FORT LAUDERDALE — The state of Quintana Roo in Mexico is more than just Cancun and Riviera Maya, the key takeaway message from a recent trade event in near Toronto.
With the addition of a new international airport in Tulum and plenty of air carriers offering lift this winter, Quintana Roo is poised to have a banner season, thanks in large part to travel agents, said Jorge Luis Tellez Vignet, Executive Promotion Director, Quintana Roo Tourism Board, which hosted the event on Dec. 13 in Vaughan, ON.
“Without travel agents, we wouldn’t have had near the success we have enjoyed with so many travellers visiting our state. When you are bringing your family on a vacation, you want an expert that can answer your questions and listen to your doubts. They are professionals and want to learn more about our state,” said Tellez Vignet.
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, Quintana Roo is home to such popular destinations as Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. It has over 130,000 hotel rooms, over 900 kilometres of coastline, 19 archaeological Mayan sites, three ‘Magic’ Towns (towns granted ‘Pueblo Magico’ status by the Mexican government for its ‘magical’ qualities), 25 amusement and nature eco-parks, and 13 designer golf courses.
Visitors can immerse themselves in unique activities such as diving at underwater artifices, learning about ancient Mayan rituals, and savoring fusion cuisine in unexpected locations. The Mexican Caribbean invites exploration of amazing underwater rivers concealed in the jungle. Activities like kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving reveal various shades of blue in the ocean, offering a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
“Here we have the best of both worlds, the Caribbean and Mexico. In our beautiful state in the Mexican Caribbean you can enjoy a wonderful world full of excitement, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and ancient Mayan culture. Enjoy exotic islands, stunning underground rivers, tropical jungle and picturesque towns, or have a fun adventure on the water and a warm welcome from locals,” added Vignet.
MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS IN ONE
The narrative underscores the unified branding efforts under the umbrella of the Mexican Caribbean, highlighting that the destination comprises 12 diverse locations, each contributing its unique charm. The idea is to present the Mexican Caribbean as an all-encompassing experience, enticing travellers with the prospect of exploring multiple destinations in one trip.
Vignet showcased some of the lesser-known destinations in the state like Holbox, a tranquil island known for whale shark encounters, or Maya Ka’an that offers a unique Maya experience with ancient ruins, lush jungles, and coastal beauty. Others include Mahahual, Bocalar, Chetuamal, Costa Mujeres, Puerto Morelos and Grand Costa Maya. While the main heavyweights include Cancun, Cancun, Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, there are actually a total of 12 destinations within the state.
Cozumel, Mexico
AMPLE LIFT
The state of Quintana Roo is celebrating its 4th international airport with the opening of a new airport in Tulum, the Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto (TQO). Opened this December, TQO is already expecting flights from American carriers like United, Spirit, American and more.
Air Canada was the first Canadian carrier to announce flights into the new Tulum airport from Toronto and Montreal, with flights going on sale today. Air Canada also offers direct flights to Cancun, 2-3x/daily from Toronto and also direct from London and Hamilton in Ontario.
Sunwing offers seasonal direct flights to Cancun from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, plus over 200 resort offerings.
WestJet has flights from Toronto up to 16x/week, as well as from Hamilton, Ottawa, Halifax and Western Canada. WestJet also offers Toronto to Cozumel up to twice per week.
Canada Jetlines offers Toronto to Cancun as well, with flights starting at $129. Travel agents getting paid 10% commission, plus commission on ancillaries.
Cenote in Tulum
