MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Secretariats of Communications and Transport (SCT), Tourism (Sectur), Economy (SE) and Foreign Affairs (SRE) said they are ready to act on behalf of consumers affected by the temporary suspension of operations by airlines operated by Nuevo Grupo Aeronáutico (Mexicana Airlines, Mexicana  Click and Mexicana Link).

In a joint press conference, Mexico Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara Manzo reported that tourism numbers during the last two weeks in the 70 destinations monitored by Sectur were up from the same period in 2008 and 2009, indicating that the country’s tourism activity had not suffered interruptions. Hotel occupancy rates at the end of the summer holiday period were up 2% from the same period in 2008 and 9% compared with the same period in 2008 in the 70 locations monitored by Sectur, she added.

Secretary Guevara said that a domestic tourism help number (078) had been set up to assist tourists affected by the flight cancellations. She added that the government was working with several airlines to increase Mexico’s international air connectivity: for example, Air Canada will increase the frequency of flights between Montreal and Ixtapa, between Montreal and Cozumel and between Calgary and Cancun, while British Airways will operate a direct flight from London to Cancun.

According to the Secretary, increased demand from Canada is expected to translate into an increase of between 20 and 37% in the number of tourists visiting Mexico from that country compared with 2009. In July alone, tourism arrivals from Canada were up 107% compared with the same month last year.

Guevara also said she was working with the Communications and Transport Secretariat to make it obligatory for airlines to carry travel insurance.

Communications and Transport Secretary Juan Francisco Molinar Horcasitas noted that prior to Mexicana’s suspension of operations, the carrier rebooked a significant number of passengers on flights by partner airlines, reducing to a few dozen the number of consumers still in need of alternative transportation arrangements.

Secretary of Economy Bruno Ferrari Garcia de Alba said that the government was negotiating with other domestic carriers to obtain preferential rates for passengers affected by Mexicana’s suspension of operations.

Julian Ventura, Assistant Secretary of Foreign Relations for North America, said that embassies and consulates in Mexico were continuing to monitor the situation at affected airports and providing guidance and information regarding travel alternatives. Particular attention is being paid to consumers with special needs, such as minors or individuals with disabilities, he added.