RUNAWAY
TOURS is ceasing operations after 37 years. The San
Francisco-based tour wholesaler specializing in Mexico and Hawaii
blamed three consecutive years of unprofitability for its decision
to close up shop. Runaway said it will honor reservations paid in
full through Feb. 28. Customers with bookings after Feb. 28 will
receive full refunds. Runaway President Ed Jackson promised a
smooth transition. No one, vendors or travel agents, will be
financially hurt, Jackson said. A number of wholesalers have said
they will honor Runaway pricing on transferred bookings.
MARRIOTT announced opening dates for two
Cancun properties damaged by Hurricane Wilma. Marriott said the
448-room JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa will reopen on May 1,
and the 452-room CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort will reopen on
June 1. Both properties have been closed since Hurricane Wilma
roared through the Mexican Caribbean last October and are in the
midst of extensive renovations and upgrades, including the addition
of flat-screen TVs in all guest rooms at both resorts. Both resorts
are accepting reservations for the new opening dates. To book, call
(800) 223-6388 or visit www.paradisebymarriott.com.
ANOTHER
PROPERTY completing renovations following Hurricane Wilma
is the 90-room Paraiso de la Bonita, which announced it will reopen
on March 31. Located in Puerto Morelos, Paraiso did not sustain
structural damage, and management is promising to reopen with a
larger beach and in better condition than before the storm hit. A
member of Leading Small Hotels, Paraiso de la Bonita is located in
the Riviera Maya region, about 20 minutes south of Cancun Airport.
For information or reservations, visit www.paraisodelabonita.com.
DELTA AIR
LINES announced the largest expansion in Mexico in the
airlines history after receiving U.S. Transportation Department
approval for 12 new nonstop routes between the U.S. and Mexico by
June, including the airlines first flights into Merida. The routes
(and launch dates) are: Atlanta to Merida (Feb. 26), Acapulco
(April 5) and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (April 12); Cincinnati to Los
Cabos (Feb. 18) and Cancun (June 1); Los Angeles to
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (April 15) and Cancun (June 3); New York
(Kennedy) to Puerto Vallarta (March 4), Acapulco (March 11), Los
Cabos (April 8) and Cozumel (June 3); and Salt Lake City to
Mazatlan (March 8). The new routes are awaiting Mexican government
approval. In addition, Delta said it is seeking DOT approval for
three additional routes by summer: New York (Kennedy) to Cancun,
and Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. For specific
schedules and fares, visit www.delta.com.