The Mexican Caribbean heralds a “new era” in tourism, concluding the first half of 2024 on a high note. Highlights include the opening of the Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO), the inauguration of the Tren Maya service connecting Cancun International Airport with Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, significant new hotel developments, and the introduction of Mexico’s first-ever Michelin-recognized restaurants.

AIR SERVICE

Debuted in December 2023, Tulum International Airport commenced its international operations in March 2024, hosting flights from eight international gateways. JetBlue provides daily nonstop flights from New York JFK, while Delta serves the Atlanta route. United offers direct flights from Newark, Houston, and Chicago O’Hare. American Airlines facilitates connections from Miami and Charlotte, with a twice-daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth. Additionally, Air Canada is set to begin daily nonstop flights from Toronto Pearson in December 2024. Tulum International Airport serves as a prime gateway for U.S. travelers headed to the southern parts of the Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Bacalar, significantly cutting ground transfer times by up to two hours compared to Cancun, enabling quicker access to these destinations.

“The Mexican Caribbean is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, and we are thrilled to enhance the overall experience for the millions of travelers from around the world who visit each year,” said Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo.

Over the past six months, the Mexican Caribbean has broadened its esteemed hospitality offerings with notable new openings. Cancun has seen diverse developments catering to various budgets, featuring all-inclusive properties such as Marriott Cancun Resort, AVA Resort Cancun, Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, Dreams Grand Island Cancun, and the opulent adults-only Hotel Mousai Cancun. In Costa Mujeres, a serene area just 30 minutes north of Cancun, SHA Mexico introduces programs aimed at enhancing overall well-being. The Riviera Maya welcomes The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai and the newly reopened Maroma, a Belmond Resort, offering premium retreats. Additionally, in November, Isla Mujeres will see the introduction of Almare, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort by Marriott.

CULINARY DEVELOPMENTS

The region gained international acclaim when Mexico’s first-ever Michelin recognitions were awarded in April. The Mexican Caribbean celebrated One Star distinctions for Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen; Le Chique at Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos; and HA’ at Hotel Xcaret in Playa del Carmen. Moreover, seventeen other regional restaurants were honored in the Bib Gourmand and Recommended Restaurant categories, including:

• Axiote Cocina de Mexico, Playa del Carmen – Bib Gourmand
• Cetli, Tulum – Bib Gourmand
• Mestixa, Tulum – Bib Gourmand
• Punta Corcho, Puerto Morelos – Bib Gourmand
• Arca, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• Autor, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• Bu’ul, Playa del Carmen – Recommended Restaurant
• Casa Banana, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• El Fogón, Playa del Carmen – Recommended Restaurant
• Hartwood, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• Kiosco Verde, Cancún – Recommended Restaurant
• La Casa De Las Mayoras, Cancún – Recommended Restaurant
• María Dolores, Isla Mujeres – Recommended Restaurant
• NÜ Tulum, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• Posada Margherita, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• Wild, Tulum – Recommended Restaurant
• Woodend, Playa del Carmen – Recommended Restaurant

“The Mexican Caribbean is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, and we are thrilled to enhance the overall experience for the millions of travelers from around the world who visit each year,” said Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo (CPTQ). “Our beaches, entertainment, and culinary experiences are out of this world, and the Mayan cultural influence felt throughout the region makes any trip to the Mexican Caribbean truly one of a kind. We look forward to introducing return and first-time visitors to our new offerings in the months ahead.”

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