Reality suggests that the numbers are indeed up, to what level would be the persistent question. The numbers coming from ASUR at the airport indicate increased tourist arrivals and if those numbers coincide with the tracking via immigration, one might get a rough idea just how improved the year on year increase is. There's no doubt last year was a tourism disaster in Cancun and throughout most of Mexico with one worldwide perception calamity after another, be it, warring cartels, the flu pandemic, tropical storm scares and for Cancun particularly, continued counter marketing by rivals due to the pre-restoration beach scene. In addition, the national season is in full swing and downtown units are tracking quite well as typically expected. It's also hard to find hard tracking on just how many locals staying in Cancun hotels are coming via bus and car as opposed to air. The last couple of years, if not longer, the Hotel Zone with the over abundance of AI resorts seems to be trapping more and more tourists inside the compound environment as opposed to 5-10 years ago and prior. Tourists on budgets, may be opting AI w/ limited funding and opting out of those days and nights on the town let alone the built in fear factor created for some tourists tied to both responsible and irresponsible journalism over the last couple years. I've heard of resorts in the slow season in the past, shutting down X percentages of their units for renovation and/ or cost saving measures and only reporting occupancy based on what the resort has deemed available units, so perhaps, this comes into play also. IMHO, occupancy is indeed up, I don't think there's anyway it's not given ASUR's reporting and the Hotels themselves, and the fact that the swine flu issue isn't really a factor now. Plus there's those new beautiful beaches providing a major marketing lure. Right now, playing it somewhat safe, and I'm aware not all Cun arrivals end up in Cancun, I'd go with ASUR's projections as a guide or at least a reference versus the AHQR numbers.
Excellent analysis Dangers. The flu scare, tight budgets, pre-rebuilt beaches all did make last year difficult. And, while I am glad business has improved I always like a good scare to book my next trip. In 2001 we traveled to Camino Real for a week with air for under $500 apiece, total. When offered the tower upgrade incl continental breakfast and a free happy hour for $40 US a night, we didn't have to think about it. Thanks! :mexicoflag:
I guess that is why the customs lines have been so stupidly long.... (other thread). Thanks for the link.
