Travelore Tips: Getting From The Cancún Airport To Your Hotel Just Got Easier, Thanks To A New US $7 Bus Service

Tourists traveling from Cancún International Airport (CUN) to the hotel zone can now take a 140-peso (US $7) bus ride, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama has announced.

The long-established ADO transportation company now runs buses from the Cancún airport to the hotel zone every two hours from 10:25 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. (@BradWelton/X)

The new route, operated by Grupo Asur in collaboration with Autobuses de Oriente (ADO), is in response to reports of ongoing taxi fare abuse.

Previously, ADO offered direct transportation services only to city centers such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen, from which tourists needed to use another transportation service to the hotel zone.

The new ADO service departs from Terminals 2, 3 and 4, connecting to Plaza Fiesta in the hotel zone. According to ADO’s website, the service is available every two hours between 10:25 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. The ride takes about 40 minutes.

Taxis departing from CUN are known to charge tourists more than US $100 for a ride to the hotel zone. According to the rates established by the city, a one-way trip from the airport to the hotel zone should cost from 100 to 400 pesos (US $5 to $20).

Reports of taxi abuse increased after Mexican influencers fell victim to the scams. In a video posted on his social media in January, content creator Luisito Comunica shared how a taxi driver charged 2,000 pesos (US $99) for a ride of less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, influencer Narabask reported that a taxi driver charged her and her friends 10,000 pesos (US $500) for a 30-minute drive.

Such reports prompted Sergio González Rubiera, head of the Mexican Association of Inbound Travel Agencies (AMATUR), to voice his concern.

“It is very worrying that the abuses committed by taxi drivers and airport concessionaires are damaging and undermining the image of tourist destinations, throwing away all the promotional work that we have done,” he said.

In addition to the pricing issues, users of ride-hailing apps like Uber have experienced acts of violence from taxi drivers. Uber was authorized to operate in some areas of Cancún and the Riviera Maya in January 2023, but strong opposition from local taxi operators has led to conflict, increasing attacks by taxi drivers.

To address these issues, the local Congress increased penalties for assaults involving transportation and public byways, which now include the cancellation of licenses, permits and concessions. Sentences for murder and assault involving public or private transportation were also increased.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/author/gsolis/

Cancun International Airport Adds Additional Agents, More E-Gates And Free Wi-Fi

The National Migration Institute (INM) has announced a series of measures to improve traveler service at the Cancun International Airport. The announcement came after a multi-level government meeting due to complaints.

Travelers into Cancun International have experienced slow moving lines and general inefficiency in the immigration entry processes, while others have reported mistreatment.

In a Friday INM meeting chaired by the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, actions were discussed to resolve the problems, one of which was the addition of 100 trained INM agents.

The INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) says they have also agreed to increase the number of e-Gates in three terminals and offer free Wi-Fi to the public.

“To assess the current situation at Cancún International Airport, following instructions from Commissioner Francisco Garduño Yañez, officials from the National Migration Institute participated in a working meeting chaired by the Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama.

“During the meeting, topics related to immigration assistance and the coordination of tasks to streamline the services provided to foreigners were discussed. During the meeting, the following points were agreed upon.

“Staff Reinforcement: The INM will increase the AICUN staff with 100 additional Federal Immigration Agents, with the goal of covering the 110 checkpoints at the airport’s three terminals. In addition, training programs will be implemented to provide warm and friendly service to users.

“Technological modernization: The number of Autonomous Immigration Screening (e-Gate) will be increased in the three terminals. As part of this effort, the “Emergency Assistance Plan for Entry Registration” was presented.

“Free connectivity: Operation of the INMVITADOS platform, which offers free Wi-Fi to the public at the airport. Facility maintenance: The ASUR Group was asked to prioritize the maintenance of airport facilities, including space adaptation, cleaning, and repairs.

“The Federal Government, through the Institute, works daily to improve the services and attention it offers to foreigners visiting our country,” the INM said in a statement.

https://riviera-maya-news.com/category/travel

Xcaret Announces $700 Million Hotel Expansion

Grupo Xcaret has announced $700 million USD in a hotel expansion project. The project will see a new hotel added to the Hotel Xcaret México collection in Riviera Maya.

According to the company, the project will create 1,600 direct jobs in its first stage. The announcement was made Thursday with the Federal Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora and Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama.

Grupo Xcaret Vice Presidents David Quintana and Marcos Constandse, and Director of Strategy, Lizeth Álvarez Gorozave, announced a new phase of Hotel Xcaret México with $700 million in new infrastructure.

