THE MEXICAN
GOVERNMENT declared Cancuns famous beaches fully restored,
nearly six months after Hurricane Wilma roared ashore and well
ahead of the April 30 deadline set by Mexican President Vicente
Fox. Mexico began the 24/7 dredging program on Feb. 1 at a cost of
$21.5 million. Approximately 96 million cubic feet of sand was
dredged from 22 miles offshore by two ships and pumped back onto
the beach, resulting in what Cancun officials described as a wider
beach along the 7.5-mile stretch of sand between Punta Cancun south
to Punta Nizuc.
WITH THE
FIRST PHASE COMPLETE, the next challenge will be to do the
necessary maintenance to prevent erosion and protect the beach from
any future storms, Cancun officials said. Dont be surprised to see
a hotel or tourism tax in the near future to help pay for necessary
maintenance. A spokeswoman for the Cancun Convention and Visitors
Bureau said plans for the next phase of beach restoration, which
will include dunes and other protective measures, will be unveiled
within the next six to eight weeks, and tourism officials are
considering some form of a tourism tax to help finance this second
phase of beach restoration. Stay tuned.
THE KOR
HOTEL GROUP signed a deal to purchase the 46-room Mosquito
Blue and the 33-room Mosquito Beach resorts in Playa del Carmen on
the Riviera Maya. Kor, which specializes in managing upscale
properties, said it will spend $5 million to renovate both
properties, including the creation of full-service spas. Also in
the Riviera Maya, Kor will manage the Viceroy Riviera Maya and the
Tides Playa del Carmen Resorts and Residences, both slated to open
in 2008.
TRAVEL
IMPRESSIONS launched a More, More, More Mexico promotion,
offering discounts and booking incentives at more than 30 resorts
in Mexico. The promotion includes complimentary room upgrades, $100
spa and resort credits for a minimum seven-night booking ($50 for
three nights) and free room nights. The promotion is valid for
reservations (minimum of three nights) made by May 13 for travel
through Dec. 20. As part of the promotion, travel agents will
receive a $50 American Express gift check for booking five packages
within a five-week period. For information or reservations, call
(800) 284-0044 or visit www.travelimpressions.com.
AEROMEXICO is adding a third daily nonstop
flight from New York (Kennedy) to Mexico City on May 15. The new
flight will utilize the airlines new Boeing 737-700 planes and
depart New York at 2:20 p.m. The two other existing daily flights
will continue operating with Boeing 757 and 767 planes. For
information or reservations, call (800) 237-6639 or visit www.aeromexico.com/usa.
Mexico
E-Letter Editor:
Jorge
Sidron
Phone: (973) 898-0011
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].