- More than 4.8 million visitors in 2014.
- New airline routes and frequencies to the Cancun International Airport brought in more than 17 million passengers last year.
- Recognition from Orbitz, Expedia, Priceline, World Travel Awards and Blue Flag.
Cancun, Mexico (January 21, 2015) – The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce a successful 2014, exceeding expectations after receiving more than 4.8 million visitors over the course of the year.
The Cancun and Puerto Morelos Hotel Association (AHC) reported an average hotel occupancy rate of 81.6 percent, which indicates a presence of 3.9 million tourists in just the first three quarters of 2014, a 6.6 percent increase when compared to the same period in 2013 and an estimated economic gain of $3.3 billion dollars, 7.5 percent higher than 2013.
The outlook for 2015 is encouraging for Cancun, as Priceline.com named Cancun the top international destination in its “top travel hot spots” list for 2015. An increase in connectivity from airlines like Southwest, Alaska and Frontier Airlines will also ease travel for visitors across the U.S. New connections are now available from Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Seattle, Philadelphia, and other U.S. cities.
The Mexican Federal Government plans to invest more than $14 million in the state of Quintana Roo in 2015, which will further support Cancun’s infrastructure and among other projects, be utilized for the advancement of five beaches in the state including those in Northern Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
With demand for hotels on the rise, many Cancun resorts have undergone remodelings and rebrandings, including a $100 million renovation at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort and the rebranding of Hotel Villa Rolandi to Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres; furthermore, several new hotels made their debuts this past year including Emporio Family Suites Cancun and Royalton Riviera Cancun. Rounding out the new additions in the destination, luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Prada, are now at the disposal of Cancun visitors. Lastly, construction of the Cancun sign in Playa Delfines has been finalized and is forecasted to attract 1.5 million tourists annually.
Cancun received many recognitions in 2014 from top travel agencies and awards including: #1 summer destination for Americans by Orbitz Insider Summer Index; World Travel Awards’ 2014 Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination, Leading Tourist Board and Leading Beach Destination; #1 international holiday destination by Expedia; and Blue Flag Certifications for three public beaches including Playa Chac Mool, Las Perlas and Playa Delfines.
“If 2014 is any indication, we are confident that 2015 will be another record breaking year for Cancun,” said Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun CVB. “With the rise in interest from airlines from North America and the opening of new hotels and services, as well as the range of international activities and events in 2015, I think it’s safe to predict another great year for Cancun.”
Some of the new hotels/renovations/rebrandings and services that were inaugurated in 2014 include:
- Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
- Royalton Riviera Cancun
- Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun
- Emporio Family Suites
- Krystal Grand Punta Cancun
- Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres
- Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort Arena
- Tiffany & Co.
- Travelfuture
- Puerto Cancun Golf Club
- Cancun Maya Museum’s CATRINAH 2014 Exhibition
- Alltournative’s nATVive’s tour
- Alltournative’s Maya Jungle Adventure Park
- JetSurf
- Cirque du Soleil JOYA
- Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans project in Isla Mujeres
- Kukulkan Ave. WAD murals
- Cancun sign in Playa Delfines
