to their country must respect this aspect.
- “The licensee (Interjet) has ceased to comply with the requirement of having liability insurance coverage … Accordingly, the license is suspended,” said the agency.
United extends operations in the Mexican Caribbean
- The airline announced that, starting in November, it will resume operations on more than 30 international routes, which include flights to cities in Asia, Europe and South America.
- United Airlines announced that it will expand its operations in more than 20 routes to the most popular beach destinations in Mexico, such as a new flight to Acapulco and Zihuatanejo, as well as the expansion of its service to Cancun, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.
Aeroméxico stock market takes off after financing is known
- After announcing the approval of financing of up to 1,000 million dollars (granted by the US Court) to maintain liquidity and continue operating, the airline’s stock indexes rose to the best levels since August.
- Shares of Grupo Aeroméxico rose last Monday with slight fluctuations, which reached 5.06 pesos per unit.
Global Information
Johnson & Johnson Suspends Covid-19 Vaccine Trials
- The pharmaceutical company announced the temporary suspension of trials of the vaccine against Covid-19, because one of the volunteers developed an unexplained illness.
- Johnson & Johnson explained its decision to “temporarily pause the dosing of all of our clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccine candidates, including the phase three trial,” due to “unexplained illness in a study participant”.
Russia registers new coronavirus vaccine
- Vladimir Putin, President of Russia announced that he registered a second vaccine against the Covid-19 coronavirus, which was named EpiVacCorona.
- “I would like to start with the pleasant information that the Véktor center in Novosibirsk has today registered the second Russian vaccine against the coronavirus: EpiVacCorona (…) As far as I know, we have a third vaccine on the way, that of the Chumakov Center of the Academy of Sciences of Russia “, added the president.
WHO recognizes epidemiological traffic light in Mexico
- Hugo López-Gatell, spoke about the recognition by Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Program of the World Health Organization, to the implementation of the epidemiological traffic light that is being carried out in our country, which is already being replicated in other countries.
- “Mexico has been managing the traffic light system, a system that other countries have already started using. Mexico was one of the first countries in America to use that system and we support Mexico to continue with that system,” said Michael Ryan.
Update from October 5th to 9
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 5,408
Confirmed: 715,457
Suspects: 84,348
Suspects per day: 1,799
Deaths per day: 490
Total death: 75,439
Court on October 8th, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico City Coronavirus traffic light stays orange for sixth week
- Claudia Sheinbuam, head of government in Mexico City, explained that although there has been a reduction in hospitalizations, there are still no conditions to move to the yellow traffic light.
- Despite this, he reported that for the week from 11 to 17 October boliches, casinos and bookmakers with 30% capacity and with a stay of one hour will be allowed.
Mexico
Ministry of Health: There is not a current status of coronavirus Covid-19 recoveries
- The Ministry of Health acknowledged that it does not have a diagnosis of the health status of the 550,053 recovered people from coronavirus Covid-19in Mexico.
- Ricardo Cortés Alcalá, General Director of Health Promotion, said: “A specific diagnosis of health status of the people who have recovered is not available now. It seems to me that of these 500 thousand people that we estimate have recovered, it will not even represent 5 percent of those who required some specific rehabilitation therapy”.
One million cases of Covid-19 coronavirus are expected in ZMVM
- It is estimated that, as in December 31 of this year, the total accumulated confirmed cases of Covid-19 coronavirus in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM) would reach one million 247, according to the Stanford-CIDE COronavirus Simulation MOdel (SC-COSMO).
- In a statement it explained: “By means of Bayesian techniques, we use the series of incident cases of Covid-19 as objective data to estimate the parameters of the model and with these generate the projections.”
AMLO: No casualties reported after hurricane “Delta”
- The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, reported that minor damage was reported in Yucatán and Quintana Roo after the presence of hurricane “Delta”, including problems with the electricity.
- Laura Velázquez, National Coordinator of Civil Protection, said that Cancun’s airport is going to re-establish its services today.
Local Tourism
Storm risk in Cancún
- Experts from the National Meteorological Service (SMN) announced that there is a tropical storm, number twenty-six, 145 kilometers from Jamaica island, which is moving to the East-Southeast of Grand Cayman and it is approaching to the Yucatan Peninsula.
- Tropical storm “Gamma” will reach the coast of Mexico’s Gulf in the next few days and it could be accompanied by a cyclone that could turn into a hurricane and affect the area.
US Airlines to increase flights to Cozumel
- The main airlines that arrive in Cozumel and the General Director of Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council of (CPTQ), Darío Flota Ocampo, have agreed to keep the air routes, as well as to increase the frequencies to Cozumel.
- American Airlines has announced that the reconnection to the island with flights from Miami, Florida & Charlotte, North Carolina will start on October 8 and 10.
- Regarding the national air connectivity, as of October 2nd, Volaris resumed its operation of the Mexico City – Cozumel route with two weekly frequencies.
“Delta” arrives in Quintana Roo as category 2
- According to National Water Comission, (Comisión Nacional del Agua, Conagua) the center of the category 2 hurricane “Delta” made landfall in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo at 5:30 am.
- The meteorological phenomenon, which has been degrading in the last hours, entered the region with maximum winds of 175 km/h and gusts of 205 km/h, which have caused torrential rains in municipalities of Yucatan and Quintana Roo.
Cancun Airport closes due to hurricane
- Due to the arrival of hurricane “Delta”, the Cancun International Airport closed its doors and canceled 36 flights. The authorities announced that the airport will be reestablished once the weather conditions allow it.
- The Cozumel airport is also closed. As an alternative, the Merida airport will be available to meet the demands.
Cancun hotel zone receives evacuated tourists again
- Thousands of tourists who were evacuated due to the presence of hurricane “Delta” are returning to their hotels in Cancun.
- To prevent citizens from accessing the beaches, filters have been installed at the accesses to the hotel zone. This is because the region continues to be on yellow alert for this hurricane.
Los Cabos reports 70% airflow
- The reactivation of flights to Los Cabos recovered 70 percent of the air market in September, compared to the same month last year.
- The national airflow recovered 80 percent, while the international 60 percent.
Tourism Industry
Pueblos Mágicos could lose their appointment
- The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) released the National Strategy of Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), which includes an evaluation scheme to define their viability or the revocation of their appointment.
- “The permanence of Pueblos Mágicos will be carried out by means of an evaluation and follow-up model that allows for the evaluations of planning and sustainable tourism development, it will focus on the national development planning, state standards and with the objective of boost the tourism from the local level”, explained the organism.
Panama to reopens its borders to tourism
- From October 12, the county will reopen its borders to international visitors from all the countries with tight strategic health and protocols to keep tourists and local communities safe throughout the territory.
- All travelers that enter to Panama, will be required to submit a negative Covid-19 test, which must be taken no more than 48 hours before.
WTTC will participate in meeting with G20 Tourism Ministers
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) will hold a meeting – in which more than 40 CEOs of the main international tourism companies will participate – with the Ministers of Tourism of the 20 main powers.
- The meeting is expected to analyze coordination mechanisms that allow the recovery of the sector and that of millions of jobs in the sector, which were lost because of the pandemic.
Sedetur supports tourists stranded by cancelled flights
- Following the presence of hurricane “Delta” in the Mexican Caribbean, the Ministry of Tourism of Quintana Roo (Sedetur) will support tourists stranded by cancelled flights with accommodation and transportation services.
- The government of the state approved the reopening of supermarkets, shops and others.
Cozumel resumes operations
- The tourist activity in Cozumel has been reactivated after the presence of hurricane “Delta”. The 100 tourists sheltered in Carlos Monsiváis High School can now return to their hotels.
- The shops in the region are operating in accordance with the Strategic Plan for the Economic and Tourist Reactivation of Cozumel, Flea and Municipal Market.
Airlines
Viva Aerobus reaches 97 routes in October
- The airline announced that for this month it will operate a total of 97 routes (86 national, 11 international), that includes the reactivation of flights from Mexico City to Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen, Durango and Los Mochis.
- “We already operate 97 routes that promote the responsible reactivation of tourism and commerce, both are essential activities. Also, we add 18 new flights that reinforce our commitment with an accessible national and international air connectivity”, said Juan Carlos Zuazua, Director of the airline.
Interjet and Aeromar cancel alliance
- The airlines announced the decision, by mutual agreement, to end their codeshare service and possible purchase of shares, for both companies to continue with their independent restructuring plans.
- In this regard, the Trade Union Association of Aviators Pilots of Mexico (Asociación Sindical de Pilotos Aviadores de México, Aspa), declared that the leasing of aircraft and crew between Interjet and Aeromar has been inoperative because both airlines have not reached an agreement on the payment scheme.
