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Cancun is a destination beloved by tourists globally, but its popularity among American travelers, who have been flocking to this paradisiacal town for decades, remains unmatched.
In 2023, Cancun International Airport hit a new high, welcoming a whopping 41.4% of the 13.5 million Americans visiting Mexico – making it the top destination nationwide for U.S. travelers.
Official data from the Mexican government shows the airport welcomed 3.1% more American travelers, trumping predictions of a decline by the Anahuac Tourism Research and Competitiveness Center.
Breaking down the numbers, the report indicates that Cancun International Airport received a record-breaking 5.6 million U.S. tourists between January and December 2023, surpassing the 2022 record of 5.4 million by 170,000 travelers.
And it’s not only Cancun, as the overall Mexican Caribbean is experiencing an unprecedented tourist boom, with destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum also breaking tourism records in 2023.
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Still, there’s little doubt that Cancun stands as the go-to Mexican Caribbean hotspot for most U.S. travelers. Here are the top 5 reasons why.
Gorgeous Caribbean Beaches
For most travelers, the very word ‘Cancun’ has become synonymous with stunning coastlines. But with its repertoire of postcard-worthy beaches that consistently rank among the best worldwide, it’s easy to see why.
Beaches like Playa Delfines in Cancun and Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres stand out from others in the country thanks to their white fine grain sand and shallow, turquoise waters – a winning combination for beach lovers seeking relaxation and enjoyment.
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When you factor in Cancun’s exceptional year-round weather, particularly during winter, you get a good grasp of why Americans love these beaches so much.
Unfortunately, Cancun and other Mexican Caribbean beaches are often plagued by sargassum seaweed, which is expected to arrive early in the region this year.
The good news is that sargassum levels currently remain low across most Mexican Caribbean destinations so far, and local authorities are actively addressing the issue to ensure these coastlines remain pristine.
Luxurious All-Inclusives
There are countless accommodation options in Cancun, ranging from upscale resorts to vacation rentals and everything in between.
However, the all-inclusive option remains the top choice for a large number of Cancun tourists, particularly Americans.
Cancun’s Hotel Zone is lined with dozens of excellent all-inclusives, which treat their guests with gourmet international restaurants, world-class spas, spacious rooms with stunning ocean views, and a myriad of entertainment options and activities.
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These all-inclusive options suit various preferences – whether it’s for adults, families, budget-conscious travelers, or those looking for something more exclusive.
But they all share something in common: a level of quality and service that you might not find in many other tourist hotspots around the world.
Great Accessibility
Another top reason American travelers love Cancun is that it is a convenient and affordable getaway choice, with an average flight duration of 3 hours and a round-trip cost of about $350 USD.
Cancun International Airport enjoys exceptional connectivity with the U.S., offering non-stop flights with over 40 U.S. cities.
Moreover, Mexico’s aviation safety rating was restored to ‘Category 1’ by U.S. regulators in August 2023, which prompted a flood of new flight connections and frequencies.
This development, added to the Tulum Airport starting international operations this spring, will not only drastically improve connectivity in the Riviera Maya could also potentially bring prices down further in 2024.
Enhanced Safety
While Cancun has always been a relatively safe destination for tourists, the city’s overall safety record has been far from pristine, with incidents of gang-related violence often making headlines.
However, the government’s extensive efforts to enhance security in recent times, including the addition of more law enforcement personnel, new regulations, and new technology, have yielded excellent results.
Now, both Cancun residents and visitors report feeling safer compared to other hotspots like Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
Diverse Tourist Offerings
There are virtually endless things to do at Cancun, which range from fine dining to adventure and cultural experiences.
Without even leaving Cancun, you can take speed boat tours on the Nichupté Lagoon, day tours to Isla Mujeres, enjoy a variety of water sports, or simply explore the city’s downtown for a taste of the authentic local culture.
Not to mention the city’s legendary nightlife scene, with clubs like Coco Bongo and The City becoming the epicenter of the Spring Break festivities.
Venturing outside the city opens up a world of possibilities: exploring archeological sites, swimming in refreshing cenotes, visiting one of Yucatán’s Magical Towns, and having a blast at parks like Xcaret or Xplor – you name it!
With the completion of the Maya Train project, traveling from Cancun to major Mexican Caribbean tourist hotspots will be easier than ever, and this improved connectivity will undoubtedly solidify Cancun’s position as the top destination in Mexico for U.S. travelers.
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