According to Mexican airport operator ASUR, Cancun has registered over 6.4 million tourists since reopening during the Covid-19 pandemic. Of that, over 2.7 million were American travelers on vacation.
In total, the vacation hotspot registered 12.4 million tourists for the year. The remarkable fact is that over half of the visitors came during the worldwide pandemic.
While most destinations were plagued by restrictions and reduced flight connectivity, it was the opposite in Cancun.
International Visitors To Cancun
During the pandemic Cancun saw over 2.9 million international tourist arrivals. The vast majority came from the United States.
2.7 million were American travelers
100 K were from Canada
100 K were from other countries
Cancun is also the number one holiday hot spot for nationals. Since the pandemic began, 3.55 million domestic passengers have visited the city.
Cancun Recovered 69% of its Tourism In December
In December of 2020 alone, Cancun recorded 1.6 million visitors. That number shows a 69% recovery from December of 2019 when the city registered 2.3 million visitors.
Cancun City Council President, Mara Lezama celebrated the recovery.
“Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected tourism worldwide, in Cancun, the cooperation of various sectors allowed the giant [Cancun] to remain standing! We will continue to advance in the recovery and economic reactivation always making health and safety a top priority.” said Lezama.
Why Is Cancun So Popular During The Pandemic?
Cancun has the perfect recipe for a vacation for those willing to take the risk of traveling during the pandemic.
Connectivity
The city has non-stop flights from almost every major city in the United States and Canada. During the pandemic, travelers have been looking at direct flights to reduce travel time as much as possible.
Relaxed Entry Requirements
There are only 3 countries remaining in the western hemisphere that do not require testing or quarantines. Mexico is one of them. With travelers only required to fill out a health declaration form, traveling to Mexico is almost just as easy as prior to the pandemic.
First Destination Awarded With The Safe Travels Seal
Cancun was the first destination in the world to be awarded with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels Seal‘.
Lezama stated that this gave domestic and international tourists the confidence to visit the destination.
Cancun Hotels Hitting Maximum Occupancy Allowed Under State Rules
Some popular Cancun hotels were reported to have hit the maximum capacity allowed under the state of Quintana Roo's epidemiological traffic light system. The system only allowed for 60% at the current rate of covid-19 infections but over the holidays, hotels were able to apply for a special permit to increase capacity to 80%.
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Liberty
Wednesday 6th of January 2021
Go to Cancun and get some Vitamin D!