“This announcement is extremely important because it is the result of the confidence of investors,” said Governor Mara Lezama.

Lizeth Álvarez Gorozave reported that the investment will generate 1,600 direct jobs in the first stage. It will consist of 1,800 rooms distributed in 10 buildings, each inspired by prominent symbols of the Mayan worldview and carefully designed to meet and, in many cases, exceed the expectations of visitors.

The hotel will have 16 pools, of which four will be rooftops. In addition, to offer an even more fun experience, five slides will be installed designed for the enjoyment of the whole family.

https://riviera-maya-news.com/

Cancun Airport Eliminates The Fee Associated With Multiple Electronics - What Travelers Need To Know

Officials in Cancun, Mexico have done away with a controversial rule that has been plaguing unsuspecting tourists arriving to the popular resort city.

In a video posted to Facebook on Friday, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama announced that tourists passing through Cancun International Airport will no longer be charged a fee for bringing more than one larger electronic device, including laptops and tablets.

The change is effective immediately.

"We managed to eliminate the charge for bringing more than one computer or electronic tablet into your personal luggage, within the #Cancun International Airport, with the support of Mexican Customs," Lezama said on her Facebook page.

"I am here to inform you that as a result of various uncomfortable and inconvenient situations detected at customs in the Cancun International Airport which have affected our destination's image such as not allowing international and domestic tourists, as well as residents, to bring more than one device be it computer, laptop or tablet, we visited the area and reviewed the criteria used to allow tourists through customs and thanks to the support and consideration of the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (National Customs Agency of Mexico), we reviewed the procedure to reactivate the tourists flow through customs and eliminate this criteria."

"We had a roundtable with the Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México and as a result of this meeting and thanks to their support, the decision was reached to eliminate the criteria in place. This was an old franchise regulation that no longer aligns with these times of technology, home office, in addition to the key tourism sector who travel to our destination to attend conferences, conventions and professional meetings," added Lezama.

"We are thankful to the authorities for their sensibility and for listening with the goal to adapt to this new era, and beginning today, this charge has been eliminated for both National and International travelers."

Recent reports have been circulating of tourists being charged an average of $190 for traveling with multiple larger electronic devices.

Those unable or unwilling to pay the fee have had items confiscated by customs agents.

Tammy Levent, President of Elite Travel Group, has been vocal about her disconcerting experience with the rule earlier this year and went so far as to set up a time to meet with officials and share her concerns.

She believes her input was instrumental in bringing about these welcome changes for visitors to Cancun.

https://www.travelpulse.com/bio/patrick-clarke

Cancun Airport Project Successful In Reducing Entry Wait Times From Nearly 3 Hours To 7 Minutes

The entry of tourists arriving to Mexico has been expedited by the use of modern technologies. The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico says these modern technologies in Cancun has made it possible to reduce wait times from nearly three hours to just seven minutes.

Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco Marqués said in response to a demand from the sector, they have proposed modifying Article 35 of the Migration Law to allow the use of technological tools in all major airports to speed up the entry of tourists.

He explained that the reform was published in the DOF on April 29, 2022 at which time, a pilot project was implemented at the Cancun Airport. That pilot project reduced the wait from 2 hours and 45 minutes per person, to just seven minutes during peak hours.

Torruco Marqués said under instructions from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, he was tasked with providing a solution to expedite entry into the country and avoid the recurring “bottlenecks” at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Cancún, as well as those in Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana, which represent 90 percent of the in-bound arrivals.

Various agencies including the Ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs, the National Migration Institute (INM) as well as the President of the Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, were asked to present the proposal to modify Article 35 of the Migration Law with the purpose of allowing the use of automated technological tools to expedite and facilitate entry.

This proposal was sent through the then president of the Tourism Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, Luis Alegre Salazar (RIP), which was approved unanimously by both Chambers and published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) on April 29, 2022, thus addressing a widespread demand from the sector for more than 25 years.

He indicated that from then, meetings were held with the INM to monitor progress, the Operation Manual was drawn up and the pilot plan was achieved at the Cancun airport where the wait was reduced.

He stated that starting in December 2022, the INM implemented Autonomous Migration Filters (FMA) at the International Airports of Mexico City and Cancun. Starting in May 2024, at the Los Cabos International Airport and at the Guadalajara International Airport starting in August 2024. They are also already operating at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Torruco Marqués stressed the importance of an initiative from Sectur that has given way to modernity in the country’s airports, leaving only Tijuana, operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), and Monterrey, managed by Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA), the latter being urged to implement these measures so that it is the same in all airports.

