Mexico’s tourism authorities are offering to allow holidaymakers to stay on in the country for free after leading UK tour operators cancelled flights to Cancun in line with Foreign Office advice.
Tourism board director for Europe Manuel Diaz Cebrian said: “It is a pity because Cancun is not really affected. What can we do but just keep people informed? People can stay here as long as they accept responsibility. The situation is very sad.”
The news comes as Thomson and First Choice have revealed they are giving customers who wish to return home the opportunity to do so on special flights over the next few days. Thomas Cook is offering to assist any of its customers in Mexico who wish to return home early.
The Mexico Tourism Board has cancelled a planned promotion in the UK until further notice.
Restaurants in Mexico City were restricted to selling takeaway meals from Tuesday as the government tightened controls. However, the city’s airport remained open and international flights continued despite cancellation of UK charters.
The heightened restrictions came as the number of new cases reported daily in Mexico began to fall from 141 on Saturday to 119 on Sunday and 110 on Monday.
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