Cancun loses 388 thousand U.S. tourists in the summer due to changes in preference to other destinations
28-09-24
In a context of growing competition in tourism, Cancun has suffered a drastic decrease in the number of U.S. visitors, with a loss of 388,000 tourists between June and July of this year. Francisco Madrid Flores, director of the Center for Tourism Research and Competitiveness (Cicotur) at Anahuac University, attributes this drop not to a reduction in interest in travel, but to a notable change in travelers' preferences, who are opting for European destinations.
Madrid Flores explained that this trend has intensified in the last tourist season. “We did not achieve the projected goals, as almost 37% of Americans have decided to visit Europe instead of traditional destinations in Mexico, which has meant considerable losses for our sector,” he said. This migration of tourists to the old continent could be influenced by a combination of factors, including attractive promotions, a rich cultural offer and the perception of greater security in some European countries.
The impact of this preference has also been reflected in the operations of Cancun International Airport, which has seen a 7.5% decrease in passenger arrivals. However, this situation is not exclusive to Cancun. Other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, have also reported significant drops in visitor flow. “The face of tourism in Mexico is represented by the Caribbean, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, and in all three there are significant losses in the number of travelers due to this new trend of Americans,” added Madrid Flores.
The data reflects a transformation in the travel habits of American tourists, who are looking for different and unique experiences. This change has led authorities and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector to rethink their marketing and promotion strategies in order to attract travelers once again. “It is essential that we adapt our offer to the new market demands. We need to highlight what makes Mexico an attractive destination, such as its culture, gastronomy and hospitality,” said Madrid Flores.
Additionally, experts have begun to analyze the impact of external factors, such as the global economy and international flight prices, which could be influencing travel decisions. Economic instability in some regions and the rising costs of certain destinations have led travelers to reconsider their options.
As Mexico's tourism industry faces this challenge, collaboration between government, business and tourism organizations becomes crucial. Madrid Flores stressed the importance of developing campaigns that not only attract back U.S. tourists, but also diversify the market to include visitors from other regions.
The future of tourism in Cancun and other Mexican destinations will depend on their ability to adapt to changing traveler preferences and offer memorable experiences that highlight the best of the country's culture and natural beauty. Looking ahead to the new year, the tourism sector is optimistic that these strategies will help regain lost ground and consolidate Mexico as a top destination on the global tourism scene.
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