Cancun has always been known for the majestic beauty of its shoreline and so has successfully begun the beach recovery project with an investment of more than USD $71 million dollars ($957 million pesos).  The beach restoration project began on September 4th, 2009 with the delivery of more than two thousand tons of pipeline material to Cancun and the project will deliver(6.1 million cubic meters of sand to replenish Cancun’s Hotel Zone seashore.    Although the beach recovery project has experienced some unforeseen delays due to the weather, it continues to advance successfully and it is already possible to to see a fantastic improvement.  It is due to be completed on February 10th 2010.

The project has been funded by both federal and state governments, and between them both local participating municipalities and private investors will reinstate approximately 6.9 miles (11.1 kilometers) of Cancun’s coastline between Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, creating a spectacular beach oasis with a width of over 131 feet.

The projects’ main purpose is not only to replenish the sand, but to provide a long-term environmentally conscious result.  A team of researchers studied a range of factors prior to the restoration initiation, such as the variety of cycles within climates that would provide the ideal moment to begin revitalizing the beautiful beaches of the state.

We will all look forward to seeing Cancun’s beaches restored to their former glory.  For more information about this please visit  http://cancun.travel/en/2009/12/04/cancun%e2%80%99s-beach-recovery-project-continues-with-great-progress/

If you are taking your Christmas vacation in Cancun this year then I would suggest you leave your Christmas shopping until you arrive in Cancun!  It is a shopper’s paradise!

Cancun remains one of the world’s premier tourist destinations and you will find everything from ultra-chic designer stores and famous brand names, to flea markets and souvenir and handcraft shops.  Cancun shopping is duty free so you can find some real bargains on cosmetics and fine jewellery especially with dollar so strong against the peso right now.

Take a look at http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/shopping/ to see the many shopping malls in Cancun and of just some of the great places to go if you fancy Christmas shopping in Cancun whether it be for a new designer party outfit for yourself or a gift to take home to your loved ones.

Stars from the cinema, television, theater and sporting world  participated in the Celebrity Golf Invitational 2009 in Cancun which tookt place from December 3^rd – 6^th  .  The celebrities competed in two golf tournaments at the Playa Mujeres Golf Club and also in a poker tournament and a silent auction in the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa and Nature Park.  The proceeds will go to charitable organizations such as Teleton, Children International and a self-sufficiency project for the Mayan communities.

 ‘Our objective is to promote Cancun and its surrounding areas, in the eyes of the world, as one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mexican Republic’ explained Gustavo Stielglitz, Director of Celebrity Golf Invitational.  He also said that this event has taken place many times in the United States but that this will be the first time that it was held in Mexico and it resulted in a great success.

 According to the organizing committee, which has already expressed an interest in establishing this tournament as an annual event and hosting it for the next three years in Cancun, the actor Clifton Davis, ex-basketball players Rich Berry, Sam Jones and John Starks, as well as the ex-athlete Bob Beamon, winner of the long jump gold medal in the 1968 Mexico Olympics attended.

 Other personalities in attendance were Isaac Curtis, ex Bengalis de Cincinnati, Kellen Winslow, from the San Diego Chargers, and baseball player Ray Lankford. ‘Mexico is known worldwide for its hospitality and its excellent image in the golfing world’ said the Director of Golf Invitational. 

The personalities invited then participated in a poker tournament ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ style.  All the winnings from this tournament and from the silent auction will be donated to charitable works.

What better way to spend the holiday season than spending your Christmas in Cancun!  The magic of Christmas is everywhere with thousands of colorful lights illuminating the whole city.  To get into the Christmas spirit take a bus or taxi to Downtown Cancun and start at City Hall, then  work your way up towards the Hotel Zone and delight in the spectacle of the beautiful Christmas illuminations.

 Christmas Eve in Cancun

If you are wondering where to go to spend Christmas Eve then you will be spoilt for choice.  All will depend of whether you would like to spend a quiet, romantic evening, or something much more lively with friends and family.  Most of the restaurants offer a special Christmas Menu.    It is advisable to book in advance for the more popular restaurants.

 For those of you wanting to make the most of every moment as the year ends then don’t forget that Cancun has some of the best nightclubs in the world. 

Christmas Shopping in Cancun

You can do all your Christmas shopping in Cancun and will find everything on your wish list at the vast array of shopping malls.  The malls will be bustling with shoppers trying to buy all those last minute gifts whilst taking full advantage of the fantastic prices here on jewelry and cosmetics and the special seasonal offers.  There is no shortage of designer stores if you are looking for that extra special gift or outfit for the party season. 

Las Posadas

The locals prepare for Christmas in Cancun by celebrating the traditional Posadas with family and friends.  Las Posadas are celebrated for nine consecutive days starting on the 16th December.  Las Posadas are symbolic of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter on the night that Jesus was born and are usually celebrated at home with family and friends performing a a candlelit procession and singing traditional songs followed by the breaking of the ‘pinata’ which traditionally is filled with sugar cane, fruits and candy for the children.  The adults look on enjoying a warm fruit punch.

So, if you want Christmas in the sun, but with all the traditional festivities, come and spend an unforgettable Christmas in Cancun!  Take a look on www.cancun.travel to plan your funfilled Christmas vacation in Cancun with a Nightlife and Eating Out Guide so you can book in advance.

The National Park West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, which  receives approximately 750,000 tourists annually, will feature more than  400 concrete sculpture figurines comprising the world’s largest underwater museum, right in the waters in front of Cancun and the island of Isla Mujeres.  

The project has been put into place to give the natural reefs the opportunity to flourish at a cost of more than $350,000 usd.   The Marine National Park has stepped up to the challenge of diverting tourists away from natural habitats along the natural coral reefs without losing their visitors,  and the US $36 million they bring directly  into the area each year. 

Approximately 400 sculptures will be created by internationally renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and will then be sunk within this National Park on the barren areas of seabed at various depths. The first placing of sculptures will begin on November 14^th 2009.  Each piece of art will be life-sized, with a base of four square meters. There will be several theme based installations, such as an army of indigenous Mayan people entitled “The Silent Evolution” and other sculptures such as the “Dream Collector” who catalogues messages in bottles set adrift from various corners of the world.

One of the first messages in a bottle attached to the above mentioned sculpture reads: “May our hearts, never become as hard as our heads”, by Roberto Diaz, President of the Cancun Underwater Museum. 

“This is a unique opportunity to explore the boundaries of art and combine it with reef conservation” said Jason de Caires Taylor, British underwater sculptor of the unique sculptures. The main piece will encompass between 300 to 400 lifelike figures based on actual living people.  Once the main first phase of the project is completed other artists will be encouraged to submit their own sculptures and contribute to this unique museum. 

The National Park’s director, Jaime Gonzalez Cano, calculates that by April 2010 there will be approximately 250 sculptures in the underwater museum.

 ”The underwater museum will draw many visitors, allowing us to give a rest to the natural reefs. It’s like a restoration process”, Gonzalez explained.

Upon the opening of the museum, divers will be required to gain experience in artificial habitats and snorkelers will continue to wear life jackets for buoyancy to prevent damaging the natural corals and the new artificial habitats.

HURRICANE “IDA” LEAVES THE STATE OF QUINTANA ROO WHILE ALL THE TOURISTIC AREAS CONTINUE TO OPERATE NORMALLY

Cancun, November 9. - Felix González, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, said yesterday that the Hurricane “Ida,” category 2, left the coast of the Mexican Caribbean causing no harm to the population or to the touristic activity. Therefore, Cancun and the surrounding areas are operating normally.

During a press conference, Governor González confirmed that almost 65,000 tourists are currently enjoying all the services and activities available in the State except for the aquatic sports and activities that were suspended because of the rain. These have now been reactivated. 

Cancun foresees a positive weather forecast in the coming days since the now Tropical Storm Ida, is moving away from the coast and all possibilities of the storm affecting the area are gone.  “The most important fact is that the eye of the hurricane didn’t hit the soil of Quintana Roo, so we didn’t have any material damage,” added Gonzalez. He also said only Holbox Island was evacuated due to its proximity to the hurricane area. Schools and universities in the area are now working normally.

Regarding the beach recovery program, Governor Gonzalez said no major damage was reported, due to the waves only accelerating the process. Recovery work will resume immediately.

Cancun is located in the municipality of Benito Juarez, which is well known for its preparation in overcoming hurricanes. Putting in place proper contingency plans, 10 shelters were habilitated.    Fortunately the Government did not find a need to use them.

ASUR, the first privatized airport group in Mexico and operator of Cancún Airport and eight other airports in
southeast Mexico, today announced the inauguration of the second runway ofCancún Airport, which doubles the airport’s capacity to approximately 28million passengers per annum. The increased capacity level is expected to meet forecasted demand for the next several decades.   The second runway, parallel to the existing one, allows for simultaneous takeoffs and landings, thereby increasing operating capacity to more than 80 takeoffs or landings per hour.

The project, which represented a total investment of approximately US$67 million, also included a new control tower, the tallest in Latin America, and one of the top 20 tallest control towers worldwide.
With this project, ASUR expects to contribute to economic development in the region and to maintain Cancún’s position at the forefront of airport services in Mexico and Latin America.

For more information regarding Cancun International Airport visit http://cancun.travel/en/general-information/airport-and-customs/

Sarah Brightman, the world renowned soprano, will perform October 31 at Chichen Itza.

Sarah Brightman follows in the footsteps of Placido Domingo who performed a sold-out concert at Chichen Itza last fall. Organizers have already announced that Elton John will perform next year at what is shaping up to be an annual event.

For more information about Chichen Itza please follow this link http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/mayan-culture/chichen-itza/ and you can also visit http://cancun.travel/en/hotels/ for ideas on where you can stay in Cancun and the best ways to get there.

The 1st XelHá Triathlon XelHá and 307 Sports is to be held in XelHa, with the support of the Quintana Roo Triathlon Association, in cooperation with the Youth and Sports Commission of Quintana Roo, the Youth and Sports Institute of Tulum and Cozumel, the Triathlon Mexican Federation and sponsors

INVITE: all triathletes, cyclists, swimmers and all the other great athletes to join the “1st XelHá Triathlon”

DATE & LOCATION: Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at XelHá Park. KM 240 Carretera Chetumal Puerto Juárez CP 77780 XelHá Q.Roo, México.

START TIME: 7:00 AM, at the XelHá’s floating bridge. Categories per age first and then at 7:10 AM and 7:15 AM children and teenagers aged 9 to 15, respectively.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 500 Triathletes

SIGN UP: From August 19th to November 5th till 4 PM or when the numbers run out Via Internet with your credit card at www.triatlonxelha.com Bank deposit: Request registration form calling 998 8847165 or via email: custumerservice@xelha.com.mx At Paseo Cancún Shopping Center, Elite Cyclery Shop, Av. Andrés Quintana Roo SM39 Mz. 10 lote 1 local 48 At Sport City Cancún, Av. Tulum Sur, Lotes 2 y 4 Manzana 2, Supermanzana 15A *Registration fees are not refundable

FEES: Category 9 to 17 years $200.00 pesos M.N. Category per age from 18 to 50 or more years of age $400.00 pesos M.N. Relay category (three participants) $600.00 pesos M.N.

TIMES AND RESULTS: Each participant will be provided with a borrowed timing chip along with his/her competitor’s registration kit. An automated timing and results system will provide the results at the end of the competition. Results will be posted up on our website www.triatlonxelha.com

PRIZES: Acknowledgement for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place of each category Prizes for the five first overall places, male and female

1st place $5000.00 pesos
2nd place $4000.00 pesos
3rd place $3000.00 pesos
4th place $2000.00 pesos
5th place $1000.00 pesos
Inkind prizes for minor categories:
9 to 11 – Inkind prize at Sport City and four entrance tickets to XelHá Park to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; and a swim with dolphins program for the 1st place of each category.
12 to 13 Inkind prize at Sport City and four entrance tickets to XelHá Park to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; and a swim with dolphins program for the 1st place of each category.
14 to 15 Inkind prize at Sport City and four entrance tickets to XelHá Park to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; and a swim with dolphins program for the 1st place of each category.
All competitors go into the draw to win two Sport City memberships.

MANDATORY PRERACE BRIEFING: XelHá Park on Saturday November 7th, at the parking lot of the Organizing Committee; two schedules to choose: at 10 AM or 5 PM

RACE KIT PICKUP, BIKE CHECKIN AND MARKING: Saturday November 7th, at the Organizing Committee tent located at XelHá parking lot, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. (No race kits or marking will be provided on the day of the event)

JUDGES AND RULES: Judges will be appointed by the Organizing Committee and the event will observe the current regulations of the FMTRI and the rules established by the Organizing Committee.

XELHÁ ALL INCLUSIVE Come with your family and enjoy the best All Inclusive at Mexico’s Natural Wonder. XelHá is an invitation to live the magic and the adventure of nature through an incredible concept: XelHá All Inclusive. The All Inclusive package is your ticket to an endless source of amazement and fun to make your visit even more fascinating. Treat yourself to all the delicacies of our buffet breakfast and restore your energy with our wide variety of snacks. Order your favorite drink and eat all you can, at any of our restaurants, as many times as you want. Have fun choosing from our selection of buffets: Mexican, Regional or International. Delight your palate with no limits tasting our exquisite ice creams and desserts. The All Inclusive ticket to XelHá will get you ready for the best underwater experience providing you with snorkel equipment – including a complimentary snorkel tube, use of lockers and all towels you may need. Use of life jackets, bikes, inner tubes, showers, dressing rooms, sun beds and hammocks is also included. Dare to experience all nature around! All water and ground wonders and lots of adventures await you with the purchase of your All Inclusive ticket. Snorkel across the most spectacular natural aquarium and surrender to its beauty. Jump from the Cliff of Courage and shout at the top of your lungs. Unveil the secrets of the river and flow down its magical current. Visit the Black Lagoon and paddle towards a new horizon of peace and silence… The wonders to explore are endless!

For further information visit http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/adventure/ecological-theme-parks/

Now to an up-close encounter with the largest fish in the sea. NbC’s Kerry Sanders headed off to Mexico for the thrill of a lifetime. Reporter: in Cancun, Mexico, long before this was a tropical playground, the aquamarine waters here beckoned another thing, the world’s largest fish, as big as a school bus, a book of legend. It’s a huge a huge a huge. Reporter: up to 60 feet long, said fishermen. But who had ever seen such a fish? Haras palacios claims he saw his first one when he was 3 years old. Well, you feel like a piece of you because they’re huge animals. You also feel scared. You feel scared, like motion sickness. Reporter: in search of the unknown, we boarded a launch guided by a marine biologist who promised 20 to 30 miles off the coast wed find these so-called whale sharks. We’re going to see the whale sharks. Reporter: and just like they promised there they were, whale sharks that thankfully are not man-eaters. In all, we counted 64 gliding at the surface. Their mouths open, almost five feet wide, filtering the water to feed on fish eggs. The story goes, years ago, fishermen came out and actually caught one of these whale sharks, took it home and it tasted horrible. So, everyone pretty much ignored them. Then, about eight, nine years ago, one of the captains who was having a really bad day fishing wondered if maybe people would pay and go out and see these behemoths.

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If you would like the opportunity to swim with whale sharks please visit http://cancun.travel/en/things-to-do/adventure/whale-shark/