Cancun Crowned Leading Beach Destination For LGBTQ+ Travelers – The Cancun Sun
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Cancun has been officially crowned as the leading beach destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, whilst the nearby island of Cozumel was awarded the best island in the recent Gay Travel Awards 2022. In winning the two awards, not only has Cancun proved itself as one of the top destinations for travelers in the world over the past year, but it has cemented its status as a wonderful place where all travelers can feel welcome, feel safe, and have a vacation that they will never forget.
With several gorgeous beaches to explore, restaurants and bars serving delicious meals and glitzy cocktails, and a thriving gay nightlife scene to enjoy, Cancun is definitely a more than worthy winner of this award — its latest in a series of recognitions and achievements over the past 12 months. Here’s a closer look at what makes Cancun such a great destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, plus a look at which other destinations in Mexico also won big at the Gay Travel Awards this year.
Cancun Is Top LGBTQ+ Beach Destination – What Travelers Should Know
GayTravel is a website that is committed to providing information on gay-friendly, welcoming, and inspiring destinations around the world for LGBTQ+ travelers. Having worked with the U.S. Department of State to help develop safe protocols for LGBTQ+ travelers abroad, GayTravel is a leading voice in travel for the LGBTQ+ community and allows its readers to vote for the best destinations and businesses in its annual awards — and this year, Cancun continued to make headlines by winning big.
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Cancun was voted as the best beach destination in the most recent awards show, beating the strong competition of top-class destinations like the Algarve, Aruba, and Waikiki beach in the process. It’s the first time Cancun has claimed the award, with 2021’s winner declared to be Aruba, while Los Cabos took the award in 2020. It takes more than just top beaches to be crowned the best beach destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, and Cancun has plenty to offer the community.
According to GayTravel, Cancun’s nightlife is some of the best in the world. The website singles out two clubs in particular that are both safe and fun places for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit. The 11:11 Club features go-go dancers and even strip shows to keep patrons entertained, while Laser Hot Bar, which is cited as the most popular gay bar in the city, hosts entertaining drag shows that see travelers return night after night. After a heavy night, Cancun also has the added bonus of world-class beaches, resorts, and spas to recuperate from.
GayTravel also highlights several hotels that have been noted for being particularly friendly and safe places for LGBTQ+ travelers to stay in. These hotels include Marriott Cancun Resort, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, The Fives Oceanfront Hotel & Residences, and Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina. Each of these hotels boasts the “Gay Travel Approved,” which can only be obtained if they satisfy GayTravel’s team of experts and editors or if they are nominated by readers.
Safety is a key concern for LGBTQ+ travelers, and thankfully Cancun is generally considered a safe haven for all. Despite reports of crime on tourists often making their way north of the border, these are isolated incidents, with attacks motivated by homophobia extremely rare. While it’s true that travelers should always be cautious when in unfamiliar settings late at night, travelers won’t have to worry about being themselves when enjoying all Cancun has to offer, making it the perfect place for a gaycation.
It was a great awards ceremony for Mexico in general, with several destinations and businesses picking up awards. Quintana Roo’s own paradise island of Cozumel has been crowned the best island destination, while Mexico City scooped the award for the best non-U.S. city, several Mexican hotels were honored, and Punta Mita was voted as the best place for a destination wedding.
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