Aeromar, IATA’s new member
- As of October 1st Aeromar is member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
- Danilo Correa, Aeromar’s CEO Said: “Our proactive participation will help us to improve our service standards and to implement best business practices, for the benefit of the customers and the company; as well as be part of IATA’s initiatives”.
Global Information
WHO: 10% of the worldwide population has infected by Covid-19
- Michael Ryan, Chief of Emergency Services at the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that it is possible that one in 10 people worldwide has already been infected by coronavirus.
- The estimate reaches 760 million people, based on the current world population of about 7.6 billion. It exceeds the number of confirmed cases reported by both the WHO and Johns Hopkins University.
Trump compares Covid-19 to the common flu
- In his official Twitter account, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, once again underestimated Covid-19 when comparing it to a seasonal flu, even though he recently tested positive for coronavirus.
- “Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!!”, he shared on Twitter.
September 28th to October 2nd update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 50.99
Confirmed: 748,315
Suspects: 88,659
Suspects per day: 2,174
Decesses per day: 432
Total decesses: 78,078
Cut as of October 1, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Donald Trump positives to Covid-19
- Through his Twitter account, the representative revealed thursday night that he and his wife Melania tested positive for Covid-19.
- The presidential couple would have been tested after a close adviser would have been infected with the virus.
- Trump’s physician, Sean P. Conley, confirmed through a letter the positive of the president and his wife. Although both are well, they plan to stay in the White House during their quarantine.
Mexico
Influenza Vaccination Campaign to begin
- According to the Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, next Thursday, October 1st, the Health Secretary will announce the beginning of the Influenza Vaccination Campaign.
- Starting with the 40th epidemiological week, which began last Sunday, influenza cases will begin to increase.
- The Undersecretary explained that, due to Winter season, there could be an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus Covid-19.
AMLO: Coronavirus Covid-19 strategy to be renewed
- The president, Andres Manuel López Obrador declared that the health strategy against coronavirus Covid-19 will be renewed and reinforced, which include home visits to detect infections, as is currently done in Mexico City.
- “We have to intensify the home visits to detect the sick, those who may be infected,and convince them to go to the hospitals; [It is] to renew the strategy, to give it new strength and dynamics,” the president declared.
Bets on tourists from USA and Canada to reactivate
- Miguel Torruco, Secretary of Tourism reported that the United States represents 55 percent of total international travelers, while Canada represents 13 percent.
- In a press conference, the Secretary of Tourism mentioned that travelers to these destinations are interested in taking trips of up to four and a half hours of flight time.
- “On October 5th we will announce the strategy to encourage national tourism, which will be based on promoting visits to magical tourism towns”, mentioned Torruco.
Local Tourism
Quintana Roo: stays on yellow light
- State Governor, Carlos Joaquín, annonced that from September 28 to October 4, the entire entity will remain in yellow, although at risk of returning to orange, due to a rise in the number of cases.
- The governor highlighted that in the south of the state has been an upsurge of infections in recent days, so he asked to strengthen preventive health measures.
Tianguis Turístico Digital pays off for the Mexican Caribbean
- After the participation of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo and the Mexican Caribbean destinations in the Tianguis Turístico Digital 2020, some international companies showed interest in collaborating with destinations.
- The Spotify platform, as well as BBC and CNN International could collaborate in the development of campaigns to promote the Mexican Caribbean for the Lain America and United States markets.
In Mexican Caribbean there are already 40 thousand rooms available
- After 45 thousand rooms were closed and the occupancy levels of less than 10 percent after the pandemic, Caribbean hotels now have more than 40,000 rooms available.
- Levels have now surpassed 30 percent and it is anticipated that 70 percent occupancy could be reached by the end of the year.
Mexican Caribbean exceeds recovery expectations
- In the Mexican Caribbean, levels have been recorded that exceed expectations for the recovery of tourism. Cozumel reached nearly 50 percent of ist hotel capacity, while Cancun already surpasses 35 percent occupancy.
- According to Roberto Cintron, President of the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, it is expected to reach an occupancy rate of between 60 and 65 percent in the Costa Mujeres-Puerto Morelos corridor for the next high season.
Cancún celebrates the arrival of the first Eruopean flight to the Mexican Caribbean
- Darío Flota, Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQR), announced that the flight is being operated by the Lufthansa airline, is coming from Frankfurt and will arrive with 279 passenger.
- Flota also mentioned that the arival of the Lufthansa Gorup’s airline Edelweiss Air is expected, which will arrive in Cancun and will come from Zurich.
Yucatán resumes international air connectivity
- On October 8th, the state of Yucatán will once again receive an international flight, which will be from Miami and will be operated by American Airlines.
- Michelle Fridman, Secretary of Tourism Development of the state, said: “The increase in connectivity is a reflection of the synergies and joint work between the air transport industry and the state of Yucatán”.
Tourism Industry
Tourism recovery could take 19 months
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the recovery of the tourism industry could take 19 months if governments and individual agencies coordinate to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the world.
- Virginia Messina, Director of the WTTC, said: “We are at the exact point where different actions that can be taken with a focus on recovery can buy us time”.
CNET and Concanaco sign agreement to Support tourism companies
- As part of the Alianza Nacional Emergente por el Turismo (Anetur) promoted by the Consejo Nacional Empresarial Turístico (CNET), a Collaboration Agreement was signed with the Confederación de Cámaras Nacionales de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo (Concanaco Servytur), in order to promote actions to support micro, small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector and to boost the reactivation of it.
- Among the actions contemplated by the alliance is the publication of analysis, studies and statistics of the sector, as well as the organization of forums, webinars and seminars.
BestDay reopens selling points in shopping malls
- The Online Travel Agency announced that it will begin operations of its points of sale located in shopping malls, for which a special program of health and higiene measures Will be implemented.
- Alejandro Calligaris, CEO of BestDay Travel Group, mentioned: “At BestDay we are very happy to reopen our islands in shopping malls (…) we are always attentive to the need of our users and, even when there are habits that have changed, the taste for Travel remains latent”.
Airlines
Interjet left passengers stranded in Cancún
- Due to the airline’s million-dollar debt to ASA Combustibles, at least three flights of the airline were unable to take off from Cancún, leaving more than 200 passengers stranded.
- Interjet’s debt to ASA Combustibles has already caused several delays in its operations, due to the lack of turbosine to operate.
Aeromar to connect Cancún with Cuba conectará Cancún con Cuba
- The airline announced that, in order to expand and diversify its route offering, it Will have flights to Cuba from Cancun starting in November in coordination with Viajes Libero.
- These new flights from Cancun will begin in a staggered manner, starting on November 5th two weekly frequencies.
- Aeromar customers will be able to purchase packages to Cuba’s capital, Varadero and the Keys.
Aeromexico launches new all-inclusive packages
- Through Gran Plan, the airline announced “Travel Safe and All-inclusive”, its new offer to travel packages that will include air and ground transportation and lodging in 11 destinations such as Acapulco, Cancún, Huatulco, La Paz, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Mérida, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Zihuatanejo.
- Among the other companies that will make up the packages are: Posadas Group, AM Resorts, Presidente Hotels, Iberostar Hotels, Palladium Hotels and Hard Rock Hotels.
Readjustments to Aeromexico’s staff continue
- According to the Mexican Aviation Surgeons’ Union Association (ASSA), the airline’s structuring plan recently added 616 surcharge layoffs and included a job rotation scheme for up to one year.
- All thos surcharges who have been readjusted and have permission to do so may return to the company as soon as market conditions are favorable, with the guarantee that their position Will be respected, the union explained.
American Airlines expands internationa conectivity
- Carlos Mendoza Davis, Governor of Baja California, mentioned that American Airlines will strengthen air connectivity between the state with Dallas, Texas, Phoenix and Arizona, during December-March and June-August seasons.
- “Baja California Sur is back to the international tourism market; and we are doing it in a strong, firm and sustained way with the reconnection of our capital city and the strengthening of the air connectivity of Loreto with two importan cities of the United States”, the Governor declared.
Viva Aerobus introduces new routes
- As parto f the activities of the Tianguis Turístico Digital, the airline announced the opening of the new route Mexico City-Ciudad Obregón.
- “The start of this new route is another step in the process of recovering the state’s tourist and comercial market. We recognize the commitment of Viva Aerobus to strengthen the state’s connectivity and disciplined health protocols. Working together, we give visitors cerainty that La Paz is a safe and reliable destination”, said Luis Humberto Araiza López, head of SETUES.
