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Cancun Has Seen 6.4 Million Tourists During The Pandemic

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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. 

The resort city continues to be one of the top destinations in the world during the pandemic and is showing no signs of slowing down. 

cancun hotel zone

Cancun Tourism Recovery

Cancun was one of the first destinations in the world to reopen for tourists back in June of 2020. 

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. 

cancun beach and tourists

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 beach with tourists

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.

Beautiful beach in Cancun, Mexico - Playa Delfines.

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. 

cancun hotel zone
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. 

Woman in Pool overlooking ocean in Cancun, Mexico (1)

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%.

crowded beach in Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico

The Cancun City Council reported total hotel occupancy reached 54.2% of the 35,000 rooms available in Cancun over the holidays. 

145 hotels have now reopened in Cancun and are operating at a maximum of 60% capacity.

cancun beach tourists

Additional Sources:  ASUR

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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!