Mexico destruction worse than first feared

Sunday, 27 Oct, 2005 0

Operators will not resume holidays to storm-battered Cancun until at least November 6 as inspections revealed widespread damage to dozens of properties.

The Federation of Tour Operators confirmed the destruction caused by hurricane Wilma had been worse than anticipated and advised holidaymakers to contact operators.

“There will be no departures to Cancun up to and including November 6 and some programmes may take longer to resume,” a spokesman said.

Holidaymakers are being offered full refunds or alternative destinations.

In Florida meanwhile, all holidays to Miami have been cancelled up to and including October 29 and to Florida Keys, Naples and Marco Island until October 31. Orlando holidays are continuing as normal.

The news emerged as the last of the 8,500 package holidaymakers in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsular prepared to be evacuated from the region after living in rescue shelters for several days.

Independent travellers, which are thought to number almost 4,000, were being looked after by foreign office officials.

The rescue operation gathered speed yesterday after Cancun airport, which was badly damaged in the hurricane, re-opened, albeit with limited facilities. Customers had previously had to travel to Merida to leave Mexico.

“What is normally a three or four hour transfer to Merida was taking eight or nine because of flooded roads and diversions,” the FTO spokesman said. “Logistically it has been a very difficult time for operators as well as being very uncomfortable for customers.”

Mexico tourist officials were also beginning to count the cost of the devastation.

UK regional director Manuel Diaz Cebrian predicted around 40% of hotels would re-open within 20 days with the remainder opening within three months.

“It would be stupid to say I am not worried but I am also confident that we have the capacity to recover,” he told TravelMole. “Destinations like Thailand and Bali have recovered and so will we

“Christmas is a very busy time in Cancun so lots of work will take place between now and then.”

Report by Steve Jones