The island of Cozumel, off Mexico’s Caribbean coast, is expecting to welcome more than 9 million visitors during 2026. According to Mayor José Luis Chacón, a combination of improved air connections, a busy schedule of sporting events, and strong cruise ship traffic is driving the growth.
Recent years have seen steady increases in tourism. In 2024, the island set a record with 4.6 million cruise passengers, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The numbers continued to climb in 2025, with 4.72 million cruise visitors. Air travel also reached an all-time high, with over 700,000 passengers flying into the Cozumel airport. Ferry service between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel carried more than 3.6 million passengers, bringing the island close to the 9 million mark.
The first two months of 2026 have started positively. Hotel occupancy was strong throughout January and February, and during the Carnival celebrations, hotels were full. The mayor also highlighted that some cruise ships will now extend their stays in port until 10 p.m., giving visitors more time to spend money in local shops, restaurants, and bars.
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