Share the article
Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Isla Mujeres are also recognized
Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean once again highlighted their popularity as Cancun, and several other destinations in Quintana Roo made it onto TripAdvisor’s 2022 Top Destinations list. Cancun took top honors, being named the best city in the world for sun seekers.
The annual Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Awards highlight a range of global destinations for their beauty, experiential value and popularity. The Mexican Caribbean was high on several lists, with Cancun grabbing the top spot in the sunny destination award.
Introducing the list, Trip Advisor says, “Heaven is different for everyone. But these sunny destinations are as close to the real deal as you can get,” before saying of Cancun:
“Sunny Cancun has more to offer than its reputation as a party town suggests. Many beautiful, drama-free family resorts cater to people who want to experience the tropical climate of Yucatan. There are significant Mayan ruins here, such as El Rey and the Yamil Lu’um, a ruined tower of pale gray stone. Learn more about this ancient civilization at the Museo Maya in Cancun. For a literal taste of Mexico, visit the Museo Sensorial del Tequila.
Cancun’s popularity speaks for itself, and the pandemic has only cemented its place as the number one destination for Americans traveling out of the country.
Playa del Carmen came in fifth place, just behind Cancun’s west coast rival Cabo San Lucas. It beat tourism giants Bali and Crete, which came second and third respectively.
Cancun’s third place among the most popular destinations was almost more impressive. Dubai ranked first, while London came second. Cancun holds its own with some of the biggest destinations on the planet. Its world-class hotels, stunning beaches, and an excellent array of nearby Mayan ruins combine to create the perfect storm for vacationers.
Tulum and Playa del Carmen are also on the list of trending destinations. This list revolves around lesser-known or brand-new destinations that have grown in popularity over the past year. Tulum ranked fourth, thanks to its astronomical growth over the past few years. The beautiful beach town has exploded in popularity after Mexico’s relaxed stance during the pandemic drew digital nomads and younger crowds to the Mexican Caribbean in the thousands.
Global franchises like Hilton have taken notice and are investing millions in Tulum, with new hotels springing up every few months. Its Airbnb market is massive, with short-term rental properties dominating the city’s residential landscape.
This has not been without controversy, however, as the growth spurt has dramatically increased wealth disparity, with poverty rates well over fifty percent.
Playa del Carmen also landed at number fourteen on the list after experiencing its own surge in popularity. The town enjoys a more relaxed beach town atmosphere than neighboring Cancun, and many are vying for the fast-growing alternative. Often seen as an extension of Cancun itself, Play del Carmen has emerged from the shadow of its more famous neighbor, transforming into a world-class destination in its own right.
Isla Mujeres has even taken the place of the best beaches in the world. Its Playa Norte beach was ranked last year, and although it fell a few places this year, it was still recognized as a world-class beach thanks to its pristine sand and crystal clear water.
Isla Mujeres is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as multiple tourism efforts have been designed to recognize its excellent location and the different types of experiences available.
The Mexican Caribbean will only grow in popularity in the years to come. Cancun Airport is one of the most connected hubs in the world, far surpassing other airports of its size, and Tulum will enjoy its own airport next year.
The Maya Train, scheduled for completion in 2024, will transform the tourist landscape of Quintana Roo and attract a whole new group of travelers. Expect to see more locations appear on Trip Advisor’s list next year.
Plan your next Cancun vacation:
Choose from thousands of Hotels, resorts and hostels in Cancun and Riviera Maya with free cancellation on most properties
Book Travel insurance that covers Covid-19
Book at an affordable price Direct flights to Cancun International Airport
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB Group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our latest articles
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments are closed.