For the tourism sector of the Mexican Caribbean, the Asian market represents great potential, led by countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, with which there has been rapprochement and that have shown interest in the region.
Quintana Roo has the airports with the greatest international connectivity in Mexico, which facilitates access from Asia.
This year, the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) has a budget of 750 million pesos, among its plans is to continue attracting the Asian market.
“We already have China segmented into a developing market, while India is in the underdeveloped market. As the year progresses, the challenges will be defined as they arise,” said Andrés Martínez Reynoso, director of the CPTQ.
According to figures from the federal government through Datatur, until November 2024, in the area of Air Entries of Foreign Tourists by Country of Nationality, Asian citizens show a clear increase. China occupies tenth place on the list with 187,726 visitors, which is, 38.8% more than in 2023.
India is in position 15 with 127,298 tourists, 3.9% more than in November 2023; South Korea ranks 17th with 97,330, 15.5% more than in 2023; and with 86,116 tourists, 0.4% more, Japan is in 19th place.
These data also add that 43.9% of foreign tourists who entered the country did so via the Cancun airport, 1.3% of visitors entered the Tulum airport, and 1.1% entered the Cozumel airport; There is no data regarding Chetumal.
“The Asian market can be taken advantage of; Cancun is the third most important destination for American Airlines on routes from Japan and Korea, after New York and Los Angeles, hence how attractive it can be for Asian tourists. The Mexican Caribbean. In addition, it is possible to fly from Tokyo to Cancun through connections in Dallas, an outstanding route that demonstrates the viability of this market,” commented Jesús Almaguer Salazar, president of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association.
He added that at the moment the Asian percentage is minimal, compared to the United States and Canada, but it must grow, as it is an area of opportunity, since spending per tourist can be much higher than that of the main markets.
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