Tulum Takes Flight as an Incentive Destination

Group meetings in Tulum have had to fly into Cancun International Airport in the past. It’s not an ideal scenario, as the drive to Tulum can take three hours in high season. 

That is about to change as a result of the new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport. At present, only domestic airlines are operating out of the new airport. In early 2024, that will change when United, American, Delta, and Spirit launch flights. 

Delta plans to launch a daily direct flight between Atlanta and the new airport starting on March 28, 2024. American plans to offer four daily nonstop flights to Tulum from Charlotte and Miami and twice-daily flights from Dallas beginning at the end of March. 

Spirit plans to offer daily nonstop service to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale beginning on March 28. On March 31, United Airlines plans to offer nonstop flights to New York/Newark, Houston, and Chicago. On May 23, the airline will add seasonal flights to Los Angeles.

Although Tulum was a more laid-back vacation town at one time, that is changing. It is becoming an incentive destination, especially as new luxury hotels and resorts open. 

Last year, the 349-room Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya opened with 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Hyatt opened an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, Secrets Tulum Resort & Spa, in October.

Tulum’s unique attractions include the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is home to rare birds, marine animals, tropical forests, and marshes. The destination is also home to one of the best-preserved Mayan sites along Mexico’s coast. Tulum was once a walled city built by the Mayan people, and the ruins still stand today. 

Meeting Professionals International brought its World Education Congress to the area in July, utilizing the all-inclusive Barceló Maya campus. Its President’s Dinner was held at the Hilton Tulum.

The transfer from the Cancun International Airport to Barceló was long, approximately an hour and a half, and the new Tulum airport will save groups time.