RIVIERA MAYA READY FOR SALES Marie Klaude Gagnon CTHotNews confirms sunny aftermath of Wilma's wrath Royal Porto Real Following the Summer of Hurricanes, the normally steady flow of tourists to the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico's premiere destinations and a favourite with Canadian sun-seekers, came to an abrupt halt. Wilma, the strongest Atlantic hurricane (in terms of barometric pressure) ever recorded, struck on October 21, damaging nearly everything in its path. Government officials and tourism-dependent locals have since been working day and night to repair the region's infrastructure. [Full text]

NEW DIRECTOR FOR MEXICAN TOURISM OFFICE IN TORONTO Marie Klaude Gagnon Cesar Castaneda My mission will remain the same : to promote Mexico to Canadians  CTHotNews has learned that Cesar Castaneda, director of the Mexican Tourism Office in Montreal, will be transferred to Toronto as of next January. "The Toronto office is one of the most important ones and the people there appreciate my efforts. I have decided to accept their offer," he said. Who will be the next director in the Montreal office? "I'll be replaced by a woman coming from Europe, I have no more details at this time," he added. [Full text]

GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES FOR CANCUN RECOVERY OVERLY OPTIMISTIC Of the resort's 27,000 rooms, just over 10,000 are available this week. An additional 3,000 could be ready by year's end, but many of those are away from the beach. The government promised Cancun would be three-quarters recovered from hurricane Wilma by today. But these days, bulldozers are easier to find than tourists in this beach resort. Luxury hotels normally packed for the winter season are closed to all but construction crews. Most discos, mini-malls and swanky eateries are dark. And while the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are as inviting as ever, they have gobbled up much of the famed white beach. [Full text]

TRAVEL TRADE SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHEER G.A.P. Adventures Volunteers G.A.P Adventures volunteers sponsor children's party in Toronto In last week's survey we asked if agencies were planning charitable donations or activities this holiday season. An impressive 61 per cent gave a positive response and G.A.P. Adventures provided this photo from their event. Held last Saturday, December 10, the company sponsored the Children's Christmas Party at Scadding Court Community Centre (SCCC) in an effort to bring some holiday cheer to families with children registered at the centre. [Full text]

AGENTS TOUR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON SIGNATURE VACATIONS FAM Agents on Signature DR Fam "Recently Signature Vacations YVR escorted a group of Travel Agents to the Dominican Republic," reported Mike Hagan, Business Development Manager BC-Yukon for Signature Vacations. "This unique FAM included a visit to Puerto Plata, and then an interesting overland trip via Santo Domingo en route to Punta Cana... [Full text]

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