We have seen an increase in inquiries at Tim’s Ocean Condos over the last week. That is encouraging!
In fact, we received more calls and email inquiries last week than during any week since early June.
After several slow months, it is good to hear from more people interested in booking a vacation in Cancun.
I am hopeful! However, those inquiries still need to turn into reservations. So, more affordable flights would certainly help.
Cancun Airport Traffic Is Still Down
According to ASUR’s October traffic release, Cancun Airport recorded 1,893,436 passengers during October 2026.
That is 7.7% fewer than October 2025.
International passenger traffic fell 9.5%, while domestic traffic declined 5.0%. Through October, international traffic remained 6.7% below the same period last year.
These totals include arriving and departing passengers. They are not a count of individual tourists or vacation rental reservations.
Nevertheless, the continued decline is concerning. High season alone should not be counted on to fill every available night.
We Really Miss Spirit Airlines!
Spirit announced its immediate shutdown on May 2, 2026, and canceled all flights. Rising fuel costs contributed to its closure. sec.gov
For travelers who depended on its inexpensive fares, an affordable option was lost.
However, the effect on ticket prices varies by route. Specific increases for Cancun should not be assumed without comparable airfare data.
For our business, the concern is straightforward. Airfare is a major part of the vacation budget, especially for large families.
An additional $100 per ticket means another $1,000 for a group of ten.
That money must come from somewhere. Less may then be available for accommodations, meals, and activities.
Higher Holiday Airfares Add to the Challenge
Hopper’s September 25 holiday report showed Thanksgiving airfare averaging $402 round trip for U.S. domestic travel.
That was 31% higher than last year. Hopper also reported higher international fares, including travel to Mexico.
Elevated fuel costs associated with the Iran conflict were identified as a contributing factor. Hopper
The $402 figure measures domestic U.S. travel. It is not an average fare to Cancun.
Nevertheless, it illustrates the pressure on holiday travel budgets.
Interest in a vacation is encouraging. However, the total trip cost still needs to fit the family’s budget.
Additional Breeze Flights Are Welcome News
Previously announced Breeze flights offer additional opportunities to reach U.S. travelers this winter.
| Route to Cancun | Announced start date |
|---|---|
| Tampa | December 19, 2026 |
| Pittsburgh | January 7, 2027 |
| Richmond | January 8, 2027 |
These dates were included in Breeze’s earlier announcement. Schedules remain subject to change.
More nonstop options are welcome news. They give travelers additional ways to reach Cancun.
However, additional flights alone will not fill our penthouses. Those travelers still need to find us and understand what we offer.
Cancun Remains a Popular Thanksgiving Choice
There is more encouraging news.
Cancun was ranked the No. 1 international Thanksgiving destination in Allianz Partners’ travel analysis.
The study included more than 145,000 insured U.S. itineraries for the Thanksgiving travel period.
This does not establish growth compared with last year. However, it shows Cancun’s continued popularity among those travelers.
Additionally, nearly 62% of surveyed customers said proximity to loved ones mattered most when choosing their destination.
That is relevant to our penthouses.
Families want time together. Separate bedrooms, shared living areas, and a kitchen give them room to enjoy that time comfortably.
These advantages deserve emphasis when guests compare our properties with booking several hotel rooms.
More Booked Nights Do Not Always Mean More Income
This is extremely important for our owners to understand. A full calendar does not automatically mean more money in your pocket.
When more nights are booked, your property receives more use. Additional cleaning, maintenance, and wear and tear must be considered.
If nightly rates and revenue per available night are both falling, higher occupancy alone is nothing to celebrate.
Your property may be occupied more often while less income is earned per available night. After expenses, even less may be left.
Accepting more wear and tear for less net income is not smart business.
At Tim’s Ocean Condos, our goal is to protect your vacation rental income and your property’s condition.
According to AirDNA’s November 5 update, the broader Cancun vacation rental market showed these results:
| Measure | Reported level | Change from last year |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy | 54% | Up 14.2% |
| Average daily rate | $129 | Down 19.0% |
| Revenue per available rental night | $70 | Down 1.7% |
These figures describe the broader market. They are not specific to four-bedroom beachfront penthouses.
A greater share of available nights was booked, while lower average rates were recorded. This does not necessarily mean individual guests stayed longer.
Additionally, market averages do not establish what happened at every property. Each owner’s results must be reviewed individually.
Filling a calendar is not our only goal. What you keep from those reservations matters just as much.
The $129 average should not be used as a pricing guide for our penthouses.
Studios, smaller apartments, and other property types are included. Our properties should be compared with similar accommodations.
AirDNA’s average daily rate also includes host cleaning fees. Therefore, it differs from the advertised nightly accommodation price. AirDNA Help Center
Comparable properties, actual inquiries, confirmed reservations, and net income deserve our closest attention.
Another All-Inclusive Resort Has Opened
Amàre Cancún opened October 31, adding another accommodation choice in the Hotel Zone.
The adults-only resort includes 429 suites, seven restaurants, rooftop pools, and participation in Hilton Honors.
Its impact on our reservations is not yet known. However, another option is now available to couples and adult groups.
For Tim’s Ocean Condos, this reinforces the importance of explaining our value.
Our guests have multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and shared living areas within one private residence.
Additionally, ÓLEO day passes allow meals and drinks to be purchased for selected days.
Our guests are given more choice over how they spend their vacation budget.
When costs are compared, the same dates, guest counts, taxes, and meal options should be included.
What Does This Mean for Our Owners?
The increase in inquiries over the past week is a positive development. I am pleased to see more interest!
However, broad price reductions should not be made simply because other properties appear busy.
For now, my recommendations are:
- Use promotions where they are needed. Eligible November gaps should be reviewed separately from Christmas and New Year.
- Make our value clear. Bedrooms, shared space, kitchens, and optional meals should be included when accommodation costs are compared.
- Review each property individually. Available dates, comparable rates, inquiries, and confirmed reservations should guide pricing decisions.
In our October owner update, I shared some encouraging signs of improvement.
The additional inquiries we are receiving now give me another reason to feel hopeful.
Nevertheless, airport traffic and rental rates remain under pressure. Several weeks of stronger booking activity are still needed.
At Tim’s Ocean Condos, our focus remains on turning that interest into reservations while protecting our owners’ income and properties.
