While it’s been a somewhat turbulent year for Mexico tourism with the end of its national tourism board, what’s been drawing our readers’ attention so far in 2019 is a host of new developments, from hotels to a new luxury waterpark.
Here are the most-read Mexico travel stories so far in 2019:
AMResorts Signs Two New Resorts in Cancun, Akumal
In March Apple Leisure Group (ALG) signed a deal with Oasis Hotels & Resorts for the company’s AMResorts subsidiary to manage two family-friendly resorts in Cancun and Akumal. Under the deal the Grand Oasis Sens in Cancun was rebranded as the Now Emerald Cancun, while the Grand Oasis Tulum became the Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa.
Jungala: A New Luxury Waterpark in the Riviera Maya
In attraction news, this summer is the inaugural season for a new luxury water park in the Riviera Maya. Jungala, developed by Grupo Vidanta, opened June 22 at the Vidanta Riviera Maya, offering guests the chance to relax in a landscape that aims to call to mind a mystical voyage through the jungle. Attractions run the gamut from the longest lazy river in Latin America to VIP cabanas.
Mexico All-Inclusive Report: Cancun and the Riviera Maya
2019 has also been a big year for all-inclusives in Mexico, with this roundup of recent developments catching our readers’ attention. From a major renovation of the family-focused offerings at the Club Med Yucatan to a number of new hotels from Karisma and Iberostar, there has been plenty going on in the region.
Now Open: Royalton Suites Cancun
The debut of one new Cancun resort was particularly popular with our readers. Royalton Suites Cancun Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the Royalton Luxury Resorts portfolio, opened its doors on February 1. Located in Cancun's hotel zone, the all-inclusive Royalton Suites Cancun offers seven reservation-free restaurants, the Royal Spa, and the brand's first-ever Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge – an adults-only rooftop pool, bar and restaurant.
Puerto Vallarta to Open New Cruise Terminal This Summer
On the Pacific Coast, at this year’s Gala Vallarta officials announced plans for a new cruise terminal in Puerto Vallarta. The new terminal will be set on Pier 1, which handles approximately 80 percent of cruise calls to Puerto Vallarta. Plans call for hacienda-style architecture that’s meant to reflect the local traditions of Jalisco.
Apple Vacations Partners With Uplift to Allow Monthly Payments
In tour operator news, in January Apple Vacations signed a deal with Uplift to allow its customers to pay in monthly increments. Travelers can additionally choose a lowered standard deposit option when they purchase AV-OK Total Vacation Security.
AMResorts to Open Five New Resorts in Mexico This Year
In more hotel news from AMResorts, at Tianguis Turistico in April the company announced plans to open five new resorts in Mexico this year. In addition to the aforementioned Now Emerald Cancun and Sunscape Akumal resorts, officials announced plans for the Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa, Sunscape Star Cancun Resort & Spa and Now Natura Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa.
All-Inclusive Report: Costa Mujeres on the Rise
In terms of all-inclusives, Costa Mujeres was an especially noteworthy destination this year. The heretofore undeveloped stretch of coast just across from Isla Mujeres and north of Cancun proper has seen a number of major new openings, including a two-resort complex by Palladium, comprising the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and the luxury, adults-only TRS Coral Hotel, as well as the new Riu Palace Costa Mujeres.
Travel Industry Plans for Life After the Mexico Tourism Board
This year also saw the dissolution of the national Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), with funds reallocated to tourism developments within Mexico under the new presidential administration. In this piece published shortly after the news was officially confirmed, top representatives from tour operators and destinations spoke about their plans to continue promoting Mexico after the MTB is gone.
New Luxury Hotels in Mexico to Watch for 2019
Luxury hotels were also hot this year. In this overview of new luxury hotels, we took a look at the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, which just opened this spring, as well as a number of other recently opened properties.
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