Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are still likely to sell out this winter – despite prices rising significantly in both locations. Whilst there have been a string of other places in Mexico and the wider Central American/Caribbean region that have recently been touted as the new top destinations in town, the sheer volume of hotel bookings that Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are experiencing proves that when it comes to top travel destinations, it takes a lot to knock the old favorites off their pedestals.
For regulars to the two destinations, which are famed for their stunning beaches, clear seas, and thriving nightlife scenes, the news will come as little surprise – and it might also serve as a warning to get their vacation accommodation booked as soon as possible. Here’s a look at why Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are likely to sell out this winter.
Cancun Looking Likely To Sell Out – Information For Travelers
Nestled right in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun’s gorgeous climate and even better beaches have seen it become a favorite amongst American travelers for decades. The destination was the hottest place to travel for Americans this summer, with more than 3 million Americans having visited the idyllic region so far this year – and if recent projections are anything to go by, those figures could rise even higher over the upcoming winter travel period.
Last month, hotel occupancy rates in the city averaged an impressive 68.9% – the type of figures that most destinations post-pandemic could only dream of. But what’s more impressive is not just the fact that figures remained high during the region’s supposed “low-season” – where occupancy rates are typically between just 40 and 50 percent – but that they stayed high despite an average increase of 25% on the hotel rates.
With cost seemingly no barrier to entry for many Americans, the city could be set for a swathe of arrivals over the coming months. The unusually-high figures have prompted Jesús Almaguer, president of the Cancun Hotel Association, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, to feel that hotels in the area could sell out over the winter period, as demand to visit the tropical, family-friendly destinations shows no sign of letting up. Travelers looking to book a stay in the city this winter should act quickly to avoid disappointment before its usual array of top-quality resorts and shiny new hotels are full up.
Playa Del Carmen Booking Soar – What Travelers Should Know
Cancun isn’t the only destination to benefit from a high volume of arrivals. Playa Del Carmen is helping to solidify Mexico’s status as the world’s top post-pandemic destination by boasting impressive occupancy rates themselves; hotels in its downtown area have averaged an occupancy rate of around 70% – with national holidays seeing that figure rise towards 80% – thanks to travelers who seemingly can’t get enough of the country.
Speaking about the Riviera Maya region’s prospects for the coming months, Andrea Lotito, vice president of the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, said:
“Reservations for the end of the year have already begun, that means that there is a good situation for the year, we will see what happens, but that means that we are waiting… The market is showing the conditions to continue and that is very good to continue with the activity, we hope to see better results soon for the good of all the collaborators”
With several reservations already in place for important Mexican festivals such as the Day of the Dead and the Mexican Revolution, Playa Del Carmen could well be looking to sell out alongside Cancun this winter. Yet whilst occupancy rates are set to be high, travelers who miss out on these two destinations shouldn’t worry; there are plenty of destinations in the country – both on the beach and further inland – that can still provide the type of top-quality vacation experience we’ve come to expect from Mexico.
