Talking Points – Safe Travel to Mexico

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to Mexico. (Updated July 21, 2017)

1. Mexico resort areas are safe for travelers. There has been no security message issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and the longstanding Travel Warning has not changed and does not warn against Americans traveling to Mexico – rather it further clarifies the relative safety of each state within Mexico.

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.

1. Mexico resort areas are safe for travelers. There has been no security message issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, and the longstanding Travel Warning has not changed and does not warn against Americans traveling to Mexico – rather it further clarifies the relative safety of each state within Mexico.

 There is a news story that is being widely circulated regarding at least one resort with possibly tainted alcohol.

o The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel specifically cited the IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar in its recent story about two American siblings found unconscious in a pool at IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar. One of the individuals died after drinking several alcoholic drinks.

o The story also includes information that “the national health authority in Mexico has seized more than 1.4 million gallons of adulterated alcohol since 2010 — not just from small local establishments, but from hotels and other entertainment areas, according to a 2017 report by the country’s Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks.”

 “The bootleg liquor could be infused with grain alcohol or dangerous concentrations of methanol, cheaper alternatives to producing ethanol, government reports warn.”

 “And the mixtures are capable of making people extremely sick.”

o A spokeswoman told the Journal Sentinel “the company takes the health and safety of its guests seriously. The statement said the company’s Mexican resorts book about 500,000 guests a year and that the company adheres to strict regulatory standards.”

 “We work with a host of providers not unique to IBEROSTAR who service other hotel chains and renowned brands,” spokeswoman Yazmine Esparza said in an email. “Similarly, we only purchase sealed bottles that satisfy all standards required by the designated regulatory authorities.”

 In a statement regarding the death at the IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar, the resort said:

 

o “From the moment in which the guests were found, IBEROSTAR personnel acted with urgency, following established protocols. The hotel’s onsite doctor, security personnel and paramedics immediately responded and provided medical assistance.”

o IBEROSTAR takes this matter very seriously and has always remained cooperative. The safety and security of guests is utmost priority for us, and we provide onsite 24/7 security and medical resources to all our guests. We are deeply saddened by this incident and reiterate our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family.”

 More than 35 million people visited Mexico in 2016 and nearly eight (8) million Americans visited the country from January to October 2016 – the vast majority of those visitor traveled to and from Mexico safely.

 While the State Department currently has a Travel Warning in place, it has not changed since December 2016 and it does not explicitly say, “Do not travel to Mexico.”

 The State Department aptly notes: “Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. The Mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that organized criminal groups have targeted U.S. visitors and residents based on their nationality.”

o It further states: “Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes.”

o Major resort areas where Americans like to go, such as Cancun, Cozumel, the Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas are quite safe.

 Major resort areas where Americans like to go, such as Cancun, Cozumel, the Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas are quite safe.

o According to the U.S. State Department, there are no travel advisories in place for:

 Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos (Please note that the State Department does advise Americans to exercise caution in Baja California and Baja California Sur)

 Campeche

 Chiapas (Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas)

 Guadalajara (Please note that the State Department does advise Americans to defer non-essential travel to areas of Jalisco state along its border, and exercise caution in rural areas and on secondary highways.)

 Guanajuato (San Miguel de Allende and Leon)

 Hidalgo

 Mexico City

 Puebla

 Puerto Vallarta (Please note that the State Department does advise Americans to defer non-essential travel to areas of Jalisco state along its border, and exercise caution in rural areas and on secondary highways.)

 Queretaro

 Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum)

 Tabasco (Villahermosa)

 Tlaxcala

 Veracruz

 Yucatan (Merida and Chichen Itza)

2. All travelers, no matter what country they visit, can take precautions to help ensure their safety.

 If our clients are going to pack one thing, we’d strongly recommend it be common sense. No matter what our clients’ age or destination, they should always use good common sense when it comes to their personal safety, just as they would at home.

 To maximize one’s personal safety and security while traveling in Mexico or any other international destination:

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas, and avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.

o Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member back home.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items.

o Make every attempt to travel during daylight hours, and stick to main roads.

 Additional precautions travelers can take, just as they would at home, include:

o Have someone you trust with you.

o If something seems suspicious, remove yourself from that situation.

o Be a good citizen. If you see a fellow traveler needing assistance don’t be afraid to help.

o If traveling with children, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times, especially near water as the resorts do not offer lifeguards.

 It is highly recommended that all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect themselves if they become ill or injured in a foreign country and require medical treatment and/or evacuation.

 The U.S. State Department also advises the following specifically for travel to Mexico: “U.S. citizens are encouraged to lower their personal profiles and to avoid displaying indicators of wealth such as expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, watches, or cameras. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid situations in which they may be isolated or stand out as potential victims.”

 We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

 The safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority, and we would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe.

 

 We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should the need arise.

 

Talking Points – Measles Outside the U.S.

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing the measles outbreaks, including in Indonesia, Romania and Guinea. (Updated July 20, 2017)

1. Measles is still very common in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

2. Travelers can easily protect themselves by making certain their vaccinations are up-to-date.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. Measles is still very common in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Africa.

