Between January and March 2024, the Mexican Caribbean received more than 5.4 million tourists, according to a report by the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat. The high-end proposals and the new hotels under the Hyatt Inclusive Collection seal.
However, the evolution of tourism brought with it the growth of other nearby destinations, such as Cozumel, Puerto Morelos and the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum) , which also caught the attention of travelers. Now, years later,Cancun continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt and reinvent itself, attracting travelers primarily from the east coast of the United States and Canada, but also from various countries in South America.
The city, for example, is not immune to the tourism boom that Mexico is experiencing: between January and July 2024, the country where Frida Kahlo was born received more than 25.8 million international tourists , which represents 5.3% more than the same period of the previous year according to the International Travelers Survey published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). Meanwhile, in the Mexican Caribbean , during the first quarter of 2024, tourist influx increased by 3.5% compared to 2023, representing a total of 5.4 million travelers , according to a report by the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat . And, of that number, more than 2 million arrived in Cancun.
Of the total number of tourists who arrived in the Mexican Caribbean between January and March 2024, 71.4% were of foreign origin. Of these, 39.9% came from the United States, followed by tourists from Canada (14.8%), the United Kingdom (1.7%), France (1.6%), Colombia (1.4%), Argentina (1.3%), Germany (1%), Spain (0.8%) and Brazil (0.5%), according to the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council with data from the National Migration Institute.
The city has a lot to offer. The renovation of its hotel infrastructure and the expansion into new areas are a clear indication that this iconic destination remains a pioneer in the tourism sector.»In the existing hotels (of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection), around 80% have been conversions,» highlights Cristóbal Enríquez, VP of development for Hyatt Inclusive Collection, which includes ten different brands of resorts and hotels, with the largest volume of which is in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, referring to the changes that the company has been experiencing through renovations and openings.
An example of this transformation is the reconversion and opening of new accommodations , such as the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island and the Secrets Playa Blanca, in Costa Mujeres , a new tourist area located just 20 minutes from the hotel zone of Cancun, which stands out for its extensive white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing, swimming and practicing water sports.
Surrounded by mangroves, rainforest and coral reefs, Costa Mujeres is located opposite Isla Mujeres (which also has renovated infrastructure). A short ferry ride from this picturesque island, this area becomes a new point of attraction, offering tranquility and exclusivity.
«Argentine tourism has been important for us as well as for the rest of the destination. That is also why we have an Argentine representative office, because they come for vacations, honeymoons and student trips. The fact of having direct flights from Buenos Aires to Cancun helps a lot.» (Cristóbal Enríquez)
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island: A resort for relaxed living
The 400-room Hyatt Vivid Grand Island is an example of how Cancun continues to invest in building new developments that align with current tourism trends. Located between the Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, just 15 minutes from the airport, this modern all-inclusive resort, which was designed for adults seeking a relaxed, hassle-free experience, cut its ribbons in April.
With its contemporary style and bohemian atmosphere, this hotel combines luxury with technology and simplicity, offering its guests moments of pure pleasure and comfort, but in line with the demands suggested post-pandemic. «Among the trends we see, travelers value open spaces, the size of public areas and vegetation more; all of that began to be valued more and we implemented it more in the designs,» explains Adriana Vázquez , Director of Design and Planning Hyatt Inclusive Collection.
Hyatt Vivid Grand Island elevates the lodging experience with panoramic bay, ocean and golf course views and personalized amenities like the Vantage Club , offering private check-in and exclusive access to private, upgraded areas within the resort.
Guests can also enjoy a wide range of dining experiences at five à la carte restaurants (with options to try French, Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese and, of course, Mexican cuisine), a buffet, a food truck, a cevicheria and a café, as well as a snack bar.
You can also relax at the exclusive Ennea Beach Club , which can be accessed with a free shuttle service provided by the hotel between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., or enjoy an adventurous outing to the nearby cultural wonders or to downtown Cancun, which is located just over 3 kilometers away.
As if that were not enough, the proposal includes different activities for guests focused on wellness, such as yoga and sound healing classes , as well as creativity, with crochet and porcelain workshops, among others.
Everything is designed so that life flows naturally and without stress, making it an ideal destination for those looking to disconnect and live well on their own terms.
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres: A hidden luxury on the coast
Almost 20 kilometers north of Cancun, in the exclusive area of Costa Mujeres , stands the Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres , a luxurious adults-only resort that offers a unique experience facing the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
Featuring 507 suites decorated with organic materials and local artwork, this hotel, which opened in February, combines Mexican authenticity with ultimate luxury.
Secrets Playa Blanca stands out not only for its impressive facilities, but also for its Unlimited-Luxury proposal , where everything is included.Guests can enjoy unlimited gourmet dining , premium spirits and a variety of activities both on and off the resort..
From relaxing in its infinity pools to participating in tequila tastings or exploring the nearby Isla Contoy National Park (one of Mexico’s 67 protected National Parks and the most important bird sanctuary in the Mexican Caribbean), the hotel offers a comprehensive experience for those seeking romance, relaxation and adventure.
For those who opt for an even more exclusive experience, Preferred Club suites offer a higher level of luxury, with access to private areas such as a beach club and an infinity pool dedicated only to these guests.
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets: An island refuge
While Cancun and Costa Mujeres offer new developments, Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a fascinating example of redevelopment and how an existing space can be transformed into a luxury retreat without losing its original essence.
Located in the southern area of Isla Mujeres, near the ruins of a sanctuary dedicated to Ixchel , the Mayan goddess of the Moon, Fertility and Happiness, this 125-room resort is a hidden gem that blends harmoniously with the Caribbean landscape.The hotel’s design evokes Mediterranean cities and offers guests a romantic and exclusive getaway.
Accessible just 25 minutes by private catamaran from Cancun, Impression Isla Mujeres offers personalized butler service and the Unlimited Privileges concept , where every guest wish is attended to with meticulous dedication.
The resort features spectacular terraces, several swimming pools and a first-class spa with Hammam and Floatation treatments.This property is positioned as an ideal destination for those seeking an intimate and luxurious experience, amidst the natural beauty of Isla Mujeres.
«Impression is the highest category right now within all-inclusive, so there we talk about being able to generate those higher experiences, for a clientele that is accustomed to visiting the best hotels, that somewhat transfers to the visual identity of the hotel and the operation,» shares Vázquez , who reveals that the company is working on more projects (new and reconversions) both in Mexico and in other Caribbean destinations, such as the Dominican Republic and Aruba . «New hotels are also coming in Jamaica and also some in Saint Lucia and we are looking at new islands,» adds Enríquez .
This renewed commitment to building and modernizing hotels in Cancun and its surrounding areas reinforces its position as a world-class destination, ready to continue to win over travelers in the coming years.
