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With travel to the Mexican Caribbean experiencing an unprecedented surge, a growing number of visitors in the popular coastal hotspot of Playa del Carmen are ditching small hotels and online rentals in favor of larger all-inclusive resorts.
The sun-drenched destination is currently one of the most appealing cities for travelers seeking a vibrant cultural experience.
But a spike in petty crimes in parts of the city has led some travelers to question whether certain neighborhoods in the otherwise excellent destination are safe.
As a result, massive all-inclusive properties have seen booking numbers rise this winter as travelers seek out around-the-clock protection.
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With Playa del Carmen once again expected to be one of the most popular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean in 2024, here’s a look at why travelers are opting for resorts over other accommodations.
All-Inclusives Are King In Playa del Carmen Amid Concerns Over Crime
Although the popular coastal hotspot of Playa del Carmen remains an overall safe destination for travelers, the recent perceived increase in petty crime in the sunny location has resulted in more travelers booking all-inclusives.
According to new statistics published by Playa del Carmen’s hotel association, bookings for small hotels have dropped by as much as 10% this winter, prompting concern over their economic viability.
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Playa del Carmen is famous for its vibrant downtown area, especially the neighborhoods surrounding the famous Quinta Avenida avenue. Lined with shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, the city’s most iconic street is a popular choice for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience.
But with concerns over petty crime – including theft, scams, and aggressive street vendors – lingering, more travelers are now opting for Playa del Carmen’s beachfront resorts.
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All-inclusives in the coastal hotspot combine luxury with tropical vibes, providing travelers with an exclusive getaway that is shielded from the hustle and bustle affecting other parts of the vibrant destination.
According to officials, noise pollution is another growing complaint affecting bookings around downtown Playa del Carmen. In addition to offering excellent cultural experiences, the sunny hotspot is a haven for party-seeking travelers.
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And despite more efforts from officials to tackle excessive noise levels, many travelers are finding Playa del Carmen’s endless nightlife too overwhelming.
Meanwhile, online vacation rentals are also being affected by the same complaints. Most Airbnbs in Playa del Carmen are centrally located in the city’s most transited areas, which are prone to higher noise levels and crimes.
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Fortunately, Playa del Carmen has stepped up efforts to protect travelers, as a result of which the coastal destination currently boasts some of the lowest crime rates in the region. Even so, occasional headlines involving everything from petty crime to more violent cases of lawbreaking are a cause for concern for local officials, who want to protect the city’s reputation.
This winter, Playa del Carmen is expected to be one of the most popular hotspots for travelers in the Mexican Caribbean. With occupancy rates of well over 85% being recorded for most of the winter so far, Playa del Carmen stands out as an excellent choice for both single travelers as well as families.
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Several projects are on the way that will make Playa del Carmen an even more attractive destination for travelers in 2024, including new investments in beach safety as well as a new direct ferry route to Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean.
The launching of the Maya Train in late February will also contribute to the city’s growing popularity with travelers.
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