TULUM, México – Tulum, a vibrant destination within the southern region of Quintana Roo, has long attracted international tourists with its stunning locations like Chetumal, Bacalar, and Mahahual. In 2024, the region has seen a notable increase in visitors from the United States, a trend that is significantly impacting the local economy and driving the demand for Tulum property investment.
Direct Flights Enhance Tulum Property Investment Opportunities
This surge in American tourists is largely due to the introduction of new direct flights to Tulum International Airport, offered by several U.S. airlines. Strategic promotional campaigns have also played a key role in showcasing the region’s unique attractions, drawing a broader audience. Raúl Andrade Angulo, President of the Central and Southern Quintana Roo Hotel Association, highlights the impact of these changes.
“The influx of North American visitors to our prime destinations in the southern zone has brought substantial benefits to our tourism sector,” says Angulo. “In April alone, we saw an 18% increase in U.S. tourists, who were primarily attracted to Bacalar, but also visited Mahahual and Chetumal due to their close proximity. The new flight routes from Tulum International Airport have been a major factor in this trend, bringing in high-value tourism that is highly beneficial to the area.”
How Increased Tourism Drives Tulum Real Estate Demand
Hotel Association data shows that foreign tourist arrivals in the southern region remained above 60% in the first quarter of 2024, with North Americans making up about 19% of these visitors. As the summer season approaches, there’s potential for even greater increases, especially with the addition of flights from Canada to Tulum International Airport. This rising demand for travel has a direct correlation with the booming interest in Tulum real estate, as more visitors look to invest in vacation homes and rental properties.
Improving Connectivity to Support Tulum Property Investment Growth
While the growth is encouraging, Angulo emphasizes the importance of restoring air connectivity to Chetumal International Airport to further boost international and domestic tourism. “This is a top priority for us,” he asserts. “We are actively working with tourism authorities to regain the connectivity we had before the pandemic. With the successful increase in international tourism through Tulum Airport, we expect even more benefits once direct flights to Chetumal are established. This will simplify travel and improve cost efficiency, benefiting all sectors, particularly real estate and hospitality.”
