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MEXICO TOURISM OFFERS MODEL RESPONSE TO SWINE FLU FEARS
As the first country in the world to see an outbreak of the swine flu, Mexico has suffered tourist demand plummet over the past few months. But the area is rebounding and could be used as a model for other tourism Meccas facing similar situations. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts Mexico's travel and tourism economy GDP growth will average around five percent growth over the next decade (2009-19), according to a new survey.
A key to the Mexican response to swine flu fears was education, often directed to point out that swine flu causes only minimal symptoms for most healthy adults.
Among other initiatives: The national tourism board launched a $90 million advertising campaign designed to educate the public about the facts and dangers of the disease. Hotels and airlines have been offering "incredible deals" to attract visitors.
For the first time ever, Mexico City's Ministry of Tourism has announced a free, no limit program that will provide visitors with medical aid and assistance in case of emergency. According to Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico City's Mayor, this is the first time that such a service was offered.
Mexico is one of the top cruise destinations and its industry was also impaired but to avoid new flu outbreaks, Cruise Lines International Association designed and handed out more detailed health questionnaires for passengers before boarding. Any passengers showing fly-like symptoms can be refused boarding. |
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MEXICO CITY, THE 4TH BEST PLACE TO EAT AROUND THE WORLD: FORBES
 According with Forbes Magazine, Mexico City is the 4th best place to eat around the world, after Paris, Rome and Tokyo. That conclusion is derived from the 2009 Anholt-GfK Roper City Brands Index, released in June. It surveyed 10,000 people from 20 countries--each chosen for geographic and economic diversity--in April of this year. It asked them to rank 50 cities on such varied subjects as climate, physical attractiveness, restaurants and nightlife. Cities were judged on lifestyle, buzz, multiculturalism and attractiveness.
To determine which cities were most-closely associated with good food, respondents were asked to look at a list of subjects--including food--and indicate which ones they would find interesting in the city. Cities with the highest number of respondents saying "yes" to the subject "food" ranked highest.
The article, signed by Lauren Sherman, states: "Mexico City and Barcelona round out the top five. While some Americans and Canadians might not regard Mexico City's as a culinary hotspot, those in Europe and Asia do. "What they believe, whether it's true or false, is what they're conditioned to believe," says Anholt. "Mexico City gets huge scores from Egypt, Russia, Sweden and Australia to name a few, which shows that Mexican is becoming an increasingly important cuisine globally." |
FIVE STEPS TO HAPPIER CUSTOMER SERVICE
1. Hire the Right People. Experts and executives agree that happiness is not a learned behavior. At companies known for customer service, the interview focuses more on culture fit and personlity than on technical skills that can be taught.
2. Empower them to make decisions. A customer-service representative who knows she can do whatever she needs to help a customer is more likely to feel fulfilled and happy.
3. Treat everyone as an individual. Rules and scripts inhibit creatrive problem-solving and self-esteem.
4. Be generous with encouragement. Engaging, connected people can't survive in a vacuum. Building praise for a job well done into daily interactions bolsters good feelings.
5. Act quickly to address problems. When it comes to employee happiness, one bad apple really can spoil the whole bushel. Experts say that an unsatisfied employee who isn't pulling his weight can spread like a virus, infecting the rest of them. |
THE PILOT'S #1 TIP
"Have a plan to get out during an evacutaion and mentally prepare yoruself to implement that plan. Stay calm and do not panic. Know that you are going to survive, and never give up." Here are other tips that may save your life, or at least reduce your chance of injury if you are involved in an accident.
Plan your exit. Before your flight pushes back, take time to look around for the nearest exit and know how to open it.
Listen (again). Pay attention to the flight attendants' briefing.
Be prepared to swim. Know where your life vest is located and how to put it on properly.
Evacuate quickly. If the order is given to evacuate the aircraft, follow crew member instructions. Do not open the overhead bins to retrieve your belongins-nothing in the overhead is worth losing your life over.
Slide to safety. Jump onto the slide with your arms crossed over your chest.
Stay clear. Once you're clear of the aircraft, stay with the other passengers and move away from any active runways or taxiways - you don't want to get run over by fire trucks of other aircraft. | |
Creating a memorable meeting or incentive program takes more than planning, knowledge, and attention to detail...
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