Cancun visitor growth strongest in the Americas: survey

CANCUN — Cancun is expected to be the strongest growing city in 2017 in the Americas, Euromonitor International research revealed this week at World Travel Market London, a leading global event for the travel industry.

While the US remains the largest source market, Mexico is becoming increasingly popular with visitors from Europe and Asia, according to the Top 100 City Destination Ranking WTM London Edition, by Euromonitor International.

In 2016, the Mexican resort city of Cancun welcomed 5.8 million international arrivals, and the report forecasts this will reach 6.8 million in 2017 – up by 16% year-on-year.

It means the city will rise five places in the global rankings to 32.

The surge in arrivals is predicted to continue, and reach 7.6 million in 2020, and nine million in 2025. Many parts of the Caribbean have been devastated by hurricanes this year, particularly Irma, Maria and Nate, with the latter causing the Foreign and Commonwealth to issue advice to travellers about hazardous weather conditions in Cancun and the surrounding regions.

The report says the second fastest growing city in the Americas will be Toronto, up 11% year-on-year during 2017; followed by Mexico City (9%); Vancouver (6.6%) and Punta Cana (6.5%).

“The figures reflect a surge in arrivals for Mexico and Canada, while cities in the US are seeing slower growth rates, partly thanks to the travel policies of President Donald Trump,” author Wouter Geerts, Senior Travel Analyst at Euromonitor International said.

Mexico’s tourism industry is also outpacing average growth rates seen around the world.

According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, Mexico has climbed from being the 15th most visited country in the world in 2012 to the eighth most visited.

Mexico welcomed 35 million international tourist arrivals in 2016; a rise of 9% year-on-year.

In September, the Mexico Tourism Board unveiled a new global campaign using the strapline ‘A World of Its Own’.

The campaign focuses on the “vibrant, multi-faceted experiences that keep visitors coming back to Mexico” and highlights the scale and diversity of its tourism offering.

Bordering the Caribbean, Cancun is famous for its beaches, resorts and nightlife, and is a popular destination for American students during universities’ spring break period.

Mexico was the Premier Partner for WTM London in 2015, as that year was designated as the Year of Mexico in the UK.

World Travel Market London, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “It’s great news that tourism to Cancun, and other Mexican cities have gone from strength to strength in recent years.

“The Year of Mexico in the UK was a great opportunity for the Mexico Tourism Board and we are delighted to hear that numbers from Europe, as well as Asia, are increasing.”

eTN is a media partner for WTM.

Source: https://eturbonews.com/