Tourism statistics for Los Cabos are released every two months, and do much more than simply track the upward or downward trends in things 
like flights and hotel occupancy; rather, they’re as much an indicator of how people travel as how many are doing so during any given time period.
Of course, the upwards or downwards numbers also matter – quite significantly – since they are effectively measuring the health of a destination from a tourism perspective. But in tracing the way people travel, what they value, and how they’re choosing to experience a destination, it’s also possible to see the way travel habits and preferences are changing over time.
Based on the latest numbers released, Los Cabos tourism is very healthy indeed. But there are definitely some interesting trends developing, including rising interest in both private flights and villas and vacation rentals as an alternative to traditional resorts.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the most interesting numbers from the most recent statistical report…
Tourism Has Rebounded in A Big Way
Despite the fact that it has yet to see the return of cruise ships, tourism numbers for Los Cabos are refreshingly robust, especially when viewed side-by-side with statistics from the same times in 2019.
Over 221,800 passengers arrived at Los Cabos International Airport in April 2021, which is a slight decrease from April 2019 – by 12.6% – but an 18.5% increase over March 2021, and an even greater increase over January and February, indicating that the destination as a whole is experiencing a rapid recovery from the depressed pandemic numbers of 2020.
Domestic flights were up 3.4% and represented 37.8% of April arrivals (or 83,800 people). Of the 138,000 international arrivals, meanwhile, the overwhelmingly majority were from the United States, with Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Denver and Seattle all showing increases in the number of passengers to Los Cabos relative to the same time frame in 2019.
Even more encouraging are the flights scheduled over the next six months, which show increases of 14.3% from Mexico, and 52.4% from the U.S. versus 2019.
Private Flights Are Way Up
Perhaps the most eye-popping number from the most recent report was the fact that private aviation flights to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo were up 48% in March 2021 relative to the same month in 2019.
These numbers, which have been rising steadily in recent years, reflect an increased emphasis on luxury travel in Los Cabos…which, by the way, the destination itself has been striving to promote…from the influx of luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons to the wide array of championship level golf courses and pampering spas.
But these numbers also reflect a heightened focus on privacy and security by travelers in the wake of the 2020 pandemic.
In fact, it’s fair to say that an increased desire for both more luxury and more privacy are behind the trends among U.S. visitors for private jets to and from Los Cabos, and private accommodations during their stays.
Vacation Rentals Are an Increasingly Popular Alternative to Resorts
Villas and vacation rentals have always been a popular alternative to traditional hotels and resorts, at least among discerning travelers. But certainly the demand has risen in recent years, for the same reasons demand has risen for private flights.
So while demand for hotel rooms was still down slightly in April compared to 2019 levels (-23%), the demand for luxury villas and beachfront rental accommodations has never been higher.
We’d expect this trend to continue in future months and years, even as tourist numbers overall stabilize to pre-pandemic levels: partly because of privacy, but also because these rentals offer more luxurious amenities andmore value relative to the traditional hotel experience, especially for families and friends traveling together.
As for Los Cabos itself, the arrows are all pointing up, as numbers of tourists have increased steadily throughout 2021. Expect that trend to continue.
For more information about upcoming events, activities and attractions, 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: Los Cabos Tourism Board
Upcoming Events Calendar
June
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25
Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12
Stars and Stripes Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27
Full Moon Dinner at Esperanza – Jun. 24
July
East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17
Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24
Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26
August
Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7
Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21
September
Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16
October
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17
Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23
November
Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13
Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2
WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6
Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20
Revolution Day – Nov. 20
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
El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12
Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24
Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31
Please let me know what you think about this!