Once one of the most visited destinations worldwide, Cancun is reportedly losing visitors at an accelerated pace, according to data revealed by ASUR, the airport management agency.
First things first: nothing is wrong with Cancun. The destination remains as stunning as you recall it, with its turquoise waters, vibrant Caribbean culture and superb nightlife.
However, the launch of Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) in Dec. 2023 appears to be impacting passenger traffic and the local tourism industry.
Over the course of the year, we’ve reported a steady decline in arrivals, but August has confirmed the trend.
Last month, only 2.3 million visitors passed through customs at Cancun International Airport (CUN), marking a significant 14.1 percent decline compared to the same period in 2023.
A closer look at the data reveals a decrease of 13.6 in international passengers and 14.8 percent in domestic arrivals for August alone.
In fact, between January and August, CUN saw 22.4 million passengers—a seemingly impressive figure, but it represents a 5.5 percent reduction in visitors compared to the same months in 2023.
Back in July, CUN saw a 14.1 percent drop in passengers compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
In light of this downward trend, the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, acknowledged that the estimated figures for tourist arrivals were not reached, despite the destination being accustomed to breaking tourism records month after month.
“We are used to breaking records, but this summer it was not the case,” said Cueto.
Experts had forecasted that something like this could happen, considering that a large number of travelers who used the services of Cancun airport actually had Tulum as their final destination.
It doesn’t help either that TQO, “the crown jewel” of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has managed to attract most major U.S. and Canadian carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Air Canada and WestJet, saving travelers a two-hour drive with new direct flights to the resort town.
According to the local news outlet REPORTUR.mx, local hoteliers go further to say that this phenomenon is also related to some sort of “tiredness” among Americans who have visited Mexico for many years in a row.
In addition, they believe that emerging competitors like the Dominican Republic and other popular European hotspots are contributing to the decline in the arrival of US citizens to the region.
Why are so many travelers flocking to Tulum?
Visitors to Tulum report this destination offers a more intimate connection with the jungle and other natural wonders like the famous cenotes without sacrificing luxury and comfort.
Most appreciate its rich Mayan history, eco-friendly atmosphere, boutique hotels and trendy restaurants.