Cancun Will Change to Eastern Standard Time

— -- East Coasters will no longer need to adjust their watches when they touch down in Cancun.

On Feb. 1, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, and the popular cruise ports of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, will switch from Central Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time. The change comes after two years of government and tourism industry efforts.

The change, the Cancun CVB said, "will mean the destination will gain added sunlight each day, which according to hoteliers and service providers in Cancun, will result in economic benefits, as tourists will enjoy extra time on the beaches, consume more at restaurants and cafes, and spend longer time in parks and excursions found in and around the destination."

Putting the state in the same time zone as some of it's biggest feeder markets -- including New York, Atlanta and Miami -- could also improve airline connectivity.

“Cancun is excited to welcome this time change, which will allow our visitors to take advantage of one more hour in our beautiful destination,” said Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun CVB, in a statement. “The added sunlight should also generate reductions in electricity use for hotels and restaurants in the area, which aligns with Cancun’s turquoise conservation initiative.”