quintana roo tourism statistics

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2022 Mexico Tourism Report

In the last months, we’ve heard of exponential growth in the number of visitors coming to de Cancun Airport. Sectur, the government secretary of tourism, just realise their 2021-2022 tourism report, and the results validate all news about increasing flights to Cancun. The surpassing of expectations for 2022 makes us think of new expectations for 2023. Keep on reading this 2022 Mexico Tourism Report to find out more detailed information…

Global tourism

Up to this date, the total number of international tourists in the world showed a gradual recovery to close at 426.9 million tourists. This is, 21.7 million additional to those registered in 2020. In addition, t he first quarter of 2022 confirms this trend by showing a more than 50% increase in international travel compared to the first quarter of 2021.

During the pandemic, the WTO classified Mexico as one of the most vulnerable countries to be affected. Due to the 8.5% weight that tourism has in the economy, measured by its share in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP); the North American region, Mexico is the country whose tourism performance has been least affected. Comparing the first four months of 2022 against 2019, it presents an accumulated reduction of 21%. The corresponding reduction for the USA is 56% and for Canada 61%. In fact, Mexico was well below the global average reduction of 44%, as estimated by the organization.

Mexico’s tourism 

We’ve written about how Cancun Airport has been surpassing everybody’s expectations regarding this topic. Between January and July 2022, Cancun captured 46.9% of the total number of foreign tourists arriving in Mexico. On the other hand, Mexico City has only been able to capture 19.5%. This is no surprise as Cancun Airport was recently awarded the Leading Airport in Mexico and Central America fin 2022. 

In the first half of 2022, Cancun International Airport (CUN) , Mexico City International Airport (AICM), and Los Cabos were the airports that received the highest number of international tourists, with 9 million 420 thousand, which is 71.8% more than in 2021; also surpassing 4% the arrivals of 2019, when 9 million 53 thousand tourists arrived.

The secretary of tourism informed that between January and July of this year, the arrival of passengers on international flights to Mexico was 14 million 501 thousand 727 . North America represented 76.9% with 11 million 152 thousand 5 passengers. Next was the Caribbean, Central, and South America with 1 million 935 thousand 712 passengers, representing 13.3%. From Europe, 1 million 376 thousand 856 passengers, or 9.5% of the total. Tourists from Asia were 37 thousand 154 passengers, with 0.3% of the whole international passengers, as reported by Quintana Roo.

Cruise ship tourism in Mexico

As of June 2021, cruise activity in Mexico was reactivated, given that, from April 2020 to May 2021. It was suspended worldwide as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between September 2021 and May 2022, the number of cruise ship passengers amounted to 4.3 million people. The main outbound tourist markets to Mexico were the USA, Canada, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, France, Argentina, Germany, and Peru. In all cases, the figures were much higher than those for the same period in the previous year. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Peru also reported the highest growth rates were recorded in

During the same period, the five main ports in the country that presented activity in cruise ship arrivals were: 

Cozumel, Quintana Roo (42.1%)

Majahual, Quintana Roo (22.1%)

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur (9.2%)

Ensenada, Baja California (8.4%)

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (7.5%)

Which together represent 89.3% of the national total.

Finishing the year strong

Considering the favorable results recorded as of the first quarter of 2022 in the travelers’ survey, by the end of the year 2022, it is expected that tourism in Mexico will reach a significant level of recovery. The data for the last quarter of 2021 was provided by the Quarterly Indicator of Tourism Activity published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) on May 5. 

In comparison to the numbers in the first half of 2022, the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo (CPTQ), headed by Dario Flota Ocampo, shared positive numbers on the growth of air connectivity in the Mexican Caribbean. For the period from September 2022 to February 2023 , 9.2 million seats are programmed in Cancun Airport , 38% more than in the same period three years ago.

Expectations for the end of 2022

Average annual hotel occupancy is expected to reach 54.4%, for an estimated 12.7 percentage points above 2021. Additionally, by 2022, lodging by digital booking platforms, known as shared economy, is estimated to be 11 million annual room nights offered, or 6.2% of the hotel supply, which will contribute 2.7 percentage points to occupancy.

• Tourism Consumption 

An increase of 13.2% is considered with respect to 2021, to reach the figure of 151,069 million dollars. Lodging consumption is estimated at 13,755 million dollars, with an increase of 17.5%.

