Recovery Efforts in Cozumel, Mexico Quickly Progressing

Cruise ships are now arriving daily, some airlines have resumed limited service and the majority of Cozumel tours, attractions, dive shops, restaurants and stores have been restored.

Cozumel, Mexico (PRWEB) December 1, 2005 -- Cozumel tourism officials are pleased with the progress the island has made post-hurricane Wilma and report that visitors are returning and restoration efforts are moving faster than expected.

According to Raul Marrufo, director of the Cozumel Tourism Promotion Board, “Cruise ships are now arriving daily, some airlines have resumed limited service and the majority of Cozumel tours, attractions, dive shops, restaurants and stores have been restored and are available for travelers to enjoy.”

“In addition, the care, respect and good management applied within the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park has resulted in major progress toward the protection and revitalization of our marine environment,” said Marrufo.

Updates from the island include the following:

General Information:

- Electricity and water is now restored to 100 percent of the island.
- Cosmetic improvements are drastic, including the replacement of mature palm trees that adorn the main tourist thoroughfare.
- Cruise ships returned to Cozumel on Nov. 14, 2005 and continue daily arrivals.
- All Cozumel roads are clear and open except for a small strip between Coconuts and Rastas restaurant on the east side of the island, which is estimated to open Dec.15.

Island Attractions and Activities:
- East coast beaches are in excellent condition and are actually wider as a result of the storm.
- The island’s certified dive shops are open and operating.
- Snorkeling tours have resumed normal operations.
- The Cozumel Country Club is set to reopen for play on December 1, 2005. Limited food and beverage service will be available until the restaurant and golf shop repairs are completed, which is expected to be by January 1, 2006.
- More than 60 of the 70 island excursions are currently available including horseback riding tours, jeep excursions, all-terrain vehicle tours, fishing, etc…
- The Atlantis Submarine attraction will reopen on December 15, 2005
- 90 percent of Cozumel shops and restaurants have reopened at this time
- Coconuts bar, Rastas Bar and Mezcalitos have reopened on the eastern side of the island.
- The Mayan ruins at San Gervasio are in good condition and the site is now open.

According to officials from the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park:

- Visitors can expect the excellent water clarity with optimum visibility.
- New opportunities are being discovered in the wake of the storm. The shifting of sand has actually revealed new sites for exploration, including newly-revealed caves at Palancar.
- Among other marine life, barracudas, rays, groupers, sharks, surgeon fishes, parrot fishes, etc., are still abundant within their natural environment.
- Among others, popular reefs for diving and snorkeling include:

Punta Chiqueros, Punta Sur, Santa Rosa, El Mirador, Colombia, San Francisco, Playa Bush, Palancar, Cardona, El Islote, La Francesa   Punta Tunich, Maracaibo, Punta Dalila, Las Palmas, Chun Chacab, Paso del Cedral, Paraíso profundo

- Six Cenote diving (cavern diving) sites are now open including Cenote C-1, Cenote Aerolito, Cenote C-3, Cueva Quebrada (Chankanaab), Cenote 3 Potrillos and Cenote Roca Bomba.

According to Robert Cudney, director for Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, “The reef system has had some time to rest during the last several weeks, but as all dive and snorkeling enthusiasts understand, the habitat will be in a constant state of natural recovery over time.”

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the entire dive community -- including dive operators, park management and our many visitors. Because the dive community has so vigilantly protected this beautiful natural resource over the past years, the reefs were strong and as such, are expected to recover beautifully.”

For ongoing destination updates and additional information about Cozumel travelers should visit www.islacozumel.com.mx or www.cometocozumel.com.

Media Inquiries, please contact YPB&R Public Relations:

Noel Perkins (407) 838-1797
-or-
Jeanette Chin, (646) 792-0194

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