The Mexican Caribbean is embracing a new era of tourism, concluding the first half of 2024 on a high note. This growth is fueled by a combination of exciting new developments, including a state-of-the-art international airport, expanded transportation infrastructure, luxurious new hotels, and the introduction of Mexico’s inaugural Michelin-starred restaurants.
Air Service Soars
Tulum International Airport (TQO), which began operating internationally in March 2024, has become a major gateway for visitors traveling to the southern Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Bacalar. The airport offers convenient connections from eight international gateways, including daily nonstop flights from New York JFK and Atlanta, direct flights from Newark, Houston, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, and Charlotte, and upcoming daily nonstop flights from Toronto Pearson in December 2024. This new airport significantly reduces travel time compared to landing in Cancun, offering visitors faster access to the region’s southern destinations.
A Flourishing Hospitality Scene
The Mexican Caribbean is expanding its hospitality offerings to cater to diverse budgets and preferences. Cancun is experiencing a surge in new hotel developments, including all-inclusive options like Marriott Cancun Resort, AVA Resort Cancun, Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, Dreams Grand Island Cancun, and the opulent adults-only Hotel Mousai Cancun. Costa Mujeres, a serene area just 30 minutes north of Cancun, is home to the newly opened SHA Mexico, which focuses on wellness and well-being. The Riviera Maya welcomes The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai and the reopened Maroma, a Belmond Resort, providing premium retreat experiences. Isla Mujeres is set to welcome Almare, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort by Marriott, in November.
Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage
In April, Mexico unveiled its first-ever Michelin-recognized restaurants, elevating the culinary scene in the Mexican Caribbean. Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Le Chique at Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos, and HA’ at Hotel Xcaret in Playa del Carmen were awarded One Star distinctions. Furthermore, seventeen other regional restaurants were acknowledged with Bib Gourmand and Recommended Restaurant designations, showcasing the region’s diverse and flavorful culinary landscape.
“The Mexican Caribbean is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, and we are thrilled to enhance the overall experience for the millions of travelers from around the world who visit each year,” said Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo. “Our beaches, entertainment, and culinary experiences are out of this world, and the Mayan cultural influence felt throughout the region makes any trip to the Mexican Caribbean truly one of a kind. We look forward to introducing return and first-time visitors to our new offerings in the months ahead.”
