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There has been plenty of talk and confusion on Mexico reopening to tourism. Travel Off Path compiled all the facts to simplify the announcements and speculation.
*Important Note: The reopening of tourism activities is dependent on approval of the Mexico federal government. Be sure to check with local and state authorities before traveling.
Breaking News Update May 14th: Puerto Vallarta will become the first official tourist destination in Mexico to reopen their doors including hotels and motels opening on June 1st.
Update May 20th:
The Governor of Quintana Roo says tourism for Cancun, Riviera Maya and the state could see a reopening between June 8th and 10th.
So far companies like Xcaret, AM Resorts, Hard Rock, Mayakoba, Royalton, Temptation, Coral Princess and Fiesta Americana Cozumel, among others, have announced June 1 reopenings.
The president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association also announced that 15 hotels will also reopen to tourists on June 1st as well.
Over the coming weeks there are sure to be more announcements made by tourism councils regarding reopenings but until state and federal officials give the go ahead, nothing is written in stone.
Another example of plans to reopen in Puerto Vallarta came from the Director of municipal tourism stating that tourism could take until August.
In another announcement, Aeromexico confirmed that it would be relaunching flights to and from Canada and the United States starting June 1st.
Last week, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he wants to begin reopening the economy in some areas by May 17 and across the country on June 1. Obrador announced he saw a “light at the end of the tunnel in Mexico’s struggle with the deadly virus“.
Since the President made the statement, some Mexican states have already started planning their reopenings before an official statement was made. Obrador has only expressed his ‘desire' to reopen and has not officially lifted the restrictions still in place that will make tourism possible.
Some airlines, through virtual meetings with the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council announced they are resuming their operations at the Cancun International Airport. The airlines include Air Canada, Air Transat, Delta Airlines, Copa Airlines, Air Europa, Sunwing, Southwest and Aeroméxico which will all begin landing in early June.
Has an offical date been set for the reopening of Mexico to tourism?
The answer is No. While there have been many announcements made regarding reopening, none of them come from the federal government of Mexico.
“There is no official opening date for tourist services, said Enrique Vega Vázquez, the publisher of VisitMexico.com.
Many hotels and restaurants are confident they'll be able to open by June. “Although everyone is confident that they will be able to reopen, the reality is that it is only what they have in mind,” explained Vazquez.
Tourism is a major industry in Mexico. The country saw close to 50 million visitors in 2018, with the vast majority coming from the United States. But with a steady rise of Covid-19 cases and a health care system that is at risk of being overwhelmed, a return to “normal” may be far off.
Current Restrictions In Place For Mexico
All citizens and visitors are encouraged to stay home, maintain social distance and wash hands frequently.
Gatherings over 100 people have been banned, and schools are closed until May 30.
As of March 21, Mexico and the United States entered a joint agreement limiting all movement between the U.S. and Mexico land border to essential travel.
Air travel, however, is still operational but all travelers entering the country are subject to health screenings.
Hotels were ordered to cancel new and existing reservations on April 3, with the exception of people carrying out essential business. Hotels hosting essential business travelers must limit occupancy to 15 percent.
Restrictions also vary by state and municipality.
A joint statement from Miguel Torruco Marqués, the secretary of tourism, and Jorge Alcocer Varela, the secretary of health, was published on April 23.
It laid out details for the hospitality industry to ensure cleanliness and safety, and to allow hotels and restaurants to safely function once the threat of Covid-19 has been reduced.
Details include how frequently to disinfect spaces, procedures for disinfection and cleanliness requirements for employees, including providing them with protective equipment.
When will Mexico reopen officially to tourism?
The President of Mexico wants to open the country on June 1st but Covid-19 may have different plans for the country.
It will all depend on the rate of infection as the date draws closer, along with if businesses can acutally safeguard tourists from the novel Coronavirus.
There has been no official date set out by the federal government.
Travel Off Path's Recommendation for booking trips to Mexico in June
At this time, we can't recommend making travel plans to Mexico. Until there is an offical announcement from the Mexican government, hold off on making travel plans.
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Additional Sources/NewYorkTimes
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