The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) reports that, while damage has been reported in parts of Puebla, Morelos and Mexico City, tourist attractions remain open and functioning following this week’s powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City.
Mexico’s federal, state and local governments have activated their response plans to support impacted individuals and assess damage. International airports in Mexico City and Puebla reopened within four hours of the earthquake and are now fully operational, the MTB said.
Damage has also been reported in Oaxaca and Chiapas from the September 7 earthquake that was centered off the southern coast, but as of today these destinations, including Oaxaca City, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are open for international tourists, the MTB said.
No other international tourism destinations in Mexico were affected by the earthquakes, according to the MTB.
“Given these facts, there is no reason for visitors to cancel travel plans to Mexico,” the MTB said in a written statement. “Many have asked Mexico and its tourism industry what they can do to support during this time, and on behalf of all destinations in Mexico we encourage them to show their support by continuing with their travel plans to our destinations, which can have a positive impact on local communities.”
“The Mexico Tourism Board, and the entire tourism industry, are focused on ensuring visitors receive any assistance necessary while continuing with their existing travel plans, and recognize that in times like these the world-famous hospitality of the Mexican people and their close friendships with visitors grow even stronger,” the MTB said.
Airlines have updated their flight cancellation waivers in response to the Mexico City earthquake since they were first issued. American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta customers scheduled to travel through September 26 can now rebook for travel through September 30. Southwest Airlines customers flying through September 26 can rebook in the original class of service or travel standby within 14 days of the original date of travel between the original city pair.
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck 93 miles southeast of Mexico City, collapsing buildings and killing well over 200 people in the capital and surrounding areas. That earthquake occurred less than two weeks after the most powerful earthquake in a century struck Mexico offshore near the southern state of Chiapas, killing at least 100 people in Oaxaca, Chiapas and Tabasco and rocking the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City.
The MTB said that it would issue further updates as new information becomes available.
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