Air Frances includes Cancún in its November-December itinerary
- For November and December, Air Frances confirmed the route to Cancún and Mexico City from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, until January 3rd, 2021.
- The airline will fly to 170 destinations and will opérate 50 percent of its scheduled flight agenda for the last months of this year.
Global Information
More than 2,000 Mexicans have died abroad due to Covid-19
- The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, reported that 2,521 Mexican men and women have died outside the country dur to coronavirus Covid-19.
- The Minister declared: “Unfortunately, Mexicans have died outside our country in this pandemic (..) In the United States there are 2 thousand 505 out of a total of 199 thousand 597 people who have unfortunately los their lives”.
The world reaches a million of deaths due to Covid-19
- After eight months since the first coronavirus Covid-19 case was registered in China, this Tuesday the figure of 1,555 deaths due to the virus was reached.
- Worldwide, the curve is on a “plateau” since the beginning of June, with 5 thousands deaths per day, according to oficial figures.
September 21st to 25th update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 5,408
Confirmed: 715,457
Suspects: 84,348
Suspects per day: 1,799
Deaths per day: 490
Total death: 75,439
Court on September 24, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Government anticipates 70% occupancy in Cancun
Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco ventured to predict that Cancun will have an occupancy of between 65 and 70 percent in its hotels.
Torruco highlighted the advantage of the United States lowering the level of Covid’s alert in Mexico for its citizens from 4 to 3.
Mexico
Coronavirus Covid-19 vaccines go ahead for Mexico
- The Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Marcelo Ebrard, announced that seven of the coronavirus Covid-19 vaccines that are being developed in the world, intend to extend tests for Mexico.
- According to the minister, it is expected the approval of Cofepris and the Ministry of Health to give authorization to start with Phase three of the clinical tests in the country.
27 States show sustained reduction in Covid-19
- The Undersecretary of Prevention and Heath Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, reported that 27 from the 32 entities of the country show sustained reduction in the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases.
- In this regard, he mentioned: “Now we have been seven consecutive weeks, we are in the eightconsecutive week in which we see a sustained decline. In addition, we will see that in 27 of the 32 entities there are a reduction in the daily number or in the weekly number of confirmed cases (…)”.
Trials against coronavirus Covid-19 vaccine start in October
- According to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Marcelo Ebrard, the clinical trials corresponding to phase 3 of five vaccines against the coronavirus Covid-19, will start in Mexico in October.
- The vaccines to which the country has been invited to participate in the trials are: Janssen and Novax from the United States, Sputnik-V from Russia, Cansino from China, CureVac from Germany, Sanofi-Pasteur from France and ReiThera from Italy.
Local Tourism
Daily flights to Cancún increased
- Last weekend, the Cancun International Airport reached 300 operations in a single day, from which at least 100 were international arrivals.
- According to Carlos Orvañanos Rea, Coordinator of Social Communication of the Government of the State of Quintana Roo, he declared that in this way, hotel occupancy has increased 36 percent.
Increased occupancy expected in Cancún
- According to Roberto Cintrón, President of the Hotel Association of Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, it is expected that after the increase in flights by several foreign airlines, hotel occupancy in the destination could exceed the 60 percent expected by the end of the year.
- Cintrón added that the increase in hotel capacity allowed could contribute to surpassing the predictions for the last quarter of the year.
The three must trusted destinations
- According to an analysis made by Interamerican Network Agency on the evolution of the Security Perception Index and demand in Cancún, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, between June and August, the three destinations showed high levels of confidence.
- The destination with the highest level of confidence in that period was Los Cabos, followed by Cancún. In the case of Puerto Vallarta, its confidence level was affected at the end of July, due to a security problem with a group of tourists.
Tourism Industry
WTTC announces international plan to save the industry
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is planning to develop a global plan to contribute to the recovery of the tourism industry. It is focused on ensuring widespread international agreement on standardized testing protocols at departure, including non-quarantine for travelers.
- According to Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the organism, the European Union is expected to endorse the international agreement at the meeting of the region’s Tourism Ministers and subsequently with the group of G20 countries.
WTO: International tourism decreases 65% from January to June
- According to the World Tourism Barometer conducted by World Tourism Organization (WTO), international tourism registered 65 percent drop during the first half of the year. That was because of the travel restrictions and border closures as a result of the health emergency.
- Last June a reduction of 93 percent in international tourism was registered, compared to the same period last year.
First Tianguis Turistico Digital begins
- With the participation of 32 entities in the country and more than three thousand people registered, the First Tianguis Turístico Digital will take place next Wednesday.
- The event, which will last two days, has contemplated the participation of 217 exhibitors and 684 tourism industry professionals, who will meet with 1,964 buyers from 45 countries, including Mexico.
Airlines
Viva Aerobus resumes operations in Dallas
- The airline announced that it resumes operations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from Monterrey, which will offer two flights a week. Also, on November 13 it expects to resume operations from Mexico City to that destination, with three weekly frequencies.
- Sean Donohue, General Director of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport said: “It is an honor to welcome Viva Aerobus back to DFW”.
Viva Aerobus confirms new route: Mexico City-Chetumal route
- Carlos Joaquín González, Governor of Quintana Roo, announced that the airline will begin operations on November 12 on its new route: Mexico City-Chetumal, it will have four weekly frequencies.
- “I am very pleased with the arrival of Viva Aerobus to Chetumal. This new flight (…) will allow the capital of our state to have a greater connectivity with many plane seats,” the president added.
Interjet’s license suspended to fly to Canada
- After the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) suspended the airline’s license to operate in Canadian territory for not complying with the requirement to have liability insurance coverage, the Mexican airline will no longer be able to offer flights to Canada.
- Currently, Interjet only operates 10 domestic routes, when in the beginning of the year it had an offer of 80 routes. The airline has 22 aircraft, but only 7 are in condition to operate.
Global Information
Covid podría disminuir esperanza de vida
- De acuerdo con un estudio publicado en la revista “Plos One”, a menos que se contenga la propagación del virus, el Covid-19 podría causar una disminución a corto plazo en la esperanza de vida en zonas gravemente afectadas en el mundo.
- Guillaume Marois, investigador de IIASA quien dirigió el estudio, explicó: “Nuestro estudio proporciona la primera evaluación del impacto potencial de Covid-19 en las expectativas de vida de un período de acuerdo con una variedad de escenarios de tasas de prevalencia durante un período de un año”.
Second AstraZeneca Volunteer has illness
- Experimental test of AstraZeneca and the Oxford University’s Covid-19 vaccine recorded the second case of transverse myelitis, an unexplained neurological disease, among the volunteers.
- In this regard, AstraZeneca explained that it was “unlikely that the two cases were associated with the vaccine or that there was insufficient evidence to say with certainty that the diseases were or weren’t related to the vaccine.
August 31st to September 4th update
Cases of coronavirus in Mexico
New cases per day: +5937
Confirmed: 616,894
Suspects: 83,820
Suspects per day: +2045
Decesses per day: +513
Total decesses: 66,329
Cut as of August 3, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
Ministry of Health: the downward trend will not continue in Covid-19 coronavirus cases
- The Ministry of Health (Secretaría de Salud, SSA) reported an increase of 339 deaths from Covid-19 coronavirus compared to the figures reported last Saturday, which were 63,819. In total, there are 64,158 deaths.
- Even though the institution reported a reduction in cases, the figures indicate that the downward trend will not continue. The Undersecretary of Health declared: “Opening with such a small reduction of minus 12 percent, we could not guarantee that this will be maintained throughout the week (…)”.
26% of the population would refuse the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine
- According to a global survey conducted by Ipsos for the World Economic Forum, more than a quarter of the world’s population would refuse to get the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine.
- The study surveyed 20,000 people from 27 countries and found that 74 percent of the participants are willing to get vaccinated when possible. While 26 percent showed little interest in applying the drug.
Medical personnel deaths due to Covid-19 coronavirus lead records
- According to a report by Amnesty International, Mexico records the highest number of deaths from Covid-19 coronavirus among workers in the health sector.
- The study indicates that, so far, the country has registered 1,320 deaths confirmed by Covid-19 coronavirus. The figure is above the 1,777 in the United States, 649 in the United Kingdom, and 634 in Brazil.
Local Tourism
Guerrero increases occupancy limit
- Hoteliers, establishments, recitals, and touristic activities contemplate expanding the occupancy limit, after the epidemiological status in the state changed to yellow.
