Meagan Drillinger
The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is reporting a 2% increase in visitors between January and May, when compared with the same period last year.
Leading the pack were U.S. travelers, who set a record with nearly 1.06 million visitors, a 5% increase year over year. Cancun is expecting the success to continue into 2017 with the addition of new hotels, restaurants and other attractions.
In May, Puerto Morelos welcomed Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, a modern resort located between the Caribbean Sea and the Lagoon of Bahia Petempic. The adults-only property has 526 all-suite accommodations and some of the all-inclusive perks enjoyed by guests include weekly themed parties, exclusive access to 10 bars and lounges, special guest DJ performances, pool parties and more.
July marked the one-year anniversary of the debut of the property's $2 million, 40,000-square-foot Coral KidZ Club, and the hotel's introduction of a new Mayan-themed outdoor sand-and-water play ozone. The latest addition is connected to the club and allows kids to embark on an adventure through the jungles of the Yucatan. Young guests began enjoying portions of the water park this summer and the final unveiling of the remaining attractions will take place in November.
Also in July, Hyatt Ziva Cancun debuted Turquoize, an adults-only haven situated in the heart of the resort. The 18-and-up beachfront tower has guestrooms of 700 square feet that include bathrooms with rainfall showers, turndown service, a private balcony and hot tub.
Desire Resorts and Desire cruises are consolidating and rebranding under one "Desire" umbrella. The relaunch includes a new look and feel, portraying a fresher and more modern image. Elements include the redesign of the logo, new slogan: Beyond Seduction, and a new website at www.desire-experience.com. The Desire experience includes the all-inclusive resorts Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort and Desire Riviera Maya Resort, along with Desire Venice Cruise, each designed for couples only, offering guests a clothing-optional atmosphere.
As Cancun continues to expand its offerings, the lift on flight restrictions established by the U.S. and Mexican governments in August will ease travel for visitors by providing them with more travel options. Following the announcement, several airlines have jumped at the opportunity to expand into previously unserved cities. Some of these new routes include flights from Kelowna, B.C., on Sundays, November through April, via Sunwing Vacations; daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles starting Dec. 4, via Southwest Airlines; daily nonstop flights from JFK beginning Dec. 17, by Delta Air Lines; nonstop services from Tampa beginning March 19, provided by Vacation Express.