Mexico News
San Miguel de Allende Receives WTTC Safe Travels Stamp
San Miguel de Allende has been endorsed with the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Safe Travels” stamp that recognizes the implementation of global standardized health and hygiene protocols.
The stamp is an addition to the city’s own “Health First” certification, which is granted after local health and safety officials evaluate each location in terms of its sanitary protocols. Restaurants, hotels, golf courses, activity centers, and cultural spaces must apply for the certificate.
Currently restaurants, markets, and public transportation are open in San Miguel. The city is set to reopen to tourists, with hotels operating at 40 percent capacity.
AeroMexico Files Chapter 11 but Will Continue Flying
AeroMexico has become the latest Latin American airline to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Operations will continue with the company planning to double its domestic capacity and quadruple its international capacity in July compared to June. Employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits. The airline said that during the restructuring all tickets, reservations, vouchers, and loyalty points will remain valid.
In filing Chapter 11, Aeromexico joins Latin American carriers Latam and Avianca. Delta owns 49 percent of Aeromexico and 20 percent of Latam.
Aeromexico said it is in talks to obtain debtor-in-possession financing, which is financing secured during a bankruptcy process that takes priority over existing debts. The airline said it is confident in securing that financing which, along with available cash, would provide Aeromexico with sufficient liquidity to survive the COVID crisis.
International News
Golden Isles of Georgia Voted World’s Best Island in the Continental U.S.
The Golden Isles have been named World’s Best Islands in the Continental U.S. in the “Travel + Leisure World’s” Best Awards 2020 readers’ survey.
With miles of beautiful beaches, picturesque landmarks, and mouthwatering local cuisine it’s no wonder St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick secured the number one spot on the list this year!
Comprised of four natural barrier islands, each of the Golden Isles has its own charm and personality to discover and all are complemented by the mainland port city of Brunswick.
Around the Americas
Restrictions on nonessential travel at U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico will be extended through August 21, Canada and the United States announced.
Although travelers can’t get to Mexico by car, they have been arriving by air. Hotels have seen increasing demand to the point where they have needed to accelerate their reopening.
Palace Resorts had opened two properties initially with plans to phase additional reopenings over several months. However, due to strong demand and their adherence to reduced capacity, they have now reopened all their properties but one that is under renovation.
Cruise News
CDC Once Again Extends No Sail Order for Cruise Ships
Cruises from U.S. ports aren’t embarking anytime soon. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an extension of its No Sail Order for cruise ship operations for U.S. ports until September 30, 2020.
The No Sail Order originally went into effect on March 14 as coronavirus cases were starting to spike in the United States.
CDC data has revealed a total of 99 outbreaks on 123 different cruise ships, meaning that 80 percent of ships within U.S. jurisdiction were affected by COVID-19 between March 1 and July 10.
Royal Caribbean Buys Out Silversea
Royal Caribbean Group has announced that they have purchased the remaining shares in the ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises. The move to full ownership comes two years after Royal Caribbean acquired a two-thirds share of the cruise line in July of 2018.
Silversea Cruises has a fleet of six luxury cruise ships and three expedition vessels. The cruise line has four more new cruise ships on order or under construction.
Royal Caribbean now owns four global cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea Cruises. The company is also a 50 percent owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together the brands operate 63 ships with an additional 16 on order as of July 10, 2020.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages Ceases Operations
U.K. based Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has ceased operations after the cruise line failed to secure funding. CMV served mainly British passengers and operated six cruise ships.
CMV is the second cruise line to file for bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spanish cruise line Pullmantur filed for insolvency in June.
Holland America Ships Leaving Fleet
Holland America announced that four ships will be leaving the fleet by the end of the year after being sold to undisclosed buyers. Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam, and Veendam will be transferred out of the Holland America fleet.
The line is adjusting scheduled itineraries on the ships for the rest of the year, with some sailings canceled and some picked up by other ships in the fleet.
Holland America will be left with a fleet of 10 ships until Ryndam, its newest Pinnacle class ship, joins the fleet in May of 2021.
Words of the Wise & Well-traveled
Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. —Anne Lamott
Deal of the Week
Cunard’s 180th Anniversary Sale
As Cunard celebrates 180 years of setting sail with world-class entertainment and award-winning chefs reaching idyllic ports and offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it wants to invite you to plan your next voyage aboard one of our three Queens. With over 200 voyages included in this offer, you’re sure to find the perfect itinerary for any destination you are dreaming. Book by August 27, 2020. This offer includes:
- Up to US$2,000 onboard credit per stateroom
- Deposit reduced by 50 percent
- Grill Suite guests receive free drinks and free gratuities.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant since 1971, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit your interests, physical abilities and budget. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics and around-the-world travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Travel Weekly, Travel+Leisure, Travel Leaders Network, Travel Pulse, CNN Travel, Cruise Fever, Travel Market Report