False Statements

Tony&Cheri · 11-02-2005

This morning we saw Tripadvisor´s statement warning readers that "the entire Yucatan peninsula" had been "drastically altered." This one has pushed us over the edge. These unsubstantiated statements about the Mayan Riviera being destroyed, uninhabitable, overwhelmed, etc. have got to stop. The Peeps have been doing a pretty good job about helping educate the world, and we thought we would join in. Here is an email we sent to tripadvisor a few minutes ago. If you agree with our feelings, we suggest you send one of your own. We sent this to brooke@tripadvisor.com; SALES@tripadvisor.com; partners@tripadvisor.com; lesley@tripadvisor.com. If you can find other people to send it to, let us know.

"Hurricane Wilma has drastically altered the landscape in Cancun and the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Due to the storm damage, service at airports, hotels and other travel-related businesses may be limited or unavailable." - Tripadvisor.com http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g150812-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula-Vacations.html)

We have seen this announcement on your website. We could not disagree more with this statement. Yes, Hurricane Wilma did considerable damage to Cancun. However to say that the "entire Yucatan Penninsula " has been "drastically altered " is erroneous and frankly an irresponsible statement. Chetumal, Mérida, Cobá, Chichen Itza and the entire west coast of the Yucatan felt little if any effects from Wilma. Moreover, the resort areas on the Caribbean coast from Playa del Carmen and further south suffered much less damage than Cancun. Within 48 hours of Wilma´s departure, most of the resort area of Playa del Carmen was operational. In the days that have followed, the Mayan Riviera has energetically begun cleanup and repair.

We own a small hotel in Playa del Carmen, so we have first-hand knowledge of this information. The hotels of this area (in fact, the entire tourist area of Playa del Carmen) have electrical power, phones and internet. 99% of all restaurants are open for business. There are no lines for food or water. Most tours and activities (diving, fishing, sailing, etc.) are operating on a regular schedule. Some of the beaches in northern Playa del Carmen have been temporarily damaged (they are being repaired even as we speak), but the majority of the main beach is in excellent shape and perhaps larger and better than before. Beach hotels and restaurants are operating. There is no civil discontent, looting or even whining. The Mayan and Mexican people have responded to Wilma with great courage. The Mexican government and Military have been extraordinary in providing assistance to this area.

Despite reports in some areas to the contrary, Cancun airport is open and functioning. In fact, we are picking up guests there in a few hours. The road from Cancun south all the way to Chetumal (on the Belize border) is completely open and safe to drive on.

The water is still turquoise blue, the weather sunny and beautiful. The most serious damage that has been done to Playa del Carmen by Wilma is the perception in the travel industry that our beautiful seaside town has been destroyed or, as you say, "drastically altered." Nothing could be further from the truth. Statements such as this discourage tourism and create effects which last longer than those of a tropical storm. As members of the travel industry yourselves, you have an obligation, both to the people who provide travel related services and products as well as to those who consume such products, to be clear and concise in your recommendations. We urge you in the strongest possible terms to do your own investigation and post advisories to your readers which are more complete and accurate.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. We are now going down to the beach to have a margarita and enjoy another beautiful day in paradise.

Tony & Cheri Head, Owners
Hotel Zanzibar
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Doggiemom · 11-02-2005

I also saw that on Trip Advisor, very irresponsible!!!

Thanks for setting them straight!

Bren · 11-02-2005

Toni and Cheri

Thanks for the info. I to have just email TripAdvisor . The people of the Mayan Coast need us as much as we need them. Hopefully Trip Advisor will rethink about what they have said and done. Thanks for putting them straight, I hope my e-mail to them will help.

BeachBumpkin · 11-02-2005

I agree that it's unfair to post such a bogus statement.
Maybe we need to send them a link to this thread so they can watch how fast it heats up.

BB

**Shammy** · 11-02-2005

It also doesn't help when you have MAJOR airlines canceling their flights through mid December because "Cancun" is gone, and those that ARE still flying calling their passengers asking them if they still want to go "because there are NO hotels open"!

For anyone that doesn't know about this site and what has been said here, and is going on blind word, that's a pretty big deterrent and will probably sway them to change their plans based on the assessments of people sitting behind a desk somewhere in the USA!

Bren · 11-02-2005

Yes send them a post so they can see what the real PDC looks like

PlayadelSoul · 11-02-2005

Well put!

Mexivoof · 11-02-2005

Thanks for posting this. A freind of mine's sister was planning to come down next spring but decided she couldn't because PDC was gone.
I printed your post, as well as one from Ryberg out for her...
Hope it works!

No Fear Warrior · 11-02-2005

Very nicely done!! Bravo!

