MIAMI, Fla. --Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest meeting properties, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancún, Mexico, was chosen to host the July 1-3, 2009 Global Flu Summit, organized by the World Health Organization in order to design strategies for continuing to battle the A-H1N1 pandemic. Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon called the meeting to order on July 2, 2009 and the more than 1,000 attendees then collaborated resources from around the world to uncover tools to prevent, limit and mitigate the pandemic.

Attendees included the World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan --who has continually praised Mexico for the openness and speed with which it implemented health measures --as well as Pan-American Health Organization General Director Mirta Roses, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, ministers of health from approximately 40 different countries and the highest level specialists and representatives from more than 50 countries.

The World Health Organization Director General Dr. Margaret Chan stated, “Our presence here is an expression of confidence Mexico is a safe, as well as a beautiful and warmly gracious, place to visit."

Chan continued to express her gratitude towards Mexico by saying, “The fact that we are gathered here in Cancun, Mexico reaffirms a statement consistently made by WHO since the new H1N1 virus was first detected. Recommendations to avoid travel to Mexico, or to any other country or area with confirmed cases, serve no purpose. They do not protect the public. They do not contain the outbreak and they do not prevent further international spread.” Mexico’s Minister of Health also stated, “Mexico’s immediate reaction, taking control of the epidemic in a matter of a month, and acquired knowledge is proof that the world can only benefit from Mexico’s experience.”

Mexico has launched a massive campaign to bring back tourists, particularly to Pacific and Caribbean coast resorts including Cancun, after the H1N1 virus dealt a heavy blow to the industry. The Governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez, emphasized the importance of this event, as it shows the reestablishment of confidence and trust in the country, especially in the Mexican Caribbean, where tourism continues to recuperate at a rapid pace and is almost back to normal seasonal occupancy levels.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort was chosen to host The Global Flu Summit due to its stunning meeting facilities at the largest convention center in Cancún, as well as its reputation for five-star service and amenities. The extraordinary conference center facilities include 142,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with permanent staging, the capacity for up to 8,600 attendees, and the option of 40 breakouts. Serving as one of the most technologically sophisticated resorts in Mexico, high tech board of director rooms and a business center will make these conference facilities ideal for the Global Flu Summit.

Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort is located on Cancun’s tranquil south shore, nestled between 123 acres of tropical foliage and secluded white sand beach. This quintessential resort offers something for everyone, starting with 2,457 luxurious rooms, including waterside and garden view accommodations or golf villa suites. Two of the largest lagoon-style pools in Mexico wind their way along the beach for more than 650 feet and are complemented by two children’s pools, one Golf Club pool, six Jacuzzis and four swim-up bars. Additional on-site adventures range from a water sports marina and sporting activities to a fully equipped fitness center and private Kids Club. The Moon Spa & Golf Club is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and one of Palace Resorts’ signature spas, which offers a complete hydrotherapy journey and signature treatments for the body and soul. Travelers enjoy a variety of international delights at 13 restaurants and premium beverages and nightly entertainment at 11 bars and lounges.

For more information about Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, call Palace Resorts at 800-539-3313 or visit www.palaceresorts.com/groups

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About Palace Resorts ­­­
Palace Resorts is celebrating 25 years of the highest standards for five-star service and value-added amenities for meeting groups and incentive programs. Lavish oceanfront accommodations at all 12 all-inclusive properties in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic feature exclusive double Jacuzzis, included wireless internet and unlimited long distance calls to the continental U.S. and Canada, 24-hour room service, and many rooms include balconies and private hammocks overlooking the ocean at some of the world's most stunning beaches. The brand also boasts some of the Caribbean's most extravagant spas and golf courses. Palace Resorts provides the highest vacation quality, as evident by the National Quality Award, the highest recognition for Mexican organizations.