Mexican Caribbean Ends 2023 with Record Tourist Numbers, Faces Challenges in 2024

Quintana Roo

MÉXICO » News » December 2023 » Mexican Caribbean Ends 2023 with Record Tourist Numbers, Faces Challenges in 2024

Published by Forbes Staff on December 28, 2023

Visit Mexico

The Mexican Caribbean is poised to conclude 2023 on a high note, welcoming over 20 million tourists throughout the year, witnessing a record-breaking surge in airport passengers, and gearing up for major infrastructure projects in 2024. Despite these accomplishments, the region faces the uphill task of adjusting hotel rates.

Cancun International Airport, a bustling hub with connections to 114 national and international cities (expanding to 120 in high season), is on track to surpass 32 million passengers. The popular tourist destination of Cancun alone expects 1.8 million visitors during the winter season (December, January, and part of February).

In the state of Quintana Roo, encompassing tourist hotspots like Holbox, Isla Mujeres, and parts of the Riviera Maya, accommodation is at full capacity, especially leading up to the year-end. Quintana Roo captures nearly half of Mexico’s international tourism, experiencing a 12.1% YoY increase in foreign visitors during the first three quarters of 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Jesús Almaguer Salazar, president of the Association of Hotels of Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, revealed that the winter season is expected to generate over $2 billion in revenue, reflecting a steady recovery post-COVID-19.

Looking ahead to 2024, the challenge lies in adjusting hotel rates, which have remained stagnant since 2018. Tourism leaders anticipate that the recovery of international markets and improvements in security will pave the way for more favorable rate negotiations with wholesale agencies.

Javier Monje, RIU Sales Director in the Mexican Caribbean, celebrated the exceptional occupancy rates at the close of 2023, attributing the success to the collaborative efforts of the private sector and government. Noting the consolidated status of destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, and Costa Mujeres, Monje highlighted the consistent occupancy levels, reaching or approaching 100% across their 14 hotels in the state.

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama reported preliminary data indicating over 4.5 million cruise passengers and 20 million tourists arriving by air or road by the end of 2023. She emphasized the significance of the newly inaugurated Tulum international airport, managed by the Army, and the region’s four International Air Transport Association (IATA)-certified airports.

In response to safety concerns, the recent delivery of special patrol units for the beach areas in Cancun aims to enhance security. Mayor Ana Patricia Peralta detailed ongoing efforts to equip tourist police with specialized vehicles designed for beach patrolling, featuring advanced technological capabilities for improved response capacity.

Share this article:
Visit Mexico

More Recent News about Tourism in México

Mexico
Mexico

Mexico Ranks Among Top 10 Global Tourist Favorites

Mexico has secured its position among the top 10 most favored tourist destinations worldwide, according to official figures from the Secretariat of Tourism (Sectur), reflecting robust growth in various tourism indicators such as foreign direct investment, visitor spending, and international traveler income.… Read More

Read More »
Capital Cities of Mexico
Mexico

Mexico Sees Decline in Tourist Currency Attraction

In 2023, Mexico experienced a notable setback in its quest to attract tourist spending, slipping five places in the global ranking for foreign currency collection compared to the preceding year. According to the latest data from the UN Tourism, Mexico landed at the 15th spot, despite amassing a historic sum of 30,809.5 million dollars in tourist revenue.… Read More

Read More »
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Sinaloa

Mazatlán Experiences Surge in Visitors

Ricardo “Pity” Velarde Cárdenas, the head of the Ministry of Tourism in Sinaloa, has highlighted a notable increase in visitors to Mazatlán over the recent election weekend. According to Velarde, the city witnessed a significant rise in occupancy levels, with tourists flocking to the destination to enjoy its offerings while also demonstrating a sense of responsibility towards participating in the democratic process.… Read More

Read More »
Manzanillo, Colima
Colima

Discover the Magic of Manzanillo’s Agave Route

Manzanillo, a coastal gem in Colima, traditionally known for its sun-soaked beaches, is now diversifying its tourist offerings with the introduction of the Agave Route. This innovative addition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history, traditions, and flavors surrounding Mexico’s iconic agave plant.… Read More

Read More »
Marea Rosa
Mexico

Mexico Prepares for Landmark Election: First Female President in Sight

This Sunday, approximately 98 million Mexicans will cast their votes in a historic election, potentially ushering in the country’s first female president. The election pits Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling coalition, Let’s Keep Making History, against Xóchitl Gálvez of the opposition alliance, Force and Heart for Mexico, with Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the Citizen Movement also in the race.… Read More

Read More »
Chichen Itza
Yucatan

New Air Routes Boost Tourism in Mérida

Mérida is set to enhance its international tourism through the introduction of new air routes. The Director of Economic Development and Tourism of Mérida, José Luis Martínez Semerena, announced partnerships with airlines such as Viva Aerobus to establish direct flights between Mérida and Bogotá, with a layover in Cancún.… Read More

Read More »
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Jalisco

Puerto Vallarta Shines Among World’s Best Free Attractions

Puerto Vallarta, a popular Mexican tourist destination, has been recognized as one of the top 20 places in the world for its outstanding free attractions. The ranking, conducted by NeoMam Studios on behalf of CashNetUSA, places Puerto Vallarta in the 15th spot globally, highlighting its appeal to budget-conscious travelers.… Read More

Read More »
Visit Mexico

Tourist attractions in México

Archaeological Sites

Archaeological Sites

The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
Read More

Read More »
Magical Towns in Mexico

Magical Towns

A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More

Read More »
Capital Cities of Mexico

Capital Cities

Folklore, gastronomy, literary culture, art and exhibitions, is what you will find in the capitals of the states of Mexico. To the north, colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, the Sonoran desert and the California peninsula. To the east Veracruz and the gulf. To the west Acapulco, Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. And to the south the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm and Cobá in Yucatán, Palenque in Chiapas, the cenotes, and the Central American jungles.… Read More

Read More »
Beaches in Mexico

Beaches

On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More

Read More »
Ecotourism in Mexico

Ecotourism and Adventure

Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More

Read More »
Interesting Sites and Activities

Traditions in Mexico

It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More

Read More »
Gastronomy of Puebla

Gastronomy

The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More

Read More »
States Of Mexico

States Of Mexico

Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More

Read More »
Visit Mexico

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *