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If you’re a regular reader of the Cancun Sun, it’s no surprise that Cancun has been a record-breaking travel destination over the past few years. From welcoming record numbers of arrivals at Cancun International Airport to being Mexico’s most popular destination for U.S. travelers year-round, Cancun remains a perennial favorite when it comes to tropical vacation destinations. there is.
But the town has another favorite. The latest statistics for 2022 reveal that, of all the major destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, the Riviera Maya is actually the region’s most-visited destination. According to the post, Riviera Maya welcomed 40% of all visitors calculated across Quintana Roo last yearFor reference, the popular Cancun welcomed 34%, while smaller destinations like Holbox and Bacalar welcomed 2.8% and 1.2% respectively.
Riviera Maya beats out Cancun for most tourists in 2022
For comparison, Cancun recorded 34% of visitors to Quintana Roo. It is the second most visited place in Mexico’s Caribbean state.These tourist numbers are the highest the region has seen in the last three years as visitor numbers to the Mexican Caribbean appear to be growing exponentially with each season and year.
Quintana Roo’s Tourism Commissioner reported 3 million more visitors to the region compared to the same period in 2019.
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Additionally, 60% of travelers now come from the United States, Mexico and Canada. The report also mentions tourists from Brazil, where arrivals have declined over the past three years. At first glance, local North American tourists fill the gap for travelers from other destinations, as well as hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Holbox and Bacalar also see an increase in tourists
Not to be forgotten are the smaller destinations of Holbox and Bacalar. Isla Holbox, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico just north of Cancun, has reported more than 550,000 visitors to her in 2022. and Bacalar, Pueblo Magico Southern Quintana Roo reported over 243,000 visitors. This was a significant increase from his previous record of 144,000.
Where is Riviera Maya located?
Contrary to some claims, the Riviera Maya (sometimes called the Mayan Riviera) does not include Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, or even Bacalar). Yes, these destinations are all in Mexico’s Caribbean and Quintana Roo, but the Riviera Maya actually begins in Puerto Morelos and ends in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere just south of Tulum.
To be fair, Riviera Maya is the new brand term for this popular vacation destination. Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras are all considered the Mayan Riviera.
What makes the Riviera Maya attractive to travelers?
Major international tourism in Mexico’s Caribbean region began in Cancun decades ago, so it’s no surprise that the tourist presence has expanded along the entire coastline. It goes without saying that, even when busy, destinations such as Tulum and Playa del He Carmen are comfortable and easy for many travelers looking to escape the cold and soak up the Mexican sun.
The Riviera Maya is also a destination that combines what Cancun has to offer with a great food scene (including the best cenotes) and many nature tours due to the diversity of the region, with the help of many hospitality experts. . With so many destinations along the Mayan Riviera coastline and quick direct flights to Cancun, the alluring vacation travel trend isn’t going away anytime soon.
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