Holiday rentals news - FCO lifts travel ban on Mexico

FCO lifts travel ban on Mexico

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has revised its travel advice for Mexico. It is no longer advising against all but essential travel to the country, following the outbreak of swine flu.

The change follows a decline in the number of new cases of swine flu since the peak on April 26. The FCO says that there have been no new swine flu cases since May 9 and that it has based its decision on information from a variety of sources, including the UK Health Protection Agency.

Despite the lifting of the ban, travellers should still exercise caution. Anyone visiting a part of the world affected by swine flu should ensure that they have access to adequate healthcare and have taken out travel insurance. Travellers should also be aware of the flu-like symptoms associated with swine flu and consult a doctor immediately if they display them.

Manuel Diaz Cebrian of the Mexican Tourism Board in London said he hoped people would resume taking holidays in Mexico. "This is like seeing light at the end of the tunnel," he told The Guardian. "People will start considering Mexico again as a destination. It's the first step to the recovery of the perception of Mexico."

He added that a promotional campaign originally planned for June would be brought forward. However, he warned that it could take up to a year for Mexico to recover fully from the impact swine flu has had on its tourism industry.

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