Cancun reopens with 300 tourists, many from the U.S.

Tourist destination Cancun, Mexico is gearing up to reopen as social distancing and stay-at-home orders lift in the U.S. and nearby areas, the Associated Press reported. 

Cancun and Riviera Maya opened up to tourists after being closed for more than two months, the story said. Roughly 300 tourists came on the first day of reopening, Gibran Chapur, vice president of the Palace franchise, told AP. Roughly 70% of them traveled from the U.S. 

While the presence was noticeable, it was nearly nothing compared to the 23 million tourists who visited the area in 2019. That year, Cancun attracted $15 billion in revenue. 

Now, hotels can open at 30% capacity. Some could extend to 50% by next month. Before COVID-19 made its mark, the hotels would regularly be at 85% capacity. 

“We have to activate the economy, but [we’re]putting people’s health first in order to save lives,” said Carlos Joaquin, the governor of Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located.