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Additional Visitors Will Be A Massive Contribution To Quintana Roo
The forthcoming Tulum International Airport will have the operational capacity to host four million passengers a year according to the Mexican General Gustavo Vallejo. The airport is slated to be completed by the end of 2023.
The statement was made during a press conference on Monday morning, where the general and others involved with the project highlighted some of the infrastructural plans for the new airport. It was announced that the new hub would be integrated with the current road systems and will be directly connected with the corresponding areas of the Maya Train system which will be completed around the same time.
Speaking of the size of the project and the impact it will have on the area, the general said “This international airport will have the capacity to serve four million passengers a year. It actually becomes the second largest airport in the Peninsula. In addition to a multipurpose military airbase that will strengthen the security of the national airspace, help the civilian population in the event of disasters and will deal with forest fires.”
For tourists, the airport is expected to provide a massive logistical and experiential convenience. Currently, the only airport serving the bulk of Quintana Roo is Cancun, meaning those who wish to spend time in Tulum or other areas must travel at as much as two hours after landing to reach their final destination.
The Tulum Airport solves that problem for many and, combined with the Maya Train system, may also attract a different kind of tourist. The vast majority of those visiting Quintana are seeking sun loungers and relaxing breaks, but Quintana Roo and nearby Yucatan boast a rich history that is drawing more and more cultural tourism. Mayan ruins dot the landscape and many towns proudly show off their colonial pasts with stunning town centers.
Many tourists pass over these cultural gems because of the inconvenience of getting there. Organized tours are often the simplest way to visit sites like Chicken Itza, but with the train and two airports, the additional infrastructure will open them up to everyone.
The General echoed this sentiment, stating “This airport will improve the supply of infrastructure to diversify passenger demand in the Rivera Maya. Tourism, economic and social growth in the region will be detonated, promoting access to a greater number of archaeological sites in the Mayan world.”
Tourists and locals alike still have to wait a year and a half for the projects to be completed, but all can be sure that the experience offered in Quintana Roo will be transformed. Another four million potential passengers also represent the possibility for more investment in hotels and other accommodation.
There are already an expected 2000 new hotel rooms being added to Cancun, while at least 250 residential projects are underway geared at attracting some longer-term residents. The continued investment in the state is representative of the growth it experienced over the course of the pandemic. The government is doing everything it can to continue that expansion in the face of several tough problems including organized crime violence and the constant nuisance of sargassum deposits on the beach.
Easter was extremely successful, and summer is gearing up to be a strong season too as occupancy levels continue to rise. Revenge travel is very much in swing, and Quintana Roo will hope to ride it as long as possible while clinging on to their borrowed market from Europe and other areas.
The last of the COVID restrictions gave been removed by the Mexican government, although the state has the right to put its own in place, other destinations have also begun opening too, making competition tougher for the Mexican Caribbean.
Travelers hoping to visit the Mexican Caribbean soon should contact their hotels, activity providers, and any restaurants they hope to use to ensure bookings are confirmed and to avoid disappointment.
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Russell Lynch
Tuesday 10th of May 2022
Nothing was mentioned about infrastructure. What is being done about the Tulum dump site in the jungle? What is being done for a sewer system that does not exist? Do your future tourists know that none of this is in place? What about foreign money buying up everything and making $$ but NOT returning an investment into the local government to protect the environment?
Fidel
Sunday 8th of May 2022
Spelling is off: Chichén-Itzá