The Secretary of Tourism reported that, in 2023, the Cancun Airport received 10.4 million international tourists, being the main air destination in the country. From January to July 2024, 6.2 million international tourists arrived at the Cancun Airport, exceeding by 0.9% what was registered in the same period of 2023.

In turn, AICM received 4.2 million international tourists in 2023, reaching second place in the country.

In 2023, Los Cabos airport received 2.3 million international tourists occupying third. From January to July 2024, 1.4 million international tourists arrived. During 2023, 1.8 million international tourists arrived at the Puerto Vallarta airport, and from January to July 2024, it attracted 1.2 million.

In 2023, the Guadalajara airport received 1.3 million international tourists and 847,251 from January to July 2024.

The Secretary of Tourism emphasized that the modernization of technology to speed up the entry of international tourists to Mexico also translates into greater economic benefits and per capita spending, benefiting the local population and in compliance with the instruction of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to make tourism a tool for social reconciliation.

https://riviera-maya-news.com/category/travel

Cancun International Airport Expands Flight Routes And Sustainability Efforts, Boosting Tourism Across The Mexican Caribbean

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is fueling tourism growth in the Mexican Caribbean with a wave of recent developments. The airport's new direct flights from key U.S. and Canadian cities, combined with major infrastructure upgrades and sustainability-focused initiatives, are transforming travel to the region. These advancements, made in collaboration with Quintana Roo's tourism officials, are designed to open access to world-class destinations like Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres and Cozumel while preserving the region's stunning natural environment. With millions of international travelers passing through Cancun International Airport in 2024, the airport continues to be the busiest hub in the region, reinforcing its status as the primary gateway to the Mexican Caribbean.

"Our goal is to provide seamless access to the full range of experiences the Mexican Caribbean offers, from its iconic beaches to its rich cultural heritage," said Bernardo Cueto, State Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo. "Cancun International Airport is at the heart of this growth, ensuring that millions of travelers can enjoy a more efficient and environmentally responsible visit."

NEW FLIGHT ROUTES STRENGTHEN NORTH AMERICAN CONNECTIVITY

Cancun International Airport connects to major carriers across the U.S. and Canada, contributing to North America's dominant share of international travel to Mexico, which accounted for 87 percent of all departures in the first quarter of 2024. U.S. flights alone carried 10.35 million passengers during this period, reflecting an 8.4 percent increase over 2023. Two-thirds of the flights arriving in Cancun are international, with a high volume of daily arrivals from major hubs in the U.S. and Canada.

The airport continues to expand its North American network with several new direct routes. Ahead of the peak holiday season, American Airlines will increase its Phoenix-Cancun service to two daily flights starting November 5, while boosting its Miami-Cancun service to six daily flights from December 19 to January 6, 2025. Aeromexico will also launch daily service from Miami to Cancun on December 19, and Avelo Airlines will introduce bi-weekly international flights from Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut this November. Volaris has further expanded connectivity by adding direct flights from McAllen International Airport (MFE) in Texas, offering more affordable travel options to Cancun.

INVESTMENTS IN SUSTAINABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Cancun International Airport has made significant investments to improve its infrastructure, focusing heavily on sustainable practices. The expansion of Terminal 4 will increase the airport's capacity to accommodate more flights and passengers, with eco-friendly design elements such as energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy systems. Water conservation efforts and eco-friendly ground transportation options are also part of the airport's plan to align with global sustainability standards. These efforts underscore the airport's commitment to preserving the natural environment of the Mexican Caribbean while supporting the region's economic growth through responsible tourism.

ENHANCED VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY

Improvements in customs processing and ground transportation have reduced wait times and streamlined connections. Newly installed self-service kiosks in Terminal 3, costing $7.6 million, are speeding up the check-in process for U.S.-bound travelers, allowing them to complete check-in and baggage handling in under five minutes. Additionally, 60 immigration agents at the airport received public relations training from the Cancun Hotel Association tourism sector over the summer, ensuring top-tier customer service for the growing number of visitors.

"Cancun International Airport is among the 50 busiest airports worldwide, efficiently serving a high volume of tourists, business travelers and residents year-round including more than 6.9 million American travelers to-date in 2024. Significant investment has enhanced the overall airport experience as popularity of the Mexican Caribbean has increased," said Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo (CPTQ). "Since 2022, the volume of U.S. travelers at Cancun International Airport has been up a minimum of 35% annually in comparison to pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, and we are anticipating a strong winter season in 2025. As we continue forward in our 'New Era' of tourism, we have made notable progress in expanding capacity and new routes to welcome even more visitors to discover what makes our region one of the most desired travel destinations in the world."

