Los Cabos Travel, the jewel of Baja California, isn’t just basking in its sun-kissed glory; it’s setting new standards for tourism success. In 2023, the destination welcome a whopping 3.86 million travelers, a million more than in 2019, and commands the highest average daily rates in all of Mexico, exceeding $500 per night.
What’s the secret behind this remarkable feat? Rodrigo Esponda, the visionary managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, attributes much of this success to Los Cabos’ private trust fund for tourism promotion, FIPROTUR. This unique funding model, celebrating its fifth anniversary, has allow Los Cabos to strategically invest in its growth, ensuring a balanced focus on quality and quantity.
Moreover, The numbers sound easy, but it has been a lot of work behind the scenes to bring in a million additional tourists with higher spending interests — and really satisfy their experience,” says Esponda. “We have 81 companies, some with several hotels or businesses, and they are contributing with funding to manage this strategy. The structure is very unique because of all the flexibility built into this model.”
Los Cabos: Secret Catalyst for Transformation
FIPROTUR, comprising 81 partners from diverse sectors, has empower Los Cabos to evolve in multifacet ways. From opening a dedicated office in Los Angeles to deftly handling crises and maximizing new opportunities, the trust fund has been instrumental in shaping the destination’s trajectory.
Secondly the flexibility of FIPROTUR’s funds also crucial, allowing Los Cabos to respond swiftly to challenges and seize opportunities. During the pandemic, it ensures tourism employees continues to receive their salaries and enable Los Cabos to become the first destination to receive health certifications from Forbes Travel Guide.
Cabo’s Culinary and Cultural Renaissance
Los Cabos has recognizes in the first-ever MICHELIN Guide for Mexico, which featured 13 restaurants across the destination, including one Michelin Star, two Green Stars, two Bib Gourmands and nine recommended restaurants. Los Cabos, which has been known for its unique gastronomic offering, was recognized for not only its fine dining, but also sustainable and affordable restaurants.
One restaurant in Los Cabos – Concina de Autor, located at Grand Velas Los Cabos and led by master chefs Sidney Schutte and Francisco Sixto – earned the prestigious Michelin Star. This recognition highlights the restaurant’s use of quality ingredients, flavorful dishes, and consistent delivery.
Foods
Two restaurants in Los Cabos were presents with a Michelin Green Star, honoring their commitment to more sustainable gastronomy and a more ethical future. These include Flora’s Field Kitchen, led by chef Rebecca Weitzman, and Acre, located at Acre Resort and led by chef Arturo Rivero. These restaurants showcases their endeavors to source local products from their own farms, feature producers and artisans, reduce waste and support their local communities.
Other esteemed Michelin mentions:
+ Arbol, located at Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
+ Comal, located at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences
+ Lumbre
+ Manta, located at The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
+ Nao
+ Omakai
The Future of Los Cabos: Quality Over Quantity
Looking ahead to 2025, Los Cabos Tourism Board has set ambitious goals. The focus is on quality growth, ensuring the destination maintains its reputation for luxury and exclusivity while attracting discerning travelers.
With four new golf courses to add to the current 18 (including two considered among the best courses in the world), more than 700 hotel rooms in the pipeline, and a projects investment of $700 million, Los Cabos is poised for continue growth. This expansion represents a projects investment of $1 million per hotel room.
“The hospitality sector has changes a lot in the last two or three years,” says Esponda. “Probably more than in the past 20 years. But at a destination, we need to be on top of that growth to stay competitive, and that means a lot of innovation.”
A noteworthy addition to this year’s hotel lineup comes in the form of the Tropicana Los Cabos, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This 70-room establishment lies within an historic building in the artsy district of San Jose del Cabo, for a chic, boutique and memorable experience.
Looking ahead to the coming year, a number of exciting hotels are on the horizon. Soho House Los Cabos, boasting 30 rooms, is among the anticipate openings. Joining the scene is the highly anticipate St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira, offering 99 rooms, as well as The Residences at St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira, providing 25 rooms for those seeking a touch of luxury.
Also for those with a taste for sophistication, the Park Hyatt Los at Cabo del Sol is set to unveil its 168 rooms, promising a lavish and indulgent stay. Meanwhile, Amanvari, with its intimate 22 rooms, is sure to captivate guests with its serene and tranquil atmosphere.
More Attraction
Looking further into the future, the Grand Hyatt, boasting an impressive 300 rooms, is slated for a grand opening in 2026. And for those with a keen eye for exclusivity, the Siro Palmilla, offering 120 rooms, is set to make its mark in 2027.
As the hotel industry continues to evolve, these upcoming additions in Los Cabos promise an array of options for travelers seeking world-class accommodations. From historic charm to modern elegance, these establishments are poised to leave a lasting impression on visitors to this vibrant destination.
“We often recommend that visitors should split their stay – for instance three nights in San Jose del Cabo area, and then three nights on the Pacific. It’s like two destinations, but only one flight. On the Pacific you see the sunsets and on the Sea of Cortez you see the sunrises. One area provides a lot of art and tradition, and on the other side offers modern marina and modern shopping. So they are totally different.”
Esponda emphasizes that the high dollar visitors usually book through travel advisors and many of those visitors and easily a fifth of all visitors to Los Cabos visit four times a year or more. Nearly a third (30%) of Los Cabos visitors book through a travel advisor.
Finally, it’s somebody that comes the first time. They like the area. Also they repeat the visit and they find that there are a lot of things to do they did not know about. They have not been to Todos Santos. They have not been to the Sierra de la Laguna, or to the East Cape, or to Cabo Pulmo… And then they keep coming,” says Esponda.
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