Although there have been no reported cases of influenza A in the Caribbean, individual destinations have stepped up measures to help ensure that infected visitors do not enter the country.

Spain-based RIU Hotels & Resorts said there are no cases of influenza A at any of the company’s Mexico properties. The protocol instructions have long been in existence at RIU, but are only implemented in times of need.

Although the Caribbean has yet to be affected by the influenza A, John Maginley, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), says the Caribbean is taking every precaution.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s president and CEO, said his organization is monitoring the influenza A situation as it develops, together with –and on behalf of- its members, and is in close contact with the World Health Organization (WHO), which is co-coordinating the global response and assessing the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) is encouraging companies to continue to make informed and measured business decisions regarding traveling during the spread of influenza A.

The Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo (Sedetur) reports that based on data provided by the Ministry of Health there have been no reports of any cases of influenza A in the tourist destinations in Quintana Roo.

Cuba suspended flights to and from Mexico on Tuesday, becoming the first country to impose a travel ban, as the fast-moving swine flu strain extended its reach overseas and in the United States.

Cuba suspended flights to and from Mexico on Tuesday, becoming the first country to impose a travel ban, as the fast-moving swine flu strain extended its reach overseas and in the United States.

TUI said direct trips to the capital had been cancelled and that the country would no longer figure on lists of itinerant visits such as those by cruise ships.

TUI said direct trips to the capital had been cancelled and that the country would no longer figure on lists of itinerant visits such as those by cruise ships.