Key Destinations for Tourism Development in Mexico
Cancún and the Riviera Maya have solidified their position as the leading tourism hubs in Mexico during the first half of 2025. In these southern regions, nearly all newly opened hotel rooms in the country were constructed during this period.
According to the Hotel and Tourism report by CBRE, both regions added 2,100 new rooms, accounting for 97% of the national hotel supply opened in the first six months of the year.
Despite Economic Challenges, Mexican Caribbean Remains a Strategic Destination
Christian Lega, Vice President of Hotelier at CBRE Mexico, highlighted the resilience of Cancún and Riviera Maya as strategic destinations for hotel and tourism investment in Mexico, stating: “Despite the current economic challenges, Cancún and Riviera Maya continue to consolidate themselves as strategic destinations for hotel and tourism investment in Mexico.”
Tourism Growth and Occupancy Rates
From January to May, Mexico generated $15.9 billion in foreign exchange from international visitors, with an average spending of $404.4 per tourist.
A significant portion of this traffic is concentrated in Cancún and Riviera Maya, which combine excellent air connectivity, high-level hotel infrastructure, and a growing global market presence.
Domestic tourist flow also supported the sector’s strong performance. Between January and July 2025, Cancún saw a 6% increase in tourist arrivals, while Riviera Maya experienced a 16% growth, according to CBRE data.
In the second week of summer, Quintana Roo’s Tourism Secretary reported that Cancún reached 76.3% hotel occupancy, while Riviera Maya registered 75.7%, confirming the destination’s strength during peak season.
Mexican Caribbean financial indicators also showed significant progress. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased by 21% in Cancún and 15% in Riviera Maya, reflecting operators’ ability to capitalize on demand.
In parallel, Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose by 27% in Cancún and 12% in Riviera Maya, a factor that enhances these destinations’ appeal to both national and international investors.
“The growth in tariffs and RevPAR demonstrates the sector’s resilience and its capacity to generate value in the medium and long term,” added Lega.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Which destinations are leading hotel development investments in Mexico? A: Cancún and Riviera Maya added nearly all newly opened hotel rooms in Mexico during the first half of 2025, accounting for 97% of the national hotel supply.
- Q: How has tourism performed in Mexico during this period? A: Mexico generated $15.9 billion in foreign exchange from international visitors from January to May, with an average spending of $404.4 per tourist.
- Q: What are the occupancy rates in Cancún and Riviera Maya? A: During the second week of summer, Cancún reached 76.3% hotel occupancy, while Riviera Maya registered 75.7%, confirming their strength during peak season.
- Q: How have financial indicators progressed in the Mexican Caribbean? A: The Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased by 21% in Cancún and 15% in Riviera Maya, while Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) rose by 27% in Cancún and 12% in Riviera Maya.
