Cancun, Mexico (August 17, 2012) – The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is proud to announce that Cancun had one of the best summer seasons in recent years with an approximate 88% hotel occupancy rate. Cancun International Airport received more than 7.4 million tourists, compared to 6.8 million who visited during the same time last year.

Cancun saw a large influx of tourists from England, Russia, France and South America with more than 40 flights a week arriving from these countries to Cancun’s airport. There was also a significant growth in domestic tourism, with over 22 Aeromexico flights arriving from Mexico City.

Whale sharks were one of Cancun’s most distinguished attractions this summer. These gentle creatures gather off the coast of Isla Mujeres more than any other place in the world and give visitors a chance to catch a glimpse and swim in open water with them. The Cancun Underwater Museum, the world’s largest underwater museum, also attracted tourists this summer as approximately 60 new sculptures were added this year by internationally acclaimed eco-sculptor, Jason de Caires Taylor.

Cancun also welcomed several new hotels this summer including the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, with its signature Rock Star suites and its extensive collection of authentic memorabilia from international and local music artists. Secrets The Vine, which offers an adults-only luxury experience with gourmet dining options and top-shelf spirits, 24 hour room service, daily activities, nightly performances, elite services and superior amenities, also opened this summer. Riu Palace Peninsula, characterized by its architecture, palace-style decoration, high-quality cuisine and renowned 24 hour all inclusive program, debuted this season as well.

Cancun showcased top entertainment this summer with the Coyote Country Music Festival at the Oasis Resort and Hotel and the Broadway hit Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort.

Closing out the summer, the small island of Holbox, one of Cancun’s best kept secrets, will launch the First Gastronomic Festival from August 30 to September 3, celebrating the region’s top-notch chefs and fine dining options. The Day of the Dead, also known as “El Dia de los Muertos” will be celebrated on November 1 and 2 to honor the souls of the departed who continue to roam the earth. However, the most exciting event taking place in 2012 is the infamous end of the Mayan Calendar on December 21, where Cancun will celebrate the beginning of a new era and the endurance of the Mayan spirit.

About Cancun
Cancun is located in the northern part of the southeastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is Mexico’s number one tourist destination and is known all over the world for its spectacular beaches, unique beauty and breathtaking turquoise waters.

Cancun’s shoreline recently underwent a $71 Million Dollar makeover, that featured 1.3 billion gallons of sand to renovating the Hotel Zone’s seashore.  The most popular tourism destination in Mexico and Latin America has also added to its sun, beach, and nightlife, by creating a unique five-day route that will offer visitors a chance to experience adventure and interaction with nature. Cancun and the Treasures of the Caribbean invite travelers to discover the vast natural, cultural and gastronomical cultures of Puerto Morelos, and the four islands of the Mexican Caribbean: Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Cozumel. Cancun is a multifaceted destination that combines nature, historical Mayan Culture, glamour, luxury and world class tourism with the seduction for adventure, the passion for paradisiacal nature and the enchantment of gastronomical magic.

For more information, visit the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau website at: www.cancun.travel. Follow us on Twitter @CancunCVB, “LIKE” us on Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/cancuncvb browse through our videos on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/cancuntravel and share your pictures of Cancun on our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22572360@N07/.