CANCUN

Thirty years ago Cancun was a tiny fishing village, home to less than 150 people. In 1971, the Mexican Government chose to develop it and create a tropical holiday destination. Today the population has increased to a quarter of a million and the tourist industry attracts nearly two million visitors each year. A city of two halves, the residential and retail section of downtown grows more charming as it matures whilst the "zona hotelera" around Cancun Island is, as it sounds, an area filled with hotels and holiday amenities. Exclusive water-based entertainment including scuba diving, jet skiing and paragliding take place in continuous sunshine, alongside beautiful white beaches. In addition, some of the best hotels in Mexico are set along the beachfront, overlooking the deep blue Caribbean sea.