- Governor of the state Héctor Astudillo Flores reported that this Monday the new health guidelines to be followed will be announced. They imply a greater openness to the capacity of tourists and visitors, which will help economic recovery.
Sustainable tourism rebounds in Quintana Roo
- Sustainable tourism has contributed 2.9 billion dollars in investment to the state, as part of the economic diversification of the state. The General Director of IDEFIN-PRO-QUINTANA ROO, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, announced the portfolio of investment projects, planned for the next three years.
- These investments will allow the entity to reposition itself as a benchmark for the business class that seeks to consolidate projects.
Yucatan begins the second phase of tourism opening
- Starting this month, Yucatán began the second stage for the tourist reopening. According to the entity, the restart of tourist activities has been gradual, staggered, and with the support of biosafety standards.
- Among the activities contemplated in this second phase is the expansion of the hotel and restaurant occupancy limits, as well as the reactivation of complementary tourist services such as travel agencies, tourist guides, and tourist transport companies.
Tourism Industry
International tourism decreases in Mexico
- The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, Miguel Torruco Marqués, stated that from January to July only five million seven thousand international tourists arrived in the country by air, which represents a decrease of 57.5 percent, compared to the same period of the previous year.
- He declared that only 2,770,000 travelers from the United States arrived in Mexico, which represents a drop of 55.3 percent. From Canada, 889 thousand 497 tourists arrived, 41.5 percent less.
USA: first destination of Mexicans after the pandemic
- According to Despegar, 41 percent of Mexicans who travel abroad between September and December will decide to visit the United States, especially the city of Los Angeles.
- Following a survey carried out by the travel platform, the result is related to the interest in visiting family and friends. In this regard, 44 percent will stay in the homes of relatives or friends, and only 27 percent in a hotel.
Cancun airport loses foreign tourists
- According to the Federal Tourism Secretariat, the Cancun International Airport registers drops in its arrival numbers of international travelers since the pandemic began. Between January and July of this year, foreign tourists were reduced by 59 percent, representing a decrease of 5.13 million in 2019 to 2.4 million this year.
- The high number of COVID infections in the destination, which has been one of the most affected, complicates the recovery of the arrival of international tourism to the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean.
AMAV will start training on responsible tourism
- As part of its work to promote tourism in the country, the Mexican Association of Travel Agencies (Asociación Mexicana de Agencias de Viajes, AMAV) announced that it will begin training tourist guides with the biosafety model and Responsible Management of Tourism (MRT). The training will begin on September 2 and will be carried out through its Training and Certification Institute.
- Eduardo Paniagua, AMAV National President, reported that the training program will begin with a thousand travel agents from various states of the country.
Mexican Caribbean ready to resume cultural tourism
- According to Margarito Molina Rendón, Delegate of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, INAH), Quintana Roo is preparing to reopen its 13 archaeological sites, to reactivate cultural tourism that had been closed for more than five months.
- Molina Rendón also announced that the authorities are evaluating the different areas to corroborate the conditions in which they are. He emphasized that during the five months in which they were closed, the workers kept the maintenance activities of the cultural vestiges.
Airlines
Interjet announces new routes
- The airline announced that, as of September 1, it will reactivate three important markets to connect Mexico City with Ciudad Juárez and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in addition to the Monterrey-Cancun route.
- Likewise, Interjet will incorporate operations in new markets: Chihuahua-Tijuana, Guadalajara-Hermosillo, Hermosillo-Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez-Monterrey, Monterrey-Chihuahua, and Mérida-Tuxtla Gutiérrez. The foregoing with the objective of strengthening national connectivity, supporting economic and tourist development.
Viva Aerobus announces new routes
- The Mexican low-cost airline announced that four new routes will begin operations in September. On September 17, the Monterrey-Dallas route begins, with two weekly frequencies. On September 25, the three new routes to begin are CDMX-Veracruz, CDMX-La Paz, and CDMX-Zacatecas.
- Besides, it will reactivate flights to reach an offer of 95 routes. In this way, Viva Aerobus will have 82 percent of its offer available to strengthen national and international connectivity.
Volaris announces new route
- The airline announced that, as of November 12, it will incorporate the direct flight Mexico City – Houston that will have two weekly frequencies. This will be the second direct route to that city, as the airline already has a flight from Guadalajara.
- Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, stated: “The new Volaris route between Houston and Mexico City offers an important new connection between our cities that will benefit travelers.”
American Airlines announces a seasonal route to Puerto Vallarta
- The airline continues with the reactivation of air connectivity to the main tourist destinations in Mexico. American Airlines unveiled the Charlotte-Puerto Vallarta seasonal route, which will be available from December 17, 2020, to April 3, 2021.
- Luis Villaseñor, Acting Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Promotion and Advertising Trust, stated: “Puerto Vallarta has great attractions that we are sure can attract a large number of Americans from the East Coast.”
Global Information
WHO: Premature use of vaccine would affect the fight against COVID
- The World Health Organization(WHO) warned of the dangers of the premature use of a vaccine against the Covid-19 coronavirus. The institution considered that the treatment should be approved based on the results obtained in phase 3 of the clinical trials. The above, to avoid affecting the data on the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.
- Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist, stated: “Scientists around the world are asking [regulatory] agencies and companies for vaccine approval to be based on data from phase 3 clinical trials.”
EU does not join COVAX for equal access to the vaccine against Covid-19
- The United States government pointed out that it does not plan to participate in the COVAX platform, which has already been joined by about 172 countries, due to its differences with the World Health Organization.
- COVAX is a platform created by the WHO that aims to guarantee global and equal access to the vaccines that are developed to combat Covid-19.
August 24 to 28 weekly update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: +6026
Confirmed: 579,914
Suspects: 81,597
Suspects per day: +131
Deaths per day: +518
Total death: 62,594
Court on August 27, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
Ebrard bets on large vaccine production
- The foreign secretary said the next step in the fight against Covid-19 coronavirus is to produce the largest number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
- Ebrard said that clinical studies of the vaccine that AstraZeneca will produce are about to end and by the first days of November the results would be expected. Once this scenario, production of the vaccine would begin in the country.
Decreases the application of coronavirus Covid-19 tests
- The number of Covid-19 coronavirus diagnostic tests has decreased considerably in the last three weeks. The Undersecretary of Health, Hugo López-Gatell stated out that, if there are fewer people with symptoms, there will be fewer tests to detect the virus.
- Experts point out that the drop in the application of tests to detect Covid-19 coronavirus could be related to the decrease in the number of positive cases reported by the Ministry of Health.
Sale of drugs for coronavirus Covid-19 will be prescription only
- To avoid shortages and self-medication, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) determined that drugs for the management of outpatients of coronavirus Covid-19 must be acquired exclusively with a prescription.
- The institution explained that, for hospitalized patients, “the drugs must be issued only with a prescription, which must be issued by the treating physician and retained by the establishment that supplies it, without distinction if it is public, social or private, and must be duly registered within the clinical record ”.
Local Tourism
The Riviera Maya Business Coordinating Council will launch a call for tourism projects
- On September 3, the Riviera Maya Business Coordinating Council (Consejo Coordinador Empresarial, CCE) will launch an international call for companies to present tourism projects.
- The President of the CCE, Lenin Amaro Betancourt pointed out that the objective is to recover the 4.2 million tourists it received in 2018. “Our greatest strength in Quintana Roo has been resistance and effort; we have faced the ravages of H1N1 (influenza) and even the effects of the attacks on the Twin Towers in the United States.
Hotel occupancy in Cancun still does not exceed 30%
- For three weeks, the destination has not reached 30 percent occupancy in its hotels, due to travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 coronavirus
- According to the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, in some cases, the numbers do not even reach 20 percent. Besides, the institution stated that the accumulated occupancy in Cancun as of August 23 was 27.2%.
Cancun, at risk of deterioration of beaches
- The beaches of Cancun and the entire northern area of Quintana Roo are at a critical point due to the deterioration of their coasts. Several of the beach recovery projects in the Mexican Caribbean continue to await financing since 2017.
- According to The Nature Conservancy, 50 percent of the beaches in Quintana Roo are damaged, and of these, 25 percent can no longer be recovered.
Tourism Industry
The Mexican Association of Travel Agencies signs an agreement with Visit México
- Eduardo Paniagua, President of the Mexican Association of Travel Agencies (Asociación Mexicana de Agencias de Viajes, AMAV), signed an agreement with Visit México for 500 national travel agencies to have a presence on the portal.
- Up to now, 25 percent are already operating and have a section on the Visit México website. The objective is that users can connect directly with the agencies affiliated with the AMAV.
