New Airport, New Dreams for Tulum
TULUM, Mexico – The unveiling of Tulum’s new airport alongside the Maya Train initiative is setting the stage for the destination to be heralded as the “new paradise of the Mexican Caribbean.” This comes after the announcement of a surge in international flights scheduled for this year, as highlighted by David Ortiz Mena, President of the Tulum Hotel Association.
The anticipated flight routes from Germany, Canada, and the United States will bring about 700,000 seats to Tulum in 2024, bolstering its reputation as a premier Caribbean tourist spot. Ortiz Mena emphasized that the development in both air and ground connectivity, including the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” International Airport and the Maya Train, as well as urban infrastructure improvements, possess the potential to spur tourist development not only in Tulum but throughout the southern part of the state.
The collaboration between the private sector and the Quintana Roo government’s tourism policies has seen fruitful outcomes through the Tourism Promotion Council, aiming to redefine the Caribbean Mexican as a collection of twelve destinations and a unified region with amplified possibilities for visitors. Ortiz expressed optimism about the future, noting the new era for the Caribbean Mexican that these projects herald.
Despite the excitement of these developments, concerns about the high costs associated with ground transportation for tourists remain a focal point. Ortiz acknowledged the issue, particularly the stark contrast in the price of travel to Tulum’s airport compared to Cancun’s. Efforts are underway to negotiate more affordable rates with federal transportation authorities and taxi services. Additionally, bus operator ADO is enhancing connectivity with increased frequency of services, although the broader challenge of connecting Tulum with other major destinations like Playa del Carmen and Bacalar persists. Completing the Maya Train is anticipated to significantly alleviate these concerns by providing an efficient transport link across the region.
These initiatives are part of a larger vision to transform Tulum and its surroundings into a more accessible and interconnected tourist haven. The increased flight capacity and improved ground transportation options are expected to attract more visitors, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall visitor experience in the Mexican Caribbean.
As Tulum gears up to welcome an influx of international visitors, the commitment to enhancing accessibility and connectivity underscores the region’s ambition to evolve into a global tourism hotspot. The concerted efforts of government bodies, the private sector, and local communities are integral to realizing this vision, promising a new chapter of sustainable growth and prosperity for Tulum and the broader Mexican Caribbean region.
