| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 26/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 37 |
| Copyright: Other |
Market growth by Lois Jones
New hotel developments make Cancun the ‘in’ place to holiday
Country’s premier resort enjoys bookings boost
THE combination of its exotic, tropical setting and modern US-style comforts have helped Cancun to establish itself as Mexico’s premier resort – and its popularity continues to grow.First Choice marketing manager Denise Hibbert said: “The market has been expanding for the last two years and is still booming.”
According to Cosmos product manager Ian Hailes, this summer’s bookings to Cancun are 30% up on the previous summer, although exact figures were not available. “It’s one of Cosmos’ biggest destinations in the Caribbean,” he said.
Cancun is also the biggest destination in the Caribbean for Unijet. General manager long-haul Brian Booker said: “Cancun represents extremely good value and is undoubtedly drawing business from the traditional Caribbean market.
“The quality is excellent, prices are low and the service standard is very good.”
“We serve Cancun from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham and hope to add an additional UK departure point this summer,” he said.
Moreover, Cancun prices remain competitive.
Tradewinds contracts manager Matthew Shaw said: “There has been a big increase in bed numbers in Cancun, mostly at the top end of the market at the four-star-plus level. This has helped to peg prices.” For example, Tradewinds’ lead-in price for a week at El Pueblito on an all-inclusive basis has risen just £20 for next year compared with this year.
The cost of extra nights at El Pueblito remains £35 per night.
In light of the success of Cancun, operators are predicting a business boom along the Caribbean coast, dubbed the Riviera Maya.
Unijet’s Booker is confident that the Riviera Maya offers big potential for the UK market, with Cancun serving as a gateway. “There are many excellent low-rise hotels along the 50-mile corridor between Cancun and the ruins of Tulum offering the clients very good value.
“This is beginning to take business from Cancun itself and without a doubt it is drawing clients from the traditional Caribbean spots such as Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua,” said Booker.
Unijet’s Caribbean best seller is the Moon Palace, south of Cancun. “It is one of several hotels that have come on-line in recent years and by the end of next year, there will be many more,” said Booker.
The resort of Playacar – the hotel area next to the village of Playa del Carmen – is enjoying particular success. Just 45mins south from Cancun, Playacar is quieter with a more European style, laid-back beach bars and cafes. “It offers superb beaches and a less frenetic way of life to Cancun,” said Cosmos’ Hailes.
Cancun: popular because it offers excellent quality of service and great value for money