• International Tourist Arrivals in Mexico

The arrival of 42.1 million international tourists is expected, 10.2 million more than in 2021, with an increase of 32.1%.

Sources: Sectur ; Reportur 

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TOURISM AND PANDEMICS IN MEXICO

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Quintana Roo Records Historic Tourism Growth in Best-Ever Semester

• October 8, 2023

MÉXICO » News » October 2023  » Quintana Roo Records Historic Tourism Growth in Best-Ever Semester

Published by Andrés Zimbrón | NOTIPRESS on October 6, 2023

In an exciting announcement, Mara Lezama Espinosa, the Governor of Quintana Roo , has revealed that the state’s tourism sector is currently experiencing its most remarkable semester ever. According to the governor’s data, there has been an impressive 11.7% surge in airport passenger numbers when compared to the same period in 2022.

Foreign tourism in Cancun has seen a staggering increase of 46%, indicating the region’s continued popularity among international visitors. Additionally, cruises have witnessed a significant uptick of 43.8% in comparison to last year. Furthermore, the US market, a crucial source of tourists, has seen its contribution to Quintana Roo’s tourism sector grow by a substantial 38.1%.

Governor Lezama Espinosa is not only celebrating the present success but also looking towards the future with optimism. She emphasized the game-changing impact of the Mayan Train, a railway project set to revolutionize the tourism landscape in the southern region of Mexico, with Quintana Roo poised to reap substantial benefits.

In her own words, “Before its inauguration, the Mayan Train is already generating social justice.” This transformative vision aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents while simultaneously attracting more tourists to the area.

Quintana Roo, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historical attractions, is basking in the glory of an unprecedented tourism boom. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has revealed that the state is currently enjoying its most successful semester in terms of tourism, with remarkable statistics backing up this claim.

According to official figures, airport arrivals have surged by 11.7% compared to the same period in 2022. This substantial increase indicates a growing interest in Quintana Roo as a premier travel destination.

Cancun, a jewel in Quintana Roo’s crown, has seen foreign tourism skyrocket, with an astonishing 46% rise in visitors. The region’s allure, marked by its pristine beaches, world-class resorts, and rich cultural heritage, continues to attract travelers from around the globe.

Moreover, the cruise industry, a vital component of Quintana Roo’s tourism sector, has experienced a remarkable surge of 43.8% in comparison to the previous year. These numbers underline the resilience and enduring popularity of cruise vacations, particularly in this picturesque part of Mexico.

The United States, a significant source of visitors to Quintana Roo, has played a pivotal role in the state’s tourism growth. With a robust increase of 38.1% in the US market’s contribution, it’s evident that Quintana Roo remains a top choice for American travelers seeking a memorable getaway.

Quintana Roo’s tourism sector is currently enjoying unprecedented success, with record-breaking numbers in airport arrivals, international tourism, cruise visitors, and contributions from the US market. The promise of the Mayan Train adds a new dimension to the region’s bright future, as it stands to further boost tourism, generate social justice, and enhance the lives of the people of Quintana Roo. The state’s status as a premier travel destination is stronger than ever, and it continues to shine on the global tourism stage.

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Mexico Visitor Arrivals: TC: Cancun, Q Roo

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How Cancun Supercharged Its Recovery

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

July 21st, 2022 at 2:30 AM EDT

Mexico’s risky policy to stay open while other countries closed during the pandemic has paid off for the state of Quintana Roo. The state wisely used the time to hone its brand as more than a beach-going destination and expand its air accessibility long term. The payoff is evident in recent surging tourism numbers.

Dawit Habtemariam

While other destinations are slowly coming back to 2019 levels, one destination seems to be flying past theirs. There’s been a tourism surge in Cancun and surrounding spots; just look at traffic at Cancun International Airport. In June, 14 percent more passengers flew through the airport than in 2019. This is at a time when very few airports have reached pre-pandemic level passenger traffic.

It’s not only air traffic that’s impressive. Hotels are filled up during the summer. “We’re out of space,” said G Adventures Vice President of Product Yves Marceau. “Getting space has proven to be difficult.” By April, 90 percent of Cancun’s hotels were booked.

