Pet-Friendly Tourism Booms in Mexican Caribbean

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The tourism industry of the Mexican Caribbean is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the growth of pet-friendly tourism, which is registering an impressive annual increase of 15 percent. This trend is part of a global market related to companion animals that exceeds $200 billion, reflecting the growing interest of travelers in bringing their pets on their adventures.

Statistics from Vita Jet indicate that, post-pandemic, approximately 35 million people in Mexico choose to travel with their pets, driving demand for hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and activities designed for this niche.

In Cancún, more than 10 hotels have implemented pet-friendly policies, while in the Riviera Maya at least 15 establishments that allow animals to stay are counted, such as Hotel Xcaret Arte and Fairmont Mayakoba.

The Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association highlights that this segment of tourists not only spends more than other groups but also tends to plan their trips well in advance. The data shows that pet-friendly tourists are more likely to invest in accommodations that allow pets, noting that their daily spending can reach up to 1,700 pesos for their companion animal alone.

From a governmental perspective, the Secretary of Tourism (Sectur) has promoted strategies to encourage this type of tourism. The former head, Miguel Torruco Marqués, emphasized the important role of pets in society and how their inclusion in tourism enhances the traveler's experience.

The boom in this market is supported by figures from INEGI, which reveal that 69.8% of households in Mexico have at least one pet, underscoring the need to diversify the tourism offering.

Digital platforms, such as Airbnb, have also reported a 50% increase in bookings for accommodations that accept pets, reinforcing the importance of this niche.

As the Mexican Caribbean adapts to these new demands, a prosperous future is envisioned for pet-friendly tourism, which focuses not only on the comfort of human travelers but also on creating unforgettable experiences for their faithful companions.