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Los Cabos by the Numbers:  Tourism Statistics and Projections for 2021 – 2022 Continue Positive Upsurge

November 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Statistics don’t always reveal a complete picture, but when you put enough of them together over a larger sample size they do tell a compelling story.

In this case, the story of a destination: Los Cabos.

Based on the latest statistics, for example, it is now quite clear that Los Cabos has achieved a nearly complete recovery of pre-pandemic tourism, in some cases even surpassing numbers from 2019. This despite the fact that tourism numbers for Mexico have been down overall.

And the best part is…there’s still a lot of room to grow. While U.S. tourists have returned to sunny Los Cabos in droves, Canadian tourists have been largely absent since early 2020 due to stricter travel regulations and reduced or suspended flights. However, that’s now changing as flights resume and regulations relax. Flights from Edmonton and Toronto to Los Cabos over the next six months are both expected to exceed 2019 levels.

Cruise ships have also been absent…at least until recently. After a lengthy suspension of service following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, cruise ships have now resumed visits to Los Cabos, opening up (or, if you prefer, reopening) another important tourism sector for the destination moving forward.

With this in mind, here are some of the most recent (and most interesting) statistics released by the Los Cabos Tourism Board…

National Travel Numbers for Mexico

  • In Aug. 2021, 2.77 million international tourists arrived in the country (18% fewer than in Aug. 2019). 52% were inbound tourists.
  • In Aug. 2021, the total number of inbound tourists decreased by 29% compared to the previous month.
  • There is an 18% decrease in the total number of inbound tourists compared to Aug. 2019.
  • 85% arrived by air, and 15% did so by land

Travel Numbers for Los Cabos

  • In Aug. 2021, Los Cabos International Airport recorded the arrival of 136,654 international tourists, up 16.2% compared to Aug. 2019. American tourists represent 99.4% of the total.

Passenger Arrivals in Los Cabos

  • In Sep. 2021, Los Cabos International Airport recorded a 30.3% (+47.3 thousand) increase in the total number of passengers arriving at the destination compared to Sep. 2019.
  • Passengers on domestic flights (85.7 thousand) represent 42.1% of total arrivals. These increased by 19.4% (+13.9 thousand vs. Sep. 2019).
  • Passengers on international flights (117.75 thousand) represent 57.9% of total arrivals. These increased by 39.6% (+33.4 thousand vs. Sep. 2019).

Domestic Air Connectivity to Los Cabos

  • There are 721.6 thousand seats scheduled for the next 6 months, 42.6% more compared to the same period in 2019.
  • However, when comparing the seats scheduled for the next 6 months against the 2020 schedule (pandemic), the volume of programmed seats is 47.6% higher.
  • There are 31.7% more available seats expected for Oct. 2021 than those scheduled for Oct. 2019.
  • Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana are the most relevant issuing markets, having 48%, 13%, and 20% of total available seats (for the next 6 months), followed by Monterrey (9%), Culiacan (7%), Leon (2%), and Hermosillo (1%).
  • Seats from Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana increased by 43%, 9.9%, and 176.5%, respectively (when compared against 2019).
  • For the next 6 months, 51% of the available seats will be provided by Volaris, followed by Viva Aerobus with 33% and Aeromexico with 16%. Interjet has dropped to 0%.

International Air Connectivity to Los Cabos

  • For the U.S., there are 1.37 million seats scheduled to Los Cabos in the next six months, which is 39.1% more seats compared to the same period in 2019.
  • For Oct. 2021, the United States expects 55% more available seats than those scheduled for 2019.
  • Los Angeles (+69.4%), Phoenix (+46%), Houston (+19.4%), Dallas-Fort Worth (+32.6%), Denver (+81.2%), and Seattle (+28.3%) had the most significant increase vs. 2019.
  • However, when comparing the seats scheduled for the next 6 months against the 2020 schedule (pandemic), the volume of programmed seats is 40.5% higher.
  • Los Angeles is the main issuing market in the U.S. (20% of the market), followed by Dallas-Fort Worth (11%), Houston (10%), and Phoenix (9%).
  • American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines are the most relevant (91% as a whole).
  • When comparing the seats scheduled for the next 6 months against the 2020 schedule (pandemic), the volume of programmed seats is 15.6% higher.