A big share of those arrivals aren’t just going to Cancun, the state of Quintana Roo’s most well-known destination. “If you go by numbers, we have more people in Riviera Maya than in Cancun,”  said Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council Director of Strategic Planning Benjamin Jimenez. 

Between January to June, Quintana Roo saw a 10 percent increase in tourist arrivals over the  same period in 2019, according to Jimenez. Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council forecasts it will have 16 million tourists in 2022.

A big contributor to the surge is Mexico’s travel policy during Covid. The state was closed in April and reopened to international travel in June 2020. 

“During the pandemic, Mexico’s approach to travel and tourism paid off. They never really shut down to tourism,” said Marceau. “[Quintana Roo] was always an area considered safe and pretty stable. There were always flights going and coming from there, especially to the North American market.” 

Even during Mexico’s peak infection period, tourists continued to flow in .  A significant share of the visitor surge have been these tourists returning, according to Jimenez.

In these past few years, Quintana Roo has pursued two strategies. One was “umbrella branding” where the state marketed itself as “a country” with a menu of options. “The first strategy we did was telling the world we are not just Cancun. We are the Mexican Caribbean,” said Jimenez. “We have 12 options to travel according to your needs.”

A visitor can take one flight to Cancun airport and go with their family to Cancun, with their partner to Isla Mujeres or another destination that fits their specific desires. “We told tourists you have 12 different options in case you want to relax, do adventure, feel romantic, learn,” he said.

Tourists have now come to see that the state has more than a beach and resorts. “What’s happened with the rise of non-Cancun areas like Playa del Carmen, you have a whole culture, cuisine and nature that people have discovered,” said Marceau. “The region has become more than the beach. For us it’s an adventure destination.”

Quintana Roo’s second strategy was to work with airlines to expand the state’s air connectivity. “We did a lot of meetings with airlines, especially Mexican and American airlines,” said Jimenez. “We have more flights and availability so it will be easier to get here.” 

For 2022, the state had 18 million airline seats, 30 percent higher than in 2019, according to Jimenez. In the first quarter alone, 4.4 million seats were scheduled to pass through Cancun International, a 17 percent increase from the first quarter of 2019, according to Diio by Cirium.  “They’ve helped tour operators see the opportunity here,” said Marceau. “We’re looking at it with an eye to grow as one of our key destinations in Latin America.” 

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Photo credit: Quintana Roo, Mexico Roberto Carlos Román Don / Unsplash

Cancun And State Of Quintana Roo Expect 6.1 Million Tourists In First Four Months of 2022

By: Author Steven Cruse

Posted on Published: December 9, 2021

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Increase in Flights and Travel Uptick Fuel Industry Growth

Cancun and the state of Quintana Roo is anticipating an impressive start to 2022, with an estimated 6.1 million travelers to the region expected in the first four months.

If these numbers are to be achieved, the region would have equalled three quarters of the total number of visitors in the whole of 2020. The figures are exciting for the tourism industry in Mexico, especially in the face of the Omicron variant that is currently shutting down borders and closing cities across the world.

The drastic surge in travel is partly thanks to the natural pent up demand for tourism in the gradually loosening post-pandemic world, but also thanks to a massive increase in flights to the region.

Just in the last week, American Airlines announced a new flight route from Miami to Chetumal, emphasizing the statement that carriers are willing to bet on the Mexican Caribbean market. It’s loose COVID restrictions, combined its idyllic trappings are proving an easy alternative for many customers in the market. 

Highlighting the faith in the region, Aeroflot are reopening several routes back to Cancun. The Russian carriers absence extends seven years, far beyond the emergence of COVID. But the growing popularity of the area has prompted them to install direct flights from Moscow, Russia and Barcelona, Spain.

On top of Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentias resumed their direct flights from Buenos Aires to Cancun. The first flight is set to leave on Wednesday night. Similarly, Aeromexico runs 5 flights a week between the two cities. 

By the end of the year, Cancun will be connected directly with as many as 20 European cities , including London, Istanbul, Paris, Frankfurt, Kiev, and Manchester.

Many of the routes are restarting after a COVID based absence, but others, like Kiev, are brand new entries to the market looking to capitalize on the comparatively restriction heavy European and Asian destinations that are typically the popular options for the continent.

