Los Cabos Climbs Toward Recovery

Recovery efforts are well under way in Los Cabos as the destination presses toward normalcy in the wake of Hurricane Odile. According to the Mexico Tourism Board, telephone and Internet service has been fully restored in Cabo San Lucas, and electricity is on schedule to be more than 90 percent restored by the end of next week. 

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Los Cabos International Airport, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Odile when it struck the resort destination on September 14, may reopen to commercial flights as early as October 8.

Right now, the airport is only accepting emergency supply planes and evacuation flights while it repairs from the storm, which tore the roof off one terminal and caused ceiling panels to fall in another. The buildings "still need work" before the airport can reopen to passengers, the story notes.

President Enrique Pena-Nieto has prioritized the recovery of the destination, and has had tourism security Claudia Ruiz Massieu relocate her base of operations to Cabo San Lucas. 

Los Cabos Tourism is reporting that stores, such as Walmart Mexico and Soriana, have reopened, as have many gas stations, banks, shops and restaurants. Hotels have launched fundraising initiatives in order to help their staff and their families get back on their feet. 

Hotel Updates

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort is currently closed to arrivals and no longer accepting reservations until Jan. 15, 2015. Guests with existing reservations should call 1-800-HILTONS or the nearest Hilton Reservations and Customer Care center.

Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and The Westin Los Cabos have been focusing on supporting their associates. They have a team on the ground assisting and are activating their global internal relief fund program. A massive clean-up effort is underway, but it is still too early to confirm when the hotels will re-open. It is not expected to be before October 31.

The Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos Hotel is reporting that after a thorough assessment and evaluation of the property, there is a stop sell of the hotel in all room categories through November 2. The hotel will reopen on November 3. 

Cleanup is underway at all AMResorts hotels. The new reopening date for all resorts in Los Cabos is November 15, including Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos, Secrets Marquis Los Cabos, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort and Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa

Stay tuned to Travel Agent Central for updates.