This summer, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum smashed records, as they received 822 thousand vacationers between the months of June to August, as reported by the Riviera Maya Hotel Association (AHRM). This figure is the highest its been since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 625 thousand visiting from the same months in 2019. The growth of the two cities as tourist hotspots was also signaled by the increase in accommodation, with 6,821 new rooms and suites built for tourists to relax in.
The State Secretariat of Tourism also found that over 44% of hotel and resort rooms are concentrated in the Riviera Maya region, emphasising how Tulum and Playa del Carmen have grown as huge tourist hotspots over the past few months. This is only set to continue, with average occupancy rates of 65% in September, 70% in October and 80% in November.
Furthermore, the first eight months of the year saw an average occupancy rate of 75.8% – well above the average for 2019. March and August were found to have the highest occupancy rates, with over 80% for each destination.
The AHRM oversees over 140 accommodations throughout the region, examining each one for its standards and devotion to tourist security. This year, the group found that tourism in the entirety of the Riviera Maya region grew significantly over the past year: July ended with an occupancy rate of 80%, with August reaching 76%, flying well above what was achieved three years ago at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Experts in tourism believe that growth in these two regions is due to excellent air connectivity and a recent increase in the promotion of the two cities.
Whilst Tulum’s International Airport is not yet open, experts have suggested it will be able to transport 4 million passengers annually upon its completion. This is set to increase tourist records even further, as passengers will be able to fly directly to Tulum from hundreds of destinations worldwide.
Furthermore, the AHRM participated in numerous events this year to promote the excellence of the Riviera Maya, including Tulum and Playa del Carmen. By speaking at the International Tourism Fair in Spain and The Road Show in the U.S and Canada, the Quintana Roo Tourism Council was able to reveal the beauty and splendour of these Mexican-Caribbean locations to first-time tourists.
Tulum has suffered in the headlines recently after four bodies were recovered in Tulum’s Hotel Zone just last month. Whilst the victims were not tourists, the fact that the bodies were found so close to a tourist area set off shockwaves in the Mexican media, deterring tourists from booking their upcoming winter vacation in the area.
Playa Del Carmen has attracted similar negative headlines after shootings and instances of violence have occurred frequently over the summer months. In particular, tourists and locals alike were left shocked after two people were left with injuries after a shooting occurred in a popular tourist bar on Fifth Avenue.
However, these negative headlines failed to dampen tourists’ spirits, as both Playa del Carmen and Tulum are more popular this year than ever before. With 22% more tourists visiting this year than in 2019, it’s clear to see that these destinations have truly made their mark in the world of Mexican-Caribbean travel.
SOURCE: https://thecancunsun.com/playa-del-carmen-and-tulum-set-new-tourist-records/
