COZUMEL, Mexico --
Cozumel tourism officials say the destination is on a fast track
toward recovery in the aftermath of the destruction caused by
Hurricane Wilma last month.
According to Raul
Marrufo, director of the Cozumel Tourism Promotion Board, with
essential services like water and electricity restored to 90% of
the island, officials have shifted their focus to preparing Cozumel
for winter visitors.
With that in mind, a
number of airlines have either resumed service or announced
start-up of flights for the winter season.
Mexicana Airlines is
currently operating daily flights to Cozumel from Mexico City, and
Continental is flying three times a week from Houston. Meanwhile,
American said it will resume flying three times a week from Dallas
on Dec. 16.
Staying
there
Although a number of
Cozumels hotels are still assessing damage and have not announced
reopening dates, 
some have returned
to business and others are poised to reopen for the winter as
well.
Among the hotels that
have opened are the Vista del Mar, the Days Inn, the Flamingo and
the Cozumel Resort.
Resorts that have
announced opening dates include the Casa del Mar (Dec. 15), El Cid
la Ceiba (Nov. 15), Fiesta Americana (Feb. 1), Melia Cozumel (Dec.
23), and two Occidental properties, Occidental Allegro and
Occidental Grand (both Jan. 31).
Under the
sea
In other news, officials
from the Cozumel National Marine Park report that divers and
conservationists are working to repair Cozumels damaged
reefs.
Officials from the park
said much of the reef system along Cozumels coast was largely
undamaged, although many sections were hard-hit by the storms
three-day rampage across the region.
Cozumel is a top
destination for scuba diving.
Shallow reefs, those
located up to 35 feet below the ocean, were more heavily impacted,
while reefs located at greater depths were reported to be in good
condition by the National Marine Park.
Underwater caverns like
Chankanaab Cavern, F1 Cavern and Aerolito Cavern were unharmed and
are open for diving.
For updates on these and
other developments, visit www.islacozumel.com.mx.
To contact reporter
Jorge Sidron, send e-mail to [email protected].
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