Yucatán strengthens its position as a key destination on the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico cruise route, projecting 152 arrivals at the port of Progreso and more than 450,000 passengers by the end of 2025, representing sustained growth compared to the previous year.
For 2026, the projection is even more encouraging, with 173 scheduled arrivals and more than 480,000 passengers, which will imply an estimated 14 percent increase in operations.
This progress is the result of the coordinated work led by Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena, through the Ministry of Tourism Development (Sefotur), with the goal of strengthening the state’s promotion at the main international forums in the sector and generating more opportunities for communities that depend on tourism.
Representing the State Government, Raúl Paz Noriega, Undersecretary of Sustainable Tourism Development, accompanied by Abraham Villanueva, Head of Connectivity at Sefotur, participated in the 31st Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference, chaired by Michele Paige and held from October 20 to 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
During the meeting, which brought together more than 100 senior cruise line executives and key industry representatives, the Yucatecan delegation held working meetings with companies such as MSC, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Carnival, Aquila, Margaritaville at Sea, and Silversea Cruises, among others, with the goal of strengthening Yucatán’s presence on Caribbean routes and promoting new docking opportunities in Progreso.
Paz Noriega emphasized that Yucatán’s participation as a platinum partner of the FCCA guarantees continued promotion of the cruise industry, an effort that complements the actions undertaken by Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena and the head of Sefotur, Darío Flota Ocampo, during their recent working visit to Miami, Florida, focused on attracting investment and strengthening ties with major shipping lines.
The meetings also provided an opportunity to update shipping companies on the progress of the Progreso Port modernization project, a project that maintains industry interest due to its potential to improve the cruise passenger experience and expand the reception capacity for deep-draft vessels.
In parallel, representatives from local tour operators and the Progreso cruise terminal participated in the conference, promoting innovative tourism products that seek to diversify Yucatán’s offerings to international visitors.
With these results, Yucatán seeks to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable, competitive, and well-being-generating tourism through a comprehensive promotional strategy that boosts the local economy and aims to consolidate the state as a prime destination in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico tourism landscape.
Source: lajornadamaya
