Morelia, Michoacán (MiMorelia.com) - The tourist destination of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is experiencing a surge in activity, with hotel occupancy rates nearing full capacity. As of April 17, 2025, Ixtapa reported an impressive 84.6% hotel occupancy, while Zihuatanejo followed with 54.7%. Authorities anticipate these numbers will continue to rise as the weekend approaches.
The influx of national visitors has been significant, with beaches bustling and streets filled with tourists. Restaurants and eateries in the heart of Zihuatanejo were at full capacity throughout the day. The most popular beaches included La Ropa, La Madera, and Las Gatas, while Ixtapa’s hotspots were Playa Linda, El Palmar, and Isla de Ixtapa.
Thousands of Michoacans are packing their bags for a beach getaway. Despite Mexico's vast array of tourist destinations, one stands out consistently among the favorites in this region: Ixtapa. Located just four hours by road from Morelia, Ixtapa has become the go-to retreat for those seeking sun, sand, and relaxation with family or friends.
The combination of beautiful beaches, a range of hotel options, and its proximity has solidified Ixtapa’s status as a recurring choice for vacationers from Michoacán. Local travel agencies have reported a staggering 40% increase in demand for travel packages to Ixtapa during this peak season. Additionally, transportation companies have had to add extra routes to accommodate the influx of passengers.
The appeal of Ixtapa is not a recent phenomenon. For at least two decades, its accessibility and connectivity to the state have ensured a steady stream of visitors, particularly during the busy school holiday periods.
In related news, on the same day, Pedro Castelán Reyna, the executive director of the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Office of Conventions and Visitors (OCVIZ), announced that the beach destination has been nominated for the "Destino Líder de México" award in the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards 2025. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has previously won the World Travel Awards in 2020, 2023, and 2024, highlighting its status as one of Mexico's premier tourist destinations.
Castelán stated, "This recognition positions it as one of the best destinations in Mexico and reinforces its prestige within the global travel and tourism industry." He emphasized that being nominated for these awards is an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to quality, sustainability, and visitor satisfaction.
Moreover, the Thompson Zihuatanejo hotel has received a nomination in the category of "Resort más Romántico de México," while La Casa que Canta is nominated for both "Hotel Boutique Líder en México" and "Hotel Boutique Líder en México y Centroamérica." Both hotels are located on La Ropa beach, within the bay of Zihuatanejo.
Castelán noted, "These nominations not only establish Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and its hotels as benchmarks of quality and hospitality in the tourism sector but also enhance its international prestige."
Additionally, La Barra de Potosí is competing with nine other beaches for the title of "Mejor Playa para Descubrir en 2025" by the magazine México Desconocido. The awards ceremony for "Lo Mejor de México 2025" will take place from April 28 to May 1 in Baja California.
Reyes Bello Arriaga, the municipal tourism director of Petatlán, indicated that the nomination for La Barra de Potosí is crucial for the municipality, stating, "La Barra de Potosí is very beautiful; it has everything: a lagoon, sea, and beach. Inside the lagoon, there’s a route to see the birds in the mangroves; it’s stunning."
Bello Arriaga explained how the ecotourism community earned its nomination: "Once, the Guerrero Tourism Secretariat asked me for information about our tourist sites, and I sent a lot of information about everything we have in Petatlán. They selected La Barra de Potosí to compete as the best beach to discover because it has it all."
He expressed pride in the nomination, adding, "Even if we don’t win the contest, at least our work and the promotion through this platform will make La Barra de Potosí more admired and attract more visitors. That’s enough for us if we don’t win, but right now, we’re all focused on inviting the people of Petatlán to visit the website and vote for La Barra de Potosí so that everyone can participate.”
Bello Arriaga also mentioned the potential pride for the people of Petatlán if their beach is recognized at the Tianguis Turístico, especially since they have one of the hotels, Playa Viva, which has received international recognition for its sustainability. "Here we have many natural beauties and a lot of tourism potential, but we need support to promote it further," he pointed out.
As Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo continues to attract visitors and garner international acclaim, it stands as a testament to the thriving tourism sector in Mexico, highlighting the importance of these destinations for the local economy and the broader travel industry.