WTTC presents recovery information platform
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a travel demand recovery platform so that users can analyze the reactivation behavior of tourism through the demand for flights, hotels, and travel preferences.
- The free access tool provides qualitative and quantitative data at the global and regional levels, with information from 33 countries.
Sectur confirms the elimination of Undersecretariat
- As part of the institution’s budget cuts and the austerity plan promoted by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the Ministry of Tourism (Secretaría de Turismo, Sectur) confirmed the disappearance of the Tourism Planning and Policy Undersecretariat.
- Among its functions were to manage the generation of statistical and scientific information on the sector, elaboration of strategies and management schemes for national and local tourism development, establish guidelines for tourism offer and promotion, among others.
Los Cabos Cruises Record Their Worst Fall
- According to data from the Integral Port Administration, so far in 2020, the destination has registered an arrival of only 55 cruise ships. Due to the contingency because of the pandemic, the economic impact is greater than 15 million dollars.
- This represents the worst drop for the cruise industry in Los Cabos. It is estimated that it could overcome the crisis caused by the AH1N1 influenza epidemic, as well as the effects caused by meteorological phenomena.
Airlines
Delta to keep center seat locked until 2021
- The airline announced that its center seat locking protocol will remain in place until January next year, to offer greater security to travelers.
- Bill Lentsch, Executive Director of Customer Experience, stated: “We are extending one of our key health and safety protocols (…) by blocking the selection of center seats and limiting the number of customers per flight at least until January 6, 2021 “.
Viva Aerobus will promote the tourist reactivation of Yucatan
- Through its “Viva por México” campaign, the airline intends to promote different national destinations to contribute to the country’s tourist reactivation. Viva Aerobus will offer preferential rates on flights to and from Mérida for one week.
- Likewise, the airline will disseminate the tourist attractions of the destination on its digital channels and social networks to encourage tourism in Yucatán.
Volaris announces new international routes from CDMX
- The airline announced that in November three new international routes will start operations from Mexico City to Ontario, Sacramento, and Fresno, in California.
- On November 9, the CDMX-Ontario route will begin with two weekly frequencies, on November 10 the CDMX-Sacramento route with two frequencies a week, and the third CDMX-Fresno route will begin on November 11 and will have two weekly frequencies.
Global Information
First reported case of reinfection of coronavirus Covid-19
- The case of a man from Hong Kong, cured of coronavirus last April and who has tested positive again after traveling to Spain, was announced.
- The patient is the first documented case of Covid-19 reinfection in the world, according to researchers from the University of Hong Kong.
Mexico and Norway will collaborate on a new vaccine against COVID
- The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, announced that he is in talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Ine Eriksen, about Mexico’s participation in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
- The foregoing could lead to work between Mexico and Norway for the joint development of a new vaccine against Covid-19 coronavirus.
Tourism could lose 900,000 million dollars due to pandemic
- The international tourism industry has been severely affected by the coronavirus So far, the losses amount to 320 billion dollars and there are more than 120 million jobs at risk.
- According to the United Nations (UN), the tourism sector could lose more than 900,000 million dollars this year worldwide.
Pandemic slows globally
- According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), from August 17 to 23, there was a 5 percent drop in the number of infections and a 12 percent drop in the number of deaths.
- They point out that the coronavirus pandemic has shown a slowdown in recent weeks in most regions of the world, especially in the American continent. However, in countries like Italy and Spain, new outbreaks have emerged and are in the second wave of the virus.
August 17th to 21st weekly update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 6,590
Confirmed: 462,690
Suspects: 87,973
Suspects per day: 2,128
Deaths per day: 819
Total deaths: 50,517
Court on August 20, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
Russia will send samples of its vaccine to be applied in Mexico
Marcelo Ebrard, Foreign Secretary, noted that the Russian government is expected to send to our country 2 thousand doses of the Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19 coronavirus.
Ebrard added that in Mexico it has commitments to Phase 3 protocols with China, the United States, France-UK and now to Russia, and all tests are expected to begin next September.
Free COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine in the country
- The president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, stated that there will be a national campaign for free and universal vaccination against COVID-19 coronavirus, which will be available to all Mexicans.
- The vaccine, produced by Mexico and Argentina, is expected to be ready for the first quarter of next year, the president pointed out.
Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is on the decline
- Hugo López-Gatell, Undersecretary of Health reported that the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is in a decline phase. However, he reiterated that the health emergency is still active in Mexico.
- He stated out that the pandemic “is in a clear phase of decline; (…) in most of the national territory, the number of daily cases and are decreasing consistently, as well as the amount of deaths, which are steadily decreasing.”
Russian Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine could be tested in Mexico
- The Mexican government presented to Russia its interest in collaborating in phase 3 of the Sputnik 5 vaccine, against the Covid-19 coronavirus. The Foreign Minister of Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard wrote on Twitter: “I thank the ambassador of the Russian Federation, Victor K. Koronelli, for his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Relations. We talked about the Sputnik 5 vaccine. I expressed our interest in applying phase 3 to have the vaccine as soon as possible in Mexico. “
Local Tourism
Cancun and Riviera Maya beaches are the most sought, according to Expedia
- The beaches of these destinations are among the favorites of national and foreign tourists who plan to travel in September, according to an analysis of search engines, carried out by Expedia Group.
- According to the report, 6 out of 10 searches for national destinations were by Americans, two by Mexicans, and one by Canadians. This list is led by Cancun, followed by Riviera Maya and Los Cabos, Baja California.
Expectations of recovery of the Mexican Caribbean due to the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccines
- The president of the Caribbean Business Coordinating Council, Iván Ferrat Mancera, is optimistic about the recovery of tourism in the area after news about the progress in vaccines against the Covid-19 coronavirus was released.
- He ensures that the tourism sector is developing and “the fact that there already talks that there will soon be vaccines gives certainty of a faster recovery.”
The UK support confirmed against sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean
- The British Embassy in Mexico confirmed that satellites will be used to track and study sargassum in the waters of the region, as part of the SAtellite SArgassum Monitoring System (SASAMS) initiative, led by the University of Nottingham.
- In a statement, the embassy announced that “the project will provide an early warning on the accumulation of sargassum and its evaluation, which will allow federal agencies to allocate resources to the affected areas quickly and efficiently.”
Tourism Industry
Tourism asks the G-7 for help
- Presidents, managing directors, and members of the tourism sector, led by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), call for urgent support from the G-7 to establish coordinated actions between countries.
- More than 100 industry leaders signed a letter from the WTTC addressed to the G-7 plus the governments of Spain, Australia, and South Korea. The first to respond was the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez.
Covid-19 coronavirus vaccines hope for tourism
- The vaccines that Russia and China have developed and the possibility of producing millions of doses this year means hope for the international tourism sector that has been affected by the current pandemic.
- The sector has recorded losses of 320,000 million dollars between January and May, according to the UNWTO, and a drop in world GDP of more than 5.5 trillion dollars, according to the WTTC.
Miguel Torruco rejects the National Tourism Business Council requests
- In a meeting of the National Tourism Business Council (CNET) and Miguel Torruco, the Secretary of Tourism of Mexico declined the requests or did not respond to the demands raised by the main businessmen of the tourism industry in Mexico.
- He also pointed out, once again, the mistakes of previous governments and asked to wait until 2024 to see the results of the 4Q.
Airlines
Volaris contributes to the reconnection between Mexico and the USA
- The airline continues to reactivate its routes where it has a presence. It is expected that this month, it will reinforce 16 percent of its operations in Aguascalientes, in addition to the exclusive routes from the state to Cancun, Tijuana, Los Angeles, and Chicago (Midway).
- This month 2 thousand seats will be available for domestic and international routes at affordable prices.
Due to the pandemic, 30% of airline capacity will be reduced
- In the reactivation plan of Mexican airlines operations, a reduction of approximately 30 percent is expected, due to the health emergency because of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
- Rodrigo Vásquez Colmenares, General Director of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil, AFAC) stated: “Without a doubt, we are going to see a reduction, a decrease in the installed capacity of the entire transportation system, I would estimate that there will be a reduction close to 30 percent of the total seats that were had”.
Global Information
Russia produces the first batch of COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine
- The pharmaceutical Binnopharm reported that the first industrial batch of 15,500 vaccines against the COVID-19 coronavirus has already been produced.
- Russia announced that post-registration studies on the vaccine will begin in the next few days, and later the mass vaccination campaign.
China approves the first Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine patent
- Chinese authorities endorsed yesterday the Ad5-nCoV, the first vaccine patent against the Covid-19 coronavirus in this country.