For more information on the Mexican Caribbean, please visit www.mexicancaribbean.travel/

United Airlines Becomes The Latest US Carrier To Announce Flights To Mexico's New Tulum International Airport

Services will launch in March, with United Airlines bulking up its Cancun schedule through the winter travel season.

US legacy carrier United Airlines might just have your winter travel plans covered. From 2024, the airline will bulk up capacity to a range of destinations across the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Mexico.

A Mexican excursion

Launching on March 31, just in time for a much-needed break from that late winter/early spring chill, United Airlines will add direct services to Mexico’s new Tulum International Airport (TQO) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Located on the idyllic Yucatán Peninsula, the airport serves as a gateway to popular resorts, including Cancún and Playa del Carmen, as well as pre-Columbian heritage sites such as the Mayan Chichén Itzá.

In a statement shared by United Airlines, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Alliances Patrick Quayle explained the airline’s decision for its southerly expansion, adding, "Tulum is at the top of a lot of travel lists – great beaches and restaurants, and a region featuring a rich history and spectacular natural beauty. Our new direct flights help people get there faster than ever, giving them even more time to enjoy one of Mexico's most unique destinations."

The carrier currently operates direct services to Cancun International Airport (CUN) and Cozumel International Airport (CZM); however, the soon-to-open Tulum Airport is set to provide enhanced connectivity for tourists hoping to explore the Riviera Maya region.

Can’t wait until March? Through the winter travel season, United Airlines will offer over 200 weekly departures between eight of its US and Cancun, utilizing its Boeing 777 jets on certain services to meet demand for the popular destination. Flights to Cozumel will run 11 times a week from Chicago, Houston, and Denver International Airport (DEN).

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines are also gearing up to launch operations at the new airport. Services are scheduled to launch on December 1, with Viva Aerobus and Aeromexico to be among the first airlines to inaugurate Tulum Airport.

Alongside services to Mexico, United Airlines has announced it will bolster capacity on routes into Latin America and the Caribbean by up to 25% through the winter travel season. The capacity growth will cement United Airlines’ place as the largest US airline in Central America, with destinations including San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica, El Salvador International Airport (SAL), Belize City’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), and La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City

Latin America has proven an incredibly trendy destination for North American tourists; in May, the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) confirmed that the region had exceeded its pre-pandemic traffic numbers, posting 0.6% passenger growth between 2019 and 2023. Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic were the largest passenger markets, recording three-year growth of 21%, 14%, and 109%, respectively. The region is also expected to exceed its pre-pandemic financial levels by the end of 2023. As reported by Travel Pulse, tourism in Latin America is predicted to contribute around $319.5 billion to the regional economy this year, a 1.2% increase on 2019's figures.

BY MOLLY RUSSELL

Cancun’s Iconic Marriott Resort To Reopen As An All-Inclusive In Early 2024

Marriott International will debut its first-ever Marriott all-inclusive property at the site of the former Marriott Cancun Resort, which closed its doors last March to undergo an extensive renovation for its conversion. The award-winning hotel now renamed Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, has been Marriott International’s legacy property in the Yucatan Peninsula for several decades gracing its sweeping shoreline with beachfront elevated accommodations, world-class amenities, and access to Cancun’s most treasured experiences.

“Travelers will be relieved to discover that they will not be bidding their beloved Marriott Cancun Resort a permanent goodbye, but instead, expecting a very exciting reopening with a more modern product, as the property is being reimagined by Marriott, and utilizing the space to offer a sophisticated twist to the traditional all-inclusive concept.” mentioned Alex Fiz, Area Vice President Caribbean & Managing Director All-Inclusive for Marriott International. “Cancun is one of the world’s most exclusive resort destinations, an ideal fit for the first Marriott branded all-inclusive hotel and a future renewed hub for its trusting guests and our Marriott Bonvoy members that look for a wonderful stay in a seamless all-inclusive format.”

With the rapidly growing interest in all-inclusive properties, travelers are more likely than ever to book single-price vacations for a hassle-free trip planning and friendly budgeting and booking process. Marriott International’s footprint in the all-inclusive segment has grown substantially in the last 4 years and today its All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio is comprised with 31 unparalleled resorts and with a robust pipeline seeking to cater more enriching experiences to its more than 180 million Marriott Bonvoy members out of which a vast number have expressed interest in taking an all-inclusive vacation. The renewed resort will redefine what it means to be ‘all-inclusive’, not only in terms of services offered, but also in terms of accommodating the lifestyles of visiting guests within the new vision but maintaining the same Marriott brand promise looking to elevate the art of hospitality.

