#news Mexico blast spurs vacation firm to void penalty fees

A Toronto-based vacation company is backpedalling after initially refusing to waive a fee for a traveller who wanted to amend her plans to holiday in Mexico's Mayan Riviera, where a resort was rocked by an explosion this weekend.

The explosion in the lounge of the 676-room Grand Riviera Princess Hotel in Playa Del Carmen killed two Mexicans and five Canadians and injured several others.

The blast is being blamed on a build-up of methane gas at a nearby swamp.

Sunwing Vacations said Monday that since the explosion, the company has received more than 300 calls from concerned travellers.

Several of them wanted to change their travel plans — including Stephanie LaFlamme, an Ottawa resident who is due to fly out of Toronto to Playa Del Carmen on Saturday. She was booked to stay at the Grand Sunset Princess Hotel, which is adjacent to the Grand Riviera Princess Hotel.

'Not just a small accident'

She wanted to stay in a different hotel or even move to another area altogether over fears that something could go wrong at the Grand Sunset Princess Hotel.

"Especially when you learn that people died over this," she said. "To me, it's not just a small accident. It's major when people [die]; it's something big."

She said Sunwing initially refused to accommodate her unless she paid a penalty, saying her hotel was not impacted by the blast.

"This incident will not affect the holiday enjoyment of those travelling to the Grand Sunset Princess, and they are looking forward to welcoming all guests," Sunwing said in an email to LaFlamme.

CBC News contacted Sunwing and told the company about LaFlamme's story, prompting an executive to say on Monday afternoon that clients going to the Mayan Riviera can change their bookings without penalty up until Dec. 15.

Vice-president of sales and marketing Daryl McWilliams said travellers will be offered a comparably priced resort in the Mayan Riviera or a similar resort in another country.

"All of our staff in that area now are able to make specific offers to passengers that are concerned," said McWilliams.

He said staff would be following up with LaFlamme to inform her of the change and ensure her vacation goes smoothly.

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