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Tulum Officially Declared The Best Beach Destination In The Americas

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Tulum has just been voted the Best Beach Destination in the Americas in the 2024 edition of the World Travel Awards, cementing the city’s position as a leading hub for international travel. 

Situated around two hours south of Cancun, Tulum boasts some of the top-rated all-inclusives in the Mexican Caribbean and is the most popular destination in the region for cultural and historical travel. 

aerial view of tulum's huge mayan area

New infrastructure projects, including the city’s new International Airport, are causing a travel surge in Tulum, with the city expected to shatter travel records this year.

And with the new Maya Train route expected to launch in several months, Tulum is gearing up for even more visitors.

With that in mind, here’s a look at why this Mexican Caribbean city is racking up award after award

a quaint boutique hotel in tulum

Tulum Snatches More International Awards As Destination Soars In Popularity 

While Cancun, with its towering all-inclusives and vibrant party scene, has dominated the Mexican Caribbean travel industry for decades, Tulum is leveling up its travel potential.

The city was recently awarded the title of Best Beach Destination in the Americas for 2024, confirming Tulum’s undeniable appeal among travelers. 

a female traveler admiring tulum

Tulum received the prestigious award in the 2024 World Travel Awards, an industry-leading annual event that illuminates some of the world’s top travel trends. The WTA’s voting system represents experts and travelers’ opinions from across the globe. 

Home to over 16 kilometers of white-sand shoreline, Tulum is one of the region’s most significant beach destinations. 

Some of the city’s top beaches include Playa las Palmas and the Instagrammable Playa Ruinas, situated right in Tulum’s huge archeological zone. Numerous Tulum beaches boast Platinum certification, awarded to Mexico’s cleanest and most environmentally-friendly beaches.

Swings on a Beach in Tulum, Mexico

But what makes this historical destination stand out amongst the crowd is its centuries-long Maya history, the remnants of which are visible across the city to this day.

From the vast Tulum Archeological Zone to the temples & pyramids that surround it, Tulum is a beach destination unlike any other.

And its beauty doesn’t end there; travelers will find rugged cliffs, cenotes, rainforests, and other geographical features. 

a couple looking at ruins in tulum

Many of Tulum’s luxurious all-inclusives are built to take advantage of the city’s dynamic coastline, incorporating elements of nature & Mayan culture to offer guests an unparalleled experience. 

New Travel Infrastructure Makes Reaching Tulum Easier Than Ever

It’s no wonder Tulum has skyrocketed in popularity with a range of travel demographics; from families seeking safe all-inclusives to digital nomads of all ages, Tulum enjoys a broad appeal among the traveler community. 

And with interest in the destination skyrocketing, the launching of Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo International Airport couldn’t have come at a better time.

Having opened its doors to travelers in December last year, the brand-new state-of-the-art international airport enjoys excellent connections to key hubs across the Americas, including in the United States. 

aerial view of a small boutique hotel in tulum

Several airlines, including Spirit and United, already operate flights to the growing hotspot, with new routes being inaugurated on a monthly basis. 

Meanwhile, Tulum is also gearing up for the launching of the Maya Train railway system, which will connect the historical town to Cancun and beyond. 

Maya Train Car Sitting on the Tracks

The Playa del Carmen-Tulum section is still under construction, owing to the vast number of cenotes and dense rainforests that populate the area.

The southern section of the route has faced numerous delays, with construction expected to hopefully wrap up this fall.

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Reg Pankewitz

Tuesday 16th of July 2024

Yes you say that Tulum has the best beaches but if you want to go a beach for a morning or an afternoon there are NONE! You have to sign up for an all inclusive to get access to A BEACH!. In Hawaii anyone can go to any beach because the coast line is owned by the local government. In Mexico the beach is owned by the All Inclusives. SO if you say Tulum has the nicest beaches you are correct except you have to pay an All Inclusive establishment to get access. Not everyone goes to Mexico to stay at an All Inclusive so you should stop advertising that fact!

David A Armitage

Sunday 21st of July 2024

@Reg Pankewitz, The beachfront property is owned by the Mexican Government. The resorts don’t own the beachfront property. The hotels are also required to let you pass through their property to access the beach.

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