Yacht Activity in Los Cabos

  • 42 yachts arrived at the Port of Cabo San Lucas in Sep. 2021. This represents an increase of 31.3% over the same period in 2019 but a 6.7% decrease compared to 2020.
  • 71% were medium-sized vessels that measured between 50 and 80 feet in length. This vessel size proportion is the highest recorded since 2019.

Cruise Ship Activity in Los Cabos

  • In Aug. 2021, cruises resumed operations in the port of Cabo San Lucas, which recorded the arrival of 1 vessel (Carnival Panorama) with 2,780 passengers.
  • Since then, several major cruise ships have resumed regular service to Los Cabos, including Carnival Miracle and Carnival Panorama; Ruby Princess, Grand Princess and Majestic Princess (Princess Cruise Lines); Norwegian Bliss (Norwegian Cruise Lines); Viking Orion (Viking Cruises); Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean); and MS Koningsdam (Holland America Line).
  • Over the 38 days remaining in 2021, there are 16 cruise ship visits scheduled in Los Cabos.

Tourist Surveys for Los Cabos Visitors

  • In Sep. 2021, 64% of tourists rated their experience in Los Cabos as better than expected.
  • The number of tourists who visited restaurants increased by 77%.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Mexico Daily Post

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13

Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6

Life Luxe Los Cabos Jazz Festival – Nov. 4 – 8

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 10 – 17

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Nov. 26 – 27

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Sabor a Cabo Rural – Dec. 5

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Taco Fest 2021 at Casa Dorada – Dec. 17

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31

January 2022

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

February 2022

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March 2022

Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Not Yet Announced

April 2022

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

May 2022

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

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After a Record-Shattering 2021 Fishing Tournament Season in Los Cabos, Bisbee’s Announces 2022 Dates  

November 16, 2021 by Leave a Comment

After a record-breaking year in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, all eyes were on Bisbee’s trio of marlin fishing tournaments to smash expectations again in 2021. They did not disappoint, leading the way to the greatest fishing tournament season in Los Cabos history.

The records started falling in the East Cape Offshore in August, when a record 97 teams competed for $1,582,975. The 97 teams beat the previous year’s record of 72 by 25, while the ECO topped the previous year’s record payout by nearly half a million dollars.

But that was only the beginning. Then came the Los Cabos Offshore, where 187 teams competed for $1,965,200, smashing the previous marks of 128 teams and $1,457,000 in payouts.

The big news, however, came in the biggest tournament of them all, the Black and Blue, where the 2020 records of 127 teams for $4.6 million were completely obliterated…blown out of the water by the massive turnout for the 41st edition of the “Super Bowl of Fishing” in 2021: 198 teams, $9,725,000 in cash on the line.

It was a remarkable year, but then again, that seems to be the case every year now with Bisbee’s tournaments, and more great things are looming on the horizon. Here’s an early look at 2022, with the respective dates to save.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 2nd to 6th, 2022

 The East Cape Offshore is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2022 series starting August 2nd. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots ($32,000 “across the board”). Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers. For first-timers, each tournament in the Bisbee’s series has an Early Bird Drawing. The winner of the drawing gets a free entry to the following year’s tournament. To be eligible the paid entry (base entry only) must be received by the Early Bird Deadline (June 30th, 2022 for the ECO). The earlier you enter the more chances you have to win, as for each month prior to the deadline that you enter, you will receive an additional chip in the drawing. For example, if you enter 6 months prior you will receive six chips in the drawing. The free entry is good for the following year only and is non-transferable.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 20th to 23rd, 2022

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue…despite the massive payouts on the line. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. The Early Bird Deadline for the LCO this year is August 31st.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 25th to 29th, 2022

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.). Early Bird Deadline this year, as for the LCO, is August 31st.

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13

Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6

Life Luxe Los Cabos Jazz Festival – Nov. 4 – 8

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 10 – 17

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Nov. 26 – 27

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31

January 2022

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

February 2022

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March 2022

Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Not Yet Announced

April 2022

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

May 2022

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15 – 21

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The Fine Art of Cabo: Weekly Cultural Festivals Celebrate the Vibrant Art and Downtown Soul of Los Cabos’ Cape Cities

November 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment

There are two art and culture celebrations held weekly throughout the high tourist season in Los Cabos: one each in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo has been around longer, so is better known. But for the past five years, Viva La Plaza has been bringing a new kind of attention to the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas.

For decades the Land’s End community has been best known for its fishing and boisterous nightlife. Now, attention is finally being paid to its history and culture, in ways that are both eye-catching and delightful.

