DISCOVER THE CHARM OF THE RIVIERA MAYA: THE MOST VISITED DESTINATION IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN.
The Riviera Maya, located in the Mexican Caribbean, has recently been crowned as the most visited destination in the region, surpassing even the popular Cancun. According to the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya welcomed 40% of all visitors to the state, while Cancun, still a highly sought-after vacation spot, welcomed 34%. Meanwhile, smaller destinations such as Holbox and Bacalar, received 2.8% and 1.2% of the state’s visitors respectively.
In 2022, there were three million more visitors to the Mexican Caribbean region compared to the same period in 2019, with 60% of tourists coming from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the number of tourists from Brazil has decreased over the past three years, local North American tourists are filling the gaps and filling up hotels in both Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Aside from the bigger tourist destinations, Isla Holbox and Bacalar have also seen a significant increase in visitors. In 2022, Holbox reported over 550,000 visitors, an increase of almost 170,000 from previous years. Bacalar, a magical town in southern Quintana Roo, saw over 243,000 visitors in 2022, a significant jump from the previous record of 144,000.
It is important to note that the Riviera Maya, also referred to as the Mayan Riviera, does not include popular destinations such as Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, or Bacalar. The Riviera Maya begins at Puerto Morelos and ends at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, just south of Tulum, and includes popular vacation spots such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Puerto Aventuras.
The branding term “Riviera Maya” is a relatively new one, but the destination has quickly become a popular choice for travelers looking for a tropical getaway in the Mexican Caribbean. With its stunning beaches, rich culture, and abundant activities, it’s no surprise that the Riviera Maya is now the most visited destination in the region.
