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Cancun has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a taste of Mexican hospitality.
However, recent months saw the destination struggle with staff shortages, an issue that, if not brought under control, could affect the quality of service experienced by visitors.
Fortunately, the tides have turned, and Cancun is now welcoming the end of staff shortages, allowing travelers planning on visiting to breathe a sigh of relief that their vacation won’t be impacted.
The Staff Shortage Challenge
Cancun is Mexico’s most popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year.
The rapid growth in tourism each year naturally demands more and more hospitality staff to be hired in Cancun.
Hotels, resorts, and restaurants have struggled to recruit and retain staff, resulting in a strain on service and longer waiting times for guests.
Many visitors were left disappointed, as their expectations for the renowned Cancun vacation experience were not being met.
The Turning Point
Fortunately, the hospitality and tourism industry in Cancun has taken significant action to address the staff shortage challenge.
Understanding the urgency, local authorities collaborated with tourism organizations and the hotelier industry to recruit staff from across Mexico.
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Great Service Isn’t Optional
The vast majority of foreign travelers to Cancun each year come from America, and the tourism industry here has long been aware of just how important great service is to visitors from the United States.
In some destinations around the world, such as Paris, visitors are expected to adapt to local levels of service.
But in Cancun, the extremely welcoming and tourism-friendly locals, businesses, and government have always strived to offer Americans the same service they would expect back home.
A Snapshot Of Cancun Service Levels
The best way to gauge the service levels in Cancun is from past traveler’s reviews; this is without doubt the best way to cut through the shiny PR of resorts and attractions and, in turn, get a true feel of what to expect.
The service in Cancun’s resorts is phenomenal. For example, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, which is one of the highest-rated all-inclusive in Cancun, has received the following traveler endorsements:
- “Amazing and kind staff.”
- “Exceptional all-inclusive. The staff are amazing (particularly Eradio one of the bell boys!) food is incredible, pools and setting are perfect and the service is great. Looking to come back already!”
- “Great food, the staff were amazing.”
The most consistent positive from travelers to this awesome all-inclusive is about the staff and the service provided.
And this isn’t specific to the Hyatt Ziva. A quick look at any of the resorts in Cancun and travelers will quickly see a pattern emerge….
The service is fantastic!
How To Show Appreciation
Glowing reviews are a great thing; too often, good service and politeness go un-thanked, but for travelers who would like to show their appreciation in US dollars, here is a short guide on tipping in Cancun.
Bars
When tipping in bars, it’s generally accepted that $1 is a fair amount per round of drinks purchased. Travelers needn’t tip a percentage of the check in this situation.
Restaurants
Similar to the United States, a tip of 10% to 20% of the final check is more than generous and will be met with great appreciation.
Resort Staff
This may include bell boys, the concierge, and housekeeping. An amount of $1 to $5 is acceptable; if a member of staff goes out of their way to help travelers nab a restaurant booking, or reserve a good spot by the pool, then the higher end of $5 may be more reasonable.
Taxis
Don’t automatically tip the taxi drivers. It isn’t expected unless they help with baggage. Of course, if fantastic service is given, travelers may want to tip a dollar or two to show appreciation.
Tipping Isn’t Mandatory
Travelers will receive great service whether they tip or not. In Mexico, tipping is seen as a genuine appreciation of service rather than a standard to be met in every encounter.
With that being said, many of the staff in Cancun’s tourism industry earn very modest wages, and the generosity of American visitors definitely plays a part in their willingness to go above and beyond for travelers.
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