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Over 90% Occupancy Expected In Tourist Hotspots
Cancun and the greater Quintana Roo region could expect around 3 million tourists over the spring break and Easter period. The numbers point towards a strong resurgence and an extremely busy holiday period.
It was announced last week that Quintana Roo would already have around 15 million seats available on flights throughout the year, with around 3 million of them available over the Spring Break/Easter period. With such high numbers possible, Cancun may be in for an extremely busy week.
Mexico as a whole will bring in around 3 million tourists over easter weekend alone, with Cancun expected to enjoy a sizable chunk of that figure.
The Easter period is generally a busy time for most resort towns as many visitors receive their first time off since the Christmas period. With the weather in the North still not ideal, beach vacations become a huge draw for hundreds of thousands, and in this case millions, of people.
The Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin, spoke of the potential for the holiday period. After the state moved into the green zone on Mexico’s Epidemiological Traffic Light System and has remained there for three weeks, all hotels, restaurants, and bars can now operate at full capacity, free from any COVID-related restrictions. This fact alone makes the region more attractive than many of its competitors who are only now relaxing their own restrictions.
Furthermore, the Governor spoke, controversially, of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its potential impact on visitors. Regarding the invasion of Ukraine, Joaquin stated that it may positively impact the tourist figures for Cancun and Quintana Roo. His basis for this was that instability in Europe may turn any potential American travelers to Europe south instead. Although it was speculation and perhaps valid, his statement was met with some anger on social media, after many accused him of showing little sympathy and capitalizing on the events happening across the world.
For tourists heading South over the period, expect crowds in almost every aspect of the vacation. The Cancun International Airport will be scrambling to ensure Easter and Spring break go smoothly after receiving heavy criticism in the past months. The airport has left its immigration system understaffed leading to massive wait times for arriving travelers. Some tourists have reported waiting as long as four hours before being processed.
The problem was supposed to have been dealt with around the same time last year when the government stated that they had hired 100 new immigration officers. The reason for the current lack of officers is unclear, but it was announced this week that further agents have been added to alleviate the problem.
Hotels can be expected to be achieved over 90% capacity, with some regions already approaching 100%. Playa del Carmen has been reporting almost full capacity for the week of Easter, showing extremely high demand for the town.
The numbers will be reassuring for many after recent organized crime-related violence threatened to derail much of Cancun’s progress over the past two years. Several high-profile incidents thrust the state into a negative spotlight across the world, prompting questions of tourist safety while traveling there.
Thus far, the effects appear to be minimal, but as more countries open and loosen their restrictions, Quintana Roo will need to be following up with its new security goals. A recent ten-step plan was announced after meetings with the FBI, DEA, and members of the EU. Tourist safety procedures include added security surveillance and more patrols from the Tourist Security Battalion.
Those hoping to travel to Cancun over the busy period should keep in touch with their travel agents, hotels, or activity provider to ensure that any reservations are made well in advance, With so many visitors, preparation will be key for maximum enjoyment.
Also, keep on top of any travel restrictions both in Mexico and the country of departure to ensure there are no extra procedures needed to leave or return from Cancun.
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