Cancun Launches World's Biggest Grand Re-Opening; Resort Participates in World's Largest Beach Party.

CANCUN, Mexico -- The city of Cancun will host what promises to be the world's largest beach party on August 11-13, 2006.

Cancun plans to open its doors in a big way--with a three-day long festival spanning over eight miles of beach. The activities will include a sand sculpture contest, a kite festival, art exhibits, a sailing regatta, a food festival, aquatic demonstrations and beach parties throughout the entire Hotel Zone. A spectacular firework extravaganza will be held on Saturday night with fireworks being launched over Cancun's majestic waters at every kilometer marker for thirteen kilometers.

Cancun's celebration is well-deserved as the destination has just completed its greatest island-wide revitalization efforts to date, including a US$20.33 million beach recovery project that fully restored eight miles of beach. Thanks to the project, which was completed ahead of schedule in April 2006, all of Cancun's 15.5 miles of coastline are now accessible and available for use.

"We've spent more than US$20 million on beach renourishment alone," said Artemio Santos, CEO of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau. "When you see our beaches, you'll see that it was worth every penny."

In addition to beach re-openings, 83 percent of Cancun's 27,822 hotel rooms have been fully restored and are operating as usual.

"The island is more beautiful than ever," Santos continued. "So many of our hotels have been completely refurbished or entirely rebuilt. This celebration not only marks the grand opening of an all-new Cancun but also applauds our determination and commitment to renew our destination."

With so many renovations, returning visitors may not recognize Cancun, which boasts more luxurious properties and amenities than ever before.

"We're aiming at a much more upscale market," added Santos. "Cancun is now home to more than fifteen world-renowned spas."

"And most people don't realize that Cancun is home to the second largest coral reef on the planet," Santos continued.

Beyond the flurry of spectacle and excitement at the world's largest beach party, travelers can explore the island's lush jungles, snorkel or dive in the magnificent reef, tour the ancient ruins of the Mayan culture or just relax beachside, taking in the seven different colors of Cancun's turquoise waters.

"We call that color Cancun blue," Public Relations Director Patricia Lopez Mancera added. "You won't find that color anywhere else in the world."

About Cancun - http://www.cancun.info

Cancun, located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea at the northeastern tip of the scenic Yucatan Peninsula, is renowned for its 15.5-mile long stretch of white sandy beaches, world-class hotels, exceptional recreation features and the destination's proximity to historic Mayan archeological sites. Visitors to Cancun are able to enjoy the world's second largest coral reef, the Mesoamerican Reef, and action-packed participatory sports activities that capitalize on Cancun's exceptionally clear, blue waters. The water activities, shopping, cultural attractions and beautiful natural environment all complement the area's renowned restaurants and nightlife.

Having completed a US$20.33 million beach recovery project in April 2006, all of Cancun's renewed coastline has since been re-opened and is accessible and available for use. In addition to the recent beach re-openings, 83 percent of Cancun's 27,822 hotel rooms have been fully restored and are operating in normal fashion, and most restaurants, discos, marinas and other attractions in downtown Cancun and along the Hotel Zone are open as well. To provide for the destination's new growth and development, the Cancun International Airport is currently undergoing two renovation projects to better serve its 800,000 passengers per month in high season and will continue to increase its already 170 direct or connecting flights to Cancun every day.