Mexico is likely to be a high-demand destination in 2024, according to multiple travel advisors. In fact, some predict that sales in the new year will likely outpace previous years.
“I expect sales for Mexico to be stronger in 2024 — and likely to grow for the foreseeable future,” said Justin Smith, president of The Evolved Traveler, a member of Ensemble Travel in Beverly Hills, Calif.. “There are multitude factors contributing to this: turmoil in other parts of the world, economic factors, geographic proximity for U.S. consumers and experiences that range from sitting on a beautiful beach and soft adventure to cultural immersion.”
Jennie Jensen, owner of Monterra Travel, a Travel Experts affiliate in Boise, Idaho, also reports strong Mexico sales for the new year.
“I see an uptick in travel to Mexico in 2024 compared to 2022 and 2023,” she said. “Many of my clients wanted to get back to Europe and cruising after COVID-19, but now I see more clients wanting something closer to home — especially Mexico, because of the nonstop West Coast flights. It’s close to home and easy with the all-inclusive properties.”
Many of my clients wanted to get back to Europe and cruising after COVID-19, but now I see more clients wanting something closer to home.
Global inflation has also helped strengthen Mexico’s popularity, according to Fabian Lebrija, president of operations and luxury travel at Travelworld International Group (https://www.travelworldinternationalgroup.com), a Virtuoso agency in Coronado, Calif.
“We are forecasting for Mexico to be strong next year, as prices for other areas of the world have significantly risen,” he said. “I also see Mexico as being strong in the off-season for shorter getaways.”
Mexico-bound travelers look for a variety of vacation experiences, and their preferences continue to evolve and diversify. Here are some of the hottest trends for 2024, according to multiple advisors.
Mexico City is rising in popularity for its vibrant urban life; pictured here is Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Credit: 2024 DepartureLevel.comTop-Selling Destinations in Mexico for 2024
It’s no surprise that sun and sand continue to be a big draw in Mexico. Monterra Travel’s Jensen, for example, reports strong interest in Los Cabos, the Baja region and Puerto Vallarta, since they’re the easiest to reach for her West Coast clients. But she also notes that the new airport serving Tulum is fueling interest in Mexico’s Caribbean coast, as well.
“The Cancun airport is busy and bustling, so to be able to offer Tulum as an alternative is exciting,” she said. “There is even the Tren Maya train from the Tulum airport to connect passengers to tourist towns and sites, which is very convenient for vacationers. Tulum will ultimately become the airport of choice for travelers flying to the Yucatan Peninsula.”
Cancun airport is very busy and bustling, so to be able to offer Tulum as an alternative is exciting.
Smith of The Evolved Traveler, meanwhile, says his clients are seeking getaways on the beach, as well as in Mexico’s interior.
“My experience of late is clients requesting Riviera Maya, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro and Oaxaca,” he said. “Riviera Maya is the new ‘it’ beach destination, in my opinion. In contrast, Mexico City offers a vibrant urban life with a rich cultural scene. San Miguel and Queretaro are beautiful options for a historic colonial vibe mixed with thriving art scenes. Oaxaca is a cultural gem just coming into its own; it is the place to go for an immersive indigenous cultural experience, and the culinary scene in Oaxaca is one of the best in Mexico.”
Caroline Labbe, a travel advisor at Labbe Travel, a Travel Experts affiliate in Park City, Utah, also reports strong demand for destinations away from the beach.
“I have couples that are doing four-day weekends to Mexico,” she said. “Mexico City is very popular, as well as San Miguel de Allende. Foodies drive those trips.”
Travelworld International Group’s Lebrija agrees about the diversification of demand, noting that more clients are traveling to secluded, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Mexico, which he believes offer novelty exploration that’s still relatively close to the U.S.
“For example, Merida, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende are destinations mentioned frequently these days,” he said. “Holbox and Bacalar in the Yucatan Peninsula are hot right now.”
The Yucatan Peninsula is luring travelers in 2024.
Credit: 2024 DepartureLevel.comTrending Types of Travel in 2024
Along with the popularity of a wider variety of Mexican destinations is the increased demand for more varied experiences, according to Smith.
“The American market is really beginning to see Mexico as more than a beach destination,” he said. “While clients are still interested in beach resorts — especially the new upscale all-inclusives — they want to combine beach breaks with other destinations to add cultural components to their trips. I also see wellness and culinary experiences at the top of clients’ lists.”
The American market is really beginning to see Mexico as more than a beach destination.
Jensen has noticed a rise in certain types of travel, as well.
“I am seeing more expedition travel and group travel in Mexico — for example, UnCruise Adventures and its Baja cruise,” she said. “Travelers want more nature and bucket-list experiences, such as swimming with whale sharks.”
Meanwhile, for Donna Greenspan, owner of Travel Quest, an Affluent Traveler Collection affiliate in Woodbury, N.Y., multigenerational travel is one of the big sellers for 2024 — and the groups are getting larger.
“People want to bring the entire family together and spend quality time without being encumbered by the stresses of life usually surrounding them,” she said. “The request for all-inclusives has grown, with more families traveling together.”
