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
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season