British vacation giant, First Choice, is making a major commitment to the Cozumel hotel currently known as the Occidental Allegro.

Company spokesman, Ian Benjafield, yesterday told This is Cozumel that the hotel is being completely refurbished and will be renamed the 'Holiday Village White Sands'.

It will be ready to receive thousands of British vacationers by May 2008.

The resort will continue to be owned and operated by Occidental Hotels, but First Choice will have an exclusive allocation of 207 out of the 259 rooms.

First Choice already operates fortnightly flights direct to the island from Manchester and London Gatwick airports in England. Benjafield said the frequency would be increased to weekly, reflecting the company's intention to up its capacity in Cozumel.

The Holiday Village White Sands will include 40 'Family Suites' with 2 interconnecting bedrooms, plus 35 adult-only 'Royal Suites' - some of which will have jacuzzis - located in a dedicated area right on the beachfront.

"It will also boast four restaurants, six bars, three outdoor swimming pools and a superb approved diving school", added Benjafield.