Cleanup, Recovery Continue in Mexican Areas Hit Hard by Hurricane Wilma

The Mexican federal government is pledging millions of dollars to help destinations in Quintana Roo state, such as Cancun and Cozumel, recover from Wilma, with President Vicente Fox setting a goal of having 80 percent of resort facilities ready to accept high-season visitors as of December 15.

Mexico City is exempting all investments in storm-affected areas from tax through June, and will allow affected businesses to pay Social Security taxes and utility bills in interest-free installments.

National tourism trust FONATUR will commit $19 million to restore beachfronts and $10 million to infrastructure repair, while some $820 million in bank financing and loans will be made available to hotels and small- and medium-sized businesses in affected areas. In addition, Mexico´s finance ministry is encouraging insurance firms to process Wilma-related claims quickly.

And the Mexico Tourist Board will conduct marketing and public relations campaigns, including specials events to be held from December 15 to 22, to get visitors back to Quintana Roo.