Frazzd · 11-02-2005

I just got off the phone with Expedia, who I used for a January trip. The itinerary wouldn't show up online. When I called to verify I still had a reservation, they questioned whether I was cancelling due to the destruction in the area. They even offered to check if my hotel was truly open...which I know it is thanks to the diligent folks here.

I explained to the guy the entire area was far from destroyed. Frankly, even if it was I'd probably still go...better than 5 day ice storms with no heat, power, or water here in Ohio like my kids endured when I was in Playa last year!

julie in PA · 11-02-2005

Wonder if they will reply?? Make sure it gets posted if they do - I am curious to see what they say.

kaki321 · 11-02-2005

Oh a whim I checked my AA flight on December 3rd and it wouldn't let me pull the reservation up online. When I called, they told me my flight was fine, but somehow I still don't feel comforted by that. Shammy, what specific info, if any do you have on American's Flights from Chicago to Cancun? Wondering if they are still providing normal service, or have cut back. Tough question I know, feel free to tell me to go pound sand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

It also doesn't help when you have MAJOR airlines canceling their flights through mid December because "Cancun" is gone, and those that ARE still flying calling their passengers asking them if they still want to go "because there are NO hotels open"!

For anyone that doesn't know about this site and what has been said here, and is going on blind word, that's a pretty big deterrent and will probably sway them to change their plans based on the assessments of people sitting behind a desk somewhere in the USA!

hurwitza · 11-02-2005

Shammy hit the nail on the head re: airlines/airport. United has 10 different answers for when flights will resume and their agents wonder why someone would want to fly to Cancun in mid-December. Well, Cancun is not the only destination when you plane lands there. And, United won't let us take the 'flight credit' they are offering us and use it with United Vacations for a different destination, which clearly is not our first choice. Unfortunatrely, we booked air first in January and then land at the IB Lindo with Go-Go in the spring, so it will be a waiting game for us.

It would be nice if the airlines' scheduling depts would do some investigation beyond CNN.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

It also doesn't help when you have MAJOR airlines canceling their flights through mid December because "Cancun" is gone, and those that ARE still flying calling their passengers asking them if they still want to go "because there are NO hotels open"!

For anyone that doesn't know about this site and what has been said here, and is going on blind word, that's a pretty big deterrent and will probably sway them to change their plans based on the assessments of people sitting behind a desk somewhere in the USA!

jorgeb · 11-02-2005

my travel agent from costco told me that travel in the yacutan would not be safe until febuary. I had to covince her that barcelo maya was still there but also fully operational.

Chicago Chica · 11-02-2005

Tony & Cheri,

I had to laugh when I saw the 'warning' posted on TripAdvisor when I posted my review this week. At least Frommer's is a bit more optimistic and cautious about what they're putting out there.

http://www.frommers.com/articles/3207.html

It's true, the airlines are giving me fits. If I can get a reasonably priced flight, I'll be back at Thanksgiving. Right now my usual $250-300 fare is at $500-$1000 and non-stop flights aren't even being offered from Chicago to Cancun!!

11-02-2005	#1 (permalink)
Tony&Cheri livin' the dream Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Playa del Carmen Posts: 2,226	False Statements This morning we saw Tripadvisor´s statement warning readers that "the entire Yucatan peninsula" had been "drastically altered." This one has pushed us over the edge. These unsubstantiated statements about the Mayan Riviera being destroyed, uninhabitable, overwhelmed, etc. have got to stop. The Peeps have been doing a pretty good job about helping educate the world, and we thought we would join in. Here is an email we sent to tripadvisor a few minutes ago. If you agree with our feelings, we suggest you send one of your own. We sent this to brooke@tripadvisor.com; SALES@tripadvisor.com; partners@tripadvisor.com; lesley@tripadvisor.com. If you can find other people to send it to, let us know. "Hurricane Wilma has drastically altered the landscape in Cancun and the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Due to the storm damage, service at airports, hotels and other travel-related businesses may be limited or unavailable." - Tripadvisor.com http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g150812-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula-Vacations.html) We have seen this announcement on your website. We could not disagree more with this statement. Yes, Hurricane Wilma did considerable damage to Cancun. However to say that the "entire Yucatan Penninsula " has been "drastically altered " is erroneous and frankly an irresponsible statement. Chetumal, Mérida, Cobá, Chichen Itza and the entire west coast of the Yucatan felt little if any effects from Wilma. Moreover, the resort areas on the Caribbean coast from Playa del Carmen and further south suffered much less damage than Cancun. Within 48 hours of Wilma´s departure, most of the resort area of Playa del Carmen was operational. In the days that have followed, the Mayan Riviera has energetically begun cleanup and repair. We own a small hotel in Playa del Carmen, so we have first-hand knowledge of this information. The hotels of this area (in fact, the entire tourist area of Playa del Carmen) have electrical power, phones and internet. 99% of all restaurants are open for business. There are no lines for food or water. Most tours and activities (diving, fishing, sailing, etc.) are operating on a regular schedule. Some of the beaches in northern Playa del Carmen have been temporarily damaged (they are being repaired even as we speak), but the majority of the main beach is in excellent shape and perhaps larger and better than before. Beach hotels and restaurants are operating. There is no civil discontent, looting or even whining. The Mayan and Mexican people have responded to Wilma with great courage. The Mexican government and Military have been extraordinary in providing assistance to this area. Despite reports in some areas to the contrary, Cancun airport is open and functioning. In fact, we are picking up guests there in a few hours. The road from Cancun south all the way to Chetumal (on the Belize border) is completely open and safe to drive on. The water is still turquoise blue, the weather sunny and beautiful. The most serious damage that has been done to Playa del Carmen by Wilma is the perception in the travel industry that our beautiful seaside town has been destroyed or, as you say, "drastically altered." Nothing could be further from the truth. Statements such as this discourage tourism and create effects which last longer than those of a tropical storm. As members of the travel industry yourselves, you have an obligation, both to the people who provide travel related services and products as well as to those who consume such products, to be clear and concise in your recommendations. We urge you in the strongest possible terms to do your own investigation and post advisories to your readers which are more complete and accurate. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. We are now going down to the beach to have a margarita and enjoy another beautiful day in paradise. Tony & Cheri Head, Owners Hotel Zanzibar Playa del Carmen, Mexico

11-02-2005	#9 (permalink)
No Fear Warrior lost on fifth Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 18	Nice Letter! Very nicely done!! Bravo!

11-02-2005	#10 (permalink)
Frazzd way into it Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Podunk Ohio Posts: 239	Expedia isn't much better... I just got off the phone with Expedia, who I used for a January trip. The itinerary wouldn't show up online. When I called to verify I still had a reservation, they questioned whether I was cancelling due to the destruction in the area. They even offered to check if my hotel was truly open...which I know it is thanks to the diligent folks here. I explained to the guy the entire area was far from destroyed. Frankly, even if it was I'd probably still go...better than 5 day ice storms with no heat, power, or water here in Ohio like my kids endured when I was in Playa last year!

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11-02-2005	#2 (permalink)
Doggiemom añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 7,017	I also saw that on Trip Advisor, very irresponsible!!! Thanks for setting them straight!

11-02-2005	#3 (permalink)
Bren life=playa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beautiful BC Canada Posts: 921	Toni and Cheri Thanks for the info. I to have just email TripAdvisor . The people of the Mayan Coast need us as much as we need them. Hopefully Trip Advisor will rethink about what they have said and done. Thanks for putting them straight, I hope my e-mail to them will help.

11-02-2005	#4 (permalink)
BeachBumpkin toe in water Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lima, OH Posts: 54	I agree that it's unfair to post such a bogus statement. Maybe we need to send them a link to this thread so they can watch how fast it heats up. BB

11-02-2005	#5 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 12,302	It also doesn't help when you have MAJOR airlines canceling their flights through mid December because "Cancun" is gone, and those that ARE still flying calling their passengers asking them if they still want to go "because there are NO hotels open"! For anyone that doesn't know about this site and what has been said here, and is going on blind word, that's a pretty big deterrent and will probably sway them to change their plans based on the assessments of people sitting behind a desk somewhere in the USA!

11-02-2005	#6 (permalink)
Bren life=playa Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beautiful BC Canada Posts: 921	Yes send them a post so they can see what the real PDC looks like

11-02-2005	#7 (permalink)
PlayadelSoul Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: We'll know when we get there, We'll find mercy Posts: 8,963	Well put!

11-02-2005	#8 (permalink)
Mexivoof añejo Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 4,579	Thanks for posting this. A freind of mine's sister was planning to come down next spring but decided she couldn't because PDC was gone. I printed your post, as well as one from Ryberg out for her... Hope it works!

11-02-2005	#11 (permalink)
julie in PA way into it Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northwest PA Posts: 247	Wonder if they will reply?? Make sure it gets posted if they do - I am curious to see what they say.

11-02-2005	#14 (permalink)
jorgeb sandflea Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: seattle Posts: 9	my travel agent from costco told me that travel in the yacutan would not be safe until febuary. I had to covince her that barcelo maya was still there but also fully operational.

11-02-2005	#15 (permalink)
Chicago Chica sandflea Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3	Tony & Cheri, I had to laugh when I saw the 'warning' posted on TripAdvisor when I posted my review this week. At least Frommer's is a bit more optimistic and cautious about what they're putting out there. http://www.frommers.com/articles/3207.html It's true, the airlines are giving me fits. If I can get a reasonably priced flight, I'll be back at Thanksgiving. Right now my usual $250-300 fare is at $500-$1000 and non-stop flights aren't even being offered from Chicago to Cancun!!