The decision to change allowed Cancun tourist attractions to be at the same time as those in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica, which can help arrange things like Caribbean cruises, which may incorporate multiple destinations. Until 2015, Cancun was the only major tourist destination in or in the Caribbean that did not run on Eastern Standard Time (EST). The change was also made to make Cancun more competitive in the Caribbean tourist industry specifically. How Did Changing Time Zones Affect Cancun’s Tourist Industry? In essence, it was changed following the same principles that originally began the idea and usage of Daylight Savings Time. Hotel owners and tourism promoters felt it would give visitors more time to enjoy Cancun’s scenery and attractions and more daylight hours. Why Did Cancun Change the Time Zone it Follows? Since then, Cancun has officially been considered to be on Eastern Standard Time. However, in 2015 merchants and members of the tourist industry – particularly hotel owners – lobbied for Cancun to switch to Eastern Standard Time (EST). Regarding physical location, Cancun is in the time zone designated as Central Standard Time (CST). The official dividing line, as recognized in the States, forms the eastern border of Alabama, cuts through the center of Tennessee and Kentucky, clips the edge of Indiana, and separates Wisconsin from Michigan.ĭid you know this: Can You Drive to Cancún From the United States? What Time Zone is Cancun? The literal dividing line – the meridian – cuts across the middle of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Mississippi.

Where is the Dividing Line Between CST and EST? The globe is divided into 24 zones, each about 15 degrees wide. Time zones are generally calculated in relation to Greenwich Mean Time, the central line that runs through Greenwich, England. So the time zones don’t change in relation to each other. So if it’s 4 pm in CST, it’s 5 pm in EST.īoth Time Zones are part of the North American continent, which means both are affected by Daylight Savings Time. Eastern Standard Time (EST) runs an hour ahead of Central Standard Time (CST).

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