- The vaccine uses a weakened virus from the common cold to introduce genetic material from the new coronavirus and prepare the body to produce antibodies that recognize and fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus protein.
64% of deaths from Covid-19 coronavirus are in America
- Currently, the American continent is the area most affected in the world by the Covid-19 coronavirus. America reports 64 percent of deaths worldwide, according to Carissa Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The countries most affected are the United States and Brazil.
- This region reaches 11.5 million cases, 400 thousand deaths because of the virus, even though it is home to 13 percent of the world’s population.
August 10th to 14th, update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 6,590
Confirmed: 462,690
Suspects: 87,973
Death per day: 819
Total deaths: 50,517
Update: August 13, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
This has been the deadliest month of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic
- With more than half a million contagions in Mexico and 55,000 deaths, July consolidated as the most reported on average per day, with 6 thousand 404, while August is shaping up to be the month with the most deaths on average for every 24 hours with 661.
- According to an analysis of the figures made by El Universal, Julio had a total of 198 thousand 548 contagions, as if every hour 266 Mexicans tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
- On the other hand, in the coming of August, 8 thousand 605 deaths have been recorded.
COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine tests will start in the country
- From September to January, three companies that work in the development of a vaccine against COVID-19 coronavirus will begin phase three, which involves clinical trials.
- Currently, Mexico takes part in four protocols to obtain the vaccine.
Government considers the budget for COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine
- President Andrés Manuel López Obrador pointed out that Mexico has 100 billion pesos to acquire sufficient doses of the vaccine against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
- “In case we need to buy vaccines, there is a budget, we are already estimating the cost of doses. In the investigations that have been carried out, some companies say that to have the vaccine at the people’s service, they will not have profit purposes, they will not charge; that is, it will be the minimum expenses ”, said the President.
Local Tourism
Cancun does not see improvement in touristic activity
- During the first days of August, the destination barely exceeded 100 daily landings.
- The hotel capacity is occupied up to 26.2%, even though 146 hotels are currently operating, totaling 37,422 rooms equipped for tourism.
The hotel occupancy increases in the Riviera Maya
- According to the President of Asociación de Hoteles de la Riviera Maya (AHRM) (Hotels Association of Riviera Maya), Conrad Bergwerf, a hotel occupancy of 20% was registered in the destination in July. An overtaking of 23% is expected in August.
- Bergwerf described the figures as encouraging, regarding the limit of 30% of occupancy that must be complied during the orange status, according to the sanitary authorities in the region.
Hotels in the Mexican Caribbean, among the best in the world
- According to the 2020 Travelers’ Choice, some of the Cancun and Riviera resorts are recognized among the 10 best hotels in Mexico.
- Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, as well as Rosewood Mayakoba and Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort in Riviera Maya, stood out for offering first-class services and unique experiences.
Tourism Industry
Sectur files a complaint about damages to the tourist image of Mexico
- Miguel Torruco Marqués, Secretary of Tourism of the country, announced that it lodged a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office for alleged illicit acts and damage related to the tourist image of Mexico.
- The incumbent clarified that Visit Mexico was the official promotion portal of the Mexican Tourism Promotion Council (CPTM) which, after its dissolution and liquidation, the CPTM became dependent on the Ministry of Tourism.
- Given this, Miguel Torruco stated, “it is our knowledge that it was caused by a third party called Tecnocen.com, S.A. de C.V., who allegedly had a business relationship with the Braintivity”
- This happened after the page was disabled on July 24, under a legend of “Suspension for non-payment.”
Tecnocen sues the Secretary of Tourism
- The company which oversaw the management of the VisitMexico website sued Miguel Torruco. The accusations are aimed at the secretary for blaming the company of “hacking” the platform and take control of the site domains.
- “Some suppliers of Braintivity (concessionaire of VisitMexico) started to make a set of decisions… and opted to hack the site, stole the domains”, stated Miguel Torruco in an interview, the last August 7th.
Mexicans will visit national destinations after quarantine
- According to a study carried out by Despegar, 65% of Mexicans will choose a national destination to travel after confinement.
- Ezequiel Rubin, Country Manager of Despegar México, recognized that travel will not be the same after the pandemic and travel trends will change. He anticipated that road trips and nearby destinations will be preferred.
Airlines
Asur reports a drop in passengers of 77.6%
- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (Asur) declared that in July there was a 77.6% drop in the number of passengers, compared to the same month last year. This due to the recession in travel caused by the Coronavirus COVID-19
- The number of decreases in Mexico is 74.7%, while in Puerto Rico it was 62.4%, and 99.8% in Colombia.
Flight rebound in July
- Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobús registered a gradual increase in flights during July, after four months of losses in their transfers.
- Airlines registered an increase of 60% to 110% compared to June, but a decrease of more than 60%, compared to the same period of the previous year.
Global Information
Russia registers the first vaccine against COVID-19 coronavirus
- Vladimir Putin announced that the country developed the first vaccine against the COVID-19 coronavirus, “Sputnik V”, in homage to a Soviet satellite. Besides, the Russian government announced that about 20 countries ordered more than 1 billion doses.
- Phase three of the clinical trials will begin on Wednesday, August 12th, while industrial production is scheduled for September.
Russian vaccine generates uncertainty
- After the Russian government announced that it was the first country to obtain the vaccine against the COVID-19 coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for discretion so as not to raise doubts. He recalled that the homologation of a vaccine requires a “rigorous” procedure.
- The Russian government plans to start immunizing the first risk groups in August and to begin mass vaccination campaigns in October.
August 3rd to 7th update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 6,590
Confirmed: 462,690
Suspects: 87,973
Death per day: 819
Total deaths: 50,517
Update: July 23rd, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
U.S. asks citizens not to travel to Mexico for coronavirus
The U.S. government has placed the highest travel alert to our country because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This despite having raised the general suggestion among its citizens not to travel abroad.
So far, Taiwan is the only country that has the conditions to be at the top level of the stopover and has no special concerns for traveling there.
Mexico registers new record of Covid-19 coronavirus cases per day
- The Ministry of Health announced that Mexico registered 434 thousand 193 Covid-19 coronavirus infections, 9 thousand 556 more than yesterday.
- José Luis Alomía, director of Epidemiology, commented that at this moment the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 coronavirus would be 475,510 and 49,392 deaths.
Influenza could generate a sprout of Covid-19 coronavirus
- The undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell, stated that a Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak is expected during the influenza season that begins around September and October.
- López-Gatell announced that the Ministry of Health is working on a “Continuity Plan for Clinical Care Operations”, to reintegrate the health services that were affected by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Local tourism
Cancun receives its highest number of landings for the first time in 4 months
- Dario Flota, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council, published that 101 arrivals, 57 nationals, 2 from Canada and 42 from the United States, were registered at Cancun Airport last weekend.
- Of a total of 207 flights, 101 were landings and 106 were departures, this being the highest number recorded since the pandemic began.
Guerrero obtains Secure Travel Stamp
- The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted the state the Global Safety Stamp, to provide confidence to tourists visiting the destination.
- “The tourist attractions of Guerrero enjoy international recognition for their great cultural wealth, natural beauties, climate, crafts, traditions, and their gastronomy”, pointed out the president and CEO of the WTTC, Gloria Guevara Manzo.
- On its ends, the Governor of Guerrero, Héctor Astudillo Flores recognized that the stamp will benefit the tourist destinations of the entity and provide confidence to visitors about the standards, guidelines of hygiene and sanitation.
Tourism Industry
Challenges for tourism in Mexico after the T-MEC
- Businessmen in the sector analyze the impact of the Mexico-United States and Canada Treaty (T-MEC) for tourism in the country. Only 5 of the 34 chapters that make up the treaty are related to the sector.
- Entrepreneurs recognized that the new guidelines benefit meeting and medical tourism, as well as tourist carriers. However, they insisted on the need for government support.
“The New Normal” in tourism, an issue of analysis
- The Covid-19 coronaviruspandemic will determine new ways of analyzing the tourism sector, where health and hygiene guidelines could define the success of destinations, experts pointed out.
- Currently, destinations, and hotels are preparing protocols and strengthening (or creating) new strategic alliances with cleaning and sanitation agencies, to face the new needs in the face of the pandemic.
Airlines
Interjet increases its flight offer to 88%
- The airline announced that as of August 8th it will increase its routes and frequencies to national destinations.
- 21 weekly flights to and from Cancun, 14 to Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Merida will be available. Besides, double frequency to Merida and daily flights to Cozumel, San José del Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta.
