Deals Proliferate as Flu Travel Alert Lifted from Mexico

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the U.S. Department of State have now lifted their recommendations that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. This is good news for the travel industry, and it may be good news to consumers looking to stretch their vacation budget this summer.

Travel Experts report that recent events in Mexico have created a textbook example of a true “buyer’s market,” with hotel rates often 50% below what they were last summer. Hotels, resorts, airlines and other leaders within the travel industry are moving quickly to recapture lost revenue with extremely aggressive pricing to Mexico destinations.

Among the first to announce a major sale to Mexico is leading travel website BookIt.com who has released a “Half Price Flights to Mexico Sale.” The limited time sale combines low hotel rates with up to $600 in flight credits - delivering flights from most major airports at half price.

“Mexico is back in business for travelers – in a very big way,” said Jesse Henson, BookIt.com Vice President of Marketing. “With resorts and airlines competing for business, plus our new sale offering flight credits worth up to $600 – there are literally once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience an incredible Mexico vacation for a fraction of the cost.”

BookIt.com deals to Mexico include, but aren’t limited to:

* Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach All-Inclusive Resort in the Riviera Maya - $600 Flight Credit with 7 night booking
* Moon Palace Golf & Spa All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun - $400 Flight Credit with 7 night booking
* Melia Cabo Real All-Inclusive Resort in Los Cabos - $400 Flight Credit with 7 night booking
* Vallarta Palace All-Inclusive Resort in Nuevo Vallarta - $400 Flight Credit with 7 night booking

Visit www.mexico.bookit.com for details on the “BookIt.com® Half Price Flights to Mexico Sale.”

According to the official U.S. Department of State website, “The Department of State wishes to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico that on May 15, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted its recommendation that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. As a result of the CDC's decision, the State Department's Travel Alert relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect.” See the full release online here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html.

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Carnival Cruise Lines to Resume Port Calls in Mexico

/PRNewswire / -- Carnival Cruise Lines will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, which is no longer recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico. Once all voyages with previously modified itineraries are completed, those vessels will revert to their original routes featuring stops in Mexico. Most itineraries were modified through mid-June with the exception of the Holiday which was modified through late May. A ship-by-ship listing including dates for when each vessel will resume its original itinerary is available at http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/itinerary_updates.aspx.

"We are very pleased to resume our previous itineraries to Mexico, one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations, and we thank those guests who were impacted by the modified schedules in recent weeks for their understanding and patience," said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines.

Cahill added, "The health and well being of our guests and crew is our highest priority and we are returning to Mexico after careful evaluation and consultation with the CDC. It is important to note that the concentration of H1N1 flu cases in Mexico has been inland rather than in the coastal resort areas where our ships visit."

Cahill also noted that the cruise industry works closely with U.S. public health officials in the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program in developing and complying with extensive policies and procedures that are effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. Carnival will continue to follow CDC guidelines for cruise ships which include pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, all Carnival ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications for treating type A influenzas.

"Mexico has so many wonderful sites and attractions and feedback from our customers suggests that the majority support a resumption of port calls in Mexico. We know that they and our port destination partners are very much looking forward to our return," he added.

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Travel Guard Offering Free Assistance to Travelers Concerned With Swine Flu Outbreak's Impact

/PRNewswire/ -- Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com) (www.travelguard.ca) announced today it is providing free emergency travel and medical assistance services and travel health information to U.S. and Canadian travelers affected by or concerned with the recent swine flu outbreak. These services include worldwide medical referrals; up-to-the-minute updates on outbreak status and travel areas affected; information on symptoms, prevention and treatment; and coordination of travel arrangements for those in transit.

Travel Guard will also provide information and medical referrals for travelers in transit who believe they may be experiencing swine flu symptoms. Travelers seeking these services can call Travel Guard at 1-866-644-6811 (US and Canada toll-free) or collect at 1-715-295-1209 (for international callers). Travel Guard is also providing information and updates related to the swine flu situation on its Web sites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguard.ca.

"Our worldwide travel assistance operations are closely monitoring the swine flu outbreak and its impact on travelers around the world," said Dan McGinnity, spokesperson for Travel Guard. "Travelers can contact us for travel updates, health warnings, prevention and treatment tips and other information related to this situation."

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