Caught between a global recession, highly publicized drug cartel violence, and a swine flu outbreak, Mexico City's tourism industry plummeted in the spring of 2009 and has not fully recovered.
American visitors account for 3.3 million of the four million foreign visitors to Mexico, so it was an especially heavy blow when the United States government advised against travel to Mexico at the height of the flu frenzy. At least nine other countries also issued travel advisories at that time.
In May 2009, the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted their travel ban to Mexico. Other organizations and countries around the globe followed. The World Health Organization gave its clearance for Mexico travel, and the U.S. State Department dropped its travel alert too.
While this was good news for Mexico, extra efforts still had to be made to bring tourists back and make them feel safe. So, Mexico City devised a free tourist health insurance plan, called the Tourist Assistance Card, that government officials hope will spike the number of Mexico visitors.
What Does the Mexico City Tourist Insurance Cover?
According to the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico City, guests to all of the city's 470 hotels will be covered for the following:
- Medical assistance in case of H1N1 infection
- Medical care in case of any other disease or accident
- Provision of an ambulance in case of an accident
- Hospital accommodation in case of any emergency
- Prescription of drugs from cooperating physicians
- Emergency dental care
- Home transportation in case of illness
- Hotel accommodation for time of recovery
The Ministry of Tourism has said that other services included in the free health insurance package are legal assistance in case of robbery or loss of documents, belongings or luggage. The Mexico City government will pay a $30 USD deductible for this insurance, which is provided by a private company called MAPFRE.
When tourists arrive at the Mexico City airport they will be given pamphlets with an explanation of the Tourist Assistance Card program. These information pamphlets will also be distributed at hotels before visitors check out Mexico City's attractions. A 24-hour call center will provide assistance in several languages.
Swine Flu Scare in Mexico City
Mexico City's usual bustle came to a halt in April 2009 when, according to USA Today, at least 20 people died of the swine flu outbreak and hundreds more were infected at that time.
A panic spread throughout Mexico, and especially in the capital city, which seemed to be the outbreak's epicenter. Residents were urged to stay home, wear face masks in public, and avoid shaking hands or greeting people with a kiss on the cheek. School officials canceled classes and the city of about 20 million residents shut down. Bars and restaurants closed and religious services were canceled.
In May 2009, health officials around the world deemed it safe to travel to the Mexican capital again and enjoy the richness of Mexican sports, cultural, and culinary activities.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
