Rosa Isela García Pantoja, founding president of the Mexican Association of the Tourism Industry (AMIT) Yucatán, points out that the presence of informal tourism in the state is becoming increasingly noticeable.
This is beginning to be viewed as a risk for the upcoming summer season, prompting her to call urgently for modern tourism regulations.
“We are experiencing uncontrolled growth in tourism in Yucatán, particularly regarding the proliferation of tours and services operated via social media and digital platforms. This phenomenon lacks clear regulation and fails to guarantee the safety of both visitors and locals,” she emphasizes.
The tourism entrepreneur tells the Diario that, according to federal figures, Mexico is maintaining historic levels of tourist mobility and service digitalization.
However, she warns that the immediate commercialization of excursions and experiences through digital platforms creates an environment where informal operators proliferate without proper oversight.
“In Yucatán, we have noticed an increase in roadside tours organized through informal points of sale. Some operate year-round, while others operate only during peak season or on weekends,” she explains.
The president of AMIT-Yucatán underscores that, although the vehicles used for these tours may meet basic traffic requirements, they do not always belong to a registered company, nor do they carry specialized traveler insurance or have emergency protocols in place.
“This is alarming. Informal operations are growing rapidly, exploiting regulatory loopholes and massive digital promotion,” she adds.
Rosa García clarifies that the problem lies not in innovation or new forms of mobility, but rather in the need to guarantee safety, legitimacy, and equitable conditions for all stakeholders within the tourism ecosystem.
“While established companies comply with tax, labor, and training obligations, the informal sector continues to expand,” she notes.
With the arrival of the 2026 summer season, the president of AMIT Yucatán anticipates that this trend could intensify.
She also believes it is urgent to open a dialogue regarding modern tourism regulations in Yucatán. “We need a serious conversation about how to protect tourists and strengthen formality within the sector. It is not a matter of cracking down on new economic dynamics, but rather of establishing a framework that safeguards the destination’s safety, reputation, and competitiveness,” she notes.
The industry leader highlights the need for effective regulation within Yucatán’s tourism sector, urging authorities and market stakeholders to work together to ensure a safe and responsible environment for all.
Source: yucatan
