Quintana Roo, particularly Cancún, continues to solidify its reputation as a premier global destination for its natural attractions, world-class hotel infrastructure, and unparalleled airport connectivity. Both domestic and international tourists consistently rank the Mexican Caribbean as one of their favorite vacation spots.
Despite ongoing smear campaigns—often filled with sensationalized headlines and exaggerated claims—Quintana Roo remains a paradise for travelers seeking a well-deserved escape. These campaigns are rumored to be driven by competitors from other international destinations attempting to sway tourists away from the region. Unfortunately, some locals who live and work in the area have also fallen victim to misinformation.
For instance, a circulating message in WhatsApp groups branding Cancún as a “land of no law” has drawn scrutiny. While isolated incidents occur, as they would in any major city or tourist destination, the claim is far from reality. Evidence of the region’s vibrancy includes the attendance of nearly 28,000 people at Chayanne and Don Omar’s concerts last Saturday, along with 15,000 attendees at the International Padel Tour hosted in Costa Mujeres this week.
Consistent Growth in U.S. Tourism
Rumors of a decline in U.S. visitors to Quintana Roo are also unfounded. According to Ministry of Tourism statistics, the region has seen a steady increase in overall tourist numbers and the presence of American travelers since 2019. Projections for this month indicate approximately 775,000 total visitors, 40% of whom are expected to be from the United States. This aligns with figures from the previous year, when 42% of visitors held U.S. passports.
Historical data underscores this upward trend:
– In 2019, 488,142 tourists visited, with Americans comprising 35.2%.
– In 2022, the number rose to 692,133, with 43.8% being Americans.
– In 2023, Quintana Roo welcomed 719,064 tourists, 39.8% of whom came from the U.S.
No records are available for 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic-related disruptions.
Revitalization of Public Spaces
Over the past three years, the state government and local city councils have made significant efforts to restore public spaces that had been neglected or misused. These areas have been transformed into playgrounds, recreational hubs, and family-friendly venues. Governor Mara Lezama has set a notable example by spearheading the restoration of Chetumal’s long-overlooked areas. Local leaders such as Ana Paty Peralta in Cancún, Diego Castañón in Tulum, Estefanía Mercado in Playa del Carmen, and others across Quintana Roo are following suit.
These initiatives have been widely appreciated by families, further cementing Quintana Roo’s reputation as a welcoming and safe destination for visitors and locals alike.
Source: 24 Horas Quintana Roo
