As the travel industry continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic, Los Cabos has blossomed into one of Mexico’s most sought-after tourist destinations.
Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, has worked tirelessly with his team to increase international traveler arrivals, introduce a new virtual tours platform and unveil a rewards program for travel advisors.
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Los Cabos expects unprecedented growth in tourist arrivals by the end of the year, with 3.3 million visitors, a projected 20 percent increase over the same period in 2021. The destination continues to exceed expectations and now looks ahead to 2023 with a new chapter focused on a holistic sustainability approach.
In response, Esponda spoke to TravelPulse about the success of the Mexican resort town in 2022 and the excitement from tourism officials about the year ahead.
TravelPulse (TP): Los Cabos experienced unprecedented tourism growth this year, and this trend is expected to continue through the remainder of 2022. What helped propel the region beyond the pandemic and what can we expect for 2023?
Rodrigo Esponda (repeating): With a rapid response to the pandemic, Los Cabos has focused all of its private and public efforts on improving its product offering with a safety-first approach that has allowed the destination to continue to welcome travelers in a safe and secure environment. Los Cabos has been a favorite destination for new and returning travelers alike looking for destinations close to the United States with personalized experiences that will ensure a level of confidence during travel turmoil. The air connectivity of Los Cabos via commercial or private aviation makes it an easily accessible destination to the United States
Los Cabos regained 100 percent of all travel activity in 2021 and is on track for significant growth again this year with expectations to close in 2022 with 20 percent growth in visits compared to 2021. In 2023, we expect to see this trend for stays The longest and the demand for more customized and private services from our visitors. To reflect this, travelers have increased their spending at the destination – for example, the average visitor spend on a trip in Los Cabos is $2,500 versus $1,100 for Mexico in general.
TP: The advent of technology has helped transform the tourism industry, and Los Cabos is now implementing a 360-degree virtual tour experience, which allows travelers to experience the area before visiting. How do you think this will affect tourism numbers and what advantage does it provide for those ready to adopt Web3 and Metaverse technologies?
Repeat: The 360 degree virtual tour experience provides rich and interactive panoramas from the air and the ground which I believe will impress visitors and planners and help them discover what Los Cabos has to offer. We expect this to help boost leads, bookings and spend at the destination as the platform allows you to book reservations and tickets and create a travel itinerary prior to arrival.
For those eager to adopt Web3 and Metaverse technologies, the platform provides seamless streaming from one geographic location to another and from heaven to earth. No other technology uses this immersive air-to-ground technology and Los Cabos is the first destination in Latin America to apply it.
TP: Los Cabos also offers to give back to travel advisors, as all certified Los Cabos Specialized Advisors can score clients’ bookings to accumulate points that qualify them for gift cards. How important are agents to your destination and what else do you do to reward them for their hard work?
Repeat: Travel advisors and partners are critical to the success of Los Cabos. They provide trusted advice and unique suggestions to many travelers, whether they are new to the destination or more familiar. We work with multiple consultants to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on Los Cabos properties, events, amenities, and protocols.
The Los Cabos Specialist platform will have incredible resources, such as videos, maps, photos, and even a training course that will provide them with the opportunity to become a specialist in Mexico’s most exclusive destinations. In addition, by becoming a Los Cabos Specialist, travel advisors and their clients will also receive exclusive benefits and amenities at hotels throughout Los Cabos.
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