After many delays, much speculation, and considerable expectation, the process to build the new Riviera Maya airport has finally started.

The Mexican government officially invited bids to construct and operate the new airport, on the coast near Cozumel, earlier this week.

The tender process got off to a false start in March, when Mexican President, Felipe Calderón proudly announced it would begin in April, only for it to be postponed again within days.

This is Cozumel has joined the world of social media and you can now find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Follow our news live and get lots of great tips, competitions and special deals by clicking the "Like" button at the top of our Facebook page or the "Follow" button at the top of our Twitter page.

This is an archived news item from 2010, we no longer offer this tour but we have a new Southern Reefs Snorkel tour.

Avoid fast and furious Cozumel snorkel tours and enjoy a more relaxed pace on our exclusive new boat trip to 3 top reefs.

We've extended our hugely popular Cozumel Jeep tour offer, so groups of 3 or 4 can still save 20% until the end of the month!

Drive around the very best the island has to offer: see Mayan ruins, look for crocodiles, climb an historic lighthouse, snorkel, and enjoy snacks and time on the beach.