Interjet and Aeromar will share routes
- After signing a commercial alliance, the companies agreed to jointly market their routes to connect to the destinations offered by each one, to offer more options and improve their connectivity.
- Starting this month, the routes previously operated only by Aeromar (from Mexico City to Acapulco, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Zihuatanejo, and Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta) will be available at Interjet.
Global Information
WHO warns that there may never be a solution against Covid-19 coronavirus
- “Clinical trials give us hope, but this does not necessarily mean that we can get an effective vaccine,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general.
- The WHO chief insisted that stopping outbreaks depends on respect for public health measures.
Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine created by Russia generates immunity
- The representative of the Health of that country declared that the vaccine generated immunity in the 38 volunteers who participated in the test.
- Doctors and teachers will be the first to benefit from the treatment. It is expected to be shipped to various regions of the country starting August 10.
- Denis Maturov, Russian Minister of Commerce, declared that the country is currently capable of producing hundreds of thousands of vaccines and increasing its production to millions starting next year.
July 20th to 24th update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 8,438
Confirmed: 370,712
Suspects: 89,547
Death per day: 718
Total deaths: 41,908
Update: July 23rd, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
Mexico City could take a step back in front to coronavirus if this happens
- If the hospital occupation exceeds 5 thousand 127 beds, the city would retreat to the stage before.
- This was reported by the head of government, Claudia Sheinbaum, who noted that, for the fifth day in a row, the city recorded an increase of 2,674 patients in bed without a respirator.
- Despite this, the epidemiological traffic light will remain orange for the next week.
It is likely to have a vaccine in late 2020: SRE
- The Secretary of Foreign Relations (SRE), Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, stated that probably by the end of the year there will be a vaccine against the Covid-19 coronavirus.
- Ebrard commented that the Coalition for Innovations in Epidemic Preparedness
- (CEPI), The Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) and WHO created the Global Access Platform for the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine, which aims to distribute 2 billion doses of the vaccine by the end of 2021.
https://bit.ly/3jroW1k
Local Tourism
Riviera Nayarit focuses on sustainability to revive tourism
- Riviera Nayarit is considered a leading destination in sustainability and ecosystem protection, seeking a balance between the arrival of travelers and care for the environment.
- Nuevo Vallarta was the first Clean Tourist Destination in Mexico, recognized by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa).
- Riviera Nayarit has 23 micro-destinations and natural areas such as Islas Marietas, Isla Isabel, Islas Marías, Marismas Nacionales, which in total exceed 800 thousand hectares.
Tourism Industry
Mexico is recognized as the most competitive tourist destination in Latin America
- The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its report on tourism competitiveness in Latin America and the Caribbean, in which Mexico ranks first at the regional level, and number 19 worldwide.
- The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index evaluates the set of factors and policies that allow the sustainable development of the sector, and that contribute to economic growth and competitiveness.
- Mexico remains in the top position of the Latin America index, as its travel and tourism policies have been optimized.
Mexican Caribbean presents a new platform for travel agents
- The Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo presented the E-learning platform of the Mexican Caribbean, a digital tool with which they seek to train travel agents around the world for free.
- The platform will be available in 6 languages: English, Dutch, French, Portugal, German and Spanish; with relevant information on each of the tourist destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
- Travel agents who complete the courses and pass successfully will receive a certificate.
Airlines
Aeromar presents a new product that guarantees unlimited travel
- Aeromar presented the new Family Passport, with this product Mexican families will be able to fly as many times as they want to any of the airline’s national routes.
- It will be available in two versions, the first for three members for 6,995 pesos and the other for four members for 8,495 pesos.
- With this benefit, passengers are entitled to a carry-on luggage of up to 10 kg per person.
Airlines ask governments of Europe and the US for health implementations
- Airlines call for a control program to detect Covid-19 coronavirus among travelers.
- The governments of Europe and the United States were asked to implement tests to detect Covid-19 coronavirus to fly back to Europe from and to US airports.
Global Information
US invests millions in Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine doses
- Health Secretary Alex Azar reports that the United States government has signed a contract to deliver 100 million doses of a vaccine against the Covid-19 coronavirus.
- The United States has agreed to pay 1.95 billion dollars to secure a potential Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine that is being developed by the American laboratory Pfizer and Germany’s Biontech.
China launches credit for Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine
- Last Wednesday China offered a $ 1 billion loan to support access to the vaccine to Latin American countries.
- The Asian country promised that the vaccine developed in its territory will be a public good with universal access.
- The offer was made to Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.
July 13rd to 17th update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New coronavirus cases per day: 6,406
Confirmed: 324,041
Suspects: 82,567
Death per day: 668
Total deaths: 37,574
Court on July 16th, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Enlist coronavirus massive tests for CDMX
The Government of Mexico City signed agreements to the laboratories of three national institutes of health to triple the number of coronavirus screening tests and reduce waiting times for results.
These alliances expect to be applied up to 3,500 trials a day, which would exceed 657 that applied at the beginning of the pandemic.
Mexico
Punto Limpio (Clean Point), the only stamp endorsed by the Mexican Government
- The Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Torruco Marqués along with the heads of the Secretariats of Health and Labor and Social Security of the Government of Mexico announced the new Clean Point Quality Stamp V2020.
- With this new model, tourism companies will be able to provide tourists, both nationals and foreigners, with an environment of safety and hygiene, both in the facilities where they stay, and in the chain of services used throughout their stay.
Local Tourism
Protocol for the reopening of beaches in Cancun is being prepared
- The tourism secretary of Benito Juárez, Francisco López Reyes, is already preparing the protocol to reopen the beaches at 60% capacity as soon as the traffic light changes to yellow.
- The measures that have been proposed are: a 60% capacity, special hours, hygiene and sanitation measures that include the use of rugs, antibactirial gel, and special trash cans that must be used by those who come to the beaches.
Oaxaca is named “the best tourist city in the world”
- Travel + Leisure, one of the most important international magazines in the world, carried out its annual survey in which its world readers chose Oaxaca as the best city to visit.
- Within the 25 cities listed there are also three other Mexican cities: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato; Mexico City and Merida, Yucatan, same that obtained the place two, 11 and 24 respectively.
Some states resumed restrictive measures
- Authorities from five states of the country resumed their measures of restriction on social mobility, after the citizens relaxed the prevention regulations against the Covid-19 coronavirus.
- Veracruz, Yucatan, Colima, Durango and Tamaulipas are the states affected by the rapid growth of infections.
Tourism Industry
New Mexican passport announced
- The new passport will have more biometric data, it can also be issued in Canada, Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
- Among other benefits, the new contract contemplates the migration of the machine readable passport, currently in force, to the electronic passport.
Airlines
Price war between Volaris and Viva Aerobus
- Viva Aerobus and Volaris seek to favor travelers and the country’s economy, because through very attractive offers, both airlines want to reactivate their connections.
- Volaris will release 7 million seats with up to 80% discount on its regular fare to travel until October 2021, a promotion that is equivalent to almost 40 thousand planes with tickets from $ 699 pesos.
- Viva Aerobus is launching the Tarifa Zero campaign and the new payment alternative TU Aliado.
American Airlines could lay off 29% of its employees
- American Airlines announced to 25,000 of its employees on Wednesday that their jobs are at risk as federal aid expires on October 1st.
- The company has a workforce of 130,000 employees, these possible cuts would affect approximately 29% of workers.
Global Information
- The US and Canada announce the possibility of postponing the opening of borders until August 21
- The United States and Canada are preparing to extend the closure of their common border until August 21 for everything other than essential travel.
- Most Canadians fear a reopening. The United States has more confirmed cases and deaths of Covid-19 than any other country in the world, while Canada has flattened the curve of the epidemic.
Update July 6th to 10th
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New coronavirus cases per day: 7,280
Confirmed: 282,283
Suspects: 88,988
Death per day: 730
Deaths: 33,526
Updated to July 9th, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Cancun forecasts 60% occupancy in December
The Quintana Roo’s Tourism Board predicted that a hotel occupancy of 60% or more in the state for the month of December.
Currently the occupation is 30% in the state and the governor of the state took a step back and returned to the red state traffic light by a coronavirus from July 13th to 19th.
López-Gatell ensures the epidemic is slowing down
- In Mexico, the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic slows down and so far, there have been no outbreaks since unconfinement, said the undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez.
- He explained that the fact that the number of cases or deaths increases every day does not imply an accelerated growth of the virus, but because it remains active.
Local Tourism
QRoo returns to partial confinement
- Due to the increase in Covid-19 coronavirus cases, state public security authorities have decided to confine the population of 11 municipalities again.
