Tourists booking accommodations for their spring vacations have shifted their reservations in Cancun from vacation rental properties to more resorts and hotels this year according to the Ministry of Tourism.
This is partially due to a shift in the preferences of travelers.
However, there is another very important power causing the interesting tourist shift underway in the Mexican Caribbean.
Drop in Official Number of Vacation Rentals Available
A push by the state government in Quintana Roo to require the proper registration and safety inspection of Cancun vacation rentals is causing a decline in their numbers across the area, including in the tourist hotspot of Cancun.
According to reports, this has resulted in the official number of vacation rentals rented dropping between February and March.
In February a total of 11,463 vacation rentals were officially registered as occupied during the period.
During the current peak spring holiday travel period, the official number was only 8,975 units as of March 22.
This has resulted in a 50 percent occupancy rate for vacation rental properties across Cancun through March as opposed to an 80 percent occupancy rate for the resorts and hotel properties.
Vacation Rental Rates Hold Steady in March
Because of the drop in demand and occupancy levels of vacation rental properties across the Mexican Caribbean, rates have steadied for tourists looking to stay in more home-style accommodations.
According to the official numbers from the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat (SEDETUR), in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the average vacation rental is $157 ($2,600 Mexican Pesos) per night. That’s only a slight drop of $6 to $12 per night ($100-$200 Mexican Pesos).
Meanwhile, Akumal and Tulum have the highest vacation rental rates in the area.
The vacation rental rate is Tulum is about $200 ($3,300 Mexican Pesos) per night where Akumal is an amazing $290 ($4,800 Mexican Pesos) per night.
Budget-oriented travelers will want to take a look at Felipe Carillo Puerto, just outside of Cancun, where vacation rental rates were as low as $39 ($641.20 Mexican Pesos).
Meanwhile, so far this month, Akumal registered the most expensive average rate in the entire Mexican Caribbean at about $302 ($5,000 Mexican Pesos) per night.
In just nine months, vacation rental rates have increased on average by 129 to 148 percent across the Mexican Caribbean towns. Meanwhile, the rates on Isla Holbox have only increased by about 93 percent in the same time period.
Tourist Demand Remains Strong
Despite the flat rate for vacation rentals during the month of March, the number of tourists is still expected to grow during the current peak spring holiday travel period.
That is providing support for vacation rental property owners and more stable rates for travelers looking for vacation rental options.
The additional flights, especially from the start of direct flights to Tulum International Airport from the United States, will increase the total number of visitors to the area.
This may put more pressure on vacation rental owners to ultimately raise their room rates to balance with the increased demand from travelers.
What Visitors Need to Know
Travelers to the Mexican Caribbean have several different accommodation options during their vacation getaway during the spring travel period and beyond.
The opening of the new Tulum International Airport to international travel this week is driving the high rates for vacation rental accommodations in that specific town.
However, those willing to travel to Cancun instead will find more reasonably priced vacation rental options in the area.
Flexibility will ultimately be the key for those seeking the best vacation rental value for their room rate budget during their vacation trip to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean region.
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