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After a slow summer, travelers are set to begin arriving in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean in growing numbers as the region heads toward the busy winter vacation period.
As temperatures gradually begin dropping across much of North America, Cancun’s year-round heat provides a welcoming backdrop for millions of travelers to enjoy a balmy holiday.
And for most visitors, coastal destinations remain the number one choice when vacationing in the Mexican Caribbean.
After all, this sun-soaked region boasts some of the world’s best beaches and bluest waters.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the most popular beach destinations in the Mexican Caribbean right now.
Coastal Resort Towns See Travel Boom Across Mexican Caribbean
Mexico continues to make waves in the travel industry, welcoming over 21 million travelers in 2023 alone.
With visitor figures set to skyrocket even further in 2024, the Mexican Caribbean stands out as the leading destination for international travel in Mexico.
With its quaint white-sand beaches and azure waters, the various towns and small cities that dot the Mexican Caribbean coastline are gearing up for even more travelers this year. New figures show several hotspots among the most popular in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen Reports Strongest Growth In The Region
Playa del Carmen is one of the trendiest Mexican Caribbean beach destinations right now.
Recently published data by the Secretariat for Tourism show an average occupancy rate of nearly 90% during the first half of the year.
Situated just south of Cancun, this Riviera Maya beach town is popular for its numerous white-sand beaches, including the highly Instagramable Playa Esmeralda.
Made even more enticing thanks to its rich culture and shopping opportunities, Playa del Carmen boasts dozens of all-inclusive as well as hundreds of smaller boutique hotels and Airbnbs.
Akumal Attracts More Travelers With Eco-Excursions
Another Riviera Maya hotspot trending with travelers this fall is Akumal.
Although much smaller than Playa del Carmen or Cancun, this quaint coastal town is famous for its eco-tours, especially sea turtle excursions.
When it comes to accommodation, Akumal is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the Mexican Caribbean, including the 5-star Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya.
With its three pools and award-winning spa, this quiet retreat promises a secluded stay far away from the crowds.
With its average occupancy rate of nearly 82%, Akumal’s resorts are popular throughout the year, but especially in summer and winter.
Cancun Leads In The Number Of Hotel Rooms & Visitor Attractions
Unsurprisingly, Cancun ranks as one of the most sought-after resort hotspots in the Mexican Caribbean this year with around 77% of all rooms sold out on average this year.
While that figure places it slightly below its southern counterparts, it’s worth remembering that Cancun boasts nearly 38,000 hotel rooms, making it by far the most diverse destination when it comes to accommodation in the region.
But what truly makes Cancun a contender for the leading destination is its sheer variety of white-sand beaches, which dot the entirety of the city’s 25-kilometer-long resort zone.
Travelers can enjoy over 11 popular public beaches in Cancun, including Deflines (where sunsets offer a bucket-list sight), Marlín, and Langosta, all of which are Blue-Flag-certified.
This fall, travelers are flocking to Cancun to enjoy the city’s relatively sargassum-free beaches, with the latest indicators suggesting minimal traces of sargassum seaweed.
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