After Hurricane Wilma, a reopening for Keys

After Hurricane Wilma,a reopening for Keys
On Oct. 24, Hurricane Wilma blew through the Florida Keys, stirring up the seas and palm trees with fierce winds and a powerful storm surge. Four days later, though, 91 percent of hotels and attractions had reopened to visitors.
While the popular vacation destination took an economic hit, said Andy Newman, spokesman for the Florida Keys tourism council, "physically, the tourism infrastructure was not heavily impacted."
In the 21/2 months since Wilma, the chain of islands has fully repaired the damage caused by flooding and wind gusts (the former was much worse than the latter).
Highways are now clear of fallen debris, plus or minus a stray piece of wood, and in the Lower Keys and Key West, the trees are nearing full greenery.
The property loss tally is equally encouraging: Only one or two properties have shuttered. Hidden Harbor Motel in Marathon, for example, will be converted into resort condos.
"The vacation experience," said Newman, "is absolutely solid."
Mississippi beacheshave a long way to go
GULFPORT, Miss. -- Officials on the Mississippi Gulf Coast have begun cleaning up almost 30 miles of the region's beaches, but that doesn't mean they'll be ready for swimmers any time soon.
Craig Ray, director of tourism for the Mississippi Development Authority, said tourists returning to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina are coming for other reasons.
Last month, three casinos reopened, drawing tens of thousands of gamblers. Many of the region's golf courses are also reopening.
The coast, however, is sullied by debris churned up by the storm, including sunken boats, oil drums, cars and hundreds of trees uprooted into the Gulf.
"As far as people on the beaches, aside from visiting the hurricane-damage sites, I don't expect many people to visit right away," Ray said.
Swedes tie the knotand then fly away
STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- A busy international airport may not seem like the most romantic setting for a wedding, but it is an increasingly popular venue for exchanging vows in Sweden.
Last year, 488 couples tied the knot at Arlanda airport outside Stockholm, compared with 348 in 2004.
It was the second consecutive yearly increase, airport spokeswoman Helena Miller said.
The weddings took place either in the airport chapel or, more commonly, in a VIP room, where the bride and groom can check in their luggage, order champagne and catering, and when the ceremony is over, be driven straight up to the aircraft.
"Those who chose the VIP room ceremony get the same service as for instance the royal family, Nobel laureates, rock stars and presidents," said Miller.
China closes reservewhere 'wild man' lives
SHANGHAI, China -- China has temporarily closed parts of a nature reserve that attracts scores of people each year hunting for evidence of an ape-like Bigfoot creature, a park official said recently.
Sections of Shennongjia Nature Reserve will remain closed for at least three months to allow its natural attractions to recover from the wear and tear of visitors, said Wang Yong, an official from the park's tourism bureau.
Located deep in the remote mountains of Hubei province, the park has long been rumored as the home to the elusive creature known in Chinese as the "Yeren," or "Wild man."
Scientists say there is no scientific evidence the creature exists, but scores of people claim to have seen it roaming the park, about 670 miles southwest of Beijing.
Associated Press