Cancun's Record Year Comes with a Side of Baggage Blues

Cancun, the sun-kissed siren of the Caribbean, has broken her own record, luring in a whopping 32.7 million air passengers in 2023 – a 7.9% jump from the previous year's already impressive 30.3 million. Over 20 million international sunseekers and 12 million domestic beach bums flocked to her shores, proving her irresistible charm remains undimmed.

But Cancun's not just about bronzing bodies and piña coladas (though there's plenty of that too). The city's mayor, Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña, beamed with pride, crediting the achievement to the “Cancun magic” – a potent blend of friendly locals, top-notch service, and a sprinkle of something extra special that keeps tourists coming back for more. Maybe it's the mischievous dolphins that enjoy playing tag with jet skis, or the iguanas who sunbathe like tiny, scaly celebrities. Whatever it is, it works.

However, paradise isn't always smooth sailing. Remember that scene from “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” where Steve Martin loses his luggage? Well, imagine that happening to hundreds of passengers at once. That's what unfolded at Cancun airport in January, thanks to a mass exodus of workers from Menzies Aviation, the company handling 60% of the luggage wrangling. Cue four-hour waits, missed flights, and tears shed over lost sarongs. Airlines like Southwest and Frontier, along with our Canadian pals at WestJet, felt the brunt of the baggage blues. Thankfully, the situation seems to be smoothening out, with lessons learned and (hopefully) enough staff to reunite tourists with their tropical wardrobes.

Speaking of smooth moves, did you catch El Sol de México himself, Luis Miguel, gracing Cancun with his presence for a New Year's Eve bash? The crowd at Mayakoba complex swooned as “La Bikina” and “Ahora Te Puedes Marchar” filled the air, and whispers suggest a tear or two might have even escaped his usually stoic persona as fireworks painted the sky. Luismi's tour is far from over, with Central and South America, the US, Europe, and a triumphant return to Mexico on the horizon. Cancun, it seems, was just the warm-up act for a global serenade.

But wait, there's more! Cancun's not resting on its record-breaking laurels. A cool US$1.4 billion is being poured into a makeover for Terminals 1 and 4, plus a swanky new Maya Train station. Terminal 4, already a bustling hub for airlines like Frontier and JetBlue, will be prepped for even more flights, with a hotel and a mysterious “lounge” joining the party. Terminal 1, the playground for private jets and luxury travelers, will also get a facelift, while the Mayan Train gets its own dedicated platform, ready to whisk visitors on adventures beyond the beach.

So, whether you're seeking sun-kissed selfies, Luis Miguel serenades, or a seamless airport experience, Cancun's got you covered. Just remember, pack your patience (and maybe a good book) in case the baggage fairies are tangoing with your suitcase. And who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a mischievous dolphin or a tearful El Sol. After all, in Cancun, the unexpected is always part of the package.