The launch of Tulum’s New International Airport (TQO) on December 1, 2023 promised to be a game-changer for the region, and that has now been confirmed: Expedia – one of the world’s leading travel platforms – has named this city the number one one destination for autumn travel worldwide.
Internationally known for its unique cenotes (natural sinkholes, perfect for freshwater swimming and diving), lush jungles, Mayan ruins and vibrant beach life, this Mexican resort has beaten popular destinations like Mallorca, Spain and Tokyo, Japan, who finished in second and third place. place respectively.
This decision did not come out of the blue; The travel platform has recorded a 70 percent increase in searches for the destination, making it the most sought-after hotspot by this metric in 2024, according to data revealed in the annual Fall Travel Outlook, which analyzes travel trends for the quarter.
Jorge Molina Pérez, Director General of Municipal Tourism and Economy, expressed his satisfaction with the news and announced that Tulum will provide all conditions for travelers to enjoy an unforgettable trip surrounded by nature.
“We competed against European, Caribbean and Asian destinations, and this is the very first time Tulum has achieved such a milestone. These rankings reflect travelers’ preference for Tulum, Mexico.”
The official also encouraged the hospitality sector to offer promotions with special prices to take advantage of the push Expedia has given them with this designation while securing jobs for local workers during the off-season.
The tourism sector “We have to make the most of this push. The tourism, commercial and hotel sectors must start launching internal campaigns and discounts to mitigate the impact of the low season, while keeping numbers stable and avoiding closures.” Molina recommended.
This is of course an unbeatable opportunity for Americans who missed the summer vacation in the Caribbean to enjoy a less crowded and budget-friendly vacation.
Another benefit is that several major US cities and almost all airlines now offer direct flights to Tulum, including nonstop flights from Chicago, New York and Atlanta, and from January also from Detroit.
Why is there so much hype about Tulum?
Tulum has gone from being the secret hideaway for hippies and tree huggers to a hotspot that attracts visitors from all corners of the world with its eco-friendly luxury hotels, vibrant atmosphere, tasty cuisine, freshwater cenotes and fascinating Mayan culture.
Unlike other Mexican destinations like Mexico City and even Cancun, Tulum offers a more intimate connection with nature.
In addition, the brand new Tren Maya, which has already been partially opened, makes this paradise even more accessible by connecting it to various sides of the Yucatán Peninsula, including the brand new world-class Jaguar Park, which is expected to open to the public next week.
