Located about 20 kilometers from the Guatemalan border, Tapachula has been an accessible destination for Guatemalans to visit, and it has also been considered an important commercial hub for acquiring a wide variety of products.
However, since 2025, more than 60 businesses have closed due to the decline in Guatemalan tourism.
The arrival of Guatemalan tourists to Tapachula fell by 90% in 2025, registering only 3,000 weekly visitors compared to the 30,000 Guatemalans per week who visited in 2023.
According to the figures, each tourist spent an average of 7,000 Mexican pesos, so in 2023 the economic impact reached 210 million pesos, while currently the estimated loss is 189 million pesos per week.
According to experts, several business leaders concerned about the situation are seeking a high-level meeting with the relevant authorities to address the problem and find immediate solutions.
Efforts are being renewed with the Mexican Congress to facilitate the crossing of visitors and to strengthen immigration procedures, which have been the subject of numerous complaints from tourists who report excessive inspections and unclear requirements.
This crisis is also attributed to the high level of danger in the border region due to the presence of organized crime groups.
Source: soy502
