Demand for Mexican Caribbean continues to soar
Ian Stalker
A combination of factors is leading to a rebound in visitations to the Mexican Caribbean, which like other tourism locales has had to weather the coronavirus pandemic.
Laura Nesteanu, who carries the flag in this country for a region that includes traditionally hugely popular Cancun and the Riviera Maya, notes there have been numerous positive developments for it as of late, including there now being 35 airlines flying into its three international airports.
“The strict protocols in place have ensured a great experience for all travellers to the Mexican Caribbean and there’s increased demand for the destination,” she says. “We’re happy that the borders are open and Canadians are able to travel to our destinations using their airline of preference. In addition to the Mexican or US carriers, there are 4 Canadian airlines with non-stop flights to Cancun (Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, Swoop), departing from 7 cities across Canada (Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Halifax).
“The vaccination numbers are very high in Canada and now that children will be vaccinated, too, we believe that Canadian families will feel even more comfortable to get on a plane and have a fantastic holiday in one of our destinations.”
Mexico doesn’t require a Covid test to enter the country, making travel more affordable, Nesteanu states. In addition, some hotels have been offering the PCR test needed for the return to Canada free for those staying seven or more nights.
Tourism authorities suggest people check directly with airlines and hotels to learn about their protocols.
All visitors are required to continue to comply with the preventive measures and established protocols in the destination, available at https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/covid-19/. The list contains information on the hygiene protocols for the travel industry in the Mexican Caribbean, including hotels, DMCs, parks, tours, restaurants, airports, airlines and providers.
“In the Mexican Caribbean we work together with health authorities and hotels to facilitate access to the diagnostic tests required for our visitors,” Nesteanu states. “Most of the hotel chains have confirmed that they will offer tests at no cost to their guests, additionally agreements have been made with laboratories and pharmacies to offer tests at preferential prices. In case of requiring a PCR test, the hotels will support with the necessary procedures. Those wanting additional information can check the table of hospitals and laboratories.”
It is necessary for proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be presented at the time of registration with the airline, or the airline will not allow the person to board.
Nesteanu reports around 90% of the hotels in her region are fully open, with the rest being renovated or closed. According to the State Reactivation Traffic Light, the Mexican Caribbean is now in the 1st Green Phase, with hotels allowed to operate at 80% capacity.
Hotel occupancy varies according to the season. At the end of October, it was at 55% across the state of Quintana Roo, with higher numbers expected towards the end of this year, when visitation numbers increase because of the onset of winter in source markets.
The Quintana Roo Tourism Board is actively actively working with travel agents, providing training opportunities and webinars, participating at trade shows and developing new partnerships with tour operators and travel agencies to increase visibility, product offerings and generate more sales to the Mexican Caribbean for this winter and spring.
Nesteanu notes her Ontario-based team offers support to Canadian travel agents. It can be reached by phone at 647.797.3733 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected].
Those wanting more information on all the destinations included in the Mexican Caribbean (the entire state of Quintana Roo) can visit https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/destinations/.