From the US, low cost carriers like Frontier are taking similar steps. Just days ago, the airline launched three new routes from the North east; Cancun from Providence, NY, Buffalo, NY, and Hartford, CT. These won’t start until 2022, but they add to a large investment in flights to Cancun that were added in 2021 from cities like Orlando, Dallas, and an expansion on their Miami flights.

The Mexican government is yet to announce any new restrictions to counteract the potential issues the Omicron variant may produce, but citizens have been urged not to travel abroad, and for those in the country to remain stringent on their own health protocols to prevent spread. The first patient infected with Omicron was detected this week.

The number of thermal cameras in Quintana Roo have been increased as an added precaution, especially as the region is now operating under a green light, meaning hotels can function at 100% capacity- something they will need if they are to cope with the massive surge of tourism expected this winter.

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By Tribune Travel

April 26, 2023

Quintana Roo’s tourism authorities assured that with the figures achieved during the Easter holiday season, they have been able to add significantly to the statistics and expect to exceed 20 million tourists by the end of this year.

This is a historic fact, because it is the first time in the destination that we will exceed a figure of 20 million tourists, at the end of 2023, because the end of the previous year (2022) was 19.7, this is 17 percentage points higher than the end of 2019, the year before the contingency, so it is a clear recovery and is one of the few tourist regions in the world that presents indicators of growth and not just recovery.

The statistics show this difference of 17 percent compared to the year before the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of tourism flows and revenues; hotel room rates continue to be exceeded, there are increases of up to 20 and 25 percent in rates compared to what they were before the pandemic.

So the rates are going up, the economic flow is going up, and that continues to position and promote the state as a destination.

The State Tourism Registry will help to have a consolidated catalogue so that when the tourist arrives at an accommodation, whether it is a digital platform or an all-inclusive hotel or a European plan or a family visit, they have access to all the options and alternatives available to them in the destination.

"As part of the diversification of tourism offerings, audiovisual content can foster relationships and cultural affinity between different countries and communities. Both tourism and the audiovisual sector celebrate and promote culture, foster employment and offer opportunities for growth," said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. 

Mara Lezama, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, said: "I am proud to share that we are moving decisively towards a new era in tourism. We have consolidated public policies that promote the diversification of our tourism offerings, including the cultural segment as one of the fundamental pillars. Our Mexican Caribbean, with its paradisiacal landscapes, its cultural wealth and first-class tourism infrastructure, is positioned as an ideal setting to strengthen our offerings and position Quintana Roo as a leading player in the audiovisual field."

Both tourism and the audiovisual sector celebrate and promote culture, foster employment and offer opportunities for growth

The event was held within the framework of the 11th edition of the Xcaret Platino Awards for Ibero-American Cinema, the largest gathering of the Spanish-speaking audiovisual industry, and brought together experts from the world of tourism and culture.

In the framework of this event, UN Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Xcaret Group – an Affiliate Member of the Organization – that lays the foundations for collaboration aimed at jointly promoting good practices in the preservation of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, and the welfare of local communities.

UN Tourism, working for the development of audiovisual tourism

UN Tourism has been expanding its work in the field of audiovisual tourism to respond to the increased demand for recommendations and guidance regarding the development of public policies and the sustainable development of this tourism segment. The recent joint UN Tourism – NETFLIX study " Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourism – The Case of Internet Entertainment Services " offers policymakers and tourism sector actors valuable information and recommendations to develop and implement policies that make their destinations attractive to audiovisual producers. Likewise, it aims to help in the formulation of strategies focused on promoting tourism and the consumption of local culture, and investing in training and education to develop the film sector and local creative industries, in order to ensure a high level of talent, infrastructure and production capacity.

Destination Quintana Roo

The State of Quintana Roo continues to strengthen its position as a tourism destination, thanks to large-scale projects such as the launch of the Mayan Train. Quintana Roo received a record number of tourists in 2023, with more than 20 million, and is taking actions to safeguard its cultural and natural heritage, in line with its Quintana Roo 2030 Sustainable Tourism Master Plan.

11th edition of the Xcaret Platino Awards

With the aim of promoting, disseminating and bringing Ibero-American culture and film-making closer together, the Xcaret Platino Awards for Ibero-American Cinema annually brings together the most prominent figures of the Latin American audiovisual industry and recognizes the best audiovisual productions in Spanish and Portuguese.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism Affiliate Members

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