- The measure will in principle affect the hotel sector which will reduce its staff.
Color loss in Bacalar Lagoon
- Tourism and agricultural activities have made the Bacalar Lagoon lose its iconic 7 colors.
- A study by Luisa Falcón Álvarez, from the Institute of Ecology (IE) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, indicated that the area in recent years has gone from receiving dozens of visitors a year to more than 140 thousand visitors.
Cancun received 70 thousand tourists in the last month
- Although the hotels have opened at 30% of their capacity and the average occupancy remains below 20%.
- Cancun has already received nearly 70,000 tourists in less than a month of economic revival.
- Occupancy remains below 20% with just over 6,500 rooms in operation.
Tourists ignore prevention measures on Acapulco’s beaches
- Most walkers forgot about measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
- Until this Monday, the state of Guerrero registers more than six thousand cases.
- The beaches will only be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and sports of any kind are not allowed.
Recovery will not be the same in all destinations: Marisol Vanegas
- The Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, Marisol Vanegas Pérez, estimates that by the end of the year a recovery of 60 or 65 percent of the operation of the sector will be reached.
- Vanegas Pérez emphasized that those destinations that are still in an “initial phase” will be those that do not see this recovery.
Mexico loses 32.7% of its international visitors
- The income by international visitors in the first four months of the year registered a decrease of 32.7% (about 3 billion dollars), according to the National Tourist Business Council and the Center for Tourism Research and Competitiveness Anahuac (Cicotur).
- The volume of tourists that entered by air fell 34.2%, reflecting the deep decline reported in April, which was -98.1%.
Volaris expands its offer of flights from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM)
- Volaris announced that this month it will fly 25 routes from the AICM, which represents the largest offer that any company provides in this air terminal.
- In July it will triple its flights from the AICM, with which it will offer 39 thousand seats with rates for domestic flights that start from 939 pesos in a single trip with taxes included.
- The airline also renewed its Biosafety Protocol, to provide well-being to its passengers at all stages of their journey.
Global Information
Is the Covid-19 coronavirus air-transmitting?
- According to the WHO, coronavirus is transmitted by contact with droplets from a sick person’s cough or sneezing, however, 239 experts from 32 countries warn that coronavirus could be transmitted through the air.
- In this regard, WHO has reported that air transmission occurs when there is a presence of microbes within the droplet nuclei and droplets remain in the air for long periods of time and at a close distance.
June 29th to July 3rd update
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 6,741
Confirmed: 238,511
Suspects: 76,423
Death per day: 679
Deaths: 29,189
Court on July 2nd, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
The cost of the Maya Train gets expensive
- The land with caverns and cenotes in section 4 of the project have increased the total cost of the project by 16 thousand 916 million pesos.
- The modification of the stroke called Gulf 3, between Izamal-Tulum, now includes an additional 61 kilometers of track compared to the original project. In addition to a double track and a station for easy connection to Holbox.
- Currently the total cost of the work is 156 billion pesos when its initial cost was 139 billion 84 million.
México
The construction of the Mayan Train started outside the environmental law
- With two months of delay forced by the apocalypse of the coronavirus, the works of the first four sections of this long and complex work began.
- 60 million pesos were paid to start construction of a megaproject that accumulated too many delays without having an Environmental Impact Statement (MIA).
Local Tourism
Cancun International Airport registered more activity since Covid-19 coronavirus
- The air terminal registered 97 operations, the highest activity since the start of the pandemic, according to Southeast Airport Group data.
- The Cancun airport reported a total of 44 arrivals last Sunday, of which 29 were domestic and 15 international, while departures have reached 27 to domestic destinations and 15 abroad.
Guerrero prepares for reopening of activities in the tourism sector
- Guerrero still remains at 2.8 points of the trend of Covid-19 coronavirus cases, and it is necessary that 3 tenths be decreased in order to reopen activities of the tourist sector in the entity as of July 2nd.
- There is a lot of hope that the Covid-19 coronavirus traffic light will change and with that activities will begin, especially in the main cities of the state.
Cozumel reopens dive sites
- Pedro Joaquín Delbouis, municipal president, pointed out that in Cozumel there are more than 100 diving houses operating “who are allowed, at this orange stage, to work at 30% of their capacity.”
- After the effective application of the health security protocols established in the Strategic Plan for Economic and Tourist Reactivation of Cozumel, from this week, tourists will be able to safely enter the dive sites.
Tourism Industry
Secretaries of Tourism in favor of the WTTC stamp
- Luis Humberto Araiza López, president of the Association of Secretaries of Tourism of Mexico (Asetur) said that the safe travel stamp is complemented by the guidelines and protocols for reopening of the Federal Government.
- Although he mentioned that certifications such as Sectur’s “Clean Point” have been adopted in some entities of the country (such as Baja California Sur), even if they are not mandatory, they contribute significantly to raising the quality and safety of tourist destinations.
Airlines
Airlines for America will take action against passengers who do not wear face masks
- Several US airlines have been stern with passengers failing to wear mandatory face masks on airplanes.
- American Airlines dropped a passenger from a New York to Dallas flight for refusing to wear a mask.
- American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United Airlines shared a statement explaining that each of the airlines will determine the sanctions for passengers who violate the mask use policy.
Volaris lands again in Tamaulipas
- As of October 2nd, Volaris returns to the state of Tamaulipas after a break of more than four years.
- It will have three flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on its Mexico City-Tampico route
Global Information
The European Union opens its borders
- The European Union opened its borders, closed since mid-March by Covid-19 coronavirus, to tourists from 15 countries, excluding several nations, including the United States, Mexico and Brazil.
- The list of those who do have access includes Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.
- Uruguay will evaluate the application of a reciprocity policy in opening borders with the EU, after the bloc confirmed it as the only Latin American country included in the list.
Update to June 25th
Coronavirus cases in Mexico
New cases per day: 6,104
Confirmed: 20,2951
Suspects: 63,583
Death per day: 736
Death: 25,060
Court on June 25, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Mexico
Definitive suspension is granted against section 1 of the Maya Train
- The National Fund for Tourism Development (Fonatur) must stop all work except the maintenance of the existing routes in the section that goes from Palenque to Escárcega, until the amparo trial is resolved.
- The Civil Association and the communities indicated that this suspension was granted because in the municipality of Palenque they could resent an effect on their legal sphere, specifically on their right to health.
Local Tourism
Campeche is added to the list of destinations with the secure travel stamp
- With the certification of Campeche as a safe destination, the Yucatan Peninsula is the first tourist corridor in Latin America to apply the protocols of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
- This stamp seeks to generate greater confidence in tourists once the authorities of each entity determine the opening of their destinations.
Nayarit closes spaces again for Covid-19 coronavirus
- After only 22 days of revival of public spaces, the state government ordered the closure to the public of urban, suburban and rural public areas.
- This after 31 new Covid-19 coronavirus infections were reported in the last hours.
Tourism Industry
Torruco recommends opting for exclusivity and not “squandering” destinations
- “Lowering rates would be a waste of the best destinations in Mexico. I recognize that it is a sacrifice, but in the medium term it will pay off”, said Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Miguel Torruco.
- Cancun had losses of around eight million airplane seats, which equates to one billion dollars, while hotel occupancy has been reduced to 2% of its capacity.
In six weeks Covid-19 coronavirus wiped out Airbnb
- Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, commented that 12 years of work fell apart in just six weeks due to the covid
- In May, the platform had to dismiss almost 1,900 employees, 25% of its workforce, due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus.
Airlines
Volaris allies with the Government to revive tourism in Mexico
- The Secretary of Tourism of the Mexican Government, Miguel Torruco Marqués, recognized Volaris for being the airline that transported the most passengers in 2019.
- “With allies like Volaris, the recovery of tourism in our country will be a reality, with new destinations and more routes that strengthen the connectivity of the Mexican Republic. Today it unites 36 cities in the country and in July there will be 39”: Torruco.
Delta will no longer inject capital into Aeroméxico
- Although it continues to be its partner and obtained support from the United States Government, Delta is prevented from injecting capital into Aeroméxico since the bilateral agreement so stipulates, because it is fiscal funds.
- However, both companies have options to move forward, and even Delta has stated that it wants to continue as a shareholder.
Volaris announces new routes from Mexico City
- Volaris announced that it will add five new routes to its itineraries between July and August 2020.
- Departing from Mexico City, the airline will reach cities in the gulf of Mexico such as Villahermosa, Ciudad del Carmen and Campeche and in the north of the country such as Tampico and Torreón.