Over the long weekend, Yucatán’s coastline was crowded with beachgoers from both Mexico and abroad.
The combination of the heat, a long weekend, and spring break is likely to have all contributed to the above-average size of the crowds.
Even typically more laid-back beaches such as those in Isla Mujeres were packed to the brim with eager tourists looking to soak up some rays and enjoy libations.
In Progreso, the most popular beach in the state of Yucatán, vendors reported good sales and a return to normality after two years of subpar sales under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Compared to last year, attendance at Mexican beaches has increased over 80%, according to the INEGI.
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Communities and large resorts across the Peninsula have been aggressive in advertising special deals to lure domestic and international travelers to their beaches and other attractions this coming April, their busiest time of the year.
Though some tourists, mostly nationals, could be seen wearing facemasks on the beach, most did not bother.
At the beach one could overhear conversations both in English and Spanish noting just how “normal” and relaxed things felt, a sentiment seldom expressed since the start of the pandemic.
“Thank goodness tourists are coming back in larger numbers, it’s been an extremely difficult two years,” said a scuba instructor in Isla Mujeres.
Also grateful for the considerable uptick in tourism were hotel managers as well as restaurant owners who could hardly keep up with demand.
