MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chileans take advantage of vacation packages to Mexico and the Caribbean

Packages are at least 30% cheaper than a year ago

More Chileans are choosing the tropics this year as vacation package prices to Cancun and the Caribbean have dropped an average of 30% in 2009.

For example, Chilean-based Falabella Travel Agency is now offering packages to Cancun, which include airfare, transfers and seven-nights in a three-star, all-inclusive hotel, that average around 987 USD per person. At this time last year, these same packages were selling at 1,400 USD, or 30% more.

“We are nearly sold out of packages to Punta Cana, Cuba, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera for September” said Falabella Travel sales manager Andrés Sainte Marie.

This is good news for all Mexican and Caribbean beaches trying to regain acceptance in the aftermath of the swine flu outbreak.

According to the Cancun Hotel Association (CHA), May 2009 saw occupancy rates plunge to as low as 20%. However, the month of June saw a turnaround, and occupancy rates are expected to reach 60% this month.

CHA President Rodrigo de la Pena explained that although the rates are at least 20% lower than last year, they are recovering sooner than expected.

Evidence of this is apparent as many of the hotels that travel agency Concha works with in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera have already closed certain dates for September and October, Cartagena said.

By Kendal Montgomery - Santiago Times