 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued Watch Level 1 advisories for measles in France, as well as Democratic Republic of the Congo.

o A Watch Level 1 travel health notice from the CDC is the lowest of three advisories it issues, meaning it recommends travelers “practice usual precautions” – in this case, it means being vaccinated for measles prior to traveling.

o The CDC also currently has a Watch Level 1 for measles in Belgium, Germany, Guinea, Indonesia, Italy, and Romania.

 A recent outbreak in France necessitated the Watch Level 1 advisory.

o According the French Tribune, “France is following in the footsteps of Italy by making vaccination compulsory. This is due to the rising cases of measles, a situation that has been referred to by health officials as unacceptable. In January and February 2017, nearly 80 cases were reported. For this reason, the ministry of health has announced that from 2018, parents will have the legal obligation of ensuring that their children are vaccinated.”

 “Between 2008 and 2016, over 24,000 measles cases were reported in France. Of these, more than 1,500 had severe complications, while there were 10 deaths.”

o Much of the French measles outbreak is attributed to misinformation about the MMR vaccine.

 “While measles is no longer endemic in 37 European countries, according to the WHO, ‘remaining pockets of low immunisation coverage allow the highly contagious virus to spread among those who choose not to vaccinate, do not have equitable access to vaccines or cannot be protected through vaccination due to underlying health conditions’,” said The Independent.

 Measles continues to be an ongoing public health issue worldwide, as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, as of July 12, 2017, there have been:

 

o 2,774 laboratory confirmed cases of measles in the African region

o 154 laboratory confirmed cases in the Americas region

o 3,938 laboratory confirmed cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region

o 4,534 laboratory confirmed cases in the European region

o 3,952 laboratory confirmed cases in the South-East Asia Region

o 3,763 laboratory confirmed cases in the Western Pacific region

 The majority of measles cases that are brought into the United States come from unvaccinated U.S. residents or visitors.

 Clinicians should keep measles in mind when treating patients with fever and rash, especially if the patient has recently traveled internationally.

2. Travelers can easily protect themselves by making certain their vaccinations are up-to-date.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat, and is followed by a rash that spreads all over the body.”

 According to the CDC, “Travelers who have not been vaccinated are at risk of getting the disease and spreading it to their friends and family members who may not be up-to-date with vaccinations. Because of this risk, all travelers should be up-to-date on their vaccinations, regardless of where they are going.”

 In the U.S., the vaccines that are available are the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines.

o The CDC states: “MMR has been used safely and effectively since the 1970s. A few people experience mild, temporary adverse reactions, such as joint pain, from the vaccine, but serious side effects are extremely rare. There is no link between MMR and autism.”

 Both children and adults who are traveling should be vaccinated. The CDC offers the following guidelines:

o Routine vaccination for children in the U.S. is between 12-15 months, but younger children traveling outside of the U.S. can receive the vaccine starting at six months old.

o Children 12 months or older, adolescents, and adults who are traveling outside the United States must have received two doses of MMR or other live measles-containing vaccine to be considered immune to measles.

o Also, those who have had the diagnosis of measles documented by a physician, have laboratory evidence of immunity, or were born before 1957 are considered immune.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

 We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe or were unable to provide precautions to minimize risks. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 

 The CDC has issued Watch Level 1 health notices urging travelers to practice usual precautions when visiting Indonesia, Romania and Guinea. Additional measles cases have been reported worldwide.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should the need arise.

 

Talking Points – Egypt

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing security issues and travel to Egypt. (Updated July 20, 2017)

1. A U.S. State Department Travel Warning for Egypt remains in effect because of ongoing terrorist threats and high profile attacks.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. A U.S. State Department Travel Warning for Egypt remains in effect because of ongoing terrorist threats and high profile attacks.

 On July 14, two German tourists were stabbed to death at a resort in Hurghada, near the Red Sea.

o Deutsche Welle reported that “The knifeman swam to the hotel from a public beach, Egyptian authorities said. He then killed the two women and wounded two other tourists at the Zahabia hotel before moving on to a neighboring beach to attack at least two more people at the Sunny Days El Palacio resort.”

o “No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but it appeared to have been inspired by recent calls made by the local affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group on its followers to attack Egypt’s minority Christians and foreign tourists,” said TIME.

 On April 10, 2017, explosions occurred at two Egyptian Coptic Christian churches.

o The BBC reports that “An explosion at St George’s Coptic church in Tanta killed 27 people. Hours later, a blast outside St Mark’s Coptic church in Alexandria left 17 dead. So-called Islamic State (IS) said it was behind the explosions, the latest in a series of attacks targeting the Christian minority in the country.”

o CNN reports that at least 49 people died and 78 people were injured in the explosions. Among the dead in Alexandria were four police officers.

o The attacks occurred on Palm Sunday, the start of the Christian Holy Week leading to Easter.

