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There is no disputing the numbers, Cancun’s popularity has grown significantly over the last year, and projections indicate that it will continue to gain popularity as one of the most visited destinations in the world. Already this year, Cancun International Airport has received over 22 million visitors. While this may seem like a lot, the number is expected to grow considerably before the end of the year.
Out of the 22 million that have already passed through the airport, well over half have been International tourists. As of September, the total was approximately 15 million, many of which came from Europe, Canada, and the United States. Compared to the same months in 2019, that number represents an increase in international tourists of more than 16 percent.
Cancun International Airport services not only the popular tourist destination of Cancun itself but other nearby areas as well. Those visiting other Mexican Caribbean tourist destinations like Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Cozumel can use Cancun airport as their starting point too. Many of these other popular towns and cities are less than a two-hour drive from the airport.
American tourists can fly directly to Cancun International Airport from at least 38 different cities. Tickets to travel from some of these cities can often even be found for less than $200 roundtrip. Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, and New York all fall into this category, though ticket prices are always changing.
New routes to Cancun from U.S. cities are being added all the time, and some are offered during certain seasons but not others. For this reason, it is important to secure flights early in the vacation planning process in order to be sure a flight will be available at the time you’re hoping to travel. To keep tabs on available flights and when the best prices are available, Google Flights and alerts are indispensable tools and are completely free to use.
The popularity of Cancun and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean really began to take off towards the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the momentum hasn’t declined since. When everything was closed, and people were eager to get away, Mexico’s borders remained open, offering a tropical paradisiacal retreat for foreign visitors. Since then, word has gotten out about how much Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean have to offer.
Many people visit the area for the countless beautiful Caribbean beaches, the exciting nightlife, and the luxury all-inclusive resorts, but there is much more to explore. Unbelievable Mayan architecture and rich history, magnificent jungles, and numerous natural swimming holes are just a few of the most popular things to explore in the area, and there is no shortage of any. The area is also known for a number of water sports that may provide just the adventure you’re looking for during your Mexican Caribbean vacation.
There has been a lot of talk over the last year about the safety of visiting certain areas of Mexico but the tourist destinations like Cancun are generally safe for visitors. Guards are often deployed to protect tourists on the beaches and in the Cancun Hotel Zone, which is where most visitors spend the majority of their time. As Cancun continues to grow as one of the premier vacation destinations in the world, tourism officials will also continue to work hard to make it a safe and welcoming option for tourists from abroad.
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