AVA Resort Cancun, Beaches Resorts, Sandals Resorts, and More Drive Unprecedented Holiday Demand: All You Need to Know

Published on December 14, 2025

This holiday season feels different. A palpable sense of joy is spreading across the world’s top vacation spots. AVA Resorts Cancun, Los Cabos, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Barbados, Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, and Panama are ready. Tourism boards confirm a massive surge in bookings. Families are yearning for connection and new traditions. This strong desire for escape powers a record year for Caribbean and Mexican tourism. The sector is proving its incredible resilience and importance.

Holiday Cheer Boosts Regional Economies

The Caribbean region is seeing a massive visitor rebound. Projections show over 35 million stay-over visitors this year. This number exceeds pre-pandemic levels significantly. Tourism drives over 50% of the GDP in many island nations. Antigua and Barbuda, home to Elite Island Resorts, rely heavily on this sector. This holiday travel boom creates thousands of jobs across the islands. Mexico is also celebrating incredible growth. International arrivals through October 2025 rose by over 13.6%. The economic impact is profound for coastal states.

Mexico Celebrates Culture and Luxury

Mexican destinations combine luxury with deep cultural roots. AVA Resort Cancun, Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa, and Velas Resorts lead this trend. They offer immersive experiences beyond the beach.

A Season of Authentic Festivities

The Mexican government, through SECTUR, supports this cultural emphasis. The holiday season is long, from early December through January. Traditional events like the kermes (carnival) are huge draws. Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa will feature a vibrant kermes for guests. This allows visitors to enjoy authentic music, games, and local food. Mexico’s holidays feature staples like bacalao and romeritos. Resorts embrace these authentic flavors in their festive dining menus.

Luxury brands like Velas Resorts transform properties into wonderlands. They host elaborate Christmas tree lightings and menorah ceremonies. They also incorporate unique local touches. A Huichol winter solstice ritual is offered at Velas Vallarta. These offerings celebrate the country’s diverse heritage. UNICO Riviera Nayarit focuses on cultural learning. They offer the Agave Experience and Artesano Experience. This deep dive into local traditions is key to drawing high-value tourists.

Caribbean Resorts Offer Family Magic

The Caribbean remains the dominant market for winter sun seekers. Nearly half of all international arrivals come from the United States. Demand for family-friendly luxury is especially high.

Dedicated Family Fun

Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos focus on family memories. Their “Scout Elf-approved experiences” are extremely popular. The new Elf on the Shelf Caribbean Vacation Suite is a major attraction. It features a dedicated “Jingle Shell Butler.” This level of detailed, themed luxury is a powerful booking incentive. Sandals Resorts also sees increased bookings. They offer themed activities like caroling and steel band entertainment. The “Gift the Caribbean” sale further drives early interest.

Elite Island Resorts in Antigua and Barbados will celebrate in classic island style. Guests enjoy Champagne breakfasts and festive dinners. The unparalleled scenery enhances classic holiday sing-alongs. These offerings appeal to travelers seeking classic relaxation.

New Year’s Celebrations Ignite Nightlife

The New Year’s Eve segment is a critical part of the tourist boom. Resorts host spectacular, high-value events. Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa will feature a grand party. Their Rooftop 360 bar offers stunning fireworks views. In Panama, an Elite Island Resort destination, visitors can join local traditions. This includes the burning of Muñecos, or “stuffed men,” at midnight. This ritual cleanses the old year’s bad energy. The World of Hyatt properties also offer special events. Guests at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa will enjoy a white party. These events create high-spend, unforgettable moments.

Tourists are craving genuine holiday spirit after challenging years. Resorts are meeting this demand with unmatched creativity and luxury. This strategic focus on quality and culture is cementing the region’s success. It ensures the holiday season remains the industry’s most profitable period.