Cancún Bets on Health Tourism With New Forum

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún will host the Health and Wellness Forum on December 4 as part of efforts to showcase the city’s medical and wellness offerings and establish itself as a destination for health tourism.

Eduardo Morán, director of tourism planning for the Benito Juárez municipal government, said the event’s new format will give the sector greater visibility — essential, he noted, because health travelers generate significant economic activity in the region.

“Last year we had four presentations; this year we want panels and working tables so people can see the full range of what Cancún offers today,” Morán said. “Beyond that, this is a type of tourism that doesn’t just come for a week — it comes for more than 21 days and leaves a very good economic impact, so I think it’s a market we need to be developing right now.”

Those extended stays benefit a range of local businesses, he said, not only hotels but also transportation and food providers, since visitors consume goods and services steadily throughout their treatment and recovery.

Air connectivity is a key asset for the market. Cancún’s broad flight offerings make it easier for patients from elsewhere in Mexico and abroad to reach the city.

Municipal officials are also in talks with other parts of the country to coordinate promotion and specialized medical care. Morán pointed to ongoing strategic discussions with Tijuana, which he described as a national reference point for health services, aimed at building partnerships to attract patients and share expertise in order to strengthen the Mexican Caribbean’s tourism offerings.

“Cancún is very strong, above all because of the air connectivity we have. It’s something we’re trying to work on with Tijuana as well — we’re in talks with them to see if we can bring people from Tijuana. It’s a great reference point that we have today in Mexico,” he said.

Projections point to growth of between 2 and 3 percent for the sector. Organizers say the forum will serve to present services and gather information from participating companies, allowing officials to gauge the industry’s progress in the region.