Is it Time to Pack the Sunscreen?

So many amazing locales in Mexico would make the perfect setting for a dream vacation – hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Cozumel, Puebla, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Tulum, San Miguel de Allende, Punta Mita, Mexico City and plenty more.

Like most nations, Mexico is reopening its local and tourist economy in multiple phases, as airlines reinstate international routes to accommodate growing numbers of travelers. Hotels in Mexico are accepting reservations from foreign tourists in June for stays starting July 1, 2020.

Tourist on the beach; stock image @ canva

Mexico City and Surrounding Area

However, the capital Mexico City is still considered to be in the “red zone” (not cleared for tourists). The final decision to move the capital city into the “green zone” will be made once hospital bed occupancy drops below the current 65 percent.

Twenty-one million people reside in Mexico City, and because of this population density, the capital and surrounding towns and cities have suffered the most casualties from Covid-19. There seems to be the belief among city officials and health authorities that the past June 15 reopen deadline would likely have to be extended. Still, we will continue to monitor any future developments.

Many Other Desirable Locations Reopening Soon

Despite the disappointing news about the capital city, over 300 municipalities spread out among the 32 federal entities (states) of Mexico that have already begun the initial reopening phases.

The federal government must approve each state’s reopening plan. Hotels within these states must obtain a “Clean Safe Certification” from the federal government verifying they will adhere to the coronavirus prevention measures. July 1 is the tentative starting date when hotels in the various Mexican states can reopen.

Interiors of a luxury bathroom; stock image @rawpixel

The U.S. market, currently under a Level-4 travel advisory that discourages Americans from traveling internationally, could see significant changes starting in July when the advisory is expected to be downgraded.

Major airlines such as Southwest, American, and Delta are slowly beginning to resume international routes, including popular destinations like Cancun and Los Cabos.

Vacationers from the U.S. contribute a large portion of the tourism revenue to Mexico. As one example, eighty percent of Los Cabos’ tourism comes from the United States, according to the Los Cabos Tourism board. As you might imagine, Mexico is eager to reestablish even a moderate flow of visitors from the U.S. and elsewhere across the globe.

Health & Safety

Here are just a few statistics to give you an idea of the impact Covid-19 has had on Mexico (Date 6/18/2020):

Population – 128,881,218 | Active Cases – 21,358 | Total Deaths – 19,080 | 148 per capita
(by contrast, the U.S. is 6,809 per capita)

Woman in a medical mask getting her temperature measured by an electronic thermometer

When the time comes for expanded international travel, inbound travelers to Mexico should anticipate health screenings, including temperature checks, soon after deboarding. Only those exhibiting symptoms will require additional screenings, and possibly placed under quarantine. The duration of quarantines has not been specified, but 14 days seems to be the standard.

Bill Linehan, president of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, a collection of luxury Mexico and Caribbean resort properties with 13 in the Cancun area, told FOX Business: “A lot of the chains and competitors are really stressing deep cleaning [measures], but it’s more than that. We’re implementing things like disposable menus, mobile or remote check-ins, maintaining lower capacity, sterilizing luggage, and changing our food display, so it’s not self-service.” Additionally, there will be floor markers to ensure social distancing and personal hygiene kits in all guest rooms.

As for the employees, they are undergoing training in COVID-19 protocols like proper use of personal protective equipment. Daily temperature checks are also part of Karisma’s standard operating procedures, and apparently throughout the hotel and resort industry.

Face covering with Mexican flag; stock image @ rawpixel

Across the board, hotel guests in Mexico can expect much lower occupancy, far less interaction with staff and guests, and highly monitored sanitary conditions, whether at a sprawling all-inclusive chain or a chic boutique-style hotel.

The month of July is essentially the first phase of reopening Mexico to tourists from around the world. Therefore, a massive influx of tourists will not occur all at once, nor is it what authorities hope to happen. Slow, methodical, and, most of all, – safe! This is the approach Mexico is taking to instill confidence in travelers as they navigate through all the uncertainty surrounding travel at this point in time.

Take a look at Mexico when contemplating your next leisurely excursion and see if it’s up to par with your needs and expectations. It may just be the dream vacation you have been seeking.

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The bottom line is that there are many factors to consider when deciding whether you will book that trip now or wait until next year. For those of you who choose the former, we wish you a pleasant and safe journey.

— American travelers should check with Travel.State.Gov for the most up to date travel information. Travelers should also follow the guidelines of their local health services experts and government officials. All visitors should check with local health & safety requirements to learn what type of personal protective equipment is required, where and when it must be used, and other crucial regional information.

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