From Secrets, Dreams & Zoetry- a bit of perspective on the swine flu

[JenniferSS]

May 8, 2009

 

Greetings Jennifer,

We would like to begin by thanking you for your ongoing and continued support, as we know it has been quite challenging.

 

There has been an overwhelming amount of negative media coverage reported these past few weeks and we are sad to say that the majority of reporting is considered to be a lot of hype and misinformation.

It is very important to understand and focus on the facts under these circumstances and our goal is to help you do just that.

 

The Facts:

•According to Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, of the 159 deaths reported during the flu outbreak in the country, only 16 were confirmed to be associated with the swine flu.

 

oOnly 10% of the number originally stated by the media

oPopulation of Mexico City: 26.7 million people

oRelative percentage of people infected in Mexico City: 5 ten millionths of one percent

oThe United States reports 38,000 deaths per year to the regular flu

 

•According to Quintana Roo State Secretary of Tourism, no fatal cases of influenza have been reported in the main tourism destinations:

Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Huatulco

 

•The BBC has reported the influenza is in decline, according to Mexican Health Minister, Jose Cordova.

 

•CNN reports, the health alert drop in Mexico City is a sign that Mexico City is successfully overcoming the influenza and the preventative actions taken are producing positive results, states Mexico City Mayor, Marcelo Ebrad.

 

•The World Health Organization is NOT recommending travel restrictions. Scientific research indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease, according to the WHO.

 

•CNN’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg states the H1N1 reporting has been blown out of proportion and has created an unnecessary ‘abundance of fear’.

Watch the interview here.

Listen to what guests currently in Mexico are saying:

•“If you watch the national media, you are misinformed.†YouTube - Testimonial from Cancun

 

•“If you're thinking about coming to Mexico, the rates are down, the airfare is cheap, so get down here before the rest of the country finds out.†YouTube - Testimonial from México

Even with the negative reports, Mexico tourism remains active and all restaurants, cafes, libraries, museums, churches and archaeological sites are open.

 

We strive to keep you and your clients completely informed and hope we have done just that. Again, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to working together in promotion of travel to Mexico. Viva Mexico!

 

Sincerely,

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas

 

I received this today and although I had randomly heard the stats here and there I thought that this may assist some of our brides with their guests whoo may be nervous!

[boven]

Thank you TA Jennifer! There is a lot of useful information here that FI and I will include in our newsletter going out this weekend. Much thanks!

[MarieSam]

great breakdown that really gives the media-infused situation a whole lotta perspective -- thanks so much for sharing this, I think I will send this to guests

[Ginalyn]

Great stuff. Thanks for posting! I will forward to our guests who are on the fence about cancelling!