Bernardo Cueto, Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, has stated that the tourism crisis in Tulum’s hotel zone stems from long-standing infrastructure problems that must be addressed to provide better service to tourists.
“There are infrastructure challenges that need to be tackled; they are the result of development decisions made many years ago without proper planning, it must be said,” Cueto stated.
The Tulum hotel zone faces problems related to land tenure, as it was built within the territory of the Pino Suárez Ejido (communal land), leading to a lack of basic services such as sewage and electricity. As a result, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses rely on generators, increasing operating costs that are passed on to tourists.
Cueto mentioned that after meetings between “the three levels of government, tourism and social associations to analyze the situation and seek solutions, there are defined plans for Tulum focused on strengthening the infrastructure so that this also translates into better service quality for tourists, and so that it continues to be one of the most visited destinations in Mexico and the world.”
Jesús Almaguer, former president of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association (AHCPMIM), recently criticized Tulum residents for making damaging comments on the destination’s social media, as he believes they promote a denigrating image. “That’s how we make a living, from tourism, and while there are things to improve, it’s being blown out of proportion,” he said. (Tulum: Hotel leaders condemn residents for damaging criticism).
Almaguer pointed out at the time that the content published on social media is spread by people who have likely had a bad experience. Nevertheless, he hopes that the strategy being implemented by the three levels of government will help the destination.
Source: reportur
