Fueled by the destination’s strong vaccination program and strict safety protocols, Los Cabos forecasts to close the year surpassing pre-pandemic tourism levels. It’s an incredibly positive development given the circumstances, as Los Cabos’ business leaders – from the Tourism Board on down – have helped to drive the destination to a complete recovery of travel and tourism activity. In fact, the latest numbers show a 20% growth in tourism arrivals in the last quarter from Jul. – Sep. 2021 when compared to the same period in 2019.
In September 2021, Los Cabos recorded nearly 118,000 international arrivals, making it the most successful September on record, with a 40% increase in international arrivals compared to 2019. To date, Los Cabos is Mexico’s leading destination in tourism recovery, nearly 20 percentage points higher in visitation recovery in September 2021 compared to Mexico’s other top tourism destinations.
As a result of this recovery, the destination has been able to recuperate all of its formal hospitality jobs, which are critical to the tourism sector of Los Cabos. The destination’s commitment to efforts that support the well-being of the community and visitors have been foundational to its successful recovery and capability to offer a safer travel environment. This includes strong COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and community adoption of the destination’s vaccination program, which has led to close to 90% of the population ages 18 and over having received at least one dose to date.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for travel destinations across the world and we are energized to see Los Cabos achieve a full recovery since tourism is at the heart of what we do,” said Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “We will hold tight to the health and safety efforts that got us here. As we head into the holiday season of higher travel activity, it’s our goal to continue to offer the same safer travel environment.”
Looking ahead, there is a 45% increase in scheduled seats from the U.S. to the Los Cabos International Airport over the next six months – November 2021 to April 2022 – when compared to the same timeframe in 2019 – 2020. Forecasted bookings for the final winter months of 2021 are estimated to boost the destination so that it not only reaches but surpasses pre-pandemic levels – an approximate 2.8 million annual visitors. Los Cabos is continuing to see the trend of short booking windows with reservations being made only one month out.
In 2021, Los Cabos travelers have been most interested in a mix of outdoor adventure, luxury and personalized experiences that are environmentally safe and give back to the local community. Going into 2022, the destination expects to continue to see an increase in conscious travelers looking for sustainable and environmentally friendly experiences. This includes activities such as farm-to-table dining and sea turtle preservation programs. Also, all tourists and the local community are encouraged to help maintain, respect and conserve Los Cabos’ 22 Blue Flag-certified beaches – renowned for their superior cleanliness, water quality and security.
Through the year and a half of the pandemic, Los Cabos’ business model – which combines the efforts of the private and public sectors – has proven to be a successful strategy to drive tourism recovery. The collaborative approach between state authorities and tourism partners has allowed the destination to not only quickly respond to the ongoing crisis, but also to identify new streams of business opportunities and niche markets to accommodate the evolving habits of travelers around the world.
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: Inspirato
Upcoming Events Calendar
October
Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14
Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17
Top Chef Taco Series at Paradero – Oct. 15 – 16
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 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
Please let me know what you think about this!