Recent news stories from Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean
Cancun in the News
Hurricane Wilma: Effects and Recovery Efforts
Thousands of international travelers are stranded in the Yucatan pensisula as a result of Hurricane Wilma, which passed through Saturday, October 22. Among the areas hit were some of Mexico's most popular tourist regions including Cozumel, Cancun, and Quintana Roo. Evacuating the area has not been easy, as airlines are ill-equipped to transport the tens of thousands of tourists who found themselves trapped by the storm. Recovery efforts have been pledged by the U.S. and many other international governments, all trying to assist in the stabilization of the area and the return of stranded U.S. citizens. The tourism industry in Mexico is set to lose $800(USD) million in revenue from the signifcant damage caused by Wilma. Despite these losses, recovery efforts move forward, and it is expected that 90 percent of the hotel infrastructure will be operational by December 15th, the beginning of the Caribbean tourist season.
For more information on the immediate effects of Hurricane Wilma on tourists, check out the headlines from these top news sources:
Riviera Maya Update (Riviera Maya)
Spanish hotel chains to close their hotels in Cancun (Dominican Today)
Transfer 3,000 tourists from Cancun to DR (Dominican Today)
Wilma costs Mexico's tourism industry millions (CNN)
Air seats in short supply as thousands try to leave Mexico (CNN)
For more information on the Hurricane Wilma recovery efforts, check out the headlines from these top news sources:
U.S. Government Action to Assist American Citizens in Mexico/Hurricane Wilma Response - Update (U.S. Dept of State)
Hurricane Wilma Update (U.S. Dept of State)
United States assisting Hurricane Wilma response efforts in Mexico (ReliefWeb)
*****
Hurricane Wilma: Damages Sustained
On Saturday, October 22, Hurricane Wilma hit Mexico's Caribbean coast, bringing problems for stranded tourists in such popular areas as Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen. The Category 4 storm spawned major flooding and widespread damages to homes, resorts, and beaches, causing many residents and vacationers to flee. The infrastructure of the tourism industry that supports the region will be largely incapacitated in the coming months due to the effects of this poweful storm.
For more information on the damage inflicted Hurricane Wilma, check out the headlines from these top news sources:
Hurricane Wilma rampages through Mexico's Caribbean
(Reuters)
Hurricane Wilma devastates Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico (ReliefWeb)
Wilma kills 8 in southeast Mexico (ReliefWeb)
The gorgeous weather found year-round in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean is a major draw for many travelers.
Use this helpful article in order to learn about the history of Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
Make this section your first stop if you're looking to learn more about the interesting customs and gorgeous natural environment of Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.