Mexican tourism feeling symptoms of swine flu

— -- Mexico's economy reeled from an escalating flu outbreak as many American tourists left and new restrictions on public gatherings took effect across the country.

Mexico temporarily suspended operation of non-essential government services and private businesses late Wednesday as the number of confirmed swine flu cases jumped to 99. That excludes hotels but includes bars, restaurants and nightclubs that serve more than 80 people, according to the official Cancun tourism website. The site also noted that 50 infrared thermometers at the Cancun airport will measure all arriving and departing passengers' body temperature. Earlier, the government ordered the closure of archaeological sites and museums across the country.

Mexico City's Chamber of Commerce said the closures and cancellations are costing 777 million pesos ($57 million) a day in the capital city alone — more than a third of the local economy. Only a smattering of tourists could be found stretched out on the beaches of Cancun, Mexico's top vacation destination. "We estimate that bookings have dropped 30%, and the problem will only get worse," says Rodrigo de la Peña, president of the Cancun hotel association.

U.S. airline passenger loads to Mexico this week have been unusually light, but their return flights — even from locations where no cases of swine flu have been reported — are running full as Americans, stirred up by reports of a possible global pandemic, changed their travel plans.

American and Continental, the U.S. market share leaders in U.S.-Mexico air travelers, reported noticeable drops in demand on those normally popular routes.

"We have seen a significant drop in demand for travel to Mexico, primarily to beach destinations," says Julie King, a spokeswoman for Continental, the third-largest in the U.S.-Mexico market with 10% of all travelers. Mexicana has 20% of the market. Fort Worth-based American has 16%.

American spokeswoman Andrea Huguely says northbound flights have been full.