Travellers planning trips to Mexico are being urged to stay in close contact with travel advisers, airlines and tour operators as concerns ripple through the popular Puerto Vallarta region.
Roland Van Meers, member services manager with the Alberta Motor Association in Edmonton, said the destination is especially popular with travellers from Alberta, with up to two flights a day departing from Edmonton and Calgary during peak periods.
Van Meers said anyone with an upcoming departure should contact their airline, tour company or travel agent for the latest updates, as flight schedules and options may change quickly. He said no one knows when operations will fully resume and advisers can help determine whether a flight falls within affected dates.
“If your departure falls in between the dates that they do listed as a flight affected, you usually, for the most part, have an opportunity to be able to cancel with a full refund or cancel with a credit, depending on the type of package that you’ve booked,” Van Meers said.
For travellers already in Mexico, he said safety remains the priority. Tour company representatives are typically available at resorts and can provide updated information about return flights.
“Currently right now, of course, it is just to sort of stay in the resort while they figure everything out.”
“So don’t go off property and continue enjoying the vacation, but be aware and stay up to date with the latest information that’s coming out.”
Van Meers said he has heard from contacts in Puerto Vallarta that smoke has been visible in some areas, though he stressed incidents were not directed at tourists.
“The attack wasn’t on the tourists, right?” he said. “This had nothing to do with regards to tourists or anything along that line.”
He said Puerto Vallarta has long been a popular beach destination for Alberta travellers, particularly during the winter months. He encouraged travellers to monitor official Government of Canada travel advisories and review destination-specific guidance before departure.
Beyond the immediate situation, Van Meers said the episode highlights the importance of travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
“A lot of people spend a lot of money on their packages and they just think, ‘Oh no, nothing will happen to me,’” he said. “But that’s what insurance is about.”
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Van Meers also urged patience, noting that changing travel plans can create uncertainty for visitors trying to get home and those preparing to depart.
“Our world is ever so changing,” he said. “Just be aware of your surroundings.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Feb. 23 that the Canadian government will not send rescue flights or deploy the Canadian military.
“We are in contact with the airlines and Mexican authorities to ensure that service is safely restored as soon as possible,” Anand said.
Global Affairs Canada is urging Canadians in Mexico to register with its Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Travellers in affected areas, including Puerto Vallarta, are being advised to shelter in place, maintain a low profile and follow the advice of local authorities.
