WestJet responds to Grand Riviera Princess tragedy

WestJet and WestJet Vacations have confirmed that three of their guests are among those killed as a result of an apparent gas explosion at the explosion at the Grand Riviera Princess in Playa del Carm

WestJet and WestJet Vacations have confirmed that three of their guests are among those killed as a result of an apparent gas explosion at the explosion at the Grand Riviera Princess in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on Nov. 14. WestJet Vacations had approximately 400 guests staying at the Grand Riviera Princess resort.

Gregg Saretsky, president and CEO of WestJet, commented, โ€œThis is tragic. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families. We are working with both Mexican and Canadian officials to provide assistance where needed.โ€

Saretsky notes that WestJet Vacationsโ€™ representatives were dispatched immediately to the resort and have been working to assist all of its guests.

As well, WestJet vice-president John MacLeod and WestJet Vacations director of operations, Tim Croyle were coincidentally in Cancun at the time and were also dispatched to the resort.

Crisis counsellors are being made available to resort guests and an additional aircraft, with members of WestJetโ€™s Special Assistance Team on board, has arrived in Cancun to retrieve those guests who wish to return home.

WestJet reports that many of the guests staying at the Grand Riviera Princess Resort at the time of the incident remained at the resort; relocated to a safe area. A few guests have opted to return home on the additional aircraft provided to the area on Nov. 14. Guests arriving Nov. 14 and 15 have been relocated to the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda with some guests moving to other resorts.

The company also advises that WestJet and WestJet Vacations’ guests scheduled to stay at the Grand Riviera Princess Resort will be offered the option to move to a new resort, cancel their vacation package or re-book to an alternate destination. Re-accommodations are dependent on the scheduled time of arrival.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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