Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest meeting properties, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancún, Mexico, was chosen to host the Global Flu Summit on July 1-3, 2009. The Global Flu Summit was held to reflect on the lessons learned from the Influenza A-H1N1 virus. Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon called the meeting to order on July 2, 2009 and then the attendees collaborated resources from around the world to uncover tools to  prevent, limit and mitigate the pandemic.

Attendees included the World Health Organization General Director Margaret Chan, who recently praised Mexico for the openness and speed with which it implemented health measures, as well as Pan-American Health Organization General Director Mirta Roses, ministers of health from approximately 40 different countries and the highest level specialists and representatives from more than 50 countries. Mexico’s immediate reaction, taking control of the epidemic in a matter of a month, and acquired knowledge is proof that the world can only benefit from Mexico’s experience, said the country’s Minister of Health.

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez, emphasized the importance of this event, as it shows the reestablishment of confidence and trust in the country, especially in the Mexican Caribbean, where tourism continues to recuperate at a rapid pace and is almost back to normal seasonal occupancy levels. The Global Summit not only positioned all of Mexico and singled out Quintana Roo as a safe place for tourist activity, but also served as platform to exchange knowledge and information regarding Influenza A (H1N1) virus benefiting people around the worlds, added Gonzalez.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort was chosen to host The Global Flu Summit due to its stunning meeting facilities at the largest convention center in Cancún, as well as its reputation for five-star service and amenities. The extraordinary conference center facilities include 142,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with permanent staging, the capacity for up to 8,600 attendees, and the option of 40 breakouts. Serving as one of the most technologically sophisticated resorts in Mexico, high tech board of director rooms and a business center will make these conference facilities ideal for the Global Flu Summit.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located on Cancun’s tranquil south shore, nestled between 123 acres of tropical foliage and secluded white sand beach. This quintessential family resort offers something for everyone, starting with 2,457 luxurious rooms, including waterside and garden view accommodations or golf villa suites. Two of the largest lagoon-style pools in Mexico wind their way along the beach for more than 650 feet and are complemented by two children’s pools, one Golf Club pool, six Jacuzzis and four swim-up bars. Additional on-site adventures range from a water sports marina and sporting activities to a fully equipped fitness center and private Kids Club. The Moon Spa & Golf Club is home to the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in Cancun and one of Palace Resorts’ signature spas, which offers a complete hydrotherapy journey and signature treatments for the body and soul. Travelers enjoy a variety of international delights at 13 restaurants and premium beverages and nightly entertainment at 11 bars and lounges.

The Ministry of Health initiated a certification program for tourism destinations that are free of influenza A H1N1 by analyzing the most important touristic places and endorsing them as safe and healthy.

To this date there are five cities certified as “virus free”. These cities are: Cancun, Cozumel, Villahermosa, La Paz and Manzanillo. Nine more entities will be added to this list, including Mexico City.

The program involves the daily review of tourists and employees and is led by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). This commission will maintain control of the spread of the virus and confirm that these places are safe and ready to receive tourists.

The program declares a destination as safe after 20 days of certification–the estimated incubation period ensuring the absence of the virus.

Crime Threats

The Yucatan Peninsula has not suffered the same level of escalating violence seen in other parts of Mexico. There is no evidence that indicates that criminals specifically target American citizens. Criminals select victims based on appearance, vulnerability, and inattentiveness.

Safety

In recent years, moped rentals have become widespread in Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. U.S. Embassy Mexico City recommends avoiding operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented jet skis.

One of the better recommendations for avoiding being the victim of a crime at tourist destinations is employing the buddy system, traveling with a trusted individual. Be cognizant of your consumption of alcohol. Most vehicular accidents and incidents of crime affecting U.S. citizens involve the excess consumption of alcohol.

Traveling by Automobile

Road conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula are different than those encountered in the United States. Extra care should be exercised when passing a vehicle or being passed. Non-toll roads between major cities can be narrow and vary in conditions. Toll roads are generally wider and better maintained. Drivers should beware of unmarked speed bumps in populated areas. Driving at night outside of major cities is not advisable due to the lack of adequate street lighting.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S. citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road reduces from four divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and poorly maintained road.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Prior to road travel ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and that fluids are at the correct level. When traveling long distances, it is best to travel in tandem with another vehicle. Ensure that there is enough fuel to reach larger cities or towns, as some smaller communities may not have service stations.

The following items are recommended for road trips:

• Cellular phone and charger
• Spare tire
• Portable gas can with funnel
• Potable water
• Non-perishable food items
• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flares / reflectors
• Tool kit
• Spare key

Protecting Your Vehicle

Do not leave valuables or items such as laptops, iPods, and expensive sunglasses in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. When possible park your vehicle inside residential compounds or parking areas with attendants.

OSAC - Overseas Security Advisory Council

“One of our best selling points for families is that at Palace Resorts our child rates are for kids ages 4-17,” says director of Marketing Maira Briceno. “Children 3 years of age and younger stay and eat free.” Most hotels, she adds, offer children’s rates only for those 12 years old and younger-once they turn 13, they pay the adult rate.  At Palace Resorts, children 4-17 pay $50 per night when sharing the room with adults.

All Inclusive Palace Resorts has a number of family-friendly properties through-out Mexico with a variety of activities, amenities and perks for the whole tribe. “On the west coast of Mexico we have Vallarta Palace. In Cancun, we have the newly remodeled Cancun Palace. This hotel has a spectacular kids’ club with its own pool and water park with slides, theater table games and lots of entertainment,” explains Briceno. “The Moon Palace is its own destination in itself. Here kids have plenty of fun; aside from the kids’ club, we offer miniature golf and a playground, an entertaining pool with slides, and for older kids (13+) we now feature paintball (for an additional fee). Xpu-Ha Palace offers a mini-zoo, snorkeling and kayaking onsite, and ecological tours around the property. Kids and parents can also rent bikes and explore the property on their own.” Each resort, she adds, has its own unique features and personality.

Added convenience is on the way at Palace’s kids’ clubs. According to Briceno, Palace has beun providing parents with cell phones so they can go about their day without worrying about the little ones. “If a child wants to leave the kids’ club, we just phone their parents and they can go and pick them up. We have implemented this feature at the Cancun Palace already and soon all the kids’ clubs will have it.

Briceno encourages guests to learn more about all of Palace’s All Inclusive Resorts and decide which is best suited to their needs and wants. “We offer a variety of hotel options for all tastes, whether it’s the hip Cancun hotel zone or secluded Moon Palace. If [you] prefer a more laid-back retreat, the Riveria Maya offers a variety of options or an island feel at Cozumel Palace.”

Cancun is an affordable fly-in destination with bone-white beaches and impossibly blue water. Problem is, it’s increasingly hard to see beach or water when you drive along the 13-mile corridor that comprises Cancún’s Hotel Zone. High-rise resorts line the sidewalk, and masses of tourists crowd the adjacent malls and entertainment complexes. But you can escape the hordes — and get closer to nature — at eco-style lodgings in the area.

Family Affairs

For a family vaction all inclusive resorts style, go wild at Palace Resorts Xpu-Ha, 50 miles south of the airport. No one would mistake this five-star property for a boutique resort, but with 144 rooms spread over 37 acres of tropical terrain, it’s a far cry from its over-built neighbors. Xpu-Ha originally operated as an eco-park, so aside from enticing pools and lots of sand, it has cool extras like a fish-filled lagoon, an aviary, and pens for wildcats, monkeys, and crocs.

Children get up-close access because its Kids’ Club adds ecological activities to the usual round of crafts and games. Parents can take guided nature walks, kayak excursions, or visit a plant nursery to learn about age-old healing methods from a Mayan doctor.

Lodgings look rustic but are quite upscale. Indeed, beneath the thatched roofing you’ll find satellite TVs, air-conditioners and Jacuzzis. Nightly adult rates start at $173; there’s a $50 charge for kids ages 4-17, while little tykes stay for free. When you reserve three or more nights, the all-inclusive price includes outings to popular attractions such as Palancar’s reef and assorted ruins.