Monthly Archives: March 2009

Are Cancun and The Riviera Maya Safe to Travel to?

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In a concern to diminish the harm done by negative press, the Karisma Resort management just published the following Questions & Answers for their specialist travel agents to reassure their customers:

Is it safe to visit the Riviera Maya and your properties?
a. There have been no reports of incidents in the Riviera Maya, where El Dorado Spa
Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are located. The isolated, drug-related
incident that took place outside of Cancun earlier this month was more than 100
miles in the opposite direction of Riviera Maya, and did not involve everyday citizens
or tourists.
b. We have been reassured by the tourism ministry that Riviera Maya remains a safe
tourist destination.
c. Border towns including Chihuahua and Tijuana, which are the focus of such
violence, are more than 1,500 miles and 2,000 miles from Riviera Maya, respectively.

Wasn’t there a travel advisory cautioning travelers about popular tourist areas like
Los Cabos and Cancun?
a. No, the Mexico Tourism Board maintains that Mexico remains a safe tourist
destination, further reassuring that popular tourist destinations including Los Cabos,
Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya (where El Dorado Spa Resorts &
Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are located), all remain safe for visitors.
b. The U.S. Department of State also issued a travel alert warning U.S. citizens about
dangers in border towns.

Are reports that the Cancun Airport has been taken over by the military true?
a. Despite the proliferation of rumors, there are no formal reports indicating the
takeover of the Cancun Airport by military officials.

What are you doing to ensure the safety of current guests?
a. We are committed to providing our guests with exceptional and memorable
experiences and their satisfaction is our top priority.
b. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels, by Karisma are closed to outside
persons. Further, we employ 24-hour security to help ensure the safety of our
guests.
c. Riviera Maya remains a safe tourist destination and because there have been no
reports of violent incidents in the area, we do not feel the need to increase security at
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma.

These statements are based on the following resources:
Mexico Tourism Board
U.S. State Department

In addition, Mandy Chomat, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Karisma Hotels & Resort also speaks out on behalf of the Riviera Maya and Mexico in an interview with Travel Agent Central.

Hawaii- How to Pick The Right Island for you

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2009 is a great year for Hawaii! After a big decline in tourism to Hawaii in 2008 the islands and resorts have come up with some great value packages to attract visitors to the islands in 2009. Hawaii is even listed number seven on New York Times’ list of “Top 44 Places to Go in 2009”. This is probably the first time ever in Hawaii’s history that resorts offer free nights, add-on values, airfare credits and even free car rentals.

So let’s say you’ve decided to travel to Hawaii in 2009. Whether it be for a honeymoon, a destination wedding, a family vacation or a business trip. How do you pick the right island or island combination for you and your party? The Hawaii Guide has come up with a simple “Which Hawaii Island to Visit?” grid system that will help you choose the right islands for your visit.

Especially during this time of discounts and savings it is a very good idea to work with a travel agent when it comes to your Hawaii vacation. Not only will they be able to help you with sort through the available deals but they will also be able to save you a lot of time when it comes to efficiently connect between islands, make sure you are staying on the right side of the island to avoid rainy days, help you pick the best luau and also arrange those very special events such as a destination wedding for you.