Jesús Almaguer Salazar, former president of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, has raised alarm bells by pointing out that insecurity “has become a frequent issue” in Cancun, affecting even the most emblematic tourist areas, such as the Hotel Zone.
The hotel leader criticized the poor implementation of security strategies, stressing that recent executions on the beaches have seriously damaged the image of the destination, which depends largely on its tourist appeal. “It is useless to promote and try to capture the market if we continue to have regrettable situations. We must be sincere, honest and, above all, those who have the responsibility must act and present results,” Almaguer said in a recent interview.
According to the businessman, violence is tangibly harming the state’s tourism results this year, describing the situation as “discouraging.” He also called for improved security to prevent tourism from continuing to be affected, which negatively impacts the local economy. “There are strategies, but they must be implemented to inhibit these events, with greater presence of the police, the navy and whoever is necessary,” he added.
Impact on Fitur
Almaguer also addressed the repercussions of diplomatic tensions between Mexico and Spain, lamenting the loss of Mexico’s status as a partner country at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) in Madrid, the most important event for the industry in Latin America. Mexico has been displaced by Brazil, a move that, according to the hotel leader, represents a setback in economic terms and international visibility.
“It is not just a local security problem; now we are also facing a weakening of our international presence in key spaces such as Fitur,” Almaguer commented, referring to the recent downgrading of Mexican participation in this platform. In addition, he assured that “this is what happens when we put ideology before business.”
Finally, Almaguer stressed: “The country is having a hard time and it is costing us dearly for ideological reasons. We have not done things well in this area and now we are paying for it in the tourism sector.”
Source: noticaribe
