Despite unprecedented growth in tourism arrivals expected by the end of 2022 with more than 3.3 million visitors – a more than 20 percent projected growth when compared to 2021 and a 32% growth over the last five years with 800,000 more passengers than 2017 – Los Cabos, Mexico, is forging a path towards sustainability, say tourism officials.

Spurred by the pandemic, tourism officials say Los Cabos took on the challenge of reimagining travel by centring the local community and the environment at the core of everything they do. From optimizing resources dedicated to investment in hotel infrastructure and protecting its natural ecosystems to creating community programs and ensuring the equal growth, development, and wellbeing of the local population, Los Cabos is focusing on a new chapter as a sustainable destination.

“As Los Cabos’ tourism is on a steep rise, it is not lost on us that our destination increasingly requires more care and protection,” says Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “We take a holistic approach in the sustainability of Los Cabos. Sustainability is no longer about small practices we are implementing, but rather a guiding principle on the type of destination we want to be as we care for the environment, community, culture and more.”

Across the destination, hotels, suppliers, and providers are committed to the environment, integrating the mindset of the sustainability focus into their business model.

Los Cabos’s holistic sustainability approach is showcased in its breadth of nature-centred experiences as an increasing number of travellers continue to select the destination as a destination not only to disconnect from their busy lives, but also to re-connect with nature given the range of authentic experiences available.

The community of Santiago, for example is developing eco-tourism program offerings in partnership with local ranches, while at Rancho Cacachilas, locals are invited to learn new skills like how to bee keep and make cheese from goats’ milk – both ancient skills they are trying to reintroduce into communities.

Meanwhile, in Los Cabos most gastronomic experiences are born out of a desire to source locally and highlight the heritage of the area without sacrificing taste. Baja Brewing Company is one of the first breweries in Mexico and creates seasonal flavours based on what is being grown in the region. And San José del Cabo’s 23400 draws visitors into the history of the destination with authentic food and flavours across restaurants, food trucks and open-air stalls.

Los Cabos – a long-standing pioneer in the areas of luxury travel, personalized service, and unique travel experiences – is reinvigorating its wellness and sustainability offering, not least in a host of new hotels that will add 1,500 new hotel rooms by 2024, at the same time mindful of regeneration practices that promise to advance Los Cabos into sustainability at every single touch point.

Upcoming openings include Rancho Pescadero of the Unbound Collection expected to fully open by the end of 2022, St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira in 2023, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol in late 2023, Park Hyatt in 2023, Vidanta East Cape in 2024, Amanvari in 2024, Soho House & Beach Club in Q3 and Q4 of 2024, and Casa Vela in 2023.

Canada remains Los Cabos’s second largest international market and is projected to have 19.3% more available seats for the next six months.

To allow tourists to virtually experience Los Cabos even before they travel, the destination is launching an immersive aerial-to-ground experience featuring 3D effects and ambient sounds that emulate the destination’s real-life environment. Los Cabos is the first destination in Latin America to implement this immersive technology with the goal of capturing new audiences that are ready to adopt Web3 and Metaverse technologies.

Click HERE to immerse yourself in Los Cabos’ virtual experience.