Richard Branson, Keith Lemon & Alexandra Burke touch down in Cancun!

Today, Richard Branson and an aircraft filled with VIP’s touched down in Mexico to celebrate Virgin Atlantic’s new service between London Gatwick and Cancun.

The VIP flight arrived in Cancun today, 7th July and to mark the occasion, Sir Richard Branson dressed in traditional Mexican attire, was joined on the wing by UK X Factor winner Alexandra Burke and Celebrity Juice host, Keith Lemon whilst a mariachi band entertained the watching crowd.

The group, made up of Sir Richard Branson and his family, Alexandra Burke, Leigh Francis (AKA Keith Lemon), Derren Brown, Cleo Rocos plus VIP travel industry guests will stay at the five-star Royal Hideaway resort on the Riviera Maya. They will spend three days exploring the sights and sounds of the area including visits to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Xplor and, the highlight of the trip – swimming with whale sharks.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic Airways commented:

“I am delighted to be here to celebrate Virgin Atlantic’s new route to Cancun. Mexico holds a special place in my heart and it is great to be here with all my family and friends.

Cancun is one of the top five long-haul leisure destinations for UK travellers, and as a market leader in this area, we are pleased to be able to add this route to our network.

With its superb beaches, great hotels and cultural sites, tourism to Cancun and the Riviera Maya is thriving. We believe that we can drive demand even higher by providing great competition to our rivals with our award winning innovative product and service.”

Amanda Wills, Managing Director of Virgin Holidays also commented:

“Our customers have been asking for this direct service, and it’s fantastic to finally see it happen. We’ve already seen a big jump in demand for Cancun and Mexico with a near 800% year-on-year increase for 2012 and we’re looking forward to growing that further and establishing a significant market share in the future.

This region offers excellent value for money, and its blend of heritage, opportunities for relaxation and stunning hotels is something we know will appeal to the UK holidaymaker. Our expanded programme featuring 32 properties and exclusive tours will reinforce our position as the number one to the Caribbean.

Virgin Atlantic flies twice weekly from London Gatwick to Cancun and is offering return Economy fares from £619 per person. For further information contact www.virginatlantic.com or call 0844 2092 770. This fare is available for selected departures during 2012. Prices given are correct as of today and are subject to change

Seven nights in Cancun

Seven nights in Cancun with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Cancun, accommodation at 5V Royal Hideaway Playacar on an all inclusive basis with transfers included starts from £1,339. Prices are per person based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures 04 Sep 2012.

Start your holiday before you’ve even taken off in the v-room at Gatwick Airport…adults £20, Kids £12 Virgin Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected To book: www.virginholidays.co.uk , 0844 557 3859 or visit one of our 90 stores located in Debenhams and House of Fraser stores nationwide.

For further information or to book please contact www.virginatlantic.com or call 0844 2092 770.