Gustav is a category three hurricane moving Northwest at a speed of 16 MPH. On the forecast track the centre of Gustav is expected to reach the Louisiana coast by Midday today. A decrease in forward speed is expected to occur by Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 MPH. A little strengthening is still possible prior to landfall.
Destinations affected are:
Jamaica - Both island airports have re-opened and the damage sustained has been minimal. We have received no reports to suggest that any of our hotels have been damaged although final confirmation of this is expected today. Holidays to Jamaica continue as normal.
Cayman Islands – On 30 August, local authorities declared that the Cayman Islands would be ‘open for business as usual’ from 31 August after travel restrictions were lifted and the general clear up process had taken place. It is understood that damage was cosmetic and hotels will be fully functioning from 02 September.
Cuba - Cuba was hit by Gustav as a category 4 hurricane and the area of Pinar Del Rio on the Western tip is thought to have suffered severely. Havana has many uprooted trees and cables however Cuban authorities are extremely quick to rectify and damage and clear up any mess. Varadero has suffered from tropical storm face winds and no damage was sustained.
New Orleans – Gustav is en route to New Orleans and it is likely to impact there at approximately 1800 hours UK time.
Kuoni Policy:
All clients due to travel up to the end of this week to the affected destinations will be courtesy called. Normal booking conditions currently apply to these destinations with exception to New Orleans where clients have been contacted and offered alternative accommodation.
The Kuoni UK operations team, duty officer and local representatives in resort in conjunction with the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) are continually monitoring the progress of Gustav and are contacting customers with updates on an on going basis. The teams are working together to ensure the safety of all customers in resort.
For those passengers travelling to these destinations imminently and require further information, please call the Kuoni Operations Team on 01306 742544.