Immigration and foreign policy are not meeting the current needs regarding tourist arrivals to the Mexican Caribbean, warned Jesús Almaguer, former president of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association (AHCPMIM).
According to the hotelier, delays in implementing the electronic visa for Brazilians and other entry programs are complicating the arrival of foreign tourists, just in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will have Mexico as one of its host countries.
“They announced that the electronic visa for Brazilians will arrive in February, but visas aren’t processed overnight, and flight schedules aren’t that easy either,” Almaguer pointed out, emphasizing that the impact of immigration policies is already reflected in tourism indicators.
According to Almaguer, Brazil is leading the decline in the Latin American market, followed by Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, with figures that are reducing hotel occupancy levels in the Mexican Caribbean. “Tulum and other Caribbean destinations have seen a decrease in occupancy compared to previous seasons, and if action isn’t taken soon, the downward trend will continue,” he warned.
The hotel expert also pointed to the growing international competition, especially from the Dominican Republic, which has strengthened its promotional campaigns in South America, while Mexico seems to be lagging behind in its strategies for attracting tourists from the region.
He also highlighted the gap between political objectives and those of the business sector. “Hoteliers seek to maximize seasons and generate economic benefits, but official objectives don’t always translate into effective actions,” he stated.
According to Almaguer, the Mexican Caribbean could recover occupancy levels of up to 80% during the winter season, provided that immigration processes are streamlined and efforts between the public and private sectors are coordinated.
He emphasized that the Latin American market is key to the tourism recovery, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could represent a historic opportunity to position Mexico as one of the continent’s top destinations. “If a coordinated effort is made, there is still time to regain competitiveness and avoid a critical low season,” he concluded.
In September, the government of Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Brazilians will have access to electronic visas starting February 5, 2026, so the tourism sector is preparing to work with major tour operators such as CVC, Orienter, and Gol, with whom they seek to increase connectivity in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: reportur
