Tourism industry leaders attributed the 7.3% drop in domestic travelers to the Mexican Caribbean to the destination’s rising cost, a lack of available seats due to aircraft maintenance, and repeat tourism, suggesting this trend could continue through Holy Week.
Statistics from the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) on domestic tourism trends show a downturn over the past two years.
A 3.5% contraction was recorded in 2024 and a 4% contraction in 2025, while this year’s figures for the Cancun International Airport (AIC) also reflect negative numbers.
According to Francisco Madria Flores, director of the Center for Advanced Research in Sustainable Tourism (STARC) at Anáhuac Cancún University, the situation in the domestic market is due to a lack of airline seats and exchange rate fluctuations, posing a significant challenge.
“International tourism is performing well compared to last year, but we face a significant challenge with domestic travelers because there are fewer airline seats available at both Mexico City International Airport and Felipe Ángeles International Airport. We are confident that this will gradually recover,” she stated.
For her part, Ileana Zuzuarregui, president of the Association of Women Executives in Tourism Companies (AFEET), noted that the decline in domestic tourism is a concern for the sector.
Although they are making promotional efforts to ensure a good season, which is traditionally led by the domestic market.
“Holy Week is a season when the flow of domestic travelers increases, but airport figures for February reflected a 7.3% drop. This gives us an indication, although we have also seen that repeat tourists are now looking for new travel options and even deciding to travel at the last minute,” she pointed out.
Likewise, Miriam Cortés Franco, director of the Quintana Roo Vacation Clubs Association (Acluvaq).
He explained that the increased cost of the destination has led domestic tourists to seek more affordable alternatives, even opting for trips abroad.
He commented that this trend is normal due to factors such as the lack of available airline seats, although a surge is expected during Holy Week.
Geographic issues are causing some travelers to prefer avoiding destinations near armed conflicts.
Source: quintanaroohoy
