Ask Canadians where they’re headed for winter vacation and chances are you’ll hear cruises to Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. These tourist spots are quite hot among Canadians, due to their sun-kissed beaches and mildly warm climate. Industry experts agree that tourism demand for all these places is reaching an all-time high due to the luxurious accommodation, sightseeing arrangements and variety of travel packages offered by these destinations.

Resorts on the Mexican coast

In Mexico, the Riviera Maya, Cozumel on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun, and Los Cabos on the Baja California Peninsula are the most popular tourist destinations. In particular, the Yucatán has witnessed a spectacular increase in resort and hotel development due to its incredible beaches and Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá and Tulum. The Riviera Maya is also popular as the top destination for Canadian travelers. Also climbing the popularity charts are Puerto Vallarta and a revitalized Acapulco on the Pacific coast. In Puerto Vallarta, the destination that is quickly gaining popularity is Nuevo Vallarta, which is located north of the old town.

Growing Golf in Cuba

Cuba lacked a golfing culture until the famous Varadero Golf was built. After its creation, the island has not looked back in terms of the popularity of the sport. Today, Cuba is the most sought after golf destination and is a vital attraction for local and international sports lovers. Currently, the very famous Varadero Golf Club performs more than 32,000 rounds a year. It intends to add nine more holes to its existing facility, according to management. A European has been given the responsibility of designing the new golf site which will likely have five holes on the ocean, instead of the existing two.

All-inclusive packages in the Dominican Republic

The growing popularity of the Dominican Republic as a tourist destination is reflected in a spectacular increase in its hotel rooms to almost 40,000. The destination is among the favorite tourist places for Canadians, for their all-inclusive vacations. In such packages, an advance payment covers facilities including airfare, lodging, unlimited alcohol, food, and resort activities such as tennis and windsurfing. So much so that the popularity of Dominion Republic’s all-inclusive packages has reached destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Canadian tourists heading to the Dominion Republic pay as little as $999 per person for an all-inclusive trip to a hotel/resort located just 10 minutes from Puerto Plata.

Caribbean Cruises

Even the largest tropical storms move at a snail’s pace compared to cruise ships, which is the main reason for the growing popularity of Caribbean cruises. The pleasant climate of the Caribbean serves as icing on the hot cake. Even a hurricane in the path of the cruise ship looks like a vacuum cleaner, sucking moisture out of the air, leaving behind bright sunny days for tourists. Also, with political uncertainties around the world, Canadians prefer vacation travel close to home, which is another reason contributing to the growing popularity of Caribbean cruises.