More infrastructure improvements are in the works for Cancun, thanks to a federal program overseen by the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Fund (FONATUR).
Construction on one project, the Laguna Bojorquez bridge, will begin in early 2016.
The four-lane bridge will help ease traffic to and from the Cancun Hotel Zone and the mainland. Traffic back-ups on Kukulcan Boulevard in particular are a sore spot for tourism officials and visitors alike. The main thoroughfare is known for its densely-packed hotels, boutiques and restaurants.
Another planned project will convert a portion of Avenue Nader into a pedestrian-only zone.
David Torres, director of sales for Excellence Group, welcomes the new developments.
“We’re seeing some clear plans at the local, state and municipal level to improve infrastructure. That improves the guest experience and that’s great for all the hoteliers. One thing that’s very clear is that Cancun is on the upswing as far as growth,” Torres tells Travel Agent.
Indeed. The high season is underway, with airlines activating seasonal flights from cold-weather destinations. Published reports indicate that more than 2 million passengers will arrive by air between November of 2015 and January 2016. The U.S. and Canada remain the largest source market by far.
Visitors arriving this winter will find some new additions to the area’s hotel scene. Among them: the Thompson Playa del Carmen. The hotel will actually feature two separate locations. The main hotel is now open in downtown Playa del Carmen. It’s located on La Quinta Avenida, the two mile pedestrian shopping and restaurant area. It also borders Calle 12, known for its trendy bars and nightspots.
The hotel is latest development by the Mexican-based Thor Urbana Capital. The multi-brand Commune Hotels & Resorts is managing the property.
Thompson Playa del Carmen’s distinctive features include a multi-function rooftop terrace. Guests can enjoy the highest vantage point in the city, as well as an infinity pool, landscaped gardens and two restaurants.
One of the restaurants, Cinco, serves Mexican-inspired specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The other eatery is CATCH, the first branch of the popular New York seafood restaurant. After dinner service, CATCH becomes a rooftop nightclub.
Both rooftop restaurants are available for private events, parties and weddings.
The Beach House is Thompson Playa del Carmen’s second location. It will be located beachfront, a few blocks from the main hotel. The Beach House will have 27 terraced rooms and suites; a beachfront pool, cabanas and casual dining options. It’s set to open in early 2016.
“This is an exciting time for everyone involved in the opening of Thompson Playa del Carmen. We began this journey many months ago to create the first lifestyle hotel in Playa del Carmen, which caters to our sophisticated, experience-seeking guests, as well as to locals, while also providing a ‘sense of place’ in Riviera Maya. It’s truly thrilling to watch their experiences unfold,” Alexis Kagan, director of sales and marketing for Thompson Playa del Carmen, tells Travel Agent.