New Flights Push Hotel Occupancy Above 90% in Acapulco

Acapulco tourism officials expect hotel occupancy to remain above 90% thanks to new air routes launching this month and in December, a boost they say will help consolidate the resort city’s recovery and attract more domestic and international travelers. New flights from Monterrey are expected to strengthen national tourism flows to the port, while upcoming connections through Queretaro could open the door to European tourism. 

The Queretaro–Acapulco route begins Dec. 4, followed by a Madrid–Queretaro flight on Dec. 20 that will allow European visitors to connect directly to Acapulco. Authorities said air connectivity remains a central pillar of Acapulco’s tourism strategy, particularly as the city continues to rebuild after the impact of Hurricanes Otis and John.

The Guerrero State Ministry of Tourism reported that on Sunday, Nov. 16, Acapulco reached a general occupancy rate of 91.7%. Zona Dorada registered 95.5%, followed by Zona Diamante at 88.1% and Zona Tradicional at 86.1%. The destination is preparing for a strong year-end season, backed by artistic, cultural, sports, and large-scale events that officials say will draw additional visitors.

Earlier this year, Mexico’s National Fund for Tourism Promotion (FONATUR) presented progress on rehabilitation work along the Costera Miguel Alemán as part of the Acapulco se Transforma Contigo (Acapulco Transforms With You) reconstruction program.

Carnival Cruise Line to Return to Acapulco 

MBN reported that Carnival Cruise Line will return to Acapulco in spring 2027 after a 15-year hiatus, marking what Mexican officials called a milestone in the Pacific port’s recovery and a boost to the country’s cruise tourism market. Minister of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez said the Carnival Legend will make a special stop in Acapulco as part of a newly announced itinerary, describing the move as a sign of renewed confidence in the destination.

“The arrival of Carnival to Acapulco, after more than a decade, is a clear signal of the port’s recovery and the strengthening of tourism in Mexico,” Rodríguez said. “This not only benefits Acapulco, but also energizes the entire tourism value chain, from transport providers and guides to restaurants and local businesses.”

Regarding Carnival Cruise Line’s return to Acapulco and how it reflects Guerrero´s government efforts to revitalize the port city’s tourism sector and attract international visitors, Jaime Fernández, Director General of Tourism and Promotion at Guerrerós Ministry of Tourism said to MBN that the work carried out by the three levels of government to secure Carnival’s return is clear evidence of a joint effort that also involved the private sector. Additionally, public and private investments made it possible for Acapulco’s tourism infrastructure to recover and be ready to receive cruise passengers less than two years after Hurricane Otis, and that as a result of these efforts, after 15 years, the ban preventing ships from Carnival Corp. subsidiaries from docking in Acapulco was lifted.

“Moreover, as a Platinum member of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the Port of Acapulco arranged an inspection visit in 2023 by Carnival Corp.’s security and government relations teams. During this visit, officials presented the strategies implemented to ensure the safety of cruise passengers and it was agreed to send destination, safety, arrival, and incident reports, which helped change the negative perception regarding safety in Acapulco’s tourist zone,” said Fernández. 

Collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities to help restore Acapulco’s position as a key cruise destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast has been fundamental. 

“Working with the three levels of government has contributed by strengthening security in the city’s tourist areas. Combined with projected investments under the Acapulco se transforma contigo program, the city is showcasing a renewed image, with upgraded tourism infrastructure, public services supported by FONATUR, and national and international promotion strategies that are improving land, air, and maritime connectivity,” said Fernàndez to MBN. 

In addition, these efforts are positioning the port of Acapulco as a leading cruise tourism destination, supported by the diversity of Pacific ports and its strategic geographic location, which provides access to a market of more than 30 million people in central Mexico, highlighted Fernández. 

Rodríguez highlighted the federal government’s efforts to promote key destinations and improve infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to lure back major cruise lines. Guerrero Minister of Tourism Simón Quiñones said coordination with the port authority (ASIPONA) was key to securing Carnival’s return as well as a Holland America Line ship scheduled to arrive in 2026.

Acapulco Mayor Abelina López said the Carnival Legend will visit the port during a 16-day voyage departing Tampa, Florida, and stopping in Cartagena, Santa Marta, Cabo San Lucas, and making a full transit of the Panama Canal before continuing to Seattle for the start of its Alaska season.

The announcement comes months after President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled a MX3 billion (US$154 million) investment plan to revitalize Acapulco’s tourism sector and improve living conditions for residents under the Acapulco Se Transforma Contigo program.