 “The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider the risks of travel to Egypt due to threats from terrorist and violent political opposition groups.”

o “The Egyptian Government maintains a heavy security presence at major tourist sites in and around greater Cairo and Alexandria; at Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and other beach resorts on the Red Sea and the Mediterranean coast; and at many of the major temples and archaeological sites located in and around the Nile Valley cities of Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel.”

o “For security reasons, U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from traveling to the Western Desert and the Sinai Peninsula. Overland travel is not allowed anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula, but U.S. Mission personnel are permitted to

 

travel to and from Sharm El-Sheikh by air. Mission personnel are prohibited from visiting religious sites outside greater Cairo.”

o “Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in the country, including major metropolitan areas. In early May, ISIS media threatened that places associated with Westerners, Christians, the Egyptian military or police, and Egyptian government facilities could be struck at any time. The northeastern Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians.”

o “Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).”

 The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not explicitly warn against travel to Egypt, noting, “Around 231,000 British nationals visited Egypt in 2016. Most visits are trouble-free.” But the FCO advises:

o “You should remain vigilant at all times and follow the advice of local security officials, including in and around religious sites and during religious festivals (including the holy month of Ramadan) when terrorist groups sometimes call for attacks. Take extra care over local holiday weekends, as some terrorist attacks have occurred during these times.”

o Against traveling to the North Sinai for any reason.

o Only essential travel to:

 “the Governorate of South Sinai, with the exception of the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes the airport and the areas of Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq; however, we advise against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh.”

 “the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, excluding the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh.”

 Global Affairs Canada “advises against non-essential travel to Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation. This advisory does not apply to the Red Sea coastal resorts of Hurghada (and its surroundings) and Sharm el-Sheikh, nor to the area from Luxor to Aswan along the upper Nile, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.”

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

 We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

 

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.

 

Talking Points – U.S. Travel Ban

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have questions about the executive order banning certain travelers from entering the United States. (Updated June 30, 2017)

1. A limited version of the Executive Order, which prohibits citizens of six Muslim-majority countries and refugees from entering the U.S., is in effect. The ban will impact individuals lacking any “bona fide relationship with any person or entity in the United States.”

2. We are here to assist our clients; their safety and well-being is our top priority.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.

1. A limited version of the Executive Order, which prohibits citizens of six Muslim-majority countries and refugees from entering the U.S., is in effect. The ban will impact individuals lacking any “bona fide relationship with any person or entity in the United States.”

 On the evening of June 29, 2017, implementation of the Executive Order, commonly referred to as the U.S. travel ban, went into effect. According to the U.S. State Department:

o “Lawful permanent residents of the United States are not affected by the Executive Order.”

o The Executive Order doesn’t restrict the travel of “dual nationals, so long as they are traveling on the passport of an unrestricted country and, if needed, hold a valid U.S. visa.”

o “Permanent residents of Canada who hold passports of a restricted country can apply for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa to the United States if the individual presents that passport, and proof of permanent resident status, to a consular officer. These applications must be made at a U.S. consular section in Canada.”

 The U.S. travel ban should not impact the following individuals:

o Individuals who have legal status as U.S. citizens, or via green cards and visas.

o A foreign national who seeks to enter the United States to live with a family member, such as a spouse or mother-in-law. The court said a “close familial relationship is required.”

 The State Department as defined that as: “A close familial relationship is defined as a parent (including parent-in-law), spouse, fiancé, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling, whether whole or half, and including step relationships. ‘Close family’ does not include grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and any other “extended” family members.”

o A student who has been admitted to study at an American university.

 

o A worker who has accepted an offer of employment from an American company.

o A lecturer invited to address an American audience.

 The revised Executive Order barring citizens from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days, and refugees from entering for 120 days, was set to go into effect on March 16.

o A temporary freeze of the revised U.S. travel ban was ordered by U.S. District Judge Watson of Hawaii on March 15, 2017, and on March 16, a federal judge in Maryland blocked the portion of the Executive Order that included a 90-day ban on immigration for citizens of six countries.

o On March 29, an injunction was issued by Hawaii’s U.S. District Court Judge, Derrick Watson, which now blocks the Executive Order – more commonly referred to as the U.S. travel ban – indefinitely.

o On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the temporary ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority countries, in addition to all refugees, can go into effect for people with no strong ties to the United States. Full arguments on the legality of the ban will be heard by the Supreme Court in October.

 According to The New York Times, “The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for President Trump to prohibit the entry of some people into the United States from countries he deems dangerous, but the justices imposed strict limits on Mr. Trump’s travel ban while the court examines the scope of presidential power over the border.”

 The Washington Post reported “The court made an important exception: It said the ban “may not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.”

 Originally, on January 27, 2017, a Presidential Executive Order was signed banning nationals of seven countries from entering the United States for at least 90 days. Those countries include: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

2. We are here to assist our clients; their safety and well-being is our top priority.

 Whether traveling domestically or internationally, our number one priority is always our clients’ safety and well-being.

 As professional travel agents, we are trained to monitor situations, from weather delays to political protests, that may impact clients’ travel plans. As such, we are also in a position to work on alternative travel plans and have those in place the moment the need arises.

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

 We closely monitor the latest news and weather updates, as well as the U.S. State Department website, for travel alerts and travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to continue with their original travel plans

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We believe in providing the facts as we know them to our clients so they may make informed decisions regarding every aspect of their travel plans.

 It’s in situations like these that the traveling public understands how it pays to have someone serving as their advocate.