Travelers continue flocking to Mexico’s top beach destinations in Riviera Maya despite the Orange Alert that is supposed to limit their holiday activities.
In fact, Cancun International Airport had over 500 flights on Saturday alone.
The epidemiology alert has been upgraded from yellow to orange until at least Jan. 30. The most impacted areas include Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, and other major Riviera Maya destinations.
The decision means that hotels and restaurants are compelled to restrict accommodation and operate at a reduced capacity, which has not yet occurred.
Face masks are now mandatory in all public areas, excluding when on the beach or eating in restaurants.
On the bright side, the government has not declared any curfews, bar, restaurant, or gym closures, despite the high prevalence of COVID-19 throughout the state.
However, up to 25% of hotels and restaurant employees have been unable to work after testing positive for the virus in recent days.
Miller Travel Agency, owned by Ann Denny since 1985, is seeing a recovery in business activity.
She says that American snow birds have been heading to Pittsburgh and Cleveland to board flights to Cancun and Punta Cana to catch some sun.
Oddly enough, the two only Caribbean countries that don’t require travelers to provide a vaccine certificate, a COVID-19 test or quarantine.
“They are saying, I’m vaccinated, I’m going,” Denny said, referring to the fact that people are feeling more secure and eager to travel overseas after nearly two years in a pandemic.
The Orange designation hasn’t stopped either festivals from happening in the Riviera Maya. Hootiefest: The Big Splash, for instance, is taking place this week in Cancun.
Thousands of people will stay at the Moon Palace Resort for the event, which will include four days of music in addition to the typical resort attractions.
Although the health system is not overwhelmed (Isla Mujeres has a 9% occupancy rate, Cozumel 13%, Playa del Carmen 12%, and Cancun 18%), purchasing health insurance that covers COVID-19 to travel to Mexico is highly advised.