Cancun’s tourism industry suffered with the worldwide economic downturn, fewer visitors and the H1N1 flu virus, initially attributed to Mexico. Add in a rumor that Cancun beaches lost most of their sand and the combination was lethal. But according to Cancun’s travel professionals, last-minute bookings are on the rise; a behavior indicating that travelers are returning to Mexico.
“Our year end to April 2010 incoming flights are up 1% from the U.S. market,” said Jesús Amaguer, general director of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau at the recent Cancun Travel Mart, adding that commercial flights now outnumber charters. Prices generally are not being lowered. Instead, more added values are offered. Also, several projects either completed or beginning in Cancun will benefit the region and every visitor.
Cancun Airport’s Second Runway
Completion of the airport’s second runway in mid-October 2009 allows for simultaneous takeoffs and landings on both runways. At a cost of $67 million dollars, it’s Mexico’s first airport to have that ability. Capacity is expected to increase to 28 million passengers per year for the almost 150 domestic and international airlines that now use the airport. Additionally, a new control tower is more than 315 feet tall and among the 20 tallest in the world. Airports Council International rates Cancun Airport as the best airport in Latin America and among the top five in the world.
Cancun Beaches Get New Sand
It’s not true that Cancun beaches have lost their sand. But despite Mexico's expenditure of $19 million in 2005 to replace beach sand after Hurricane Wilma, much of it taken from the sea floor has washed away. To dispel doubts that more was lost with future storms, a three-month-long project to replenish Cancun’s beach sand along seven miles of coastline between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc (Playa del Carmen and Cozumel included) will be complete in January 2010. One factor in the planning stages was for long-term environmentally conscious results. The 1.3 billion gallons of sand chosen won’t get hot with the sun. Its high density is compatible with the current sand and will have a low volume loss in case of a meteorological event.
Biodegradable suntan lotion is mandatory throughout Cancun’s beach and water attractions. Mexican beaches are public property and several Cancun beaches have easy access. However, walking through a hotel to reach a public beach is frowned upon.
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
This Mexican Caribbean all-inclusive 485-room resort is a luxurious addition to the Riviera Maya that opened in early October 2009. Dreams Riviera is located within a national park and close to Playa del Carmen and tiny Puerto Morelos. Add in only a 25-minute drive to the Cancun International Airport and the resort is a winner.
Xplor Adventure Park
Opened in July 2009, Xplor is an all-inclusive underground adventure park situated on 149 acres and located 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen. Eleven zip lines cover two miles; underground rafts sail among stalactites and stalagmites; amphibious vehicles travel on water, over winding jungle roads or through caverns and a 437-yard stalactite river swim are the four top-notch activities that take about six hours to complete.
Double-wired zip lines are standard here, which distributes a person's weight better than one line. Unlimited natural fruit beverages are available. No soda or alcohol served. Meals are 70% vegetarian and created to help attendees continue their activities unhindered by a poor diet. Admission covers all activities, plus meals. Life jackets, helmets, harnesses and hand paddles are free to use, as are lockers and dressing rooms.
Cancun Wins Best Selling Destination Award
Recommend magazine recently named Cancun as Mexico’s “Best Selling Destination” in its 13th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards. The monthly publication is distributed to approximately 50,000 U.S. and Canadian travel agents. More than 1,000 agents selected Cancun over a variety of destinations and through the magazine’s online electronic survey.
Judith Glynn - I've written travel articles for years. See more and my novel about romance and travel at www.facebook.com/judglynn
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