Mexico remains a top choice for US citizens travelling abroad, and among its many attractions, three cities stand out as preferred vacation destinations regardless of travel season. These cities offer year-round warm weather, welcoming locals, diverse tourist offerings, and a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the Southern Neighbor has emerged as a tourism powerhouse with record-breaking numbers of visitors in 2022, and experts expect it to continue seeing further growth in 2023. With a long history of attracting millions of tourists each year, this destination remains a top choice for Americans.
We already have information about 25% of American tourists heading to Mexico this year. However, we also have insights into the specific cities that they are most likely to visit:
The Leading Tourist Spots In Mexico
In the first seven months of 2022, three coastal cities in Mexico witnessed a 12.6% rise in arrivals, as per the recent research conducted by Grupo Empresarial Estrategia. This increase amounts to 8.4 million passengers or 23.3% of Mexico’s total tourism figures during that period.
In Mexico, the variety of tourism options is overwhelming, with charming Magical Towns, colonial-era destinations, and a long coastline. Despite the fierce competition, the three coastal cities that saw a significant increase in tourism in 2022 have managed to maintain their popularity. The latest travel data from Allianz Travel confirms that these cities are still the top choices for Americans travelling abroad, even during peak travel periods like early February.
The study indicates that during the peak season in Mexico from February 2 to February 13, which mostly focuses on Valentine’s Day travel, the country is the top vacation choice for Americans travelling internationally. These same destinations were identified as Mexico’s most dominant triad in the previous year.
These are the top three vacation spots in Mexico that have captured the hearts of American travellers:
Cancun
Cancun, located in the state of Quintana Roo, is the most popular destination in Mexico, drawing in millions of visitors every year. Its easy access to the wider Riviera Maya, a stunning stretch of sandy beaches along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, contributes to its popularity. It is home to some of the country’s best luxury resorts, a bustling nightlife, and pristine beaches with turquoise blue waters.
Despite its popularity, Cancun has its downsides such as overpricing and lower service quality during peak times. Additionally, the presence of sargassum from April to October can be a nuisance. However, Cancun remains a world-renowned destination with the cleanest beaches and turquoise blue seas. Due to its high demand, eGates were opened earlier this year to facilitate the processing of passengers.
Los Cabos
The ‘Capes’, or Los Cabos, situated at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, comprise the twin destinations of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Known for its thriving wellness industry and picturesque natural surroundings, Los Cabos boasts the stunning arch-shaped rock formation jutting out of the Pacific, as well as golden beaches and abundant marine life in lush parks.
Los Cabos is currently the fastest-growing destination in Mexico, with a growth rate surpassing even that of Cancun. Its popularity has skyrocketed due to its luxurious hotels, spa facilities, and relaxed atmosphere that offers a contrast to the lively party scene of Cancun. In 2022, Los Cabos recorded a 24% increase in arrivals, making it Mexico’s second most popular coastal destination.
Puerto Vallarta
Located in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a stunning city known for its distinctive skyline. The city’s skyline is dominated by a pink-hued cathedral spire, which stands tall above the Spanish colonial-style cobblestone streets of the Old Town. The city’s set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean is nothing short of dramatic. Strolling through the streets of Puerto Vallarta, visitors will encounter an intriguing blend of the old and the new.
While wandering through the Centro Historico, visitors can catch a glimpse of Mexico’s colonial past and the riches of the defunct Spanish Empire that once governed Puerto Vallarta. Meanwhile, the popular Malecon promenade, which is lined with palm trees and features trendy bars and restaurants, serves as a reminder that Puerto Vallarta is not just a lifeless open-air museum, but rather a vibrant and youthful destination.
A Powerhouse Trio
Despite seasonal changes and holiday periods, these three cities will maintain their position as the top booking destinations. This is not just a coincidence, but rather an impressive feat. For example, it is typical for bookings to increase in the European market during the summer months, as Americans flock to the Mediterranean or the newly-discovered Black Sea to enjoy the culture.
Even during the colder months, inbound travel to Mexico’s top three destinations does not significantly decrease as it does for seasonal European destinations. These cities remain busy year-round, and while there may be a slight decrease in numbers during the off-season, incoming passengers can still struggle with higher rates and lower room availability in some areas. This is in contrast to seasonal European destinations that experience a significant decrease in bookings during the colder months.
Consider several other destinations in Mexico that are experiencing rapid growth for travel. Isla Mujeres is a picturesque island located off the coast of Cancun. Tourists often refer to Lake Bacalar as the new Tulum because of its authentic atmosphere and lack of over-tourism. Merida is a charming colonial city, renowned for its vibrant buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries and strong Spanish influence. All of these destinations offer unique experiences and are worth exploring.