“It’s wonderful to be at the forefront of something as groundbreaking as this” said Christopher Calabrese, General Manager and Vice President of Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. “Over my extensive tenure with the Marriott brand, I’ve maintained that we can only grow in collaboration with our valued guests, consistently honoring their needs and desires. To be the first all-inclusive Marriott branded property, not only in Mexico, but in the world, is a true testament to the dedication of our staff, who are the heart and soul of our operation here, and our guests, who continue to visit year after year. We are anxious to welcome everyone back next year”.

Expanding upon the all-inclusive promise, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort will launch all new redesigned rooms, suites, lobby, meeting spaces, and public areas, including new innovative restaurant concepts, expansive pools, and even a lazy river and waterpark. Keeping with Marriott Hotels’ commitment to providing upscale and enriching experiences, the premium all-inclusive property will deliver future guests with elevated food and beverage choices, a state-of-the-art fitness center, authentic daily and nightly entertainment, and dedicated guest relations representatives offering the heartfelt service that distinguishes the brand and a strong variety of refined facilities under the all-inclusive umbrella. The resort that began to undergo renovations in March of 2023 is expected to welcome guests again in early 2024 as a premium all-inclusive resort. For those who wish to visit a Marriott Cancun property in the meantime, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa sister resort is open and fully operating, offering luxury accommodations, unparalleled amenities, and unbridled access to the Mexican Caribbean’s magical shoreline.

For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com

New Theme Park Opening In Cancun This March To Give Tourists A Unique Peek Into Mexican Culture

There is no shortage of things to do when visiting Cancun, where you can spend hours on the beaches, lay by the pool, explore Mayan ruins, snorkel, swim in a cenote, take a tour through the jungle, eat good food, shop, go to a club, and more. But while all of these activities are a lot of fun, most of them do not really give visitors much of a cultural experience. A new theme park opening in Cancun this March, though, will give tourists a unique peek into Mexican culture.

Luchatitlán – A Theme Park Dedicated To Lucha Libre

The new theme park, Luchatitlán, will be dedicated to the art of freestyle wrestling, Lucha Libre, which is popular in Mexico. The term Lucha Libre means “free fight.” The unique style of wrestling was introduced in the early 20th century and has been growing in popularity throughout the country since.

The Luchatitlán theme park project began back in 2021, with funding for the project provided by the Fibra Uno real estate trust. The trust provided 130 million pesos for the project, which is nearly 7 million U.S. dollars, that includes a space of more than 30,000 square feet. Within that, 30,000 square feet will be not only an arena that fits 580 people but also a food and beverage venue, a bar, or cantina, that fits 220 people, and a wrestling hall of fame.

The Purpose Of The Theme Park

While the main purpose of the new theme park is to provide entertainment for visitors and locals, it is also a way to promote Mexican culture. The general manager of Fibro Uno, Gonzalo Robina, explained this when he said that “The idea is to bring Mexican popular culture closer to international tourism that arrives in Cancun. It is designed to [attract] people who go to the beach and are looking for activities. Let everyone who visits this destination experience the verbena del ring.”

Luchatitlán Theme Park Location

The Luchatitlán theme park will be at the La Isla shopping village, located in the popular, bustling Cancun Hotel Zone on Kukulcan Blvd. The shopping village is an open-air complex that is home to unique clothing stores, restaurants, a movie theater, attractions, a tequila museum, and even a Hilton-branded hotel. There is also a giant ferris wheel located at the property that offers unbelievable views of Cancun and the Caribbean Sea.

Luchatitlán Theme Park Details

The Luchatitlán theme park will be open for business sometime in March, though an exact date has not yet been disclosed. There will be two afternoon shows every day, but the times have not been announced yet. Ticket prices will range between about $69 and $109 per show.

A Little About Lucha Libre

Lucha libre wrestling involves staged performances in which the outcome is already determined prior to the start of the performance. Wrestlers wear bright-colored masks that losers of contested matches must permanently remove, but otherwise, wrestlers keep their masks on whenever in public. Wrestlers, also called luchadores, are usually part of a larger extended family of wrestlers.

Mexican Lucha Libre was declared on July 21, 2018, as an intangible cultural heritage of Mexico City. The new Luchatitlán theme park in Cancun will be an honor to that cultural heritage that all who visit the city can enjoy.

Source: https://thecancunsun.com/