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Travelers can expect to splurge more on Cancun hotels and resorts this year as record numbers of visitors flock to the Caribbean destination pushing demand to new highs.
New estimates show that average nightly hotel rates could rise by up to 25% compared to 2019 due to Cancun’s record-shattering popularity. Here’s the latest on Cancun’s growing travel numbers and how they might affect prices in the resort hotspot.
Cancun To Welcome Over 20 Million Tourists This Year
Last year, Cancun saw nearly 19 million travelers visit the seaside coastal resort city, setting a new all-time record.
This year, the number is expected to rise even more, with slightly over 20 million visitors forecasted to flock to the sun-soaked destination.
While skyrocketing demand is great news for Cancun’s booming hotel industry, budget-conscious travelers can expect to pay more for a night in one of the city’s resorts, especially in the packed resort area.
The average nightly rate across Cancun’s resorts is expected to climb by up to 25% on average compared to 2019, a significant increase, although not one that appears to damper demand.
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According to Andrés Aguilar Becerril, Quintana Roo’s sub-secretary for tourism, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are on track to break more tourism records in 2023. After a highly successful spring, the resort hotspots are gearing up for an even busier summer.
“This is a historical moment because it’s the first time we will surpass the 20-million arrival barrier, making the Mexican Caribbean one of the global leaders for travel growth,” the official said in an interview.
Other resort destinations in the Mexican Caribbean share Cancun’s optimistic outlook. Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and especially Playa del Carmen are all on track for the busiest year on record for travel.
With popularity reaching new highs, many analysts have said that the Mexican Caribbean no longer has a low season during which nightly hotel fares are significantly cheaper.
In previous years, June to October was widely considered to be the best period to visit Cancun, with fewer travelers and better deals.
While Cancun’s resorts are generally pricy, most properties include an array of on-site amenities and activities, meaning travelers don’t have to leave their resort and pay extra for tours or excursions.
Unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment can also help travelers save up by sticking to their resorts.
Travelers that want to visit Cancun on a budget can save by booking in advance and opting for accommodation outside of the city’s packed resort zone, which is home to the most pricy luxury resorts.
Cancun’s bustling downtown area is known for its burgeoning street art culture and unparalleled street food options, making it a great destination for cheaper stays.
It’s also home to dozens of top-rated hostels, which offer nightly rates as little as $25 per night.
Moreover, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have a record number of online vacation rentals available for travelers, which can be significantly more affordable for longer stays.
That said, resorts are a better choice due to better security and convenience.
More Americans Visiting Cancun Despite Travel Warnings
Despite multiple U.S. travel warnings, Americans continue to flock to Cancun in record numbers, and more are expected to do so later this year.
Authorities across Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have made safety an utmost priority by deploying more troops and law enforcement to busy beaches and touristy areas.
Becerril also added that over half of all tourists that stay in all-inclusive resorts regularly leave the premises of their property to explore Cancun. That’s good news for the city, he says, and shows that travelers can feel safe while vacationing there.
On the whole, Cancun will remain the most popular choice for American travelers in Mexico this year, especially with the completion of the new Maya Train in December as well as other infrastructure improvements around Cancun airport.
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Lester Phipps
Wednesday 26th of April 2023
Numbers are wrong. Cancun airport welcomed over 30 million visitors in 2022!