The Price of Taking Tourists for Granted: Cancún's Tourism Dilemma

Over the past 56 years, Cancún has built a leading tourism destination, but now the numbers are sounding the alarm. According to ASUR, Cancún International Airport recorded 24.62 million passenger movements between January and September 2023, its record year. During the same period in 2026, that figure fell to 20.88 million. This represents a 15.2% decline from our historic peak, calling for action, not excuses.

While Cancún is losing ground on this metric, the Dominican Republic welcomed 9.24 million visitors between January and September 2026, up 7.5% year over year. This contrast is incommoding, and the need for decisive actions is pressing. The data warns of risks, and it's time for Cancún to take responsibility and implement solutions.

• Nearly 3.73 million fewer passenger movements in 2026 compared to 2023, a significant drop.
• The Dominican Republic's visitor count is on the rise, with a 7.5% increase in 2026.
• These numbers highlight the need for Cancún to address issues such as overcharging, service neglect, and lack of transparency.
• It's not just about protecting the destination; it's about ensuring that visitors receive fair treatment and that the economy benefits from tourism.