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Wilma-damaged Mexico on the mend
Cancun and other areas in Mexico pounded by Hurricane Wilma in late October are quickly returning to full service, and tourists are also coming back, according to news reports.
The storm caused up to $20 billion in damages. It affected every one of Cancun’s 100 hotels, causing extensive flooding and power outages.
“Hurricane Wilma, which pounded Mexico, then roared across Cuba and Florida, left the tourism industry reeling in its wake,” wrote the Los Angeles Times.
The storm forced the closure of more than 20 airports and left thousands of travelers stranded.
But recovery has been quick with tourism boards reporting business as usual — almost.
The popular Maya Riviera on the coast south of Cancun, for example, has a vast majority of rooms open and the rest should be available by the end of the month, tourist officials said.
By the middle of the month, 60% of Cancun’s total hotel room inventory was expected to be open.
All the cruise lines returned to Cozumel last month.
While docks have been damaged and it may take years to repair, cruise ships are temporarily anchoring offshore and ferrying guests to shore.
Major airlines, however, are running on reduced schedules.
American, US Airways and America West plan to add flights this month. They should be close to full service by February, according to news reports.
Continental is also adding service this month.
While United has cancelled flights, Delta next year plans to add to its one daily flight.
On Cozumel, all of the 18 dive shops are back in business. And some of the beaches are wider than before, says the local tourist board.
More information can be found at www.islacozumel.com.mx, operated by the Cozumel tourism board, and www.cancun.info.
Report by David Wilkening
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