WTM Latin America: Mexican Caribbean seeks to recover the Brazilian market and accelerate its international growth

Within the framework of WTM Latin America, the Mexican Caribbean is reinforcing its commitment to the Brazilian market, with the aim of recovering the flow of tourists after the impact generated by visa restrictions in recent years.

In a dialogue with Travel2Latam, Jorge Luis Téllez, Executive Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), highlighted the destination's sustained growth, the progress in connectivity, and the opportunities that the infrastructure opens up to consolidate its global positioning.

What are the expectations of the Mexican Caribbean at WTM Latin America?

We're here for our market, which is Brazil. For a while, the visa situation caused us to lose business, but now, with the system back in place, we're seeing a very strong recovery.

According to recent data, demand for electronic visas has increased by 460%, and the issuance of physical visas at consulates has also risen. This allows us to project the recovery of the Brazilian market towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

Furthermore, there is strong support from the private sector, with businesspeople from Quintana Roo present at the fair, which demonstrates that we have a clear strategy to recover this market.

The growth in connectivity and infrastructure has been remarkable. How does this impact the destination?

The numbers speak for themselves. Air connectivity continues to grow, and we are working to add new direct flights from Brazil, especially from São Paulo.

Airlines continue to invest in the Mexican Caribbean, and investors are developing new hotels and attracting international brands. This is reflected throughout the entire value chain: transportation, excursions, nautical activities—the entire tourism ecosystem is investing because the business is thriving.

If we manage to maintain this pace, we estimate that by the middle of next year at the latest we will have fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

He also mentioned the role of the destination in relation to major events like the World Cup. What opportunities does this present?

It's an opportunity that comes naturally. Quintana Roo is the main gateway for international tourism to Mexico, with four international airports and excellent connectivity with host cities.

This allows visitors to stay in the Mexican Caribbean and travel the same day to see the games, which is very attractive considering the accommodation costs in the host cities.

In addition, we will offer World Cup-related experiences, with Fan Fests and activations in hotels, which will be themed so that tourists can experience the event even from their destination.

How is hotel occupancy currently behaving?

Today we manage approximately 140,500 rooms, with an average occupancy rate of 80%, which is very positive. Although it's not peak season, the levels are healthy.

For us, reaching between 80% and 85% is practically already at the maximum, because we seek a balance: avoiding overselling and guaranteeing a good visitor experience.

Tourist loyalty is key, and we want every visitor to leave satisfied and eager to return.

What new infrastructure developments are driving the destination forward?

There are very important advances, such as the new bridge over the Nichupté lagoon, which is about to be inaugurated and will significantly improve mobility to and from the Cancun airport.

We are also continuing to strengthen the infrastructure for security and civil protection, something fundamental in the Caribbean, where we must be prepared for climatic phenomena.

Furthermore, the Maya Train adds a new dimension to connectivity. It allows for quick travel to different destinations and access to lesser-known archaeological sites, such as Ichkabal, recently opened to the public, or Cobá, where it is now possible to climb its pyramid again.

How is the tourism offering of the Mexican Caribbean evolving?

Competition among investors is raising the bar. It's no longer just about building hotels, but about developing extraordinary experiences with world-class design, technology, and service.

The destination combines this with its cultural richness, Mayan heritage, cenotes, beaches and an increasingly diversified offering, including meetings and wedding tourism.

All of this allows us to constantly renew our offering and continue to surprise visitors year after year.