Cabo Sees Record Increase In Tourists – Here’s Why Some Americans Love It More Than Cancun

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Of all the sunny destinations currently breaking records and poised to sell out for the long-awaited winter period, such as mighty Cancun and Punta Cana, Cabo is the one who lives the fastest recovery and the biggest increase in the number of tourists — but what is it about Mexico’s Pacific coast that has Americans so hooked?

The arch of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with boats in the ocean

Tourism in Cabo may have slowed moderately for two-and-a-half years due to the disruptive health crisis, but the fact that it never closed its doors to sun-seekers and adopted looser restrictions on daily life kept it from fading. The easing measures appear to have paid off as the Pacific enters a new golden age for tourism.

Yes, the Riviera Maya remains the top-selling product in Mexico, but a growing number of Americans now prefer Cabo. That is why:

Californians make up the majority of visitors to Cabo

Happy,Asian,Family,Enjoying,Beach,Activities,During,The,Summer

“The Capes” is a dual attraction comprising the neighboring towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, which together form a major resort strip straddling the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. They are also ideally located in an area of ​​exceptional beauty, where magic townsgolden sand beaches and marine parks.

As confirmed by the Los Cabos Tourism Board, the cities are expected to reach the end of 2022 with a total of 3.3 million visitors welcomed – growth of more than 20% compared to 2021, and a “compound growth” of 32% over the five-year period between 2017 and today. Naturally, the Americans are the main contributors to Cabo’s excellent annual results.

Los Cabos, Pacific Coast, Baja California Sur, Mexico, view from hotel balcony overlooking the ocean

Specifically, Californians, who make up the majority of foreign tourists, or 68% of arrivals. They are the main beneficiaries of cheaper flight offers to Cabo. As reported by our sister site The sun of Caboflights from San Diego cost $240 round-trip from January to March, while airfare to Los Angeles averages $179 even less.

Americans (or Californians) are not the only ones to avoid Cancun: the Canadian market projects 19.3% more seats for the six-month period between December and May. In Mexico itself, seat availability is expected to increase by 95.8% compared to the pre-pandemic era. Needless to say, the locals and gringos alike are enamored with Cabo.

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Aerial view of Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico with resort town and ocean

The wellness capital of Mexico

Rodrigo Esponda, chief executive of the Tourist Board, said they were taking a “holistic approach” in their promotion efforts. Instead of becoming one of the most touristic in Mexico, overdeveloped tourist areastheir goal is to establish The Capes as a sustainable destination who cares about “the environment, community, culture and more”.

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Pacific Coast of Mexico, marina with slip boats

It’s precisely Cabo’s sustainability and laid-back vibe that make it such an attractive alternative to a much busier and much more expensive Cancun. Exceeding expectations, he beat the Mayan capital, his strongest competitor nationally, in first place as Best destination in Mexico at this year’s Travvy Awards.

In addition to that, he kept the upper hand over all latest trends that will define travel in 2023, including wellness and workcations:

Feet massaged at A Sa, Foot massage, Relaxation, Holidays

As concluded by research conducted by the Global Wellness Institute, Capes are the capital of well-being from Latin America. Its extensive collection of world-class all-inclusive retreats, which line the beachfront and offer guests an escape from the chaos of the modern world, has undoubtedly advanced its brand as a wellness resort.

Additionally, the local government has partnered with vacation rental platforms to encourage slow moving and long term stays, in the first such campaign in the country. Unsurprisingly, Cabo’s stunning nature, cultural relevance, and vibrant social scene led AirBnB to name it one of Baja California Sur’s top five destinations for digital nomads.

San Jose Del Cabo, Los Cabos, Pacific Coast, Mexico, Latin America, historic building

In sum, Cabo’s popularity is largely attributed to its natural resources, cultural richness, incredible gastronomy and booming real estate, with 1,500 additional hotel rooms be delivered by 2024. If your heart is set on the azure waters of the Pacific, perhaps you should consider booking a seat on a (surprisingly affordable) semi-private jet from Los Angeles this winter.

With prices starting at just $600 one way, you can travel to Cabo in stylewith priority boarding, no queuing and a five-star flight experience.

Traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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