Mexico holidays saved from disaster

Holidymakers can return to Mexico safe in the knowledge that its recovery programme after the devastation of Hurricane Wilma has been heralded a success.

Secretary-general of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Francesco Frangialli, said that the restoration of Cancun following the natural disaster should be used as a blueprint for other countries facing similar threats.

Many areas on Mexico's Caribbean coast such as the Riviera Maya had been damaged by Hurricane Wilma in October last year, yet in spite of this, Mexico had managed to boost foreign tourists to 22 million, with tourist spending rising to $12 billion.

During a fact-finding tour in Mexico, Mr Frangialli said: "With climate change increasingly threatening the livelihood of the tourism industry, the speed and efficiency shown in the recuperation of these resorts is worthy of being a role model to be followed by other destinations around the world."

While in Cancun, he added: "It was clear to see the impressive progress that has already been made, demonstrating that Cancun and Mexico's other Caribbean destinations have made a speedy recovery in restoring the levels of quality and services that have made this one of the world's leading tourist destinations."

Latest tourism figures for the region show an impressive average 83 per cent occupation of the 53,000 hotel beds.

Because of Mexico's strong recovery, the tourism sector has not been badly affected by Hurricane Wilma, benefiting many of the country's World Heritage Sites.

The Chichen Itza is perhaps Mexico's most famous archaeological and architectural monument. Located 200kms from Cancun, the one-time Mayan capital features attractions including the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Plaza of a Thousand Columns.

Another ancient Mayan city is Tulum, closer in to Cancun at 128kms. Visitors to the cliff-top Tulum, which boasts impressive well-preserved fortifications, can enjoy spectacular views of the Caribbean sea. XXX