Holbox Aims for 80% Summer Occupancy as LGBTQ+ Certified Spot

Cancún — The island of Holbox is gearing up for a promising summer season, with projected occupancy rates of 75% in July and potentially 80% by August, driven by an influx of European tourists and high demand for swimming and whale shark sightings, the destination’s premier natural attraction.

Christian Stenta, the newly appointed president of the Holbox Hotel Association, reported that the island currently maintains a 60% occupancy rate and remains free of sargassum, strengthening its competitiveness against other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.

Whale Shark Season and European Tourism

The whale shark swimming season, which officially began on May 15, reaches its peak between mid-July and early September. Stenta explained that these migratory creatures follow plankton from the south, ensuring sightings during this period.

In an interview with Radio Fórmula, Stenta noted that Holbox primarily attracts European tourists during the summer, particularly from England, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. In contrast, the number of U.S. and Canadian visitors remains low, though the association is developing promotional strategies to attract these markets.

International Promotion and LGBTQ+ Certification

Among the priorities for the new Hotel Association president is bolstering international tourism promotion. Holbox will participate in key trade fairs, including IFTM Top Resa in Paris and the World Travel Market in London, with support from the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ). The island is also set to feature prominently at Fitur 2026, where Mexico will be the guest country.

In a significant step toward inclusivity, Holbox will soon become the first destination in the Mexican Caribbean to receive an official LGBTQ+ certification from the Fair Destination Community. The distinction will be awarded at the island level—not to individual hotels—recognizing its commitment to diversity and respect for all individuals.

Training and Safety Measures

To ensure a safe and welcoming experience for LGBTQ+ visitors, more than 700 individuals—including hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour operators, and municipal security personnel—are undergoing training.

The Holbox Hotel Association currently represents 41 boutique-style establishments with approximately 1,000 rooms, all emphasizing personalized service and adult-oriented experiences. The island has no all-inclusive resorts, reinforcing its niche appeal as a high-quality tourism destination.

Though summer is considered a mid-season for Holbox, Stenta emphasized favorable conditions for a strong finish. "The island’s natural beauty, tranquility, and exclusivity remain our greatest strengths," he said.