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In 2024, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are more popular among American travelers as evidenced by a new report from the Ministry of Tourism that shows that the sunny region is on track for another record-breaking year for travel.
A classic for millions of Americans, Cancun shows no signs of losing its grip as the most sought-after destination in Mexico for international travel.
As the coastal destination skyrockets in popularity, more stunning resorts are popping up across the hotspot’s miles-long white-sand coastline.
Meanwhile, new investments in law enforcement mean that Cancun is safer than ever, even as concerns over violent crime remain in parts of the city.
And with the inauguration of the 1,500-kilometer-long Maya Train railway system later this year, travel numbers are only expected to climb further.
With that in mind, here’s a look at just how popular Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are in 2024.
Cancun’s Popularity Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down Amid Record Year For Travel
A new report published by Quintana Roo’s Secretariat for Tourism reveals that Americans are flocking to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean in ever-growing numbers this year.
The sun-soaked region is thus heading into another year of soaring travel numbers, aided by the recent inauguration of Tulum’s state-of-the-art International airport and the partial opening of the new Maya Train.
According to the new study, arrival figures are up 4.5% compared to 2023 – itself a record-shattering year for the region – thanks to the opening of more nonstop International routes.
The study also points out that Cancun remains an extremely appealing destination for American travelers; its white-sand beaches, top-tier resorts, and amazing outdoor activities remain a hit among U.S. visitors.
The nearly 1.5 million American travelers that flocked to the region in the first two months of the year represent just a fraction of the estimated more than 11 million that will visit the popular area over the course of the year.
In 2024, most American travelers chose Cancun to spend their well-earned holidays, although nearby destinations like Playa del Carmen and the wider Riviera Maya also had excellent occupancy rates.
Although Cancun remains by far the trendiest destination for sun-seeking Americans, Tulum is receiving a huge boost in popularity thanks to its new international airport.
The opening of the highly advanced Felipe Carrillo International Airport represents a watershed moment for the region, enabling a new gateway to explore the region’s vast Mayan heritage and countless ruins.
Key U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit, and Delta, are set to operate a growing network of non-stop connections to Tulum from hubs like New York (with JetBlue) and Chicago (with United).
Meanwhile, new public safety and law enforcement improvements are making Quintana Roo’s resort hotspots more welcoming for travelers. According to Bernardo Cueto Riestra, the head of the region’s tourism authority, new arrangements that have seen local and state officials tighten cooperation have led to lower crime rates in major resort areas.
Despite a general improvement in crime rates in places like Cancun’s resort zone and downtown Playa del Carmen, travelers are being urged to exercise caution whenever visiting the region.
That’s especially true in the age of online scams, which affect everything from hotels and resorts to tours and excursions.
That said, travelers can expect major hotspots to remain safe and welcoming for travel in 2024.
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Tore Bryan Wallace
Tuesday 7th of May 2024
I understand why this area is so popular. Europe is not only super expensive most places have even added a tourists tax of 2-3 dollars a night on allready super high prices. As a resident of Norway ( the worlds most expensive Country) we previously found other European Countries fairly cheap. Not anymore. The prices are now almost the same as in Norway.