TREND: Tourists bound for Mexico can still take advantage of the transition between the Summer and Fall. With much at stake, the country’s hospitality industry reacted fast at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis by setting-up protocols to guarantee visitors’ well-being. These guidelines have held steady in the previous months, and travelers have taken notice. The Mexican Travel Season might just pick-up again.
•Mexico’s cultural and natural sites are a sure bet for year-long travel. Whether visiting a large beach-resort or making a small detour to wine-country, Mexico offers great experiences to all kinds of travelers. The busiest seasons for domestic tourism happen during the Catholic Holy Week (sometimes concurring with the U.S. Spring Break), the months from June to August, and the last three weeks of December. For international visitors, Fall is a sweet spot: escaping lousy weather back home, and avoiding much-crowded places, both essential factors to consider during the pandemic.
•Traveler´s confidence is rising. Mexico City, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancún are the main entry points for American, Canadian, and European tourists. The number of international arrivals in each of these airports is still below last year rates, but authorities and businesses feel that a slow upward trend is on the way. For example, Cancún´s International Airport broke the psychological barrier of 100 average daily flights last week, with Friday, September 11th, registering 232 flights alone.
•Travel with care. Official reports might still undercount cases of Covid-19 nationally and regionally. During August, each of Mexico’s 32 state governments decided which activities and businesses were allowed according to their own criteria. Under the current four-color epidemiological advisory system, 21 states are currently placed in the orange category (red is the worst), meaning that some restaurants, hotels, and sites for outdoor activities can reopen at limited capacity. Among these: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico City, Nuevo León, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, and Yucatán.
•Reactivation does not mean relaxing the rules. In some places, local authorities might even impose curfews or further restrictions on local businesses. Make sure you are aware of these guidelines before making reservations. Isolated resorts or beach-houses are in high demand, and some visitors could consider paying the premium for staying safe and avoiding the crowds.
TAKEAWAY: Mexico’s short-term recovery is good for worried travelers and businesses alike. Despite the vast portfolio of destinations, remember that hotels and sites are still operating at limited capacity. Like everything else during the pandemic, stricter health protocols or travel restrictions could return without notice. Enjoy your travel during the Mexican Season while staying safe!
* Spotlight by Sergio Mendoza, Senior Consultant at Riskop, a consulting firm focused on strategic intelligence and risk mitigation for investors and decision-makers in complex sociopolitical environments. It is located in Monterrey, Mexico. Twitter: @RiskopMx
