Despite the conclusion of the record-breaking winter holiday season, Cancun and the Riviera Maya remain as popular as ever among sun-seeking travelers.
Even beyond the seasonal peak, the region is poised to set new tourism records, defying the traditional post-holiday slowdown.
Data from The Mexican Secretary of Tourism (Sectur) reveals that Quintana Roo’s beach destinations are gearing up for another triumph in the upcoming long weekend of February (3rd to 5th), with hotel occupancy rates expected to reach unprecedented levels.
Projections indicate an overall average occupancy of 62%, marking a notable 4% increase from the same period in 2023, with a total of around 1,45,000 domestic travelers and 369,000 international tourists flocking to the region.
Breaking down the figures, Riviera Maya is expected to achieve an impressive 87.8% occupancy, closely followed by Cancún at 81.4%, and Isla Mujeres at 73.5%.
However, none of these hotspots managed to outrank Tulum, which takes the lead with 88%.
@eimywithe____ Afterlife❤️🔥 #afterlifetulum #afterlife #techno #tulummexico #parati #fyp #tulum ♬ original sound – Eimy✨
Tulum’s already massive popularity skyrocketed in 2023, and recent developments are set to take its allure to new heights.
If you’ve been following the latest news on the region you might have an idea of what these are.
Yet there’s more to the story, so, let’s take a closer look at how Tulum has become one of the leading Mexican Caribbean hotspots and why it’s trending among travelers this winter.
Tulum Airport & The Maya Train
Reaching Tulum from Cancun International Airport, a 1.5 hour drive, has traditionally been something of a hassle for travelers.
However, a game-changer arrived last December with the opening of the much-anticipated Tulum International Airport, Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
@santekagrigley Tulum International Airport has officially opened! #tulumairport #tulummexico #cancun #tulum #travelnews #blacktraveltiktok #traveltiktok #mexico ♬ If You Had My Love – TWOPILOTS & De Hofnar
Yet, the path hasn’t been entirely smooth. Concerns over exorbitant taxi fares at the airport have surfaced, even going viral on social media.
But with fares that can reach $1,496 pesos ($87 USD) from the airport to downtown Tulum, and a jaw-dropping $11,842 ($693 USD) pesos to Chetumal, it’s easy to see why.
While more budget-friendly options like ADO buses exist, the steep prices pose a potential challenge to Tulum Airport’s competitiveness against Cancun Airport.
It looks like finding a sustainable solution will be crucial for the airport’s success in the long run.
@sammiller.life It's not just an airport. 🇲🇽 There's a bigger plan in action by Mexico. They are building a network of major projects that is plugging in the south east of Mexico into the global economy. This is big. REALLY big. Industrial parks are being built, ports are being expanded, railways systems are being connected, country wide conveyer belts are being created. Today the new Tulum International Airport gets inaugurated, a giant piece of the puzzle that is the new Mexico. #tulumrealestate #tulummexico #Yucatan #mexico #vivamexico #tulumairport ♬ original sound – Sam Miller
The good news is that Tulum Airport will feature its own Maya Train stop, set to open as the final section of the train rolls in by the end of February 2024, offering a more affordable option compared to the shuttle fares.
While both of these projects still await completion, there’s little doubt that, together, they will prove to be a game changer for Tulum’s tourism sector.
Inside Tulum’s Endless Allure
With some of the Riviera Maya’s most gorgeous beaches, imposing archeological sites, and a selection of world-class resorts, Tulum has evolved from a quaint beach town into a tourism heavyweight.
In recent years, it has also become an international wellness hub, showcasing an array of offerings that range from yoga retreats to temazcal ceremonies, and everything in between.
This seamless combination of luxury, culture and nature has catapulted Tulum to stardom, yet while maintaining its authentic beach town vibe.
And while Tulum attracts visitors all-year round, winter is a particularly popular season for a variety of reasons, the most obvious one being its exceptional weather.
With little humidity and temperatures averaging 60-90% it’s the perfect season to enjoy everything this charming town has to offer.
And it’s not only the beaches and archeological sites, as Tulum comes alive during winter with cultural and nightlife events.
One of the highlights is the iconic Zamna electronic music festival, which has become one of the most anticipated electronic music festivals in the world since 2017 and will have its closing party on February 3, 2024.
Not to mention the Riviera Maya Carnival festivities in February, in which several destinations, including Tulum, burst into colorful celebrations featuring music, decorations, and traditional dances.
With so many diverse attractions and exciting developments on the horizon, Tulum’s reputation as one of the trendiest Mexican Caribbean winter destinations it’s only set to soar higher.
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