Phoenix, Ariz., As details of the swine flu outbreak evolve, the tourism industry has begun taking precautions to protect passengers with travel plans to affected areas. As the largest leisure travel agency in North America, AAA Arizona has also continued to enact measures to inform, educate and ensure the safety of the traveling public.

“As a travel agency and advocate for the traveling public, it is our responsibility to take a proactive approach when a situation like this occurs,” said Don Gleason, vice president of travel for AAA Arizona. “One such measure we’ve taken includes having our travel agents contact the numerous travelers who have booked Mexico cruise, tour and air travel with us over the next few weeks, so that agents can answer any questions travelers may have and advise them of their travel options.”

While governmental agencies have not raised specific concerns regarding Mexico ports of call, many cruise lines have altered trip itineraries to ensure the safety of travelers. As a result, the following cruise lines have announced a temporary suspension of all ports of call in Mexico:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean

In most cases, the cruise lines have been able to substitute the cancelled ports of call with an alternative port or a day at sea. In addition, cruise lines are also following recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) aboard all ships, including:

• Enhanced screening practices for passengers and crew members aboard ships.

• Adhering to CDC guidelines for reporting and treatment of passengers and crew members with Swine Flu symptoms.

• Providing onboard medical staff that can isolate and treat travelers and crew members who display flu-like symptoms with supplies of anti-viral medications.

Other branches of the travel industry have also followed suit, including:

• Major hotel companies, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Starwood and Wyndam Hotel Group, have begun waiving penalties for travelers who want to change their plans for travel to Mexico.
       
• Airports across the country have also continued to take preventative measures monitoring the traveling public for signs and symptoms of the illness.
       
• Major airlines have continued to relax their ticket change policy to affected areas.

As a result of details that have emerged about the swine flu this week, AAA Arizona would also like to advise the following to the traveling public:

• Heed all health advisories and precautions issued by the Centers for Disease Control and other governmental agencies.

• Stay informed as news related to the swine flu is likely to change over coming hours, days and weeks. As a result, it is important for travelers to monitor updates from official agencies such as the CDC and the World Health Organization.

• Know your options. If you booked travel through a travel agency, contact the agency to explore your options. Or, if you booked travel on your own, contact the cruise line, airline, resort/hotel or tour operator directly to determine your options. Keep in mind that relaxed cancellation policies are only valid through certain dates at the discretion of the travel partner.

For more information on swine flu health advisories and updates, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website at http://www.cdc.gov/.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. 

NOTE: Please contact AAA Public Affairs if you have any questions or would like to arrange an interview with a travel agent.