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Post subject: Press Release and Updates from Cancun Tourism Institute
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Status Release
Cancun: Yes, We're Open!
October 28, 2005
Cancun, Quintana Roo MEXICO
As the result on an unprecedented federal and local response to Hurricane Wilma, the Cancun Convention & Visitor Bureau reports that recovery efforts are advancing steadily, and that normal resort operation is resuming in the coming days and weeks.
The CVB reports the following advances as of 12 noon October 28, 2005:
Visitor Evacuations: of the estimated 35,000 tourists that were in Cancun and the surrounding resorts when Wilma struck on October 21-22, only approximately 2,600 still remain in the area. Nearly all of these guests will have safely returned home by Saturday, October 29.
Cancun Airport Operations: The Cancun International Airport resumed operations on Tuesday, October 25. It will operate until October 30 under a recovery/evacuation status, with preferential operations for inbound supplies and passenger departures. On October 31, normal operations will resume, with carriers such as Mexicana Airlines, US Air 3000 (Apple Vacations) and others reestablishing normal service.
Cancun Hotel Zone: The majority of Cancun's 140 hotels and resorts are recovering from varying degrees of wind and water damage.
Of Cancun's 27,500 lodging units, the Cancun CVB projects the following re-opening schedule:
Date:
Lodging Units in Operation:
Nov. 4, 2005
5,200
Nov. 25, 2005
8,700
Dec. 15, 2005
15,800
Dec. 23, 2005
16,800
Jan. 15, 2006
20,900
As for beaches conditions, a detailed inventory is being prepared. At present, the area between the Riu Cancun toward the downtown/mainland (facing the Bahía de Mujeres) has actually had its beaches expanded (Presidente Inter-Continental, Oasis Viva, Ambiance Villas, Villas Tacul, Barcelo las Perlas, Blue Bay, Riu Caribe, etc)
Mexican President Vicente Fox has announced federal recovery funds totally US$20 million for beach recovery and US$10 million for hotel zone infrastructure restorations. In order to assist small businesses (shops, restaurants, others) with recovery, NAFINSA (Mexico's government loan corporation) is providing loans totaling US$340 million.
In an effort to streamline hotel recovery, the Inter-American Development Bank has announced US$500 million in reconstruction and recovery loans. This move will greatly facilitate needed repairs and upgrades.
The Cancun Center convention facility will resume normal operations by November 8, 2005.
Regarding Cancun area's golf facilities, the Cancun CVB reports the following re-openings:
Date:
Golf Course:
Oct. 29, 2005
Playacar
Oct. 29, 2005
Mayan Palace
Nov. 7, 2005
Hilton Cancun
Nov. 20, 2005
Moon Palace
December, 2005
Mayakobá
Dec. 15, 2005
Cancun Golf Club at Pok ta Pok
As of today 20 tourist quality restaurants are open and many others will open whit in next week.
Cancun City: clean-up efforts are underway to remove debris, open streets, reestablish telephone and electric service, and allow the city's inhabitants to continue clean-up and recovery efforts. Dozens of business are open, including banks, stores, and hospitals, with additional openings each day. Police and security services have restored order and are assisting with citizen and visitor relief efforts.
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