5 Reasons Why Americans Are Choosing Punta Cana Over Cancun Right Now

Last Updated 4 months ago

With attention-grabbing headlines, new resort openings, and endless exciting natural wonders waiting to be discovered, Punta Cana is skyrocketing in popularity with American travelers.

A pam tree on a white sand beach in Punta Cana

The resort hotspot has grown so much that it is rivaling Cancun, which has traditionally held the coveted status of America’s favorite international destination.

And combined with new efforts to increase aerial connectivity and cut down costs for visitors, the sun-drenched destination is one of the most competitive in the Caribbean.

A view of a remote white sand beach with palm trees

With that in mind, here are 5 reasons why Americans are heading to Punta Cana this year instead of Cancun.

The Thrill Of Exploring A New Destination

While Cancun regularly tops the charts as one of Americans’ most popular international destinations, Punta Cana is quickly catching up. The hotspot’s soaring popularity is most evident across its resorts, some of which have seen bookings by U.S. travelers increase by 16% year-on-year.

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But what makes Punta Cana such an irresistible destination for Americans? For many travelers, it’s the excitement of discovering an entirely new Caribbean destination.

Although countless visitors have already flocked to the destination, Punta Cana is gradually emerging as a top-tier resort destination ready to welcome millions more to discover new beaches, resorts, and memorable activities.

Excellent Safety

Unlike some of the Mexican Caribbean, which is plagued by the unruly presence of organized criminal groups, Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic stand out as some of the safest destinations in the Caribbean.

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With a homicide rate of just 9 per 100,000 people, the Dominican Republic outperforms its Caribbean counterparts in safety.

The figure is a world apart from Mexico’s staggering murder rate of 27 per 100,000 people, and with ongoing improvements to further bolster security, the tropical nation is only set to become safer.

Innovative New Accommodations

Punta Cana is one of the most captivating destinations when it comes to cutting-edge luxury and world-class hospitality. Not only does the resort hub have decades of experience in delivering impeccable customer service, but it’s also a breeding ground for new ways to enjoy travel.

Aerial view of falcon resort melia in dominican republic

The recently-launched Falcon’s Beyond by Meliá is just one example of Punta Cana’s booming resort scene. Creating a unique blend of luxury hospitality with state-of-the-art entertainment at the brand-new Kathmandu Park, travelers can’t seem to get enough of this resortainment.

More Bang For Travelers’ Buck

Travelers in Cancun are having to pay more for everything from accommodation to costly excursions as the value of the Mexican peso grows compared to the greenback. Contrary to the Mexican Caribbean, travelers in Punta Cana are able to enjoy more luxury, services, and goods for much less.

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And while there’s no telling how long the market dynamics will last, the deteriorating situation has seen countless Americans book a vacation to Punta Cana over Cancun this summer.

Growing Aerial Connectivity

One of the main reasons behind Punta Cana’s astonishing popularity is the growing availability of International flights, primarily to the United States and Canada.

After undergoing a massive renovation this year, Punta Cana International Airport is now ready to welcome more passengers and bigger aircraft.

The renovation added 7 new boarding bridges to the airport’s B Terminal as well as a host of high-tech check-in facilities.

A delta aircraft taking off in Punta cana

Several U.S.-based airlines, including Delta and American Airlines, have recently announced new routes and increased frequencies to Punta Cana this winter. American travelers can now fly to the sun-soaked destination from a range of U.S. hubs, including New York, Miami, and Chicago.