Held each Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. during high tourist season – October through May – Viva La Plaza is centered around Plaza Amelia Wilkes, the town square named for a beloved local schoolteacher and political figure who was a leader during a time when few people had ever heard of Cabo San Lucas, and tourism was in its infancy.

The plaza recently underwent a major renovation, with new stonework and garden plantings around its central gazebo, a fresh paint job for the Natural History Museum, and a new statue dedicated to the memory of Amelia Wilkes Cesena. But it’s not just the plaza itself which is now picturesquely pretty. From the hills of Pedregal, which tower beautifully in the background, to the old Catholic church, Parroquia San Lucas Evangelista, and the colorful bars and restaurants that surround the square, this area is now undeniably the most charming in the city.

But the aim of Viva La Plaza is not simply to bring attention to this charming area, but rather to return the town square to its rightful place as a center of social life in Cabo San Lucas, as it was during the heyday of Amelia Wilkes herself. To do this, the organizers of Viva La Plaza have organized their seasonal weekly cultural festival with both locals and tourists in mind, blending art with food, music and dancing.

On Friday nights the streets around Plaza Amelia Wilkes are closed, the streets open or for people to explore the work of local artists (either set up on easels in the street or at nearby galleries like Hector Estrada Art Gallery), to marvel at the performances of costumed street performers, to sample homemade churros or cocktails from neighboring bars, and be entranced by traditional Mexican music and folkloric dancing, which takes place on the stage in front of the Natural History Museum.

One piece of permanent artwork is a giant sign commemorating kilometer marker 0, which is both beautiful and exaggerated, just like life in the southernmost community on the Baja California peninsula!

Less of an explanation is needed for Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo, which is far longer established, and is now practically synonymous with art, culture and a celebration of history in its downtown center.

Each Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. during high tourist season – November through June – the cobblestone-studded streets of the city’s historic Gallery District come alive with wandering musicians, street artists, locals and visitors. Almost symbolically, the opening of Art Walk season is contemporaneous with the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), which remembers and celebrates those who have come before with public and private altars called ofrendas.

On Art Walk evenings, gallery owners stay open late to talk with guests, and around the town square of Plaza Mijares are street artists and crafts people with their wares laid out for all to see. The magnificent old Catholic church, Parroquia San Jose, is open for those who want to visit a more traditional altar, and City Hall with its colorful courtyard murals depicting great moments in local and national history also beckons those on an informal walking tour of the heart of the city.

Art Walk is among the most popular romantic activities for visiting couples, blending art and music, fine food and wine. This is an evening for walking and holding hands, for sharing new sights and sounds, each unique and each singularly emblematic of the magic of San Jose del Cabo.

Naturally, the Gallery District and city center are also home to some of the finest bars and restaurants in Los Cabos. The region’s first microbrewery, Baja Brewing Company, maintains its original location in the heart of the Art District. It’s next door to La Lupita, the city’s most famous taquería and mezcal tasting destination. Both are packed on Thursday nights as visitors take a break from gallery hopping.

These are only two of the most popular stops, of course. There are many more, just as there are a wide array of galleries, arts and crafts boutiques and jewelry stores; from those showcasing traditional Mata Ortiz pottery and Huichol animal figures to paintings and sculptures from some of the best contemporary artists.

The only way to see them all is to make Art Walk a regularly scheduled event during your time in Los Cabos. But when you circle Thursday on your calendar, make sure you circle Friday as well. You won’t want to miss what’s happening in Cabo San Lucas!

 For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Julio Rodriguez/Cabo Inclusive

Upcoming Events Calendar

November

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13

Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6

Life Luxe Los Cabos Jazz Festival – Nov. 4 – 8

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 10 – 17

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Nov. 26 – 27

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Dec. 9 – 10

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Official Start of Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos – Dec. 15

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Dorada – Dec. 31

January 2022

Los Cabos Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Twin Dolphin and Cabo del Sol – Jan. 9 – 13

Tropic of Cancer Music Series in Todos Santos – Jan. 12 – 16

February 2022

Carnaval in La Paz – Feb. 26 – Mar. 1

Cabo Collegiate Golf Tournament at Querencia – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1

March 2022

Fiestas Tradicionales in San Jose del Cabo – Dates Not Yet Announced

April 2022

Semana Santa – Apr. 10 – 17

May 2022

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Dia de la Madre – May 10

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – May 15 – 18

Premier Golf Pro-Am Tournament – May 15

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