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With Cancun set to welcome a record number of travelers this fall, a growing number of visitors are keen on exploring quieter destinations far from the hustle and bustle of the region’s premier resort hotspot.
That’s according to a new report from Expedia, revealing a growing preference among younger travelers for the island hotspot of Cozumel.
The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean is attracting more traveler interest based on flight & hotel booking data, as visitors seek more authenticity & comfort.
As Cancun & the Mexican Caribbean gear up for another record-breaking year for travel, here’s why visitors are keen on exploring Cozumel.
Cozumel Lures Travelers With Laid-Back Tropical Vibes & Unique Resorts
Last month, Expedia published its much-awaited Unpack ‘25 report, detailing the trendiest destinations around the world for the upcoming year.
Among the key findings in the report is an uptick in travelers’ interest for Cozumel, one of the leading island destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
Home to untouched beaches, Mayan ruins, and a growing array of luxury accommodations, the popular island now stands a chance to compete with Cancun in attracting a growing number of Mexican Caribbean visitors.
According to Expedia, younger travelers are especially likely to opt for Cozumel, thanks to the island’s quieter all-inclusive resorts, guaranteeing a relaxing island getaway.
The report comes as Cancun gears up for another hectic winter season, with occupancy rates for accommodations in the city’s resort zone reaching upwards of 90% with over a month to go before peak high season travel dates.
Expedia also points to a growing preference among travelers for unique & authentic experiences – especially culinary ones, – a trend that Cozumel is well-positioned to offer.
Boasting Mayan-inspired cuisine options and endless variety when it comes to accommodation, Cozumel’s resorts are among the best in the region. From luxury options like the Dreams Cozumel Cape to the more modest Sunscape Sabor, Cozumel offers a range of options for all travel styles.
In the coming year, travelers will be on the hunt for new unexplored destinations far from busy resort hotspots. With its size of over 400 square kilometres, Cozumel is the largest island destination in the Mexican Caribbean, creating numerous opportunities for smaller day trips & excursions.
Unlike Cancun, which lacks historical depth, Cozumel is home to historical Mayan ruins, a vibrant old town, and hundreds of white-sand beaches.
Cozumel is also regarded as one of the world’s diving capitals thanks to its massive coral reef ecosystem. Travelers can find dozens of tour companies offering everything from boat tours to scuba diving equipment. Some top-rated diving firms include Cozumel Divers as well as this beginner-friendly snorkeling tour.
While the island is home to a large international airport – with season flights from the U.S. – travelers can reach Cozumel with a short 45-minute ferry ride from nearby Playa del Carmen.
The opening of the Maya Train railway system has also spurred interest in new destinations outside of Cancun. From Bacalar’s colorful lagoons to Chetumal’s booming cultural scene, Cancun visitors now have more destinations available to them than ever before.
That’s especially the case this winter, with more and more visitors seeking interesting local experiences, which can be challenging to find in Cancun. For a destination that is both welcoming and safe, considering visiting Cozumel this winter for a tropical adventure!
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