MEXICO CITY, April 21, 2006 "” Cancun's beach restoration is officially complete, and the result is a wider and more beautiful beachfront along the 7.5 mile stretch from Punta Cancun south to Punta Nizuc.
The restoration efforts were carried out by Jan De Nul, a global leader providing dredging, stone placement, filling and salvage services and cost US$21.5 million. The project was funded by the Mexican government.
Mexico began the 24-hour-per-day, seven-day-a-week dredging on Feb.1 to restore the sand Wilma swept away in late October 2005. The massive project was completed 17 days ahead of schedule on April 13 and replaced approximately 3.6 million cubic yards of the powder-white sand that has made Cancun a world-class beach destination.
"The completion of the beach restoration project ushers in a new era for Cancun. This city, which has always offered visitors a world-class vacation destination, now enjoys a renewed vitality. The beaches which have delighted millions of international visitors throughout the years will now beckon many others to discover Cancun," said Rodolfo Elizondo, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism.
Mexican tourism officials will monitor the recuperated beachfront and provide any conservation efforts necessary to ensure that all the visitors that travel to Cancun can benefit from the highest quality beaches.
About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico's tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
