Cancun Hotels Almost Sold Out Despite Omicron And New Restrictions

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Reduced Capacity In Most Accommodations Approaching Their Limits

Hotels in Cancun are approaching their threshold for guests under the recently enforced COVID restrictions. The reports come in the face of high infection rates, poor weather, and minimized service across the tourist sector.

In what will be a welcome surprise for the tourist sector in Cancun, visitors seem unfazed by the new restrictions and the high infection rate.

Those hoping to arrive to empty hotels and beaches may be surprised to find a strong showing of tourists. Although, it must be stressed, the capacity is still significantly reduced compared to just a few weeks ago.

The new year saw soaring infections in the region after millions poured in over the winter holidays. The recent success of the seaside resort town has been bolstered by Mexico’s relaxed approach to entry restrictions. The relative freedom the country offered in comparison to the world’s most popular destinations elevated Cancun to one of the most sought-after cities for tourists.

But with its success came the infection rates, and new restrictions in tow. Entry restrictions to the country remain unchanged – lessened in fact – but Quintana Roo saw its green traffic light designation return to yellow on the country’s epidemiological response system. The yellow designation meant hotels and restaurants, among other businesses, were required to lower their maximum capacity to 60%.

Interestingly, average occupancies for Cancun are sitting between 60% and 65%. The figures highlight two points. Firstly, tourists are still coming to Cancun, and secondly, several hotels are functioning at the 60% limit.

Hotels have been working with many of their guests as they wrestle with the decision to travel. The financial burden of a wasted vacation if they were to test positive or to fall victim to one of the thousands of canceled flights is, understandably, at the top of many tourists’ concerns. Many are being offered date changes and open-ended postponements as well as refunds to help ease concerns, but many are still embracing the risk and going in their previously planned vacation.

Roberto Cinto Gomez, who heads up the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres said of tourists’ decisions, “What we are seeing is that some travelers have decided to postpone their trip, but they are not canceling, which is very positive for the sector that maintains good numbers of reservations”.

Certain hotels have been given special permission to operate above the 60% occupancy limit if they meet certain requirements. It is unclear what specifications need to be met to be granted what must be a huge benefit. Speculatively, larger hotels with the capacity to successfully distance guests or implement special restrictions could be those favored for the added guest count. Previously demonstrated ability to follow guidelines could also be a factor, but once again, this is all pure speculation.

Tourists hoping to make the trip to Cancun, regardless of their concern for the virus, still must make important decisions. With the infection rate still incredibly high and dangerously close to moving further into an orange or even red designation, there is the possibility that their vacations could be very suddenly halted.

Several festivals have already been canceled, and staff shortages are still plaguing the industry. While the seemingly unaffected influx of tourists continues, the possibility of infection remains high, meaning guests could find themselves in isolation instead of poolside. Many hotels have packages that account for this instance, although they are generally at the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Travelers to the region are strongly advised to keep on top of any changes to the restrictions. The status of the state is updated weekly and is subject to change depending on several factors including hospital admissions and consistently rising infection rates.

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