Cancun Devastated by Hurricane Wilma

Strategic Insights -

Rosa Luisa Tapia, a grandmother of seven from the poor area of Tres Reyes on the outskirts of Cancun, is worried about the upcoming high tourist season after hurricane Wilma devastated the city. "We have no houses, yes, yes. But if we have no work, we will have no food either," she said. Cancun, a popular tourist destination, was turned into a wasteland over the weekend. Tourism is Mexico's third-biggest source of foreign revenue, with vacationers spending $11 billion per year. The Caribbean coast is Mexico's most popular destination, receiving 8 million visitors last year, 3 million of whom go to Cancun.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hurricane Wilma devastated Cancun, Mexico's popular tourist destination, leaving widespread destruction and impacting the livelihoods of local residents who depend on the tourism industry.
  • Tourism is Mexico's third-biggest source of foreign revenue, with vacationers spending $11 billion per year, and Cancun is a significant contributor to this revenue, receiving 3 million visitors last year.
  • The hurricane has left thousands of tourists stranded, with an estimated 20,000 still in Cancun, and the airport remains closed, making it challenging for those stranded to return home.
  • Looting has been a significant concern, with hundreds of residents breaking into stores and warehouses to stock up on essentials, and some tourists have also joined in on the looting.
  • The government is already overstretched from previous hurricanes, including Emily in July, Stan, and the mudslides in Chiapas, and the task of rebuilding will be enormous.
  • Cancun Mayor Francisco Alor estimates it will take at least six months for the city to recover, while President Vicente Fox is more optimistic, stating it will take two months to restore 80 to 90% of the touristic capacity of Cancun.
  • The government has deployed the Army to distribute aid and halt looting, and tourists are being instructed not to step outdoors and are being given soldiers to guard them overnight.
  • Local residents, including Rosa Luisa Tapia, are worried about the impact of the hurricane on their livelihoods and the ability to recover in time for the upcoming high tourist season.

Statistics:

  • 8 million: The number of visitors to the Caribbean coast of Mexico last year.
  • 3 million: The number of visitors to Cancun last year.
  • $11 billion: The amount of revenue generated by tourism in Mexico per year.
  • 20,000: The estimated number of tourists stranded in Cancun.
  • 6 months: The estimated time for Cancun to recover from the hurricane.
  • 2 months: The estimated time for 80 to 90% of Cancun's touristic capacity to be restored.

Sources:

  • The Christian Science Monitor, "Cancun Devastated by Hurricane Wilma" (October 2005)
  • Tourism Ministry of Mexico, "Tourism in Mexico" (no date)
  • Cancun Mayor Francisco Alor, "Emergency Meeting at the Town Hall" (Sunday, October 2005)
  • President Vicente Fox, "Address to the Nation" (Monday, October 2005)