Tulum has experienced a historic drop in hotel occupancy, plummeting from 40% to just 10% during the recently concluded low season. This alarming decline has raised concerns among service providers in one of Mexico’s most visited cities.
Contributing Factors
Hoteliers in the city center attribute the negative perception of Tulum to the corrupt behavior of some police officers and the abuse of taxi drivers who charge excessive rates to tourists. These issues have significantly damaged Tulum’s image, affecting the arrival of tourists.
Impact on Tourism
Antonio Paparella, a local businessman, emphasized the severity of the situation: “The image of Tulum is being seriously affected. Tourists no longer feel safe when visiting our destination, and this is reflected in the number of reservations. We cannot allow a few to damage what has cost us so much time and effort to build.”
The deterioration of Tulum’s public image, caused by incidents of police corruption, abuse of authority, and conflicts with taxi drivers, has generated uncertainty among visitors. Recent reports of tourist extortion and confrontations with taxi drivers have further tarnished Tulum’s reputation as a safe destination. This change impacts not only hoteliers but also workers, tour guides, and restaurants that rely on a steady flow of visitors.
Economic Consequences
Paparella noted that hotel occupancy during the low season fell below 40%, a level not seen in recent years. This decline has adversely affected the local economy, leaving hundreds of families who depend on tourism either unemployed or with reduced income.
In response to the crisis, hoteliers are demanding that authorities implement effective strategies to reinforce security and ensure dignified treatment for visitors. “We need the Government to act immediately. Security must be a priority, and that includes better training for police officers and establishing stricter control over taxi drivers. Tourists come here looking to relax, not face problems,” Paparella stressed.
Local businessmen have also taken measures to mitigate the damage by offering promotions, tourist packages, and activities that highlight local culture. However, they acknowledge that these actions will not be sufficient if the root problems are not addressed, and visitor confidence is not restored.
Future Outlook
The business community agrees that Tulum’s future depends on immediate actions to reverse the crisis and protect the destination’s reputation. Hoteliers are calling for unity and commitment between the public and private sectors to ensure sustained growth in this important destination.
Source: Por Esto
