The usually bustling archaeological site and beaches of Tulum have seen a significant drop in tourist arrivals during Holy Week, with many attributing this decline to the hefty fee charged for entry to the walled city and its surrounding beaches.
Tourism providers and merchants in the area are expressing concern over the low influx of tourists, which they believe is largely due to the high entrance fees. Alejandro Torres Perera, a local tour guide, stated that while the new season has just begun with the operation of the Jaguar Park, “we’re not seeing the usual tourist numbers we’ve seen in previous seasons.” He expressed hope that visitor numbers will increase in the coming days.
The beaches within the Jaguar Park are among Tulum’s most famous attractions. However, national tourists must pay a steep fee to enter the park, which has reportedly discouraged many from visiting. Jerson Meneses of Adventure Biker noted that his business is operating at just 35% capacity, with more international tourists than nationals visiting the area.
Meneses attributed the low turnout of domestic tourists to their limited purchasing power, citing the high cost of entering the park – 255 Mexican pesos (approximately $13) per person. This fee has added to concerns over other issues affecting Tulum’s tourism industry, including a lack of public beaches, violence, and poor urban image.
At a meeting earlier this year, business owners and council members warned of seven major problems threatening Tulum’s tourist reputation (Tulum: The 7 Problems That Threaten Its Tourist Image). These issues include abandoned condominium buildings and excessive fees in the Jaguar Park area. The local business community has argued that these factors are not only driving away tourists but also harming the local economy.
Critics of the Jaguar Park project claim it is a federal initiative that, instead of attracting visitors, is pushing them away from Tulum’s beaches and archaeological site. As the town struggles to recover its status as a top tourist destination, officials will need to address these concerns and implement measures to revitalize the industry.
Source: Reportur
