These blockades not only affect the mobility of tourists but also compromise the tourism promotion campaigns that have been carried out to attract visitors to the Mexican Caribbean.
Tourism in Tulum, one of the main destinations in Quintana Roo, is facing a crisis due to road blockades organized by local taxi drivers and complications at Cancún International Airport, which have led to the cancellation of several trips by tourists. David Ortiz, president of the Tulum Hotel Association, warned about the severe impact these actions are having on the region’s tourism industry, affecting both the image and the confidence of visitors.
The blockades, carried out by members of the Taxi Drivers’ Union in various areas of the state, have been recurrent in recent months, causing delays and complications for tourists trying to move around the area. Ortiz pointed out that these actions, motivated by particular interests, not only cause short-term inconveniences but also irreversibly damage the perception of Quintana Roo as a reliable tourist destination.
The concern of the hotel sector is that this type of conflict undermines the confidence of visitors, which can translate into a significant reduction in future bookings. Additionally, he lamented that taxi drivers do not seem to understand the long-term economic consequences that these demonstrations could bring.
This problem is compounded by incidents of violence recorded near Cancún Airport, where private vehicles, some mistakenly identified as rideshare services like Uber, were attacked by protesters.
These scenes of violence, amplified by social media and news outlets, have caused an international stir, further affecting the image of Quintana Roo as a safe and hospitable destination for tourists.
In addition to the blockades and violence, Cancún International Airport has been the scene of another situation that has caused discomfort among visitors: the imposition of unexpected customs fees. It has been reported that some tourists entering the country with more than one electronic device, such as laptops or tablets, have been surprised by charges of up to $190.
This measure has generated discontent, especially among travelers who work remotely, a segment of the tourist market that has grown considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hotel sector in Cancún has also raised its voice against this series of complications. They have formally submitted a petition to the state’s Ministry of Tourism (Sedetur) to take concrete measures to prevent future blockades at the airport.
These blockades not only affect the mobility of tourists but also compromise the tourism promotion campaigns that have been carried out to attract visitors to the Mexican Caribbean.
The current situation poses a critical challenge for tourism in Quintana Roo, which relies heavily on its reputation as a paradisiacal and accessible destination. With the high season on the horizon, it is essential that local authorities and tourism sector stakeholders find effective solutions to prevent these problems from worsening and to ensure that the flow of tourists, key to the local